DIRECTV Frequently Asked Questions

DIRECTV is the nation’s No. 1 digital satellite entertainment service provider. Using the most advanced satellite technology, we deliver access to more than 250 channels of programming to homes and businesses. AT&T is now the parent company after the 2015 aquisition.

So we can offer millions of people more choices for video entertainment on any screen from almost anywhere, any time. Think about TV everywhere, any time and on any screen, and the value and convenience of simple, integrated packages of TV, mobile and Internet services. No one else can deliver what we can.We’ll now be able to meet consumers’ future entertainment preferences, whether they want traditional TV service with premier programming, their favorite content on a mobile device, or on-demand video streamed over the Internet to any screen.

No, your existing services will not change.

We will not increase prices as a result of this acquisition. We are committed to giving customers the best value and service. In fact, in the coming weeks we will introduce new offers featuring greater value and convenience, and new levels of integration – across our TV, mobile and Internet services.

Yes, a satellite dish is necessary to receive DIRECTV services on your TVs. DIRECTV is also available as an application for wireless phones and laptops, without a dish. The DIRECTV equipment consists of a satellite dish, a digital set-top receiver and a remote control. Our service offers an incredible selection of entertainment choices — all in digital-quality picture and sound.

DIRECTV is the nation’s largest provider of satellite-delivered television programming, with more than 18 million subscribers.

First, with DIRECTV you get more choice and quality for your entertainment dollar than you do with cable. Our Select package gives you more than 140 digital channels for only $50.00 per month (inludes up to 4tvs and DVR service). For the same price with cable, you’ll typically get 60-90 analog channels and no digital boxes or DVR.

Second, with DIRECTV, all customers with accounts in good standing can order Pay Per View and automatically receive up to 100 sonic tap channels in their CHOICE base package. Cable customers with analog service may not have these options.

DIRECTV is famous for offering America’s favorite networks and an unrivaled lineup of sports programming, all delivered with the most advanced technology available. We have DVR and HD services, exciting new on-demand offerings, interactive program enhancements, and exclusive programming you can’t get if you have cable, like CD USA and the popular NFL SUNDAY TICKET™ (by subscription).

Perhaps most important, DIRECTV has had higher customer satisfaction ratings than cable nine years running. (Among the largest national cable & satellite TV providers. 2009 American Customer Satisfaction Index, University of Michigan Business School.)

Of course! Today we offer local channels in more than 140 metropolitan TV markets — that’s about 98 percent of the country.

When those big satellite dishes first came out it was. Now with the newer and smaller designed stationary dishes bad weather is no longer an issue anymore. We have a 99% signal reliability. That makes us more reliable than cable tv.

Yes. Each TV can have its own programming, and each can run independently. The added cost is only $6.50 a month for the second and each additional television.

We only offer these premium options a la carte: HBO®, Starz®Super Pack, SHOWTIME UNLIMITED®, Cinemax® and our SPORTS PACK. Adult channels are also available on an a la carte basis.

We wish we could offer any channel on a la carte basis but the companies that own the networks you may want individually require their other channels to be inlcuded.

To receive DIRECTV® programming, your home needs a clear view of the southern sky, unblocked by trees or buildings. Most dishes areinstalled on a roof or balcony, but other arrangements can be made to accommodate your structure and preferences.

There are six different DIRECTV dishes, which range in size from 18″ round to 36″ x 22″ oval.

Yes. DIRECTV customers need just one dish, no matter how many rooms have DIRECTV service.

No, you can get FREE standard installation of the equipment you need for a standard DIRECTV System in up to four rooms of your home. Purchase of 24 consecutive months of any DIRECTV base programming package or qualifying international services bundle required. New customers only (lease required). Lease fee $7.00/mo. for each additional receiver (up to 4 tvs included with all inclusive plan). Just order directv online, or call 1-800-480-0872.

You’ll receive a professional installation from a highly trained installer, who will properly mount, align and peak your dish on your roof, balcony or other location within 100 feet of your TV. The installer will only use DIRECTV-approved materials, including RG 6 cable, switches and connectors, and will connect your receiver(s) to your TV and DVR, VCR or DVD player. The installer will also connect your receiver(s) to a phone line in your home and will ground your system to meet local/NEC requirements.

You’ll also be shown how easy it is to use your system and the DIRECTV service.

Then you’ll be ready to start watching!

The Parental Controls feature, which is built into the equipment, lets you restrict access to movies based on the motion picture rating system. You can also add Pay Per View spending limits and block the viewing of entire channels. This is a great feature for parents who wish to control what their children watch. Consult your system manual for more details.

The DIRECTV receiving equipment not only brings you lots of channels, it helps you manage your options. Your on-screen program guide helps you quickly find what you’re looking for. And you can set up favorite channels lists to make surfing even easier.

Also, our channel neighborhoods make it easy to find the type of programming that interests you:

Pay Per View Movies and Events 100-199

Entertainment & Arts 200-340

News and Information 350-399

DIRECTV PARA TODOS Channels 400-425

Premium Movies 500-550

Adult 594-599

Premium Sports 600-799

Music 800-851

Yes! DIRECTV is proud to offer unique multicultural programming with its Caribbean, Chinese, Filipino, Italian, Korean, Russian, South Asian, Ukrainian and Vietnamese packages.

We’ll send you a box recovery kit. The kit will include FedEx boxes, shipping labels and return instructions. It’ll arrive within a few days of the disconnect. You need only return receivers, access cards and remote controls. (Do not return the dish, splitters, cables, wire, phone jacks or other items.)