Satellite TV Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why switch from cable to satellite TV?
A: Cable companies decide which channels to include in the line-up based on the price of the individual channel. With satellite TV, the options are much broader. A subscriber can actually choose their line-up Plus, satellite TV even has a wide variety of international programming. And complete sports viewing packages and movies on demand.
Q: Can I get local channels with Satellite TV systems?
A: You can now subscribe to local channels in most metropolitan areas across the country when you order your programming from the Dish Network or DirecTV. You also have the option of receiving local channels with an off air antenna that can be connected to your satellite TV receiver and accessed via your remote control.
Q: Can I watch different shows in different rooms of my house?
A: DISH Network or DIRECTV satellite TV system, you get a dish and four receivers. These separate satellite receivers let you watch multiple programs at once.
Q: Can apartment dwellers own a satellite TV system?
A: A south facing balcony or wall is all you need. Since the satellite TV dishes are so small (18 inches), they’ll fit almost anywhere.
Q: What do I get with a free Satellite TV system?
A: Whether you sign up for DIRECTV or DISH Network offers, you will receive all the necessary equipment, including a satellite TV dish, receiver(s), access card(s), remote control(s) and required cabling with standard professional installation for free. Satellite TV providers also offer multi-room system packages that provide all the equipment for multiple TV hook ups for free. However, in order to get a free satellite TV system, you must be a first-time customer.
Q: Does the weather affect the operation of Satellite TV?
A: Not usually. On rare occasions, in periods of heavy sustained rainfall, you may experience a brief period of “picture freeze” while the receiver re-locates a lost satellite signal. Signal strength is optimized during professional installation to reduce the likelihood of signal loss during severe weather.
Q: Can Satellite TV deliver international programming?
A: DISH Network is the leader in providing international programming offering over six foreign language packages and several individual foreign language channels as well.
DirecTV also offers programming in Spanish, as well, as Chinese.
Q: Can I watch two different programs on more than one TV in my house?
A: You need separate satellite receivers as part of a dual-LNB Satellite System to accomplish this. The dual-LNB Satellite System (sometimes called a “deluxe system” or a “multi-room system”) allows you to use additional receivers so the members of your household can watch different channels or pay per view programs in different rooms at the same time.
Q: What is the DirecTV Multi Satellite System?
A: The DirecTV Multi-Satellite System allows you to receive signals from 3 different DirecTV satellites simultaneously. It features the new Triple LNB (low noise block) satellite dish antenna. This 18″x20″ oval dish gives you multi-room receiving capability all of DirecTV’s programming and services including local channel, Interactive, HDTV, foreign programming and Ultimate TV. Separate specific receiver equipment is required for HDTV and Ultimate TV broadcasts.
Q: What is DirecTV Ultimate TV?
A: It’s the first and only direct broadcast satellite (DBS) television platform that integrates all these features in one receiver: DirecTV programming, digital video recording, live TV controls and interactive television, including Internet access from your TV.
Q: What is a Dish 500 Satellite TV system?
A: It’s Dish Network’s counterpart to the DirecTV Multi Satellite system. The Dish 500 antenna is an 18″ x 20″ dual LNB oval satellite dish that gives Dish Network subscribers multi-room receiving capability of up to 500 channel broadcasts (currently 256 channels are available). Current broadcasting includes international, local, Interactive, high definition and Internet access. Separate specific receiver equipment is required for HDTV, Interactive and Internet access.
Q: Are DirecTV and Dish Network Satellite TV dish systems compatible?
A: DirecTV equipment cannot be used to receive Dish Network programming and vice versa. Each system is designed to operate exclusively with proprietary satellites hovering above the Earth in geo-stationary orbit. The satellites for these systems are in completely different locations, and their signals can not be decoded by competitor receiver units.
Q: Where can I learn more about offers for Satellite TV service?
A: There currently are some excellent offers available for Satellite TV systems from select dealers. See the ads on this site for more detailed information.
Q: Can I get High Speed Satellite Internet Access?
A: High speed satellite internet, also known as satellite DSL, is available in most areas of the continental US and Hawaii. DSL internet service is also available from America’s leading DSL providers subject to availability.
