Frequently Asked Questions
Programming
How many channels do I get with DIRECTV?
With DIRECTV, you have access to more than 250 digital-quality channels, including your local network affiliates where available. Select from more than 30 premium movie channels and up to 55 Pay Per View movie and event choices each day. Your package selection may include up to 73 XM Satellite Radio channels.
DIRECTV also offers a wide variety of high-definition television programming, including major HD networks, local networks' HD programming where available*, special HD event broadcasts and HD Pay Per View movies.**
*In cities where local off-air, HD programs are available, reception may vary based on geographic location. Programs not delivered in HD in all markets.
**To access DIRECTV HD programming, a three- or five-LNB dish, a DIRECTV HD Receiver and HD television equipment are required.
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With so many channels, how will I sort through them all?
The DIRECTV receiving equipment not only brings you lots of channels, it helps you manage your options. Your on-screen program guide helps you quickly find what you're looking for. And you can set up favorite channels lists to make surfing even easier.
Also, our channel neighborhoods make it easy to find the type of programming that interests you:
| Programming |
Channels |
Pay Per View Movies and Events |
100-199 |
Entertainment & Arts |
200-340 |
News and Information |
350-399 |
DIRECTV PARA TODOS Channels |
400-425 |
Premium Movies |
500-550 |
Adult |
594-599 |
Premium Sports |
600-799 |
Music |
800-851 |
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Does DIRECTV offer channels on an a la carte basis?
You may add individual premium services to your CHOICE or PLUS DVR base package. We offer these premium options: HBO®, Starz® Super Pack, SHOWTIME UNLIMITED®, Cinemax® and our SPORTS PACK. Adult channels are also available on an a la carte basis.
The PREMIER base package includes all premium services available on DIRECTV so you don't have to worry about missing any of your favorite programs.
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Does DIRECTV offer local channels?
Yes, DIRECTV offers local channels in most major U.S. cities and their surrounding areas, always in digital quality. Eligible customers can order packages that include local channels. Please visit our local channels page to find out if any are available where you live.
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Can I receive local channels from another part of the country?
Under federal law, we can provide local channels only within a local television market. For example, we can provide San Francisco stations only in San Francisco and the surrounding areas. Federal law requires us to respect the local TV markets boundaries, which are established by Nielsen Media Research. Distant broadcast network feeds from New York and Los Angeles are available only to customers who cannot receive an over-the-air signal from a local TV station and to customers who get waivers from their local TV stations.
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Does DIRECTV offer HD channels?
Yes, DIRECTV offers HD channels and in fact has the most HD channels available today from any single provider. With close to 100 HD channels, DIRECTV will continue to be a leader in high-definition programming. Please note that in order to have HD receivers installed, you must have a HD Television.
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Does DIRECTV offer digital music channels?
Yes! With XM Satellite Radio we offer up to 73 different audio-only channels, featuring America's Largest Playlist of music, news, sports and entertainment. Visit our XM Satellite Radio page for more information about this service.
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Are movies available on Pay Per View before or after they come out on home video?
Movie studios release films to the video rental market before making them available to Pay Per View services. However, the period between the home video release and Pay Per View release can be as little as 30 days. There are several advantages to watching movies on Pay Per View.
First, DIRECTV is not just another Pay Per View provider! We offer a great selection of the latest Pay Per View movies well in advance of premium cable and broadcast television networks. DIRECTV® Pay Per View brings you the most exciting events like boxing, wrestling, soccer, music and more, with as many as 55 Pay Per View movie and event choices a day.
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Can I watch one Pay Per View program on more than one TV?
If you have one receiver that is hooked up to more than one TV, you can watch the same Pay Per View program on each TV without an additional charge. (All televisions that are hooked up to a common receiver will receive the same satellite signal.)
If you have two receivers, you cannot order a Pay Per View program on one receiver and watch it on more than one TV. (Each Pay Per View order is specific to the receiver on which it is ordered.)
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Can I control what my kids watch?
The Parental Controls feature, which is built into the equipment, lets you restrict access to movies based on the motion picture rating system. You can also add Pay Per View spending limits and block the viewing of entire channels. This is a great feature for parents who wish to control what their children watch. Consult your system manual for more details.
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Does DIRECTV offer programming in additional languages?
Yes! DIRECTV is proud to offer unique multicultural programming with its Caribbean, Chinese, Filipino, Italian, Korean, Russian, South Asian, Ukrainian and Vietnamese packages. See the International Services page for details.
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Does DIRECTV offer a Spanish-language programming service?
Yes, DIRECTV offers the most comprehensive Spanish- and English-language programming at an affordable price. It features access to more than 55 Spanish-language channels*, including sports, movies, news, music and educational networks.
The actual number of channels varies by package. Visit our channels page for a complete list of channels available in each package.
*Includes English-language broadcast channels with alternate Spanish audio.
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