Satellite Direct and Satellite Orbit Magazines

A: Print subscribers can enter their account number, shown on their address label to access their online account. Please ensure to remove the 0's from the front of your account number. For example, if your magazine label reads 0000123456 - then your account login number is 123456.

Online only subscribers can enter their e-mail address to login.

Q: Can I subscribe to an online magazine only?

A: Of course you can! To get an online only subscription, simply follow the correct options when signing-up. You can find the Subscribe Link at the top of every page.

Q: What are the benefits of an online subscription?

A: There are many benefits to an online subscription:

Available before the cover date
Ready for viewing 1 week before Print Edition arrives
Immediate online access, 24/7
No special software downloading required
Zoom capabilities
Search for your favorite programs quickly
Enhanced Website Content
Environmentally Sustainable

Q: How can I get an online subscription?

A: All print subscriptions are automatically enrolled in our online subscription program - we do this in order to provide all our valued subscribers with the best value for their money. Furthermore, we offer an online only subscription, at a reduced cost, to those interested. To sign up to an online only subscription please follow the correction options when clicking on the Subscribe Link at the top of every page.

Q: How do I change the time zone and the provider on my TV listings?

A: To change the time zone or the provider, click on Change My Location then enter your zip code and select your provider.

C-Band FAQs

Q: What is C-band?

A: C-band is a range of satellite transmission frequencies that TV and radio channels use to transmit to full-size satellite dishes.

Q: How many channels can be received with a full-size C-band satellite dish?

A: Full-size satellite dishes provide more viewing choices than any other TV delivery system, including cable. More than 250 channels transmit on a regular basis and another 250 transmit on an occasional basis. The "500 channel universe" is a reality with a full-size dish.

Q: How big is a satellite dish?

A: The size of the satellite dish you should buy depends on where you live in the United States or Canada. In the Central United States, you can use a dish that has a diameter of between six and eight feet. On either coast, an eight to ten-foot dish is recommended.

Q: How much do full-size satellite dishes cost, and where can I buy one?

A: Dishes range in price, but the average cost is $2,000. You can by a dish from a local satellite TV retailer, usually listed in the phone book under "Satellite" or "Television."

Q: What is a transponder?

A: Satellite TV and radio channels are transmitted back to earth via a transponder on a satellite. C-band satellites have 24 transponders.

Q: Do all satellite TV channels require a subscription fee?

A: No. More than 100 channels broadcast programming on a regular basis, and another 150 or more channels transmit wild feeds. Only C-band satellite TV provides hundreds of free channels and wild feeds.

Q: What are wild feeds?

A: Wild feeds are unannounced, free (not scrambled, no subscription required) satellite transmissions of sporting events, news and hundreds of syndicated shows such as Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.

Q: What is VideoCipher II RS?

A: VideoCipher II RS (VCII RS) is the scrambling system that most pay satellite TV channels use. To receive VCII RS pay channels, a VCII RS equipped satellite receiver is needed.

Q: How much do pay channels cost?

A: Pay channels range in price. Premium movies channels like HBO and Showtime are about $8 to $10 a month, and basic channels like ESPN and CNN can be purchased for $2 or less each per month. Programming is less expensive if a package is ordered. A package of two movie channels and 50 basic services can be purchased for as low as $30 to $35 per month. Discounts are available if a package is ordered for one year.

Q: How do I order pay channel packages?

A: A local satellite retailer can order programming for you-sometimes at a discount rate-or you can call the programming packagers directly.

Q: Where can I get more information on full-size satellite TV?

A: Contact a local satellite retailer for a demonstration.

Q: What is the future of C-band?

A: The future of C-band is here: 4DTV. 4DTV is a new type of receiver which can tune in four types of satellite transmissions:
Free, unscrambled analog channels and wild feeds
VideoCipher II Plus subscription services
Free DigiCipher II services
Subscription DigiCipher channels.
DigiCipher transmissions are digital (not analog) and take up less transponder space, allowing for much more programming to be transmitted via each satellite.

Q: What is currently available on 4DTV?

A: This July, 88 DigiCipher II (DCII) digital channels were available with NextLevel System's (a division of General Instrument) new 4DTV combination DCII/VCII Plus receiver. At least another 38 channels are expected to become available by September. For more information, 4DTV's Web site is at www.4DTV.com.

Account FAQs

Q: How can I change the address on my subscription?

A: Complete our online Change of Address form, or contact us. (Be sure to include your mailing label information from a recent issue). Please notify customer service at least 6 weeks in advance of your move to ensure you don't miss an issue.

Delivery to Your Home

Q: How long does it take to deliver my guide?

A: Delivery of your guide will vary from region to region. It is important to note that all magazines are mailed on the same day, which on average is 2-3 weeks before issue month. For example, the January 2010 Issue was mailed on December 12th, 2009. We always strive to mail out the magazines as soon as possible so that they can arrive at your place of residence before the month starts.

Q: What do I do if I receive my magazine late?

A: Factors that may affect delivery time include severe weather and/or high volume of mail in the postal system or we have an incorrect mailing address on file. If you have not received your issue by the cover date, please login to access the online magazine or contact us.

Q: What if I've missed an issue?

A: If you've missed an issue, we may have an incorrect address on file or your subscription has expired. Please contact us to verify your address on file and account status.

Expiration and Renewal

Q: How can I find out when my subscription expires?

A: Your expiration date is printed on the top right-hand corner of your mailing label or you can check your account status online.

Q: Will I be notified when my subscription is ready to expire?

A: You will automatically receive renewal notices several months in advance before your subscription expires.

Q: I received a renewal reminder in the mail, but I've already renewed my subscription.

A: Correspondence between you and our fulfillment office may simply have crossed in the mail.

Q: I renewed my subscription after it had expired. How soon will I receive my next issue?

A: Once your order is processed, the delivery of your first issue will arrive in 6-8 weeks.

Gift Subscriptions

Q: How can I order a subscription as a gift for someone else?

A: To order a gift subscription, visit here or contact us. Please allow 6-8 weeks for the first issue to arrive.

Contact Us

Q: How can I contact Satellite DIRECT or ORBIT?

You can contact us by e-mail, phone or mail. Click here for more information.