Direct TV FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
  
Welcome to the Direct TV FAQ frequently asked questions site. Here you will find the most common questions we receive about Direct TV satellite programming, service and equipment.
Note: If you already have Direct TV service and have problems, complaints or issues (parts, service, labor, warranty, etc.), please contact your subscriber directly. We do not address issues, handle complaints or resolve problems on your behalf.
Just click on one or several of the questions below. If you are unable to find the answer to your question, please contact us with your question, and we will provide you with an answer.
1. Is Direct TV service available outside the United States?
2. Do you provide replacement satellite TV parts or equipment?
3. What is Direct TV?
4. Where can I get a FREE Direct TV system?
5. Who can I get to install my Direct TV system?
6. How much does Direct TV service cost?
7. What programs does Direct TV offer?
8. What are the components of a Direct TV system?
9. How does Direct TV compare to cable?
10. What advantages does Direct TV have over cable?
11. Can I get the Direct TV signal on all television sets in the house?
12. How can we watch different channels in different rooms with Direct TV?
13. If I have more than one Direct TV System receiver hooked up to different TVs in my home, do I have to pay for a separate monthly subscription for each receiver?
14. If something happens to my Direct TV system or I have a problem, who do I call?
15. Do I have to connect my receiver to a telephone line?
16. Can I use a wireless phone jack to connect my satellite receiver or DVR?
17. Will the telephone connection interfere with regular telephone usage?
18. How does Direct TV compare with C-band satellite services?
19. Are there parental controls that can be used with Direct TV?
20. Can I get Internet access for my PC from Direct TV?
21. Can weather interfere with my reception?
22. How does the on-screen guide work?
23. What equipment do I need to receive Dolby Digital from Direct TV programming?
24. Does Direct TV require an access card and if so, why?
25. Is Direct TV service available in Alaska and Hawaii?
26. If I move to another location, can I take my Direct TV System with me?
27. Is Direct TV service available outside the United States?
28. Does Direct TV offer a Spanish-language programming service?
29. Does Direct TV offers a Chinese-language programming service?
30. Is Direct TV programming available in other languages?
31. What is Direct TV Latin America?
32. Does Direct TV offer local network channels in my area?
33. Is the Direct TV broadcast compatible with various surround-sound technologies?
34. Does Direct TV offer adult programming?
35. How are customers billed for Direct TV programming?
36. How do I pay my bill?
37. Can I install the satellite dish inside my house?
38. What is Direct TV with DVR?
39. What is Direct TV DVR with TiVo?
40. Do you provide or handle customer service issues involving Direct TV?
41. Do you provide or handle technical support issues (parts, service, labor, warranty, etc.) involving Direct TV?
42. In which U.S. cities is Direct TV local programming available?
1. Is Direct TV service available outside the United States?
No. Direct TV service is not available outside of the United States from any retailer on this web site.
2. Do you provide replacement satellite TV parts or equipment?
No. We do not provide replacement satellite TV parts or equipment for Direct TV. Direct TV systems only come as a whole unit with a paid subscription.
3. What is Direct TV?
Direct TV started providing digital satellite tv in the United States in 1994. Direct TV is the nation's first high-power direct broadcast satellite (DBS) service. The DBS provider delivers more than 225 channels of digital-quality programming to homes and businesses that are equipped with home receiving units and an 18-inch or Direct TV PLUS dish.
4. Where can I get a FREE Direct TV system?
You can get a FREE Direct TV system from an online retailer at 1-Satellite-TV-Facts.com.
5. Who can I get to install my Direct TV system?
Some retailers will install your Direct TV system for free, provided you commit to 12 months of service. You may choose to install the system yourself, but it may void the warranty. Hence, a qualified professional technician from a Direct TV retailer is recommended to install your Direct TV system.
6. How much does Direct TV service cost?
Programming packages start at $36.99 per month up to $90.99 per month.
7. What programs does Direct TV offer?
Direct TV offers many programs from its packages. The program packages offered are as follows:
a. US Direct (Direct TV) program packages
b. Cannon Satellite (Direct TV) program packages
8. What are the components of a Direct TV system?
A Direct TV system consists of an 18-inch or Direct TV PLUS dish, a digital set top decoder box and a remote control. Hardware currently is available under the brand names of RCA, Sony, Philips, and Hughes Network Systems. The equipment features an innovative on-screen guide that allows users to scan and select programming choices, order pay-per-view movies, set parental controls and spending limits, and customize their own channel lists with the remote control. Ultimately, the system allows the reception of programming from Direct TV.
9. How does Direct TV compare to cable?
Direct TV has created a service specifically driven to offer consumers more choice and value for their entertainment dollar. This programming combines America's favorite cable networks, other popular networks not available from most cable services, a pay per view movie service with up to 55 choices of movies and special events every night, and an unprecedented sports subscription lineup. No other system offers as many quality program options.
10. What advantages does Direct TV have over cable?
Direct TV offers superior programming, incredibly clear digitally delivered picture and sound that is far superior to today's cable systems. With Direct TV you can choose from over 200 great channels, plus get features and conveniences your cable does not have. Much of this you can get for less than you currently pay for cable service alone. With cable rates on the rise still again, why wait!
11. Can I get the Direct TV signal on all television sets in the house?
Yes. Have an additional line run to each TV that you want to receive the signal from the Direct TV System receiver. This allows you to watch the same satellite programming on as many sets as you want. If you would like to be able to watch individual programming on each TV, you will need a dish with multiple outputs. A Direct TV receiver and cable feed are required for each TV you would like to receive programming on.
12. How can we watch different channels in different rooms with Direct TV?
To view separate channels in different rooms, you will need additional Direct TV System receivers. In order to hook up a receiver in each room that you require programming you would need an equal number of outputs from the satellite dish. You could hook two TVs up with a dual output dish or up to four TVs with a Direct TV Plus dish that has four outputs.
13. If I have more than one Direct TV System receiver hooked up to different TVs in my home, do I have to pay for a separate monthly subscription for each receiver?
No. Residential customers pay only a small service fee for each active receiver in addition to the primary programming package subscription.
14. If something happens to my Direct TV system or I have a problem, who do I call?
You would call the dealer who installed your system should you have any problems.
15. Do I have to connect my receiver to a telephone line?
Yes. Direct TV requires customers to connect a phone line to their receiver for billing and ordering purposes only. The connection transmits programming purchase information from the receiver to Direct TV. This important link authorizes Direct TV subscribers to order pay-per-view movies and events simply with their remote control. Direct TV customers who dont have a continuous telephone connection are not authorized to receive certain programming and must call Direct TV when ordering pay-per-view offerings. If you choose not to connect your receiver to your phone, an extra charge of $5 will be applied on every phone order.
16. Can I use a wireless phone jack to connect my satellite receiver or DVR?
Yes. The wireless phone jack has been tested and approved by Direct TV for use with a Direct TV satellite receiver. You can also use the wireless phone jack to connect a Digital Video Recorder (TiVo, Replay TV). The wireless jack allows you turn any AC electrical wall outlet into a phone jack. Click here to get your wireless phone jack system for Direct TV.
17. Will the telephone connection interfere with regular telephone usage?
No. This connection does not interfere with your phone. A modem inside your receiver makes a toll-free call to Direct TV's computer system in the middle of the night. If the receivers modem senses that you are using the phone, it will try again later. The modems call lasts just a few seconds.
18. How does Direct TV compare with C-band satellite services?
C-band and Direct TV appeal to two very different audiences. C-band is more of a specialized product that appeals mostly to enthusiasts and video hobbyists who want unlimited access to all forms of television transmissions. In contrast, Direct TV is designed to be a mass-market television delivery system. For the average television viewer who wants the benefits of a multi-channel broadcast system without the higher cost and size of a conventional satellite system, Direct TV offers significant advantages over traditional C-band services. Direct TV offers the average consumer better broadcast quality than virtually any other system. You either get the best picture quality available or no picture at all.
19. Are there parental controls that can be used with Direct TV?
Yes. The "locks and limits" feature built into the equipment lets you restrict access to movies based on the motion picture rating system or block the viewing of entire channels.
20. Can I get Internet access for my PC from Direct TV?
Yes. DIRECWAY, a satellite-based Internet service, is offered by Hughes Network Systems, a sister company of Direct TV. DIRECWAY offers Internet access directly to your PC desktop at connection rates up to 400kbs.
21. Can weather interfere with my reception?
Television reception on the system is highly reliable year round and nationwide. Service is only minimally affected by weather, under extreme conditions.
22. How does the on-screen guide work?
Access the guide by pressing a button on your remote control. You can navigate around the guide using the arrow buttons on the remote. The guide lists all Direct TV programming with descriptions of most programs.
23. What equipment do I need to receive Dolby Digital from Direct TV programming?
In order to receive programming from Direct TV with Dolby Digital audio, you would need to have a Direct TV receiver that has the Dolby Digital capabilities. You will find this option available in higher end systems from RCA, Sony and Hughes.
24. Does Direct TV require an access card and if so, why?
Yes. The access card acts as a "pass key" for your system, allowing you access to the Direct TV system.
25. Is Direct TV service available in Alaska and Hawaii?
Yes. Direct TV does provide service to the residents of Alaska and Hawaii.
26. If I move to another location, can I take my Direct TV System with me?
Yes. Since you own the system, you can take it with you. If you wish, you can use the Direct TV Mover's Service. Their number is 1-877-616-MOVE.
27. Is Direct TV service available outside the United States?
No. Direct TV is prohibited from transmitting its signal outside the United States.
28. Does Direct TV offer a Spanish-language programming service?
Yes. It is called the Direct TV PARA TODOS service. It features more than 40 Spanish-language channels, including sports, movies, news, music and educational networks. To get Direct TV PARA TODOS programming, you need a Direct TV PARA TODOS System, or any newer receiver marked Direct TV Multi-Satellite System, which features an 18-by-24-inch, oval-shaped satellite dish and a specially designed set-top box and remote control.
29. Does Direct TV offers a Chinese-language programming service?
Yes. Direct TV is proud to offer Phoenix TV, a 24-hour Chinese-language channel.
30. Is Direct TV programming available in other languages?
Yes. Direct TV does feature a foreign-language option. If a program is available in an alternate language, you can use your remote control to select "Alternate Audio" from the on-screen guide menu. Keep in mind that Direct TV is only a programming distributor; it is up to the program originator to decide whether to provide a program in another language.
31. What is Direct TV Latin America?
Direct TV Latin America, LLC (formerly Galaxy Latin America), is a multinational company that was founded on February 13, 1995. It is owned by Hughes Electronics Corporation and Darlene Investments LLC, an affiliate of the Cisneros Group of Companies. The company was formed to provide Direct TV service to Latin America and the Caribbean, and deliver direct-to-home satellite television entertainment to the region.
32. Does Direct TV offer local network channels in my area?
Yes. A law was passed by the U.S. Congress that allows Direct TV to offer local television channels to selected areas. To find out if Direct TV has local channels available in your area, click here.
33. Is the Direct TV broadcast compatible with various surround-sound technologies?
In order to receive programming from Direct TV with Dolby Digital audio you would need to have a Direct TV receiver that has the Dolby Digital capabilities. You will find this option available in higher end systems from RCA, Sony, and Hughes.
34. Does Direct TV offer adult programming?
Yes. Direct TV offers adult programming for an additional fee.
35. How are customers billed for Direct TV programming?
Direct TV bills each month for the programming package you purchase plus any pay per view programs and sports packages you order. They bill in advance for most programming. Pay per view movies are automatically charged to your bill after you order them, and if you maintain a continuous phone connection to your receiver.
36. How do I pay my bill?
Direct TV offers many convenient payment options to its customers. Depending on the retailer, you can pay by mail, credit card or have your payment deducted directly from your checking account. Also, you can pay and view your Direct TV bill online.
37. Can I install the satellite dish inside my house?
Yes. However, in order to receive the signal, the dish must have a direct line of sight to the south through a window. Many types of window glass will degrade the satellite signal. Hence, it is strongly recommended that you install your satellite dish outside in a suitable location.
38. What is Direct TV with DVR?
It is a Direct TV receiver or Digital Video Recorder (DVR) that combines the Direct TV programming service and digital video recording service into one integrated product.
39. What is Direct TV DVR with TiVo?
Direct TV DVR with TiVo is an easy-to-use service available that can digitally record and store up to 35 hours of television programming without videotape. Just program it once, and it will automatically record your favorite shows every time they air on Direct TV.
40. Do you provide or handle customer service issues involving Direct TV?
No. We do not provide or handle any customer service issues involving Direct TV. You need to call your subscriber of Direct TV to handle any outstanding issues.
41. Do you provide or handle technical support issues (parts, service, labor, warranty, etc.) involving Direct TV?
No. We do not handle any technical support issues involving Direct TV. You need to contact your provider of Direct TV about any technical issues you may have.
42. In which U.S. cities is Direct TV local programming available?
Direct TV local programming is available in the following U.S. cities:
Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY
Albuquerque, NM
Atlanta, GA
Augusta, GA
Austin, TX
Bakersfield, CA
Baltimore, MD
Baton Rouge, LA
Birmingham, AL
Boise, ID
Boston, MA
Buffalo, NY
Burlington, VT-Plattsburgh, NY
Cedar Rapids, IA
Champaign, IL
Charleston, SC
Charleston-Huntington, WV
Charlotte, NC
Chattanooga, TN
Chicago, IL
Chico, CA
Cincinnati, OH
Cleveland, OH
Colorado Springs, CO
Columbia-Jefferson City, MO
Columbia, SC
Columbus, OH
Columbus-Tupelo, MS
Corpus Christi, TX
Dallas-Ft. Worth, TX
Davenport, IA-Rock Island-Moline, IL
Dayton, OH
Denver, CO
Des Moines, IA
Detroit, MI
Duluth, MN-Superior, WI
El Paso, TX
Elkhardt, IN
Eugene, OR
Evansville, IN
Fargo, ND
Flint-Saginaw-Bay City, MI
Fort Myers-Naples, FL
Fort Smith, AR
Fort Wayne, IN
Fresno-Visalia, CA
Grand Rapids-Kalamazoo, MI
Green Bay-Appleton, WI
Greensboro, NC
Greenville-New Bern-Washington, NC
Greenville-Spartanburg, SC
Harlingen-Weslaco-Brownsville-McAllen, TX
Harrisburg, PA
Hartford-New Haven, CT
Houston, TX
Huntsville, AL
Indianapolis, IN
Jackson, MS
Jacksonville, FL
Johnstown, PA
Kansas City, MO
Knoxville, TN
La Crosse-Eau Claire, WI
Lafayette, LA
Lansing, MI
Las Vegas, NV
Lexington, KY
Lincoln, NE
Little Rock-Pine Bluff, AR
Los Angeles, CA
Louisville, KY
Macon, GA
Madison, WI
Medford-Klamath Falls, OR
Memphis, TN
Miami-Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Milwaukee, WI
Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN
Mobile, AL-Pensacola-Fort Walton Beach, FL
Monterey-Salinas, CA
Nashville, TN
New Orleans, LA
New York, NY
Norfolk, VA
Oakland, CA
Oklahoma City, OK
Omaha, NE
Orlando-Daytona, FL
Paducah, KY-Cape Girardeau, MO
Peoria-Bloomington, IL
Philadelphia, PA
Phoenix, AZ
Pittsburgh, PA
Portland-Auburn, ME
Portland, OR
Providence, RI-New Bedford, MA
Raleigh-Durham, NC
Reno, NV
Richmond-Petersburg, VA
Roanoke, VA
Rochester, NY
Sacramento-Stockton, CA
Salt Lake City, UT
San Antonio, TX
San Diego, CA
San Francisco, CA
San Jose, CA
Santa Barbara,CA
Santa Maria, CA
Sante Fe, NM
San Luis Obispo, CA
Savannah, GA
Seattle-Tacoma, WA
Shreveport, LA
Sioux Falls, SD
South Bend, IN
Spokane, WA
Springfield, MA
Springfield, MO
St. Louis, MO
Syracuse, NY
Tallahassee, FL
Tampa-St. Petersburg, FL
Thomasville, GA
Toledo, OH
Topeka, KS
Traverse City-Cadillac, MI
Tri-Cities, TN (Johnson City-Bristol-Kingsport)
Tucson, AZ
Tulsa, OK
Tyler-Longview, TX
Waco-Temple-Bryan, TX
Washington, DC
Wausau-Rhinelander, WI
West Palm Beach, FL
Wichita-Hutchinson, KS
Wilkes-Barre, PA
Wilmington, NC
Yakima-Pasco-Richland-Kennewick, WA
Youngstown, OH
Note: If your city is not listed above, click here to find out if Direct TV is available in your city.
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