Satellite Direct and Satellite Orbit Magazines

Ask the Expert

 

Have a Question? Need Technical Assistance? Contact the Expert!

 

APRIL 2011

Q: What is this sling extender that everyone's been talking about??

A: The sling extender is a device that can easily extend HDTV service to another TV in your home. It has already been approved by FCC and should be out in the market sometime this spring.




MARCH 2011

Q: Occasionally, the pictures on my screen freezes or breaks up. What can I do to solve this problem? ?  -Janice M, IL

A: This problem is most likely due to severe weather or view obstructions to your dish. To fix the problem, you can unplug your receiver for 15 seconds for it to reset itself, or contact DIRECTV installer at 1-800-531-5000 to correct view obstructions to your dish or if your signal strength is lower than 70.


Q:
Lately, the quality of the pictures on my TV screen has gone down. How can I fix this problem?  -Ross J, OK


A: You can try rectifying the problem by:

Step 1: Press the * button in lower left corner of the remote repeatedly to rotate through different screen shape settings.

Step 2: Unplug the DISH receiver for 10 seconds and plug back in (if problem persists on 1 receiver only).

Step 3: Check that the wiring between your DISH receiver and your TV is configured properly. Go to dish.com/wiring for reference.

Step 4: Check that the connections between your DISH receiver, your TV, and any components in between are secure.



FEBRUARY 2011

Q: Do you know if CINEMAplus service costs anything?  -Alan M, 90755

A: We can confirm that this service is a free service provided by DIRECTV. There is, however, additional content available for purchase. For more information, we recommend you go to:

http://www.directv.com/entertainment/movies/


Q:
How can I set-up Parental Controls with DISH Network?  -Alana O, 89044

A: 1. Press and release the MENU button and then select "Locks."
• To lock all adult channels, select "Hide Adult."
• To lock all PPV channels, select "Lock PPV."
• To lock specific channels, select "Channel Locks."
• To lock a channel based on rating, select "Ratings Locks."

Note that if you lock channels with an NR/AO rating, you may inadvertently lock certain news or other programs that are not rated.

2. When you are done, press "Lock System" and set/use a password for any of the above locks to take effect.

 

 

JANUARY 2011

Q: How can I watch TV on my phone?  -Alex L, 45224

A: Through various applications which can sometimes be downloaded directly from a provider's site or elsewhere, these applications can then be used to access your subscription service and in turn watch the shows you normally watch on TV on your device.


For more information please visit: www.directv.com/DTVAPP/content/directv/mobile_apps


For DISH Network users, please visit this site for more information: www.dishnetwork.com/SupportSection/setup-dra-mobile



DECEMBER 2010

Q: Why are there Blackouts for certain events?  -Mike L, 08201

A: Blackout restrictions are designed to help protect certain rights and legal obligations for TV rights holders. It's important to note that your provider, DirecTV, does not randomly allocate blackouts but rather follows the restrictions set forth by the rights holder.




NOVEMBER 2010

Q: What is 1080p?  -Mario R, 56559

A:With High Definition viewing becoming more and more prevalent in today's living rooms - it's important to understand that true High-Definition is measured at 1080p. Everything else, 720p, 1080i are great to look at but when compared to 1080p, it is obvious which is the clearer picture.


DirecTV offers the most 1080p movies and the most full time HD channels so check with them ensure you are subscribed to the most mesmerizing TV experience you can get.

 

OCTOBER 2010

Q: What is this new "movie section" you keep talking about?  -Michelle L, 85001

A: We recently received many inquiries on whether we could include more movie listings. Naturally we can include every channel in the magazine with every single program and event but unfortunately the rise in production cost of such a move would make the guide quite unaffordable.


We devised a deal with our provider to provide us with thousand's of movie listings for the month, 50+ pages worth, which is now delivered to us on a monthly basis. We then post this section on our site, in the Member's Only Section, so our valued readers have yet another value-add no cost resource to help them maximize their tv experience.

 

 

SEPTEMBER 2010

Q: What do you need to watch TV in 3D?  -Gary H, 96790

A: You will typically require the following equipment to properly view 3D in your home:
1) A 3D Enabled TV - these TV have recently come onto the market
2) A 3D Enabled Content Provider - This can take the format of either a 3D enabled DVD/BLU-RAY player or a properly set-up receiver from DirecTV. Video Game consoles such as the Playstation 3 can also output 3D gaming for an unbelievably realistic experience.
3) A good pair of 3D glasses! Not those flimsy red and blue ones either - most 3D TV manufactures box a pair or two with their 3D TV's with the option to purchase extra pairs.




AUGUST 2010

Q: Is it possible to record a show on 1 DVR but watch it on other TV's?  -Bernard S, 75201

A: Absolutely - many newer DVR's allow the user to record a give show - some even allow you to record simultaneous shows - on one given DVR and then broadcast them to other TV's in the house. Check with your manufacture or with DirecTV to see if they such features available.


Q:
Is it true that C-Band will end in December of 2010?  -Irene N, 45201

A: There is no official word on when C-Band will end. For now, we have heard reports that C-band is continually dwindling. A recent report we read stated that there are less than 40,000 subscribers to C-band. With such low subscriber numbers, it becomes increasingly expensive to operate such a system. We anticipate that by mid to end 2011, there will be little to no C-Band activity.




JULY 2010

Q: When will Hallmark Channel be available in HD?  -Naomi, 46219

A: DirecTV is continuously working to provide more and more HD content. The Hallmark Channel in HD is scheduled to be live soon and we anticipate it should be available surely by the end of this summer.


Q:
What is this I hear about Google-TV?  -Elaine, 60616

A: In May of 2010, DISH Network revealed that it had partnered up with DISH Network to unveil Google TV, a collaboration of traditional TV programming integrated with web content. It's scheduled to debut in the Fall of 2010.

 

 

JUNE 2010

Q: Is 3-D TV coming to DirecTV?  -David C, 12201

A: Indeed it is - back in March 2010, DirecTV announced that it would have four 3-D channels going live this month. At the time of this writing, the announcement stated that DirecTV would offer ESPN 3D, a 3D-only channel called N3D, 1 3D PPV channel and 1 3D DirecTV on Demand channel.


Q:
 Any truth to the reports that Motorola is pulling the plug on C Band at the end of the year?  -Adrina C, 11716

A: That unfortunately might be the case - we have heard similar reports as well. It seems to be coming out slowly but Motorola has recently stated that there are fewer then 18,000 people in all of the USA who have C-band at this point. Their argument is that with these numbers, it is slowly becoming no longer feasible to maintain broadcast operations.

 



MAY 2010

Q: Can you please help explain to me what "Double Play" is?  -Mary, 90019

A: I DoublePlay is a service offered by DirecTV which allows you to track two shows on two different channels. It can be very hand when it comes to watching sports games that may air at the same time.


Q:
Is it true that NPS is no longer accepting customer renewals?  -Neil, 75201

A: On February 2, 2010, NPS released this statement on their web site:

"NPS will no longer be selling annual subscriptions to the C-Band Programming services that we offer due to the uncertain future availability of subscription channels we sell. We will continue to offer 1 month, 3 month, 6 month services."

Further to that, Satellite Orbit would like to announce that as of April 6, 2010, the following channels will no longer be available: WGCL (CBS), WSB (ABC), WXIA (NBC), WPIX, Cartoon Network, Spike TV, VH, TRUTV, TNT, CMT

 

 

APRIL 2010

Q: Can you let me know more about the "Activate Channel"?  -Edwin L., 15202

A: I believe you are referring to the "Active Channel". The Active Channel is a special channel brought to your by DirecTV®. Using the "Active" button on your remote, you can access this channel, which provides a one-stop area for relevant and important information. Information such as 5 day weather, Horoscopes, lottery numbers and even special promotions from DirecTV® can be viewed here.


Q:
 Once in a while, I seem to be missing certain channels, what the heck is going on?  -Harry L., 76240

A: Once in a while, your provider will have software glitches that may affect your receiver. In certain situations, this could cause certain channels not to display properly. A good workaround is to reset your receiver. Simply power off your receiver, unplug from the electrical outlet for about 15 seconds and then plug it back in. This causes the receiver to reset and download the latest software which in many cases will help you with your question.

 

 

MARCH 2010

Q: I have a High Definition TV but my picture does not look that much better than normal, help! -Bill L, 83713

A: A High Definition TV is only one part of the equation. To get ultra-sharp, crips picture you need to make sure you have a High Definition TV + High Definition Source. A High Definition Source can include such items as HD channels and special HD receivers from your service provider. Also don't forget to invest in good quality cables, once you see your favorite program in HD, you'll immediately wonder what you did before HD!

 


FEBRUARY 2010

Q: Can you tell me more about DIRECTV's new Customer Information Channel? -Mike L, 85002

A: Tune in to channel 1 on your DirecTV system to learn more about basic troubleshooting, how to program your PVR, questions about your guide and even information on your remote control.


Q:
Sometimes, the event I'm about to watch is "blacked out", any suggestion you can offer to help? -Loyd M, 45101

A: DISH Network has a very handy page on their website if you dig deep enough, we have copied it here for your reference. Simply enter your zip code and it will offer solutions as to what other channels might be playing the same game!

 

 

JANUARY 2010

Q: Does DirecTV have any subtitle features?

A: Indeed DirecTV does have a very useful subtitle feature. Follow these steps to take advantage and make subtitles easier to read:
1) Press the YELLOW button on your remote while watching a live TV program
2) Options for DIRECTV subtitling will appear
3) Use the arrow button to highlight it and then press Select.
4) Your subtitles are now active.*
*Only available on certain models


Q: How do I reset the Satellite Receiver?

A: To reset your receiver, turn off the main power to your receiver. Then unplug the unit from your AC power outlet. Leave it unplugged for 15 seconds then plug it back in. Once turned back on, your unit should be reset. Alternatively, you can hold the power button for 5 seconds to reset your unit.

 

 

DECEMBER 2009

Q: I've been hearing much about these "TV Apps", what are they and how do I get them?

A: Apps, or short for Applications, are plug-ins which in this case are used to provide you with information without interrupting your viewing pleasure. Let's assume you are watching a TV show and are curious to know the local weather, by using the TV App, you are able to get a glimpse of the weather by a small screen which appears on your TV. All this can be done without interrupting your show.
To enjoy this feature and learn more about using TV Apps, please visit DIRECTV's office website at:
http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global/article.jsp?assetId=P6220088

Q: How can I expand my DVR storage?

A: Normally, the easiest way to do this is to purchase an external hard drive and transfer your old shows onto the external. Sounds quite simple in theory however there can be complications in practicality. You are in luck if you currently own a DuoDVR 722 or 622 or Solo DVR ViP 612 HD as DISH Network has partnered with Seagate® to deliver a compatible solution. Go online for more information:
http://www.dishnetwork.com/receivers/expandYourDVR/default.aspx

 

 

NOVEMBER 2009

Q: Does DIRECTV offer any International TV Packages?

A: They sure do, DIRECTV offers quite an extensive selection of offerings from countries around the world including South Asia, China, Korea, Vietnam, Brazil, Philippines, Greece, Poland and Russia. For ordering information or further information, best to visit their site over at:
http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/content/international/overview

 

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