Frequently Asked Questions

Reality: DIRECTV provides 100% digital quality on all channels all the time.

Reality: Cable is available in only 99% of US homes. DIRECTV is available in 100%.

Reality: DIRECTV offers over 190+ HD channels.

Reality: DIRECTV offers local channels to nearly 99% of US households.

Reality: DIRECTV delivers a digital signal 99.9% of the time, rain or shine.

Yes. You can get separate DIRECTV receivers for the number of TV sets in your home that you want to hook up. This gives you the flexibility of watching different DIRECTV programs on different television sets. And if you upgrade to DIRECTV^® Whole Home DVR, you can even enjoy DIRECTV HD DVR service, including program scheduling, recording, rewinding and more, from up to 15 TVs in your home.

DIRECTV spares no effort in bringing you the best possible signal throughout the day. Your DIRECTV installer will place your dish to best suit signal strength, rain or shine. DIRECTV reception is highly reliable year-round and nationwide. DIRECTV service is only minimally affected by extreme weather conditions, but it always returns quickly and clearly. On average, DIRECTV customers only lose signal for 15 minutes a year total - compared to cable outages which can last hours or even days at a time.

No. You can connect more than one TV in a single household to DIRECTV services. If your receivers are connected to the same phone line, it's only $6 a month for separate programming on the second and each additional TV in your home. The programming you request for the primary access card in your receiver is copied for all of the access cards in the other receivers and you are authorized to receive this same level of programming on these televisions.

If the existing wiring in your house is RG-6 coax cable, you can use it to connect your DIRECTV receiver to your satellite dish. If your existing wiring is not RG-6 coax cable, you will need to have the installer run new wiring. Because of the frequency of the digital signals it must carry, it is important that you use RG-6 coax cable.

The good news is, the vast majority of cable tv wiring is RG-6.

So, if your house or apartment is wired for cable, you can be very confident DIRECTV can use your existing wiring.

No. A modem inside your receiver makes a toll-free call to the DIRECTV computer system in the middle of the night. The modem's call only lasts a few seconds and if you are using the phone, it will try again later.

Customers need to connect their receivers to a landline phone for billing and Pay per View purposes. The connection sends purchase information from the receiver to the DIRECTV computer system. The phone connection allows DIRECTV customers to order Pay Per View movies and events with their remote control, get popular sports subscriptions such as the NFL Sunday Ticket^™ and have the programming subscription on their main receiver "mirrored" to other receivers that are connected to the same phone line.

DIRECTV offers local channels to more than 99% of the U.S. population. In addition, DIRECTV offers local channels in HD to over 99% of American households.

DIRECTV is the nation's leading digital satellite entertainment service. It provides access to over 285 channels of programming to homes and businesses that have DIRECTV receiving equipment (small satellite dish, a digital receiver, and remote control). DIRECTV offers a wide variety of programming for every member of the family, all in 100% digital-quality picture and sound.

The DIRECTV system is compatible with Dolby Pro Logic Surround-Sound and Dolby Digital. To get true surround-sound,  though, you will need a Dolby Pro Logic or Dolby Digital surround sound processing unit. Some DIRECTV receivers are Dolby Digital capable while others are not. For further information, contact your equipment manufacturer or salesperson. And if you want to upgrade your home theater system for surround-sound, see the Dolby website.

Think of leasing DIRECTV equipment as a way to get the latest technology with minimal cost up front. The initial equipment charges don’t imply ownership, but do benefit the customer by allowing for low monthly lease fees.

The equipment leasing fee is for your receiver only and we replace receivers that don’t work at no extra charge. The protection plan is meant to cover equipment other than the receiver and includes such features as access to service calls from a trained technician, dish alignments, replacement of defective remotes, cables, multi-switches, or splitters, as well as free technical troubleshooting 24/7.

The monthly lease fee is usually $6 per receiver, though this is waived on your first receiver. This low monthly fee is the same for all of our various receivers except for the DVR receiver ($5.99/mo.).

Leasing allows DIRECTV to continually update your equipment with the latest, cutting-edge technology at minimal cost. Leasing translates into affordable upgrades and free replacement receivers.

Take your satellite TV service with you. DIRECTV MOVERS CONNECTION makes it easy with a simple 3-step moving formula. Step 1) Call DIRECTV with your new address so you can schedule a move-in date at your convenience. Step 2) Leave your Dish behind, but pack up your DIRECTV equipment, including remotes, DIRECTV DVRs and Receivers, just as you would your DVD player or speakers. Step 3) Meet your dish at your replacement dish at your new home on your scheduled installation date.

Set up an installation date your own schedule – including weekends. Just choose your preferred block of time and a professional installer will be on time for your FREE Standard Installation, and set-up your DIRECTV system in up to 4 rooms at no cost to you.

The DIRECTV Dish is small, unobtrusive and about 20” wide by 18” tall. It is round or oval-shaped. Note: If you order a DIRECTV WorldDirect Service package, the DIRECTV Dish is 36" wide and round or oval shaped.

Yes! All you need is a clear view of the southern sky, a private patio or balcony for the dish and prior approval from the manager of your home, apartment, condominium or townhouse. It’s a good idea to review your lease/rental agreement to confirm permission is not required prior to scheduling your installation. To help you in your request, please use the DIRECTV Installation Permission form.

Visit the FCC website for information on your rights to use a DIRECTV Dish. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has a rule that generally forbids local governments and homeowners' associations from enforcing unreasonable restrictions regarding the installation of satellite dishes one meter or smaller. But it is possible that your system installation may require structural modifications that may be limited or restricted by the terms of your lease, rental agreement or other restrictions.

You can either purchase a self-installation kit or hire a professional installer.

It's okay to paint your dish if you don't use lead-based or glossy paint. Glossy paint could damage the Low Noise Block (LNB) converter by increasing the signal reflection. A good rule of thumb is to not paint the LNB converter itself.

Most likely, no. The satellite dish is often placed in an inconspicuous place and is the least expensive component of the DIRECTV system. Moreover, it is useless without the set-top receiver, making it less of a target for thieves.

The most important factor determining signal reception is having the dish in a direct line of sight to the south through a window. But because many types of window glass degrade the satellite signal, it is strongly recommended that you install your satellite dish outside.

No. DIRECTV equipment comes leased at affordable rates. Plus, every package qualifies for FREE upgrades to a DIRECTV HD DVR and HD Receiver. All DIRECTV Systems require a DIRECTV receiver. Service fees may apply.

The professional installer installs a dish on your roof, balcony or other location, connecting your receiver to your TV. The installer will also demonstrate how to use your new DIRECTV system.

DIRECTV takes care of installation appointments, scheduling them within 24-72 hours after you sign up for service.

DIRECTV Standard Installation is FREE, so why bother? Not to mention, installers are trained professionals, with the proper tools, expertise and training to install your DIRECTV system with the least possible risk. DIRECTV professional installation saves you the headache, as well as ensures the best possible service.

A DIRECTV Receiver is required for any DIRECTV package. Additional equipment can be added at the customer’s discretion, adding customizable features and even better service for a more complete television watching experience. New customers will not have to purchase any new DIRECTV equipment.

DIRECTV offers access to over 285 channels of programming entertainment. As a parent, you may want to limit the channels that your children are watching. Maybe you want to order HBO programming but don't want your children watching it or other programs you deem unsuitable for their age.

DIRECTV has a perfect solution! The Locks & Limits feature built into your equipment allows you to restrict unsupervised television viewing in several different ways. You can block specific movies based on their MPAA rating, lock out entire channels, set limited viewing hours, or even establish spending limits on Pay per View programming. There is no limit to the number of channels that you can lock out from your children's view. When it's time to watch what you want to watch, you can easily access the programming you like by entering your personal identification (PIN) number. See your owner's manual for details.

The Locks & Limits feature built into your equipment lets you restrict access to movies based on the motion picture rating system, set Pay Per View spending limits and block the viewing of entire channels. This is a great feature for parents who wish to control what programs their children watch on DIRECTV.

Yes. Exclusively from DIRECTV, Jadeworld is a multi-channel service that delivers the very best Chinese-language TV programming in both Cantonese and Mandarin. DIRECTV is proud to offer five unique channels from Jadeworld's programming line-up. DIRECTV also offers Phoenix TV, where you can enjoy premier Chinese-language programming featuring up-to-the-minute news, current affairs, financial market updates, variety shows and dramas from China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Yes. DIRECTV offers customers interested in Spanish-language programming access to more than 50 Spanish-language channels and 175 English-language channels. Please see the DIRECTV Spanish Language Package for details.

DIRECTV is the provider of the most comprehensive sports programming line-up in the digital home entertainment industry. Note that this programming is subject to league blackout rules and broadcast guidelines. But even in the event of a local blackout, exclusive sports packages like NFL SUNDAY TICKET™ still bring you every out-of-market game from across the country. Blackout or not, DIRECTV gives you more games and more games in HD than any other provider. When it comes to your favorite team, if DIRECTV doesn’t have it, you probably can’t find it.

Yes. DIRECTV offers access to up to 84 commercial-free music channels from SonicTap. Ranging from jazz and country to classical and hit list, there is music available for every musical taste.

DIRECTV typically bundles their programming together into different packages so that customers can receive the best value possible. However, select channels are available on an a la carte basis. See the programming section for details.

DIRECTV offers access to more than 285 channels of TV programming. Access popular family networks such as CNN, ESPN, Lifetime, Comedy Central, MTV, VH1, HGTV, 84 commercial-free music channels, as well as up to 55 Pay Per View choices a day including hit movies and special events. DIRECTV also offers a variety of professional and collegiate sports, including the DIRECTV exclusive NFL Sunday Ticket^™ and much more.

If you have a land-based phone connection, you can get some Internet content on your TV through DIRECTV’s advanced products. For those without a land-based phone connection, Expert Satellite offers WildBlue Communications satellite-based Internet service.

Your DIRECTV on-screen program guide is the perfect way to search for programs up to two weeks in advance. Take advantage of the listing of neighborhoods of channels to help you further refine your programming choices.

Yes! DIRECTV is at the forefront of global programming with a broad range of broadcasting from all over the world. DIRECTV offers extensive International programming covering 18 different languages across 65 channels, connecting people with their countries of origin, native tongues and cultures.

Enjoy a huge variety of International programming, including Spanish-language channels, Jadeworld, a comprehensive 5-channel package broadcast in Cantonese and Mandarin, and MandarinDirect.

The specific steps depend on the brand and model of your receiver. Consult your owner's manual for details.

Customers may pay their bills by using electronic funds transfer (EFT) payment service that automatically deducts DIRECTV payment from a checking account or credit card. Another payment method is by check through the mail.

Yes. When you register with directv.com, you can manage your account online. In addition to paying your bill, you can view your current and past DIRECTV billing statements, view recent transactions and set up automatic billing plans 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Customers are billed by DIRECTV for the programming package that they purchase, plus any Pay per View programs and sports packages ordered. DIRECTV bills in advance for most programming. Pay per View movies are automatically charged after ordering them assuming a continuous phone connection to the receiver.

DIRECTV bills you for a full month of service at the start of your bill cycle and your first month of service is billed a few days after you activate service. Statements are user-friendly and easy to understand.

It’s worth checking on a few things if your bill seems too high. Some offers require you to submit a rebate online in order to begin receiving programming credits. If you don’t see these on your bill, go to directv.com/rebate to see if you qualify. Also note that rebates or other bill credits may apply after your bill is generated. Your online account will detail charges or credits that have applied to your account since your last bill under View Recent Activity. Additional receiver fees may apply if you have more than one receiver.

At the time your account is activated, your monthly package selection is added to each set-top receiver you have installed, on the agreement that you will hook each receiver to the same land-based phone line. In this way, each receiver in your house has the same programming and you can watch different channels in different rooms. But instead of charging you a full monthly package price for each set-top receiver box, we charge the full price for the first set-top box, and bill each additional receiver at just $4.99 per receiver per month. The lease fee for your primary receiver is complimentary.

The monthly fee for DIRECTV DVR service is just $5.99 and covers every DIRECTV Plus DVR in your home. But note that the monthly DVR fee is included in PLUS DVR and PLUS HD DVR programming packages.

At this time, only residential customers of DIRECTV can access their accounts at directv.com. Commercial customers and other special account types should call 1-800-DIRECTV for information on their accounts.

Yes! Expect theater-like sound with High Definition TV characterized by a clarity and unmatched richness of sound! Not all HD broadcasts have 5.1 Dolby Digital yet, but the majority do, and you'll hear the difference immediately through surround sound technology (left, center, right, left and right surround and a subwoofer creating a booming bass). You'll need a home-theater audio system to take full advantage of it. Compare to standard definition shows which have 4-channel Dolby surround sound (left, center, right and one rear "surround" channel), but usually have only 2-channel stereo.

(Dolby, Dolby Digital and the double-D symbol are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.)

For High Definition programming from DIRECTV, you'll need an HDTV-ready tv set with a built-in DIRECTV® Receiver or a standalone DIRECTV HD Receiver. You will also need a five Low Noise Blocker (LNB) DIRECTV satellite dish. In a majority of cities where HD local channels have launched, a five-LNB dish, an H20 receiver, and an off-air antenna are needed to receive local channels in HD.

Note that current standard DIRECTV equipment will provide you with digital-quality programming as long as you have either an analog or HDTV set, but will not display HD programming.

HDTV (High Definition TV) is television characterized by enhanced production and reception of broadcasts. High Definition boasts a picture quality up to 10 times better than standard definition and is known for its razor-sharp clarity and lifelike imagery. HDTV features increased lines of resolution and an improved aspect ratio of 16:9 as opposed to the 4:3 ratio of conventional screens.

Record your favorite shows in crystal-clear clarity with the latest DVR technology on the market. DIRECTV HD DVR comes standard with an easy-to-use interface, including one-touch recording and on-the-go syncability with your smart phone, laptop or tablet. Create TV playlists for hours of viewing pleasure and enjoy TV programming that best suits your interests on your schedule. Plus DIRECTV HD DVR gives you access to even more movies with DIRECTV CINEMA.

DIRECTV CINEMA brings you up to 10,000 titles instantly, including new releases. Stream instant rentals straight to your television screen, mixing free-view and pay-per-view pricing. DIRECTV CINEMA does require a DIRECTV HD DVR that is connected to the internet.

Your DIRECTV HD DVR is the most advanced piece of recording equipment offered by DIRECTV – storing more hours than ever before. Record up to 400 hours of standard definition programming and up to 100 hours of DIRECTV HD programming without having to clear space. Your DIRECTV HD DVR will alert you when you’re running out of room and require you to delete previously viewed programming in order to clear space for your new selections.

Yes! Your DIRECTV HD DVR gets to know you better as you use it. Not only does it record programs you’ve selected, but notes your likes, dislikes and TV viewing tendencies to best suggest new shows and events that might interest you.

Qualified customers can upgrade to a DIRECTV HD DVR with any package. DIRECTV HD DVR equipment can otherwise be added to a package with a $199 equipment lease fee.

Say good-bye to the days of videotape recording! DIRECTV Plus DVR service puts you in the driver’s seat with the most advanced, easy-to-use service available that can digitally record and store up to 100 hours* of television programming without videotape. It’s even possible to record two shows at once and automatically record your favorite shows every time they air on DIRECTV -- even if the network lineup changes. DIRECTV’s built-in functions allow you to pause up to 30 minutes, do instant replay, rewind and play back. All this can be done in normal speed, slow motion or frame by frame.

*Actual recording capacity varies depending on the type of programming being recorded.