Satellite Direct and Satellite Orbit Magazines

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

 

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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