FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Computer Requirements
In order to watch TV over the Internet, you'll need a Windows or Apple Computer. We recommend the following minimum computer requirements. For Standard Definition:
* Microsoft Windows 7 (32-bit and 64-bit), Windows Vista (32-bit and 64-bit) or Windows XP SP2
* 1.3 GHz processor
* 1 GB RAM
* 150 MB available disk space for installation, 2 GB for live video buffer
* 24-bit graphics * 16-bit sound
* Network connectivity
For High Definition
Same as Standard Definition plus:
* 3 GHz processor or 2 GHz dual-core processor
* Display resolution 1280 x 768
Minimum Mac Requirements:
For Standard Definition
* PowerPC G4/G5 800 MHz or Intel processor
* Mac OS X v.10.4 (or higher recommended)
* 1 GB RAM
* 150 MB available disk space for installation
* Network connectivity
For High Definition
Streaming in HD-resolutions is currently only available for Windows
What kind of equipment do I need to watch American TV online?
A satellite TV account & receiver You must have an American satellite TV account. Simply ship us your satellite receiver and we do the rest! Don't have a satellite account? We can help! Just click here to let us know what you need.
An Internet connection Your television service will be streamed over the Internet, so you'll need a high speed Internet connection. A download speed of at least 512Kbps is recommended for adequate viewing. Anything less than this will cause noticeable degradation of image quality. We recommend a 2Mbps (2000Kbps) download speed if possible. If you're not sure what your download speed is, please take a speed test here. The faster the connection speed, the better the picture. All of our hosting accounts come with a 2Mbps (2000Kbps) upload speed, but you can upgrade to faster speeds for an additional fee.
A PC running Windows or Apple operating systems Please see our system requirements page for additional details.
A television (optional) While you can watch your programming on your computer monitor or cell phone, many of our customers do output to a TV. Check your PC and TV to find out what type of video outputs and inputs they have. Most new PC's and TV's have an HDMI port which gives you digital quality output. HDMI or any other necessary cables can be found at any electronics store. (If you've recently bought a video game console or a DVD player, you may already have the cables in your home!)
General Questions
How does a2bTV work?
Our customers watch their satellite TV programming over the Internet Ð in real time, no matter where they are. Each of our customers has their own satellite TV account. But instead of having the satellite company put a dish on their roof, they send us the satellite receiver! We host it in a secure data center and provide bandwidth and other technology to stream their TV over the Internet with digital HD quality. They can even use the digital video recorder (DVR) to record their favorite shows and rewind live TV.
Our customers are able to control their satellite receiver in real time by pointing and clicking on their on-screen remote, changing channels and viewing show information and on-screen programming guides. It's the same as watching your favorite programming from your living room couch Ð except you can do it from anywhere using your PC, Apple Computer, cell phone or iPad!
A2bTV is a service company that allows our customers to access their personal TV account over the Internet. We are not a satellite or cable TV provider. You will have your own account with a TV provider and will be responsible for fulfilling the terms of your provider's user agreement. You will also have an account with a2bTV to host your equipment and provide you with Internet uploads from our facility. And rest assured, dealing with our consultants is NOT like dealing with the cable company. A live person with answers to all of your questions will guide you every step of the way.
How do I get started watching American TV online?
If you don't have an American satellite TV account, you will need to sign up for one. Once you have your satellite receiver, ship it to us and we do the rest! We install your equipment in our data facility with a Slingboxª, the best-in-class place-shifting hardware. That's how you'll view programming over the Internet! We then connect you to a super fast Internet uplink. You'll receive an e-mail with your password and you can log in from wherever you are, to watch your TV account.
Will equipment be sent to me?
Nothing will be shipped to you. Once you send us your satellite TV receiver, it will be hooked up, hosted, monitored and maintained as part of our service to you. It is that equipment that you will be remotely controlling through a2bTV! You will also be buying a Slingboxª place-shifting device that will give you Internet access to the TV content you subscribe to.
Should you terminate service with a2bTV, we will return your satellite TV receiver to you or if you prefer, directly to your satellite provider. There is a shipping and handling fee of $19.95 for each piece of equipment shipped. (Expedited shipping is available for an additional fee.)
How does your proxy network work?
To give you the best online TV experience, a2bTV has developed a global proxy network. This gives our customers around the world the best Internet connectivity possible.. Think of it as a private network between you and our data facility in Los Angeles. This helps you avoid web congestion and receive the best picture possible, no matter where you are. Every new customer receives a free 2Mbps (2000Kbps) connection on our proxy network. Upgrades are available to 4Mbps (4000Kbps) or 6Mbps (6000kbps) for an additional monthly fee. To take advantage of our fast upload speeds, you will need the equivalent download speeds in your home. If you do not, contact your Internet provider to upgrade to a faster package. If you're not sure what your Internet download speeds are, click here to take a speed test.
Users Agreements
All a2bTV customers are responsible for fulfilling the terms of a2bTV's user agreement, along with those of any hardware manufacturer or satellite TV service they purchase. An a2bTV service agreement will be e-mailed to you for your review once your order has been submitted.
Can I talk to someone about your services?
Of course! Our support and sales staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Please see our âContactâ page for information on reaching our office by phone or mail. For technical support email us at support@a2btv.com and for general information about how our service works, click a Live Chat button on the website to chat with a sales person, or email sales@a2btv.com.
Can I try a demonstration of your online TV service?
Yes. We do offer a demonstration prior to purchasing! To try out the service, and for general information about how it works, click a Live Chat button on the website to chat with a sales person, or email sales@a2btv.com.
Can I watch your online TV service on a regular TV?
You sure can! There are several options available to you. Click Here to see a picture of how you connect to your TV. But here is the short version:
If you’re using a laptop that has a ‘S-Video’ or HDMI connector on it, you can output directly from your laptop to your television. We’ve tested this on screens up to 60” and it looks great.
There are several video output options for desktop computers that work very well. Some even include remote controls!
Finally, if you have a laptop that does not have a S-Video or HDMI connector, you can use this device.
Either way, you’ll be able to watch all the TV you want on your home (or work) television.
Click here to view how to get connected.
If I cancel, will I be penalized?
a2bTV has no minimum contract. But Please note: You must maintain service with a2bTV for 6 months to retain ownership of your IPTV converter upon cancellation. By accepting our service, you are agreeing to return your Slingboxª ownership back to a2bTV if you should decide to cancel before the end of a 6 month period of service.
Where is a2bTV based?
a2bTV is a California company, based in downtown Los Angeles, California.
Can I share my login information with others?
Sharing your log-in information with others violates the a2bTV and your satellite TV user agreement. Your service will be terminated if used for public display of your personal programming. If you would like to show others the benefits of a2bTV, please have them contact us for a demonstration.
You are permitted to install the playback software on multiple computers that you own. However you may only access the television stream on one computer at a time.
How long does it take to get setup?
Most new customers are set up within 72 hours of receiving your satellite receiver. There's a bit of paperwork to complete, and once this is accomplished we can have you up very quickly. When you place an order on our website, you will receive an agreement via email that we'll need you to sign and fax or email back to us. As soon as we receive your signed agreement, we'll forward your login information and you'll be enjoying American TV immediately.
How do I qualify for service?
Anyone can qualify for our service. We do require an upfront payment for your new equipment and for your first month of hosting service.
What is the ‘Total’ cost to me?
In the first month, you will pay an initiation fee to a2bTV. This one time fee includes all of your equipment costs, installation and the first month of a2bTV's hosting fees. This initiation fee is typically $199 for a standard definition system or $499 for an HD system. See more details on start-up costs on the Packages page.
You will be billed monthly for a2bTV's hosting fees. These hosting fees covers the cost of storing and maintaining your satellite TV and place-shifting equipment in our world class data center, our customer service and the high speed upload bandwidth that allows you to access your equipment. There are no additional monthly fees. (You can find our monthly pricing here on our Packages page.)
Why do I have to purchase all of this equipment?
In order to legally access your television package over the Internet, you are required to purchase or lease your own receiving and transmission equipment. a2bTV monitors and maintains your equipment as part of its monthly hosting fee. All of the equipment either belongs to you or is leased directly to you in your name from your satellite provider. If you terminate service, your receiver will be returned to you or the satellite provider if you prefer. a2bTV will ship your IPTV converter to you at your request. There is a shipping and handling fee of $19.95 for each piece of equipment shipped. (Expedited shipping is available for an additional fee.)
What happens to my equipment if I cancel?
If you cancel your a2bTV hosting account, we well return your satellite receiver to you if you'd like to retain your TV account. If you are canceling your satellite account, we would be happy to ship your receiver back to the satellite provider on your behalf. a2bTV will also ship your IPTV converter to you at your request. There is a shipping and handling fee of $19.95 for each piece of equipment shipped. (Expedited shipping is available for an additional fee.)
Who provides your data connectivity?
Our data center is linked to the biggest and best data providers in the world. We have direct fiber connections to Global Crossing, Level 3 Communications, British Telecom, PCCW, LINX and others.
Do I have full control over the programming?
Your television programming is 100% in your hands. No one else can watch it, no one else can block you from it and you have full remote control of your TV receiver. If you have a Digital Video Recorder, you can set it to automatically recorder your favorite shows, then log in to watch them at your convenience.
Technical Support Questions
My connection is slow. Is there a problem?
While we strive to provide you with the fastest data stream possible, many factors may impact your viewing experience. Your equipment is housed in our Tier 1 internet data center in Los Angeles, California. We have multiple agreements with Internet providers worldwide to ensure the fastest possible download connection to your computer. Many times, your local Internet provider experiences peak demand during the morning and evening hours. If your problems occur at all times of day, please contact our support department and we will do everything possible to assist you.
Help! I can’t connect!
While connection problems are rare, they do occasionally occur. The best way to resolve this issue is to visit our website support page or e-mail a customer service representative at support@a2btv.com. We also offer Live Chat on our website, so simply click to chat and alert the agent of your issues. Unlike most satellite TV companies, we turn around most of our technical issues in under 24 hours!
What kind of equipment do I get?
When you sign up for a2bTV hosting, you will be purchasing an IPTV Converter and all the necessary cabling. You will additionally be buying or leasing a satellite receiver from your satellite TV provider. We will host this equipment for you, with your IPTV converter.
Computers don’t agree with me, can you assist me in setup?
But of course! Our on-line support staff can help you set up of your new service. We can even remotely connect to your computer and install and configure the necessary software for you. All you need to do is ask.
Billing Questions
Can I receive a copy of my bill?
You will receive an invoice from a2bTV via e-mail each month. Please contact our billing department at billing@a2btv.com if you have any questions about your bill.
How do I pay my bill?
Your monthly charges for a2bTV are automatically charged to your credit card each month. If you need to change your payment method, please contact billing@a2btv.com.
What is your billing cycle for monthly hosting?
a2bTV has a monthly billing cycle. If your system is activated on the 5th of February, you will be billed each month thereafter on the 5th. Please note: a2bTV does offer discounts for quarterly or annual payments. Inquire with a sales representative.
Are your rates guaranteed?
The rates you pay for a2bTV services will never go up from the rate you pay when you sign up.
