Got Questions About DirecTV?
What is so DIRECT about a TV signal that travels from outer space?
Why is it called Direct TV?
Because it is beamed directly to the little receiver on top of your house. Or hanging off the balcony. Or even inside, pointing through a skylight or window.
Does Direct TV fade out in bad weather?
Well, yeah. Though they’d like us to think it doesn’t. Just about as much as cable, which also gets most of its feeds from a satellite. But believe me, if it gets that bad, the Direct TV reception will be the last thing on your mind.
How much is it going to cost?
Unless you’re one of those cheapies who only have the ‘basic’ 15 channels, the cost is about the same as cable. The first 125 Direct TV channels run $39.95 per month, plus a little tax in many states… you know, that charge for the Senator’s free service!
Can I install it myself?
Of course (not!) Then again, can you restore the ‘68 ‘vette in the garage? You know, the one that’s been in there since you had pimples? Actually, it’s not much harder to install Direct TV than to put those kid’s toys together on Christmas Eve! And the better companies will even translate the Japanese for you.
Can I get free installation?
If you like to shop, there is always a deal. It may take a lot of digging. Just let you fingers do the pounding on the keyboard. Everything can be shopped on the internet. Even Direct TV.
Can I take it with me if I move?
Absolutely. We all move a lot more than we used to, sometimes whether we like it or not. Unless you move to Alaska, Hawaii (like you’re really going to watch TV there!), or some foreign country like New Jersey, they will be glad to keep taking your money. Many will even re-install the equipment for free.
Do I really need to hook it into my phone line?
Don’t skip plugging in the phone jack. For some services, like ordering your very own personal movie, if you don’t have it plugged into a phone line, it costs an extra fee every time you order.
How about putting it on several TV’s?
Sure, you can even pipe Direct TV into your shower, with the right stuff. Just be positive it’s only one way. It will cost you $4.99 per month per set.
Why is there an access card?
That is your key. Sort of like a modern hotel. Wanna get into the room? You need a key. Same thing. Direct TV figured out a way to keep us all honest. After all, unless they’re on public TV, those actors don’t work for peanuts!
How does this ‘Interactive’ service work?
On certain channels (which usually have a little ‘I’ on them, for some reason), you can interact with the feature showing, or even with the commercial. Just like the guy in the Chocolate Factory, I guess. It will even give you additional entertainment and electronic shopping.
Want internet through Direct TV?
No problem. The consumer is king. Be sure they translate the instructions for hooking THAT up, though.
Ode to the wire antennas …
We’ve come a long way from the wire antenna that had to be pointed in just a certain direction to pick up your favorite station. And you don’t need that tin foil pyramid to keep the signals beamed at your house from scrambling your brains.
