More DIRECTV FAQs

Where do you install the DIRECTV® Dish?
To receive DIRECTV® programming your home needs a clear view of the southern sky, unblocked by trees or buildings. After that, our professional installers mount the DIRECTV Dish in the most appealing location for your home, apartment, condominium or townhouse.

Can I get DIRECTV service if I live in an apartment or condominium?
Yes! Start by asking your landlord, property manager or homeowners association if you may install a DIRECTV® System on your rooftop.

If you're not authorized to mount the dish on the roof or the side of the building, many apartment and condominium residents have the dish installed on a private patio or balcony - a clear view of the southern sky is required. If management has concerns about this, please visit the FCC website for information on your rights to use a DIRECT® Dish.

Your system installation may require structure modifications that may be limited or restricted by the terms of your lease/rental agreement. To avoid delays in your installation, we ask that you obtain written or verbal permission from your landlord, homeowners association or property manager (or, alternatively, review your lease/rental agreement/HOA CC&Rs to confirm permission is not required) prior to scheduling your installation. To help in your request, please use our DIRECTV Installation Permission Form. Yes! Many apartment and condominium residents have the dish installed on a private patio or balcony when they're not authorized to mount a dish on the roof. A clear view to the southern sky is required. If management has concerns about this, visit the FCC website for information on your rights to use a DIRECTV® Dish. However, your system installation may require structure modifications that may be limited or restricted by the terms of your lease/rental agreement. To avoid delays in your installation, we ask that you obtain written or verbal permission from your landlord, homeowners association or property manager (or, alternatively, review your lease/rental agreement/HOA CC&Rs to confirm permission is not required) prior to scheduling your installation.

What will I get with standard professional installation?
You'll receive a service call from a highly trained installer, installation of a dish on your roof, balcony or other location, running up to 125 ft. of cable, 25 feet of phone line, drilling through one wall, connecting your receiver to your TV and VCR or DVD player, a mini-lesson about your system and activation of your service.

Can I use my existing wiring in my house with my DIRECTV System?
In most cases, your existing wiring can be used. Your installer will verify this upon arrival.

Can I use just one DIRECTV Dish for the whole house?
Yes. The vast majority of DIRECTV customers need just one dish, no matter how many receivers/rooms are hooked into it. A select few areas of the country may require an additional dish, depending on a customer's programming choices.

How large is the DIRECTV Dish?
The DIRECTV Dish is small and unobtrusive, about 20" wide by 18" tall, and all are round or oval shaped.

How long will it take to get my equipment?
Equipment comes on your scheduled installation date, and will be delivered by the installer. Installation dates are generally available within 24-72 hours of when the order is placed.

What happens when I move?
Since you own all of your receivers, just call DIRECTV before you move and tell us when you'll be moving and where you'll be going. Leave your DIRECTV Dish behind, and take your existing receivers and remotes with you when you move. With the DIRECTV MOVERS CONNECTIONTM, we'll install a new dish and provide standard professional installation with your annual commitment to any TOTAL CHOICE® programming package ($41.99/mo.) and above. Hassle free.

Can I watch different channels in different rooms?
Yes. Each TV can have its own programming, and each can run independently. So every TV can show a different channel at the same time. You only add $4.99 a month for separate programming on the second and each additional TV, the same as digital cable.

Will I get poor reception sometimes?
DIRECTV delivers a clear-as-crystal, digital-quality signal. Our state-of-the-art reception is extremely reliable, day and night. There are never long periods of "snow." On very rare occasions in some regions, severe weather conditions may interrupt a signal for a moment, but it always returns quickly – as clear and crisp as ever.

Can I get DIRECTV® service if I live in a rural area?
Yes. Unlike cable, DIRECTV satellite programming receives its signal from the sky, and is not dependent on ground lines. With a clear view of the southern sky, DIRECTV programming is available nationwide.

Why do I have to sign a year-long contract?
DIRECTV asks for a modest 12-month subscription at the start of service. This agreement works to your advantage because it lets us give you your equipment to own. And don't forget – DIRECTV equipment is yours forever. There are no rental fees as with cable.

Will my service suffer because DIRECTV isn't local?
Our broadcast is via satellite, but our local service is down-to-earth. DIRECTV always uses local installers and area retailers to serve you, so DIRECTV is part of your neighborhood. And we're pleased to report that DIRECTV has received 2 consecutive Highest Scores for Customer Satisfaction among satellite and cable TV companies rated by the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI).

Do you have Spanish-speaking customer service agents available?
Yes. Bilingual customer service agents are available to help you 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 1-888-388-6622.

Can I change my DIRECTV programming once I have service?
Yes. When you register at DIRECTV.com, you can change your programming online as often as you'd like at no additional charge. You may also call customer service to change programming at any time.

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