What channel do you put your TV on for DIRECTV?

What most people have to do when they first subscribe to DIRECTV is to perform a channel scan to ensure all the channel are working effectively. How to scan channels may slightly differ depending on which model of the DIRECTV receiver you use, but typically you go to the settings menu, then to satellite setup and there you will find the option ‘scan for channels’ or ‘find satellites’ that will make your receiver try to search for all available channels in DIRECTV.

The type and number of channels that you will be able to access will depend on your choice of the DIRECTV programming plan. There are basic packages such as ENTERTAINMENT which has more than 155+ channels and then there are high-end packages like PREMIER which has more than 330+ channels. Whether you select a base package, or an expanded package, you will get local broadcast stations and additionally, numerous most-watched cable networks for news, sports, movies, etc.

After scanning is done, you may find that some channels are left out. This could happen for a few different reasons. First, ensure that your satellite dish has an unobstructed view of the southern sky with no obstructions such as trees or tall buildings. Interference comes in the form of trees or buildings that may hinder the signal or even bad weather. You may also be missing channels if you do not subscribe to any of the DIRECTV add-ons and premium services. For instance, you can only access movie channels such as HBO and Showtime if you subscribe to them as extra services. If reception and subscriptions are fine, you can rescan your services to restore lost channels.

Once your channel scan finishes, there are a few different ways you can start watching DIRECTV:Once your channel scan finishes, there are a few different ways you can start watching DIRECTV:

Browse Channels: You can manually go through the list of channels using your remote or receiver menu. This allows you to view what is currently being aired in various stations.

Recent Channels: Most of the DIRECTV receivers have a tab or a segment on the menu that displays the viewer’s recent channels making it easier to revisit the previous show or movie.

My Favorites: There is the availability of My Favorites list where you can add the frequently used channels. It takes all your frequently watched stations and brings them to one convenient area instead of having to look through the entire list of channels.

Guide: Find out how to use the on-screen channel guide for DIRECTV to view program listings and to search for specific programs such as movies, sports, and news. Much like today, it allows you to surf through the programmes that are yet to be aired in the remaining part of the day or week and program or set for recording.

Search: Still, you can use the search bar to find a particular program, movie, team, event, and so on and watch live programs or schedule a recording. This means that people can easily find any content they wish to watch without having to know which channel it can be found on.

Number Entry: The most efficient way of changing channels is by directly typing the channel number with your remote. For instance if you are sure the channel you want to tune is 502, you can just type 5-0-2 then hit enter to be taken to that station.

Some channels people commonly enter on DIRECTV include:Some channels people commonly enter on DIRECTV include:

ESPN: Channel 206 Disney Channel: Channel 290 USA Network: Channel 242 TNT: Channel 245 Discovery Channel: Channel 278

Of course, it may take some time to get a feel of where a given channel is in the first instance but with My Favorites lists, the guide and search, the desired programming is easily located after the channel scan.

However, if you have a problem in receiving certain channels, then it is wise to ensure that your satellite connection is correct. It is appropriate to ensure that cords have been connected firmly and the dish arm is not twisted or hindered in any way and that coaxial cables should not have bends or signs of damage. Secure and reinforce any loose connections, remove any obstruction and reposition dish if necessary.

You can also try to reset your DIRECTV services to bring back your lost channels and other programs. On most receivers you would select Menu, then Settings, then Setup, then System Setup and then Satellite. Choose Refresh Services and wait for an update to happen. This address problems where some channels may have been missing.

Also, occasionally pulling off the access card located in the receiver’s slot and then replacing it back often aids in recovering the lost channels and synchronizing the program. You just have to make sure that you do not flex the card or come into contact with metal pins.

From the initial on-screen instructions to scan channels to the use of the guide, search, favorite and recent channels to surf the programs, it does not take much time to be oriented in the channel surfing of the DIRECTV. Knowing your programming package and inspecting satellite connections also guarantee you that you have all the necessary entertainment and information channels you are paying for.