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Glossary
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You may encounter many of these terms as you work
through our web site. Click on any of the letters below to move to an
alphabetized section of the glossary.
A B C D E F G H I
J K L M N O P R
S T U V W
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Access Card:
A removable credit-card-sized plastic card included with each satellite receiver. The card identifies each individual receiver and provides billing information each month to your program provider.
AC-3 TECHNOLOGY:
Digital Dolby Surround Sound
Activation Date:
The calendar date a customer activates DIRECTV® services.
Add-On Packages:
Add-on Packages are programming upgrades to a base package. Personalize your DIRECTV® programming with movies, sports, international channels, and pay-per-view.
Alternate Audio:
When a program offers more than one audio channel, customers can take advantage of that using the alternate audio programming: Secondary Audio Programming (SAP) and Multiple Audio Programs. SAP is a standard TV feature. Multiple Audio Programs deliver a set of audio selections with a specific program on each audio channel.
Analog:
A device attached to a television to enhance reception of local program signals (UHF and/or VHF).
Antenna:
A device attached to a television to enhance reception of local program signals (UHF and/or VHF).
APG:
Advance Program Guide
ATSC:
Advance Television Standard Committee
Azimuth:
The angular distance (side to side) from true north, along the horizon, to the DBS satellite (digital broadcast satellite), measured in degrees. During installation of your DBS system, you (or the installer) can punch your zip code or latitude and longitude into the DBS receiver's setup screen and get precise azimuth and elevation angles for your location. You need this information to make sure that your dish is accurately aimed at the satellite.
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Bandwidth:
A range of frequencies used to transmit a signal or group of interrelated signals.
Base Packages:
Base packages are the foundation to any DIRECTV® programming. Base packages include: TOTAL CHOICE® Family, TOTAL CHOICE®, TOTAL CHOICE® PLUS, and TOTAL CHOICE® PREMIER.
Blackout Area:
A pre-defined area of the country where particular programming (often sports or special events) will not be available, usually because of contractual agreements.
Cable Television or Community Antenna Television (CATV):
Often shortened to cable is a system of providing television, FM radio programming and other services to consumers via radio frequency signals transmitted directly to people’s televisions through fixed optical fibers or coaxial cables as opposed to the over-the-air method used in traditional television broadcasting (via radio waves) in which a television antenna is required.
C-BAND:
Band of frequencies from 4 to 6 gigahertz (billion cycles per second) that are used by most communications satellite and cable systems. Requires larger ground antennas, usually twelve feet in diameter, for television reception.
C-BAND Dish:
Large (6- to 10- foot) satellite dish antenna, usually motorized, used to intercept signals from C-band satellite. Many big dish antennas today receive both C-band and Ku-band signals.
Callback:
The process by which the access card initiates a call from the DIRECTV receiver to report any IPPV events viewed by the customer, normally on a monthly basis or when a specified callback threshold is reached. An 800 number is used to avoid charging customers.
Callback Threshold:
Dollar limit or number of events.
CE:
Abbreviation used to refer to business establishments that sell consumer electronics, such as Circuit City, Best Buy, etc.
Channel List:
Channel List is defined via the DIRECTV® System feature menu, allows for customization and easier program selection by establishing a limit list of channels to be used for scanning or when reviewing the program guide.
Churn:
A television industry term that takes account of customer connects, disconnects, upgrades, and downgrades.
Coaxial Cable:
A cable used to connect equipment and transmit high-frequency signals. An RG-6 coaxial cable is used to connect the satellite dish and the satellite receiver.
Commercial Account:
A business customer who uses DIRECTV hardware to view non-residential DIRECTV® services.
Compression:
A term used to denote reducing the amount of bandwidth needed to transmit video or audio, thus increasing the capacity of the satellite transponder.
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DBS:
Digital Broadcast Satellite is osften used to refer to satellite TV systems and their components (ex: "DBS system," "DBS receiver," etc.).
DIGITAL COMPRESSION:
A process of translating video images into a digital code which takes up less transmission space than the theatrical signal would have. This allows more channels per satellite transponder: from four-to-one for live video to eight-to-one for film.
Digital Signal:
A digital compression.
Digital vs. Analog:
These are two terms used very frequently in the world of TV broadcast. The most basic definitions deal with how information is transferred from a source to another component. Both signals take the original information and break it down for transportation.
Digital encodes the signal using mathematical formulas, takes it apart, and then puts it back together using the same formula. The method leads to very organized, problem free reconstruction of the signal; in other words the copy is very similar to the original. Another advantage of digital signals is their ability to support surround sound.
Analog also takes the signal apart, but does not use a set formula. So when putting the signal back together there can be problems, such as decreased picture and sound quality.
A good real-world example of Digital vs. Analog is CD's and Cassette Tapes. CD's are encoded with digital signals and Cassette Tapes with analog data.
Digital Video Recorder (DVR):
Is a device that records video to a digital storage medium in digital form. The term DVR may be used to describe a piece of equipment such as a Personal Video Recorder (PVR) or a CCTV DVR. It may also be used to reference a function in a piece of equipment such as a digital video camera that has a DVR function built into it.
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DIRECTV® Digital Video Recorder:
DIRECTV® DVR's share many of the same features as Standard DIRECTV® Receivers, plus access to Dolby Digital surround sound and digital video recording (DVR) capability. Pause live TV, record two programs at once, record a program while watching another, quickly skip commercials, and set-up recording of an entire season of your favorite shows easily. Basically, with DIRECTV® DVR, you can watch TV the way you want, when you want.
See all DIRECTV® DVR Products
DIRECTV® Preferred Online Retailer:
American Satellite & Entertainment is proud to be one of the few DIRECTV® Preferred Online Retailers. This authorization is quite an accomplishment considering there are over 1500 retailers nation-wide.
American Satellite & Entertainment received this status because of their commitment to the high customer satisfaction standards of DIRECTV®. American Satellite earned the exclusive right to display the authorized Preferred Online Retailer logo and must renew the status every year to ensure continued high levels of customer satisfaction.
Be sure to only buy from a DIRECTV® Preferred Online Retailer when shopping online.
DIRECTV:
DIRECTV (DIRECT TV, DIRECTTV) is a direct broadcast satellite(DBS) service that transmits digital satellite television and audio to households in the United States and the rest of the Americas. DIRECTV is owned by DIRECTV Group, a subsidiary of News Corporation’s Fox Entertainment Group.
DIRECTV® Group Inc.: NYSE: DTV is an American direct broadcast satellite television company formerly known as Hughes Electronics.
Direct Broadcast Satellite:
(DBS) is a term used to refer to satellite television broadcasts intended for home reception, also referred to as direct-to-home signals. It covers both analogue and digital television and radio reception, and is often extended to other services provided by modern digital television systems, including video-on-demand and interactive features. A "DBS service" usually refers to either a commercial service, or a group of free channels available from one orbital position targeting one country.
DIRECTV® System:
The trademark name for the consumer hardware created to receive DIRECTV® programming. The hardware includes a dish (standard size is 18"), a remote control, and the DIRECTV® System satellite receiver.
DIRECTV® System Activation:
The process of installing the DIRECTV® System hardware, including mounting the satellite dish antenna, positioning it to receive a signal, and initializing service.
DIRECTV® High Definition (HD) Receivers:
DIRECTV® HD Receivers share many of the same features as Standard DIRECTV® Receivers, plus access to Dolby Digital surround sound and the capability of receiving both standard definition and high definition programming from DIRECTV and off-air signals. In order to benefit from the wonderful improvement in picture clarity that high definition programming provides, the DIRECTV® HD Receiver should be connected to a high definition television (HDTV) set. If you have an HDTV set, or are planning on buying one soon, you would be well served by getting a DIRECTV® System that includes a DIRECTV® HD Receiver (and Standard or DIRECTV® DVR receivers for your other TVs).
See all DIRECTV® HD Receiver Products
DIRECTV® HD DVR:
The DIRECTV® HD DVR combine the features of a DIRECTV® DVR and a DIRECTV® HD Receiver. The DIRECTV® HD DVR can record up to 200 hours of standard definition programming or up to 30 hours of high definition programming. Take full advantage of the capabilities of the DIRECTV® HD DVR by connecting it to an HDTV set. If you plan on purchasing an HDTV set in the future you would be well served to purchase a DIRECTV® HD DVR.
See all DIRECTV® HD DVR Products
Disconnect:
The complete discontinuation of all programming services to a customer, whether by customer request or because of non-payment.
Dish:
The dish is part of the equipment of the DIRECTV® System that receives the program and control signals from the DIRECTV® satellite and passes them onto the DIRECTV® System. The standard dish is 18 inches in diameter and may be mounted anywhere with a direct line of sight to the DBS satellites (southern sky).
Downlink:
The transmission of a signal from a satellite back to Earth.
Dual LNB:
An 18" dish with a single LNB and two outputs. This dish looks only at the satellite in the 101° position.
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Elevation:
A customer's elevation is the angular distance of the DIRECTV® satellite above the horizon. It is important during set-up of the DIRECTV® System and refers to the up and down adjustment of the dish antenna. Azimuth and elevation angles are displayed on a satellite receiver set-up screen given either a zip code or latitude and longitude.
Electronic Program Guide:
Provides an on-screen listing of available channels and program data over a certain time period. All DIRECTV® Systems feature an intuitive on-screen program guide that can display two or three day's worth of programming. DIRECTV® DVRs provide 2 weeks of listings, as well as keyword searching to help you find what you want to watch and record.
Elevation:
The angular distance (up and down) of a satellite above the horizon. During installation of your DBS system, you (or the installer) can punch your zip code or latitude and longitude into the DBS receiver's setup screen and get precise elevation and azimuth angles for your location. You need this information to make sure that your dish is accurately aimed at the satellite.
Email:
Messages sent to a customer's mailbox and are viewed on their television screen. Pending messages are indicated by an icon on the on-screen status display (channel marker) and by having the Power LED flash on the satellite receiver. (Notification method varies with satellite receiver model.)
Estimated Viewing Occupancy (EVO):
The number of seats that can view television programming at any given time in a commercial establishment. Estimates for standing areas may also be added to this number. The EVO is determined by the establishment owner and subject to verification and revision by DIRECTV. The EVO is used to determine commercial rates for certain sports and standard programming.
Existing DIRECTV® Customer or Subscriber:
An existing DIRECTV® customer is either a current or previous customer of the DIRECTV® service. Existing customer are not eligible for new customer promotions. If you're an existing customer and would like to upgrade to a new receiver please browse our existing customer products (click on the "DIRECTV Systems and Receivers" link located on the left hand menu of your browser window) locate the upgrades for Existing Customers.
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Feature Menu:
An interactive on-screen menu system that is part of the DIRECTV® Receiver and allows the customer to control and review system features and functions. These include customization options, the program guide, system set-up, help, etc.
Feedhorn:
An LNB, the device at the focal point of the DIRECTV® satellite dish that gathers the signal reflected by the dish to the system's low-noise block amplifier.
Footprint:
The antenna coverage pattern which a satellite directs toward the earth. This defines the geographic area in which signals can be received.
Freeze Frame:
Occurs with serious decoding errors represented by the image freezing as if a "pause button" on a VCR has been pressed. The picture is usually of poor quality and has pixelization present. Sometimes the video will correct itself. This is commonly seen when the signal received at the DIRECTV® System is very low or at its threshold sensitivity and can be due to a variety of causes including rain fade, dish misalignment, bad or broken connectors, problems at the uplink or problems with the DIRECTV® System.
Frequency:
The property of an alternating-current signal measured in cycles per second or hertz.
GM HUGHES ELECTRONICS:
A wholly-owned subsidiary of General Motors (GM) made up DIRECTV, Inc.; Hughes Space & Communications Company; Hughes Network Systems; and 81 percent of PanAmSat Corporation.
GSO:
Geosynchronous Orbit; satellites in geosynchronous orbit travel around the earth in an area approximately 22,300 miles from the surface at the rate that the earth turns, therefore completing one revolution every 24 hours.
The double scrolling matrix of channels and programs that is displayed when the customer views the on-screen program guide. The television screen can display six channels by four half-hour "slots" but is scrollable over the entire range of channels and over the available time range of programs.
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Hertz (HZ):
Refers to cycles per second.
HD Systems:
HD (High Definition) Systems feature one DIRECTV® HD Receiver that is possibly coupled with Standard DIRECTV® Receivers. The DIRECTV® HD Receiver gives you access to an ever-expanding line up of High Definition programming; including movies, sports, and primetime favorites.
HD DVR Systems:
HD (High Definition) DVR (Digital Video Recorder) Systems feature one HD DVR receiver that is possibly coupled with Standard DIRECTV® Receivers. The DIRECTV® HD DVR Receiver allows you to take advantage of all the features of the TiVo service and access to an ever-expanding line up of High Definition programming; including movies, sports, and primetime favorites.
HDMI Technically:
HDMI is an acronym for High-Definition Multimedia Interface. HDMI is the first and only industry-supported, uncompressed, all-digital audio/video interface. HDMI allows connection of any audio/video source (i.e., DIRECTV® Receiver, DVD Player, CD Player) to an A/V receiver or digital television through one cable. In more simple terms, HDMI connects two A/V components to each other with a single cable, providing the highest quality picture and sound available today.
The High-Definition Multi-Media Interface:
(HDMI) is an industry-supported, uncompressed, all-digital audio/video interface. HDMI provides an interface between any compatible digital audio/video source, such as a set-top box, DVD player, and A/V receiver and a compatible digital audio and/or video monitor, such as a digital television (DTV).
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High-Definition Television:
HDTV means broadcast of television signals with a higher resolution than traditional formats (NTSC, SÉCAM, PAL) allow. Except for early analog formats in Europe and Japan, HDTV is broadcast digitally, and therefore its introduction sometimes coincides with the introduction of digital television (DTV).
HDTV (High-Definition Television) broadcast by DIRECTV at 720p or 1080i resolution, HDTV programs deliver impressively clean, sharp pictures when viewed on an HDTV-compatible receiver and TV. The audio standard for HDTV is Dolby® Digital.
HD Ready and HD Compatible: These are terms used around the industrial world for marketing purposes. They indicate that a TV or display is able to accept video over an HDMI connection, using a new connector design, the main purpose of which seems to be to ensure that digital video is only passed over an interface which, by agreement, incorporates copyright protection. Even HD-ready sets do not necessarily have enough pixels to display video to the 1080-line (1920x1080) or 720-line (1280x720) HD standards in full resolution without interpolation, and HD-compatible sets are often just standard-definition sets with an HDMI input. This is a confusing use of the terms HD and HDTV.
Hughes Electronics:
Hughes Electronics was formed when Howard Hughes' Hughes Aircraft Company was sold to General Motors and merged with their Delco Electronics unit in 1985.
HughesNet, formerly Direcway:
HughesNet provides high-speed broadband internet access via satellite and IP connectivity solutions for home and business. HughesNet service is available everywhere in the contiguous US, it is available in areas not accessible via cable or telephone.
Hybrid Satellite:
A satellite which carries two or more different communications payloads.
Interactive Television:
Interactive television describes any number of efforts to allow viewers to interact with television content as they view.
Integrated TV & Receiver:
A combination unit consisting of the television and the DIRECTV® Receiver in a single package. This type of unit resolves issues with aesthetics and having to hide the receiver in a console or cabinet.
Installation:
Installation is the set up of the dish and equipment to receive DIRECTV® programming. Installation includes mounting the DIRECTV satellite dish antenna, positioning it to receive a signal, and activating service.
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Installer:
An HDE installation professional that installs the DIRECTV® System.
Integrated Receiver Decoder (IRD):
The set top box component of the DIRECTV® System. Also referred to as the digital receiver, the DIRECTV® System, the box and the set top box. This hardware processes the incoming signals and manages the viewing menu.
IPPV:
Interactive Pay Per View.
IRD (Integrated Receiver Decoder):
A satellite receiver with a built-in decoder for unscrambling subscription channels usually simply referred to as a receiver.
KU-Band:
The range of frequencies between 11 and 14 gigahertz (billions of cycles per second), used increasingly by communication satellites. Requires smaller ground antennas usually four feet in diameter.
KVH Tracvision:
An accessory that helps satellite dishes work better on boats. KVH TracVision is a stabilizer that keeps a small satellite antenna precisely pointed at satellites. As a boat moves, TracVision moves the satellite dish in exactly the opposite direction, assuring uninterrupted satellite TV reception on a boat.
Jack Panel:
The panel on the back of the DIRECTV® Receiver where all connections for the system are located.
Latitude:
The distance, expressed in degrees, from the earth's equator that points north and south. The equator is assigned the value of 0 degrees, the North Pole is 90 degrees and the South Pole is -90 degrees.
LNB (Low Noise Blocker):
The LNB is the component located at the end of the arm projecting from the
satellite dish. It receives the signals sent by the satellite ("Ku-band") and converts them to a lower frequency (3.7-4.2GHz) that can be accepted by a compatible satellite receiver. LNBs send this converted signal to the satellite receiver via RG-6 coaxial cable. DIRECTV currently has satellites in three orbital positions, and a separate LNB is needed to access each satellite position.
Locks & Limits:
Locks & Limits allows parents to restrict the programming that can be viewed by others based on
- Setting limited viewing times
- Allowing viewing based on MPAA ratings or block specific movies
- Establishing spending limits on pay per view
- Lock out entire channels
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Main Menu:
The feature menu that lists an overview of the features available through the DIRECTV® System.
Master Program Guide (MPG):
The complete on-screen guide grid that can be displayed to show the DIRECTV® programming schedule. It is part of an interactive system which allows the customer to display IPPV buy offers and detailed program descriptions, and to sort and reformat the program guide grid according to program theme categories, etc.
MDU:
Multiple Dwelling Unit, receives DIRECTV® programming from one common DIRECTV® System, each unit has a separate IRD unit and bill.
Mirroring:
Mirroring indicates that the DIRECTV® services requested for the primary access card (first one installed) should be exactly copied for another access card on the same account. When a service is installed or disconnected on the primary access card, the same action is reflected on the mirrored access card.
Mix Channels:
This DIRECTV special allows viewers to see up to 6 channels at once - therefore avoiding having to surf 6 channels to see what is on. The mix channels are topic based and include news, sport and kids programming options.
Mobile Satellite Television:
This service is available outside of your home. The typical mobile satellite options include installing DIRECTV in a recreational vehicle (RV, automobiles or on a boat.) Special antennas and receivers may be purchased or a regular dish and receiver may be used.
MPEG2:
The digital signal compression standard used by digital satellite systems. Compressing the audio and video signals allows more channels to be broadcast over the same bandwidth. MPEG stands for Moving Picture Experts Group.
Multi-Satellite Reception:
Satellite program providers maintain broadcast satellites in multiple orbit locations to provide wider signal coverage and greater programming variety. In order to receive programming that extends beyond the satellite provider's "core" programming - examples include HDTV programs, and local channels in some areas - it's often necessary for consumers to use a multi-satellite-capable dish, along with a compatible DIRECTV® Receiver.
Multiswitch:
If you want to hook up more receivers than your dish can accommodate, you can use a multiswitch to split up the satellite feed without compromising signal quality. Some multiswitches also allow you to add over-the-air broadcasts or cable feeds, and send both signals to each viewing area via a single coax cable. (You'll need a diplexer for each viewing area to split up the signals again.)
Multiple Audio Programs:
Programming that allows customers to choose a channel of different audio programs, then select specific audio programs on that channel by changing to an Alternate Audio Selection. Example: A major audio topic, such as Top 20 Artists, can be made available on one channel. Specific artists can then be available on various Alternate Audio settings.
Multiple Dwelling UNIT-TO-HOME (MDU DTH):
Multiple dwelling units receive DIRECTV® programming from one common DIRECTV® System, each unit has a separate IRD unit and bill.
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National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative (NRTC):
The organization that provides telecommunications services to rural electric and rural telephone cooperatives; provides DIRECTV® programming distribution through approximately 250 franchise members and affiliates in selected rural areas.
Niche Programming:
Programming targeted at special interest markets, including educational, vocational, cultural, scientific, international, and foreign language.
New DIRECTV® Customer or Subscriber:
A new DIRECTV® customer or subscriber is someone that has never subscribed to DIRECTV® service. New customers are eligible for new customer promotions and free systems.
News Corporation:
(abbreviated to News Corp:) NYSE NWS
is one of the world's largest media conglomerates. Its chief executive officer is Rupert Murdoch, one of the most influential and controversial media tycoons in the world. News Corporation's US headquarters is on Sixth Avenue (Avenue of the Americas) in New York City, in the 1960s-1970s portion of the Rockefeller Center complex.
On-Screen Display (OSD):
Error or information messages that appear on the customer's television screen.
Order-Ahead Pay Per View (OPPV):
A PPV event that is ordered by calling DIRECTV. An authorization is sent to the customer's access card and a service charge is added to the cost of the pay per view event.
Package:
A combination of subscription services and/or events which is sold for a single price that is usually less than that combination of programming services would be if sold separately.
Pan and Scan:
A program or movie originally formatted for theatre viewing on a 16 by 9 screen is displayed on a 4 by 3 television screen. The picture that contains the action is centered on the television screen so that all the action in the film is captured on the 4 by 3 display. This view is different from a "letterbox" (widescreen) movie, which is shown in the original theatre screen dimensions without picture format edits.
Password:
The DIRECTV® Receiver password is a four-digit number that the customer may use to control, using a system lock, certain features of the satellite receiver menuing system, including spending limit, e-mail, and rating limit. The customer is responsible for maintaining the password for the system. DIRECTV® Customer Service can reset the password if the customer forgets it.
Pay Per View (PPV):
A program that has an associated viewing cost, and may be purchased separately from any package or subscription. This could include a movie, special event, sporting event, or an adult program. The event may be purchased using either IPPV or OPPV.
Personal Identification Number (PIN):
See Password.
Pixelation:
Occurs due to errors in decoding the MPEG bitstream. Areas or patches of blocks of color appear instead of the higher resolution image. It appears as though parts of the image have been "censored" or "disguised" in such a way to make the underlying video unidentifiable. It might be described as the picture "breaking up". The condition is usually more discernible in fast action or motion images. The patches of blocks appear and disappear, and can happen anywhere on the screen but usually are "part" of the image "in motion".
Program:
DIRECTV® programming is divided into separate programs, which can be selected by channel and which are listed as individual items in the program guide. Each program has a title and a start and end time. Most programming has a rating, a category, and a description.
Program Provider:
A supplier that provides DIRECTV with programming, either subscription or pay per view. For example: Disney, Paramount, etc.
Purchase Balance:
The total dollar amount of IPPV purchases since the last time the balance was reset after a callback. Multiple callbacks during a single month may be triggered by the callback threshold.
Purchase Limit:
The maximum dollar amount of the IPPV purchase balance allowed by the access card.
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Rating Level:
Standard rating levels applied to movies and other programs to help customers determine the amount of sex and violence contained in that event. Ratings include: NR (Not Rated), NR-M (Not Rated-Mature), G (General), PG (Parental Guidance), PG-13 (Parents strongly cautioned), R (Restricted), or NC-17 (No Children under 17).
Rating Limit:
Set by the customer using the feature menu. When a system lock is active, this limit controls the viewing of programs that have been assigned a rating level.
Remote Control:
A leader or universal remote control unit that comes as part of the DIRECTV® System. An array of buttons will send commands to either the television or the DIRECTV® Receiver, depending upon the mode selected. It is used to perform standard functions such as volume and channel control but also to process functions through the feature menu. The leader remote can also be used to control TVs. The step-up universal remote control can be used for TVs, VCRs, and certain other equipment.
RG-6:
The type of coaxial cable recommended for digital satellite TV installations. RG-6 is a larger-size cable than the lower-grade RG-59 cable found in most homes. RG-59 has a small center conductor, a small insulating dielectric, and typically, a single outer shield. By comparison, RG-6 has a larger center conductor, a dual or quad shield, and a much larger insulating dielectric, ensuring greater bandwidth, and lower frequency loss per foot.
RV Antenna:RV Antenna DIRECTV programming can be taken on the road with Digital Satellite Dishes. These dishes have a specially built in elevation sensor for easy set-up and operation.
Satellite Master Antenna Television (SMATV):
A private or miniature cable system that receives programming by satellite and serves a housing complex or hotel.
Satellite Television:
Satellite television is television delivered by way of communications satellites, as compared to conventional terrestrial television and cable television. In many areas of the world satellite television services supplement older terrestrial signals, providing a wider range of channels and services, including subscription-only services. American Satellite sells and supports all DIRECTV satellite equipment.
Secondary Audio Program (SAP):
Is a standard TV feature allowing viewers to choose a secondary audio channel, which may broadcast a different language, or other alternate versions of the audio program.
Signal Meter:
This function of the feature menu displays the strength of the satellite signal and is primarily used during the DIRECTV® System set-up procedure.
Smart Card Technology:
A type of technology that allows sophisticated processing functions to be available on a small plastic card that is embedded with a tiny computer chip.
Standard DIRECTV® Receivers:
Standard DIRECTV® Receivers give access to 100% digital-quality programming and include an advanced programming guide allowing you to search and sort channels easily. Additional features include parental lock, on-screen caller ID capability, channel banner, and universal programmable remote.
See all Standard DIRECTV® Receiver Products
Standard DIRECTV® Systems:
Standard Systems consist of basic DIRECTV® Receivers. These systems enable you to watch TV, use convenient features to surf through channels, and customize your DIRECTV® service experience.
System Lock:
A DIRECTV® System lock provides privacy and allows a customer to control access, via a 4-digit password, to messages and the lock function, and to set rating and event spending limits. A system lock is managed through the feature menu.
Subscription Programming:
Additional programming options with a specific topic, often sports related. These packages are purchased either by a one-time fee or by several monthly payments. Special offers typically exist for those that purchase the subscription in advance.
Surround Sound:
Surround sound is an audio effect that is created by using multiple speakers powered by separate audio channels to simulate accurate sound from a recording (i.e. movies, concerts, TV shows, sporting events). More simply it makes your living room sound like a movie theater.
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Transceiver:
A satellite component that receives and retransmits a TV signal or perhaps many narrower-band data or audio channels.
Transponder:
A satellite component that receives, modulates, amplifies, and re-transmits a wideband signal or perhaps many narrower-band data or audio channels.
TVRO (Television Receive Only):
A satellite receiving antenna, also known as a downlink or a backyard dish.
Triple LNB:
A triple LNB is an 18" x 20" dish with three LNBs and four outputs. This dish looks at the 101°, 110°, and 119° satellites. It is required for HD customers, Spanish language services, and locals in some markets because these services are not all available from the 101° satellite.
Uplink:
The transmission of a signal from a ground station on Earth to a satellite.
Virtual Pause:
When viewing a DIRECTV® Pay Per View program, you can tune into another channel airing the same program (if available) as long as it is within the viewing hours of the original purchase. Example: If a program is disrupted due to bad weather. NOTE: Letterbox (widescreen) events are exempt from virtual pause.
Video On Demand:
(VOD) systems allow users to select and watch video content over a network as part of an interactive television system. VOD systems are either "streaming", in which viewing can start as the video streams over the Internet (or other network), or "download", in which the program is brought in its entirety to a set-top box before viewing starts.
All download and some streaming video on demand systems allow the user to pause, fast forward, fast rewind, slow forward, slow rewind, jump to previous/future frame etc., in other words it provides a large subset of VCR functionality. For streaming systems this requires more effort on the part of the server, and may also require greater network bandwidth.
Wild Feed:
A wild feed is any feed DIRECTV uses that are not from a DIRECTV regional sports network.
Wireless Cable:
The transmission of cable programming using microwave signals instead of underground cables or phone lines. The process requires a clear line of sight between a transmitter and a receiver. Customers using a small microwave antenna receive signals. Wireless Cable is also known as MMDS.
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What Other Customers Say: |
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