Basics of DIRECTV^®

Because it is beamed directly to the little receiver on top of your house or hanging off the balcony or even inside pointing through a skylight or window. Expansive options including; program packages, equipment upgrades, premium channels, and special promotions all aid you in searching for the perfect TV service for you and yours.

Whether you’re focused on family programming, sports, or movies we have options for you.

Fading in bad weather: Well, yeah. Though they'd like us to think it doesn't. Just about as much as cable, which also gets most of its feeds from a satellite. But believe me, if it gets that bad, the DIRECTV^® reception will be the last thing on your mind.

DIRECTV^® Advantage: Ask a friend how much she enjoys DIRECT TV^®. Likely she'll tell you of all the channels available, the clear 100% digital picture, and the ease of scrolling through the program guide while continuing to watch her current program. The DIRECT TV advantage is easily apparent. In comparison to cable DIRECTTV offers over 155 100% true digital channels for only $44.99 (Initial room service. Adding additional rooms only cost a few dollars more). Cable cannot offer true digital on all channels. In fact, cable companies only supply "digital" programming for an additional monthly fee to the channels 100 and above. DIRECTV is greatly comprehensive for such a low cost. DIRECTV^® features : access to exclusive sports programming, premium movie channels , the latest in Pay Per View movies and events, 36 commercial-free music stations.

Cost: About the same as cable, unless you're someone who wants have the 'basic' 15 channels. The first 125 DIRECTV channels start as low as $39.95 per month, plus a little tax in many states.

Installation: Of course (not!) Just like you can restore the '68 'vette in the garage. You know, the one that's been in there since you had pimples? Actually, it's not much harder to install DIRECTV^® than to put those kid's toys together on Christmas Eve! Most of the companies even translate the Japanese for you. Can you get free installation? If you like to shop, there is always a deal. It may take a lot of digging. Just let you fingers do the pounding on the keyboard. Everything can be shopped on the internet. Even DIRECTV^®. Don't skip plugging in the phone jack. For some services, like ordering your very own personal movie, if you don't have it plugged into a phone line, it costs an extra fee every time you order.

Portability: It does seems like we all move a lot more than we used to. Unless you move to Alaska, Hawaii (like you're really going to watch TV there!), or some foreign country, they will be glad to keep taking your money. Many will even re-install the equipment for free. 

Putting it on several TV's: As many as you want. You can even get pipe DIRECT TV into your shower, with the right stuff. Just be positive it's only one way. It will cost you $4.99 per month per set.

The access card: Think key. Ever been to a hotel? Wanna get into the room? Same thing. DIRECTV figured out a way to keep us all honest. After all, unless they're on public TV, those actors don't work for peanuts! How does this 'Interactive' service work? On certain channels (which usually have a little 'I' on them, for some reason), you can interact with the feature showing or even with the commercial. It will even give you additional entertainment and electronic shopping.

Internet through DIRECTV^®: Not a problem. The consumer is king. Be sure they translate the instructions for hooking THAT up, though.

Satellite Compared to Cable: DIRECTV^® has created a programming service specifically driven to offer customers more choice and value for their entertainment dollar. DIRECT TV service combines America's favorite network channels, other popular networks not available from many cable services, a pay per view service with up to 55 choices of movies and special events a day, local channels in most markets, and an outstanding sports subscription lineup. No other system offers as many quality program options.

Programming: There are many options to choose from, including local channels, standard packages, premium movies, premium sports, and pay-per-view. Depending on the type of programming you desire the number of channels you have may change. For example, the Total Choice Premier package includes 225+ channels with all digital programs, local channels (most locations), seven HBO, nine Showtime, three Cinemax, and twelve Starz plus the Sports Pack. You can also add HD programming. Prices and channels will vary based on package you choose.

How Does Direct TV Work? Though small compared to the first satellite receivers, the DIRECTV^® dishes provide an amazing variety of entertainment. Your Direct TV network satellite dish receives transmitted signals from 6 high-power satellites. These satellites are known as, DBS-1, DBS-2, DIRECTV 1-R, D4-S, DIRECTV 5, and finally DIRECTV 6. The satellite TV technology used by Direct TV is so sophisticated that one of these satellites is capable of transmitting specific channels to pre-designated areas of the U.S. This allows for local channels, as well as national and international ones, to be picked up and beamed out throughout the United States.

With broadcast centers in Colorado, Los Angeles and Castle Rock, Direct TV's satellite TV system supplies digital quality sound and images of DVD standard. This crispness is achieved through the technology that allows the programs used on the network to be digitized, encrypted, and compressed as necessary before they are sent out via the system to subscribers. The clarity of the pictures also results from the technology Direct TV uses. It allows the digital satellite signals sent from the satellite to the receiver box connected to your television, which then converts the signals to a language that the analog television system can understand.

Quality: DIRECTV^® is able to provide its customers with quality that exceeds that of many home theatre systems! The home theater experience itself is enhanced when you acquire your programming using DIRECTV^®. The satellite dish that a customer attaches to their homes is installed so that it points at the Direct TV satellite system up in the geosynchronous orbit. From then on, the process of locking onto the satellites is automatic, and the satellite dish remains in the same position. Dishes are professionally installed saving you the headache of putting it in the right place. The one requirement for good placement is a clear view of the southern sky with no impeding trees or high buildings to block the signal. Current law even allows most local and residential regulations to be bypassed for installation. The other piece of "equipment" required to get your system working is the access card. This card slots into your receiver and it contains all the setting information that the system requires to work, including billing information. Direct TV subscribers have approximately 225 channels to choose from, all beamed into their homes via their satellite dish. These channels include popular and commonplace ones such as CNN and Disney, but also extends to include other specialized channels. The satellite TV technology means that television channels from overseas in foreign languages are also available to Direct TV customers. You can view television programs in a variety of different languages. The equipment, despite the access to such an incredible variety in entertainment, also allows parents to use the "Locks and Limits" feature. This helps ensure that their children are not watching inappropriate material, or overspending on pay-for-view items.

As you can see, we've come a long way from the wire antenna that had to be pointed in just a certain direction to pick up your favorite station.