Q: How much does an apartment satellite TV system cost?
A: For qualified properties, our apartment satellite TV systems will cost you (the property owner) nothing. Our providers will typically invest in a shared-dish-system for your property (plus any distribution equipment that may be required to provide services). In exchange, the provider will ask for an exclusive contract or a guaranteed subscriber minimum. Alternatively, equipment and installation pricing can be made available for property owners that wish to purchase a shared-dish system.
Q: What is a "qualified" property?
A: Here are the top three qualifiers to help you determine whether or not your property is a good fit for an apartment satellite dish solution from one of our service providers:
#1 For Select Solutions, the property must have a minimum of 20 apartment units. For Premiere Solutions, the property must have a minimum of 200 units.
#2 Property must be willing to enter into an exclusive agreement for video service or guarantee a subscriber minimum.
#3 Property must own the home-run coaxial cable wiring in each of the buildings to be served, or be willing to pay for the installation of new wiring.
Q: What is the difference between a shared-satellite dish provider and my local cable company?
A: Our service providers are non-franchised to provide Internet, Cable TV and Digital Satellite TV service, with a focus specifically on multi-family residential communities such as apartments and condominiums. They are not bound by the terms of a franchise cable agreement with any specific City or State, thus they are not obligated to charge additional fees charged by your franchise cable company, such as franchise fees. They serve only those properties where they have an agreement to provide service.
Q: Why choose Satellite TV over Digital Cable?
A: Digital Cable delivered your cable company will be branded as your cable company’s “digital cable” service. Satellite TV service provided by a shared-dish provider will be either DISH Network or DirecTV.
Unlike Digital Cable, which delivers only some programming in digital, DISH Network and DirecTV deliver all channels in 100% digital format. Satellite TV is well known for crystal clear digital pictures and CD quality audio on EVERY channel.
- Exclusive Sports Packages (such as NFL Sunday Ticket from DirecTV)
- More CD music channels
- More International programming
- More channels to choose from
- Fewer rate increases
- No franchise fees
Q: Why is Satellite TV better than Digital Cable?
A: Digital Cable delivered your cable company will be branded as your cable company’s “digital cable” service. Satellite TV service provided by a shared-dish provider will be either DISH Network or DirecTV.
Unlike Digital Cable, which delivers only some programming in digital, DISH Network and DirecTV deliver all channels in 100% digital format. Satellite TV is well known for crystal clear digital pictures and CD quality audio on EVERY channel.
- Exclusive Sports Packages (such as NFL Sunday Ticket from DirecTV)
- More CD music channels
- More International programming
- More channels to choose from
- Fewer rate increases
- No franchise fees
Q: Will the DISH Network and DirecTV service offerings to my property the same as those offered to single family homes from DISH Network?
A: In some cases, programming, promotions and satellite receiver models offered to customers on your property may vary from those offered to customers in single-family homes. However, some of the benefits to customers residing at your property may include:
- No long-term programming obligations
- No satellite dish
- No equipment to purchase
- No southwest exposure required
- No franchise fees
Customers residing in a property that offers a basic package (as an amenity) may also receive reduced pricing for expanded digital packages offered below the nationally advertised price.
Q: I’ve heard that the satellite TV signal goes out every time it rains or snows…is this true?
A: Although you may loose signal from time to time in heavy rainstorms or snowstorms, these interruptions are both rare and short-lived. As the mass of precipitation passes over your property, the signal will return. Weather related interruptions lasting over 10 minutes are rare. In the scope of any given year, the total downtime caused specifically by weather is minimal. In addition, residential satellite dishes, such as those installed in single-family homes (usually measuring 18 to 20 inches in diameter), may experience more interruptions for longer periods of time, as opposed to the commercial-grade satellite dishes and equipment used by our providers.
Q: I’ve heard that all analog signals will cease to be delivered soon. Does this mean that a Shared-Satellite Dish Provider will not be able to deliver analog TV service?
A: No. Shared dish providers are capable of delivering both Analog and Digital TV services to any property. The FCC’s decision to end the transmission of analog TV signals delivered over-the-air does not affect analog TV services provided by our shared-dish providers or your local cable company.
Q: What is the difference between analog and Digital Satellite TV service from a Shared-Dish-Provider?
A:
Digital Satellite TV (Digital format)
Digital Satellite TV has the digital satellite receiver (set top box) that allows you to view hundreds of video and digital music channels, order Pay Per View movies, Video On Demand (VOD), and International programming and much more.
Analog Cable TV (Analog format)
Analog Cable TV does not require any equipment thus, no extra wires or power cords. Just plug your TV into the wall and you are off and running. Analog channel lineups are typically limited to 70 channels or so.
Q: Will my residents need to have their Digital Satellite Receiver connected to a phone line?
A: In most cases, No. However, a phone line connection is required to purchase Pay Per View movies and events, Movies On Demand and TV On Demand (in select model receivers). If the phone line is not connected, customers will only be able to order a limited amount of Pay Per View without letting the Digital Satellite Receiver update its smart card via the phone line. For DVR receivers, customers will be charged a monthly "no phone line connection" fee if you activate a DVR receiver without a phone line connected. Please note that a "phone-line-connected" satellite receiver will not interfere with your telephone use.
Q: Where can I get detailed channel lineups for Digital Satellite TV and Cable TV packages?
A: Detailed channel lineups for Digital Satellite TV services (such as DISH Network and DirecTV) can be found on each of their websites. However, some of the programming may not be available to your property. Most shared-dish providers are capable of customizing channel lineups to fit the needs of each property. Most shared-dish providers will include an updated channel lineup for digital and analog (if offered) in their proposal.
Q: How much are your Cable TV and Digital Satellite TV packages?
A: Each property will have its own customized price and programming plan. After a site survey and thorough assessment of your needs, a shared-dish provider will include a proposal with pricing and programming that will be available. Click here to locate a shared-dish provider in your area and receive a free consultation.
Q: Do you offer High Definition Television (HDTV) services?
A: Yes. DISH Network and DirecTV offer robust HDTV packages. High definition locals may or may not be available in your area from DISH Network.
Q: If my residents already have DirecTV or DISH Network, can they use their own equipment?
A: In most cases, No. The system installed on your property will utilize a technology that requires specific software in order to view programming. This software is available only in the satellite receivers that are installed by the shared dish provider serving your property. For this reason, other satellite receivers will not work with a shared-dish provider’s service.
Q: Do I need to have a Digital Satellite Receiver for every TV in my unit?
A: You will only need a Digital Set Top Box for any television that you wish to view digital service on. For all other televisions in the residence you can hook them directly to the wall (cable outlet) and receive the analog TV service (if offered by the shared dish provider).
Q: Is DVR (Satellite Receiver with built-in Digital Video Recorder) available through a shared-dish provider?
A: Yes. Shared dish providers offer DVR-integrated satellite receivers from both DISH Network and DirecTV.
Q: Is there a High Definition DVR (High Definition Satellite Receiver with built-in Digital Video Recorder) available through shared dish providers?
A: Yes. Shared dish providers offer High Definition, DVR-integrated satellite receivers from both DISH Network and DirecTV.
Q: Can I use another DVR service such as TiVO or Replay TV with DirecTV or DISH Network, provided by a shared-dish provider?
A: Most alternate DVR's will work with the services offered by DISH Network and DirecTV. If you have digital service, when programming the DVR you will have to setup the DVR to use DISH Network or DirecTV service, with the specific model of satellite receiver you have installed. If you are trying to use a DVR with an analog TV service, you will have to setup the DVR to use the specific analog service provided by the shared-dish provider. Please check with your DVR's manufacturer for instructions on how to do this.