Frequently Asked Questions
Here’s answers to questions that you may have about DIRECTV service. Whether you want information on when your DIRECTV will be installed, what high-end equipment you'll be receiving or channels available in DIRECTV packages, our FAQ page has most answers.
If you have a question not answered here, please call us at 1-800-216-9555. We hope to have you as our newest DIRECTV customer today!
Programming & Channel Packages:
If I have DIRECTV, can I still get local channels?
How do I find out what local channels are offered?
Is there a channel guide that compares each programming package?
There is a specific channel I want to receive. How do I find out which package offers this channel?
Is there a full listing of the international and foreign language channels offered by DIRECTV?
I only want to receive international programming. Is this option available?
Do you offer Spanish language channels?
Can I get individual channels with my DIRECTV service?
Installation:
I order the DIRECTV System, how long will it be until it is installed?
How long should I expect installation to take of the DIRECTV System?
Can I get DIRECTV in my apartment complex?
What happens to the equipment if I move?
Why does the system have to be connected to a telephone line?
If I connect my receiver to my telephone line, will it interfere with my telephone calls?
What wiring will I need for my DIRECTV System?
How does the wiring for DIRECTV System differ from the cable company?
DIRECTV Equipment:
Will everyone in my home have to watch the same programming if we have DIRECTV?
What does DIRECTV DVR service provide?
To get local channels, do I have to install an antenna?
Will I have parental controls available with my DIRECTV System?
Ordering DIRECTV:
How can I calculate my bill based on the number of televisions in my home?
Do I have to pay more for local channels?
How do I find out about specials available in my area?
How do I find out what the total cost will be including any equipment and installation?
How can I see what my monthly bill will be after my promotion period ends?
What is the cost to add an additional TV to my package?
Does my monthly fee include the cost of the receiver and DVR?
If I have more than one television, does my monthly fee stay the same?
What length of contract is required for DIRECTV Service?
What is the lowest priced package offered?
In order to receive DIRECTV service, do I have to own a credit card?
Can I get my internet service through DIRECTV?
What is the purpose of giving my social security number?
Would like to speak to someone in person about my service. How do I do this?
DIRECTV Programming & Channel Packages:
Q: If I have DIRECTV, can I still get local channels?
A: Local channels are available with every package. Eligibility for local channels is based on service address.
Q: How do I find out what local channels are offered?
A: In over 93% of our areas of service, you will be able to receive your local channels.
Q: Is there a channel guide that compares each programming package?
A: By visiting the DIRECTV package comparison guide on our web site, you can compare all of our channel packages side by side. The comparison guide lists the channels that are available in each package so you can choose the package that best meets the viewing needs of your family.
Q: There is a specific channel I want to receive. How do I find out which package offers this channel?
A: The easiest way to find out is by visiting our DIRECTV package comparison guide on our web site.
Q: Is there a full listing of the international and foreign language channels offered by DIRECTV?
A: Yes, the listing is available on our web site. on the DIRECTV international programming page.
Q: I only want to receive international programming. Is this option available?
A: We have several international programming packages: DIRECTV MÁS® (chose from BÁSICO®, FAMILIAR™, FAMILIAR ULTRA™, LO MÁXIMO™), and JADEWORLD Chinese-language programming. Other international channels can be added to any of these packages individually.
Q: Do you offer Spanish language channels?
A: Yes, Spanish language programming is offered in a variety of our packages. DIRECTV MÁS® offers more than forty sports, movies, news and educational channels in Spanish*. This is our most comprehensive package offering English programming channels with Spanish audio available. *Includes English-language broadcast channels with alternate Spanish-language audio.
Other DIRECTV Spanish language packages are:
BÁSICO® $29.99/mo. - This is our entry package and offers more than 60 channels.
FAMILIAR™$42.99/mo. - This mid-range package offers a wide array of entertainment with more than 140 channels.
FAMILIAR ULTRA™ $51.99/mo. - This is a great well-rounded package of more than 200 channels for the entire family.
LO MÁXIMO™ $99.00/mo. - For those looking for the premium service, this package offers more than 260 quality channels.
Q: Can I get individual channels with my DIRECTV service?
A: Yes, we offer premium movie and sports channels individually. When you subscribe to base package programming, you may add channels such as HBO®, SHOWTIME UNLIMITED®, Cinemax®, Starz® Super Pack and SPORTS PACK. PLAYBOY TV is offered in our adult channel lineup as well as other well known options.
Installation:
Q: Once I order the DIRECTV System, how long will it be until it is installed?
A: In most cases, you can be enjoying your DIRECTV service in your home in less than forty-eight hours from when your order was submitted. If there are local professional installers in your immediate area, it could be less than 24 hours. To find out how soon you be enjoying our great service in your area, please call us at 1-800-216-9555.
Q: How long should I expect installation to take of the DIRECTV System?
A: The amount of time needed depends on the number of televisions in your home. Normally, two televisions can be completed in an hour and a half and four televisions can be completed in two hours.
Q: Can I get DIRECTV in my apartment complex?
A: You will need to check with your property management or homeowners association regarding the rules for mounting a DIRECTV dish on the top of your apartment. If this is not allowed, you may be able to install the system on your patio or deck. It should be noted that this option depends largely on location as an unobstructed view of the southern sky is needed.
Q: What happens to the equipment if I move?
A: DIRECTV has a special program that makes moving your DIRECTV System simple. When you move, you will only need to take your receivers. The DIRECTV MOVERS CONNECTION program can help you to continue to receive the programming you love in your new home. If you are moving outside of the lower 48, please contact us as new receiving equipment may be required.
Q: Why does the system have to be connected to a telephone line?
A: This is not required; however, it simplifies your service and saves you money. When your receiver is connected to a phone line, it enables you to order pay per view through your remote control. When other receivers are connected to a single phone line, you can get the same subscriptions for the low price of just $4.99 for each additional receiver.
If you elect not to connect the receiver to your telephone line, you must call our customer service center. To offset the cost of this automated service, you will be charged an additional fee of $1.50 for each pay per view ordered. If you order through an operator, the additional charge is $5.00 for each pay per view. As you can see, simply by connecting your phone line, your DIRECTV experience can be simpler and more affordable.
Q: If I connect my receiver to my telephone line, will it interfere with my telephone calls?
A: No, it will not have any effect on your telephone calls. Our receiver has a modem inside that is set to call our computer system (a toll-free phone number) in the early AM hours. If you happen to be on the phone, the modem will simply attempt a call at another time.
Q: What wiring will I need for my DIRECTV System?
A: The DIRECTV System uses RG-6 coax cable to carry the bandwidth of the digital signals between the receiver and the satellite dish. If you already have this type of cable installed, you may use it. If not, you will need to run RG-6 coax cable in order for your system to work effectively.
Q: How does the wiring for DIRECTV System differ from the cable company?
A: In most cases, the wiring will be installed in the same way as the cable company. We will install a high quality cable that will ensure a clear, crisp picture.
DIRECTV Equipment:
Q: Will everyone in my home have to watch the same programming if we have DIRECTV?
A: No, this is a common myth about DIRECTV. By leasing separate receivers for each television, you will be able to watch different programming on each television. Best of all, each additional leased receiver is only $4.99 per month.
Q: What does DIRECTV DVR service provide?
A: The DIRECTV DVR service gives you the ultimate in flexibility and convenience. It allows you to record up to 100 hours** of your favorite television programs without a videotape or DVD. Do you have a favorite television show you watch every day? You can tell the system just once that you would like the show recorded and it will record it each time it airs.
In addition, you can even replay, rewind and pause live TV. Now there’s no need to miss part of your show for a bathroom break or to check on dinner. The DIRECTV DVR service gives you total control over your TV viewing experience.
Q: To get local channels, do I have to install an antenna?
A: If local channels are available in your area, you will be able to receive these channels through your DIRECTV service. Use our DIRECTV local channel lookup tool to see what local channels are available in your area.
Q: Will I have parental controls available with my DIRECTV System?
A: The DIRECTV System allows you to control viewing rights for your entire family. With the Locks and Limits capability, you have a wide range of functionality. You may set a spending limit for pay per view movies and events, restrict movies based on their rating and block channels from access.
Ordering DIRECTV:
Q: How can I calculate my bill based on the number of televisions in my home?
A: By using our package comparison guide, you can easily calculate your monthly bill.
Q: Do I have to pay more for local channels?
A: If local channels are available in your area, programming packages include these channels.
Q: How do I find out about specials available in my area?
A: By visiting our DIRECTV special offers page, you can view what specials are available to you.
Q: How do I find out what the total cost will be including any equipment and installation?
A: By visiting our DIRECTV monthly cost calculator online, you can see the total cost for your chosen package and equipment.
Q: How can I see what my monthly bill will be after my promotion period ends?
A: On our web site., you will find the DIRECTV monthly cost calculator. This tool will show you how much your monthly bill will be during your promotion period as well as after it ends.
Q: What is the cost to add an additional receiver to my package?
A: There is a $4.99 fee per standard receiver for every television after the first. For example, a 3 television system would have total monthly lease fee of $9.98. The simplest way to see if you will have an additional cost to add another TV to your service is to use our DIRECTV monthly cost calculator.
Q: Does my monthly fee include the cost of the receiver and DVR?
A: The cost of the standard receiver is included in most cases. The DVR service is an additional $5.99 per month for all DVRs. A simple way to calculate your monthly cost based on the equipment you have and your programming package is to use our DIRECTV monthly cost calculator.
Q: If I have more than one television, does my monthly fee stay the same?
A: Yes. Your programming package has a set price regardless of how many televisions are in your home. Depending on how you choose to set up your system, there could be additional fees for multiple receivers. To find out what your total cost would be, please try our DIRECTV monthly cost calculator.
Q: What length of contract is required for DIRECTV Service?
A: A 12 month contract is required for a DIRECTV Standard System. For those who lease a DIRECTV HD DVR, DIRECTV DVR, or DIRECTV HD System, the contract is 24 months. Throughout the duration of your contract, you must continually be subscribed to the programming package of your choice.
Q: What is the lowest priced package offered?
A: The most inexpensive package offered through xsatellite.com is FAMILY® which has 45+ channels, includes your local channels and only costs $29.99 for the first 12 months.
Q: In order to receive DIRECTV service, do I have to own a credit card?
A: A credit card is only required for the delivery charge of $19.95. After that, while it is acceptable to pay your bill by credit card, it is not required.
Q: Can I get my internet service through DIRECTV?
A: We are exploring adding this service soon but at this time, it is unavailable.
Q: What is the purpose of giving my social security number?
A: We realize that your social security number is very personal and we respect that. Your social security number is needed to ensure that those receiving the equipment have a good credit rating. Rest assured that DIRECTV is a reputable company that has over 17 million customers. We will always protect our customer’s personal information.
Q: I would like to speak to someone in person about my service. How do I do this?
A: We do not have retail storefronts. However, we are sure you will find our more than 300 Xsatellite.com customer service representatives to be friendly and helpful in answering your questions. We are available Monday thru Saturday until 11pm and on Sunday until 9pm EST at 1-800-216-9555.