Frequently Asked Questions

  • What about "rain fade?" Will my TVs lose signal when it rains? Bring on the rain. According to Federal Communications Commission statistics, DIRECTV has a 99.9+ percent "service-on" average nationwide. That means DIRECTV delivers pristine service, on average, an estimated 8,755 hours out of 8,780 total hours every year.
  • Can I get local High Definition (HD) channels? DIRECTV does not yet have a certified HD service available to the Long Term Care marketplace, but NationSat can bring HD programming to your HD lobby televisions by placing a dedicated receiver in your lobby. With that receiver in place, you may subscribe to programming lineups that are very similar to those you would see at home.
  • Another company said we would get a receiver for every room, but you say we won't. Who's right? There are two types of systems available to large, multi-viewer facilities: Multiple Dwelling Unit (MDU) and Satellite Master Antenna Television (SMATV). With the MDU system, each television has a dedicated receiver. SMATV systems house all receivers in a central rack. Facilities on a budget prefer the SMATV system because it is cost-effective, simple to operate, and eliminates the possibility of lost or stolen receivers and remotes.
  • How much space does the system take up? A 24-channel system requires a clean, climate-controlled room with a tested, isolated, 20-30 amp power outlet that is at least 30” wide x 20” deep x 72” high.
  • Can residents subscribe to other channels for their dwelling unit? (HBO, sport packages, etc.) NationSat's most affordable entertainment option, SMATV, does not allow residents to independently subscribe to channels for their dwelling unit. MDU (Multiple Dwelling Unit), NationSat's other system option, is not as cost-effective but does allow for individual resident channel subscription.
  • Residents subscribe to cable individually. Can they do the same with NationSat's "bulk" program? No, with SMATV, residents all watch the same channel lineup - but at a much much lower cost than cable.
  • Digital is the same as HD isn't it? No. "Digital" or SDTV is the technology that replaced traditional Analog television. "HD" or High Definition Digital, takes a step beyond SDTV in picture and sound quality, and offers the very highest level of picture and audio quality available on the market today.
  • Cable charges us for the number of television outlets we have. DIRECTV's the same, right? No. DIRECTV Billing is based on the total number of TVs in resident rooms within the center, times the package price for the channels the center selects.
  • Where are you based? Can you really take good care of me in my remote location? Based in Minnesota, NationSat's has established relationships with a nationwide network of independent contractors that offer the highest level of service in their territories. These local technicians are familiar with each territory’s unique challenges (e.g., weather-related factors) and can respond quickly when problems arise - even in the most remote locations.
  • How long are most DIRECTV contracts? 12 months. You may adjust your programming up or down in cost without penalty (unless a promotion was in place during the initialization of the contract in which case you might experience a charge-back)
  • Can we get the same lineup as we do with cable? Yes, but not if you want to save money. The customizability of SMATV provides for a targeted lineup versus broad or "net" approach allowing facilities to avoid paying for channels that never get watched. Facilities hand-pick programming that residents (not staff...) want to watch.