Frequently Asked Questions
For answers to questions about setting up access to your Slingbox™, please look here.
How fast does my Internet connection need to be?
That depends on two things: what type of device you display your video on (e.g. a 14" laptop or 52" plasma TV) and how critical your eye is. 500 kbps is enough bandwidth to keep most people happy if they're viewing on a laptop or small computer monitor. If you're viewing on a large flat-panel television, 900-1000 kbps will keep most people happy. If you can sustain over 1.5 Mbps and choose the Slingbox PRO-HD™, then you'll be able to steam HD content. If you are a videophile, do not expect to have your socks knocked off, even if you can sustain 3 Mbps. This system is just not designed for that sort of thing. We STRONGLY recommend that you try our free demo. This will allow you to decide if our service will meet your needs and it won't cost you a penny!
How good is the audio?
If you choose the Slingbox SOLO™ or Slingbox PRO-HD™ without the optional S/PDIF cable, your audio will always be two-channel stereo, even when viewing HD programming. If you choose the Slingbox PRO-HD™ with the S/PDIF cable, your audio will be in the format of the original source material; i.e., if you're watching a movie with Dolby Digital 5.1 audio and you have your computer configured to play it back, that's what you'll get.
Can I sign up to receive High Definition content?
Absolutely! Your HD receiver will be connected to your Slingbox™ via analog component video cables. If you watch a HD program, your video will be in widescreen (16:9) format. If your Internet connection can sustain downloads at a rate above about 800 kbps, you should see better-quality video on high definition channels, particularly on larger televisions. It is important to understand though, that with the Slingbox SOLO™, the video you see remotely will NOT be at full HD resolution, but will be at the best resolution that can be sustained within the limitations of your Internet connection, up to 640x480. With a Slingbox PRO-HD™ and a connection of at least 1.5 Mbps, your video will be at HD resolution. With either Slingbox™, the faster your connection is, the less compression is required and the better your video will look.
Can I order a non-recording receiver from DirecTV?
Yes, you may; but we do not recommend this. Keep in mind that if you do not have a DVR, the time difference at your remote location may force you to watch your favorite shows at very odd hours. In addition, if your Internet connection goes down, you will have no way to go back and view your program later. ATV2Go STRONGLY recommends that you select a DVR when you setup your account - it will only cost an extra $5/month.
Do I need my own satellite antenna?
No, you do not! As a matter of fact, if you choose to setup your own DirecTV™ account (vice doing it through this website), please do NOT order one with your receiver. If an antenna shows up here, we will charge you for shipping it back to DirecTV™!
What about local channels?
You may elect to include local channels in your DirecTV™ programming package. This will include programming provided by ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, PBS and other local affiliates here in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Keep in mind that some programming will be subject to regional blackout restrictions.
How do I order Pay-Per-View?
Because there will not be a phone line connected to your DVR, you will not be able to order Pay-Per-View movies or special events using your remote. Instead, you will need to login to the DirecTV™ website to do this. It only takes a few seconds for DirecTV™ to relay your purchase to your receiver through their satellites and enable you to view your program.
Couldn't I just do this myself and save some money?
If you or someone you know has the ability, you could set something like this up at a residential location in the States, but in order to consistently receive high-quality video, your host must be able to support a minimum sustained upload rate of 1.5-2.0 Mbps, an unlikely condition at a typical home, even with top-tier residential service. Believe me, we've tried. When we host your equipment at our commercial data center, you will have 2-50 Mbps of upload bandwidth dedicated to your Slingbox (4 Mbps typical). In addition to that, your equipment will be housed a hardened, hurricane-proof facility with battery backup power, dual diesel generators, redundant air conditioning and heating systems, 24-hour security and dedicated tech support. If you have a friend who can do that for you, we suggest that you give them a call!
Is this legal?
We get this question a lot. Of course the answer is "yes", or we wouldn't be doing it! There are scholarly works, legal opinions, and plenty of other detailed information about the issues involved with place-shifting out there, much of which our lawyers charged us lots of money to research for us.
If you're interested in learning more about the legal issues surrounding place-shifting, Google is your friend, but a good place to start is Placeshifting.org.
Why do I need a U.S. telephone number to subscribe?
In order to create a new DirecTV account for you, you must provide us with a U.S. telephone number which is not currently associated with an existing DirecTV account. This information is required by DirecTV because they use it to identify your account. The number you provide can be a land line, mobile device, or VOIP number (e.g. Skype or Vonage). As long as it is a U.S. number and NOT associated with an existing DirecTV account, it will work.