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Orby TV

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6.3

Overall Score

LAST UPDATED: March 26th, 2024

In 2019, a team of TV industry veterans launched Orby TV with hopes of bringing back trust, transparency, and integrity to the market.

Orby TV is a satellite television service that requires no contract or credit check. The company follows a prepaid, pay-as-you-go model. Orby TV’s most popular package is only $40 per month and local TV shows and stations are always free.

During September of 2019, Orby TV announced a partnership with Eutelsat as its official satellite partner while at the IBC Show in Amsterdam. Shortly after this announcement, it also announced a partnership with Globecast as a broadcast solutions vendor in October 2019.

Orby TV is currently available to the 48 contiguous United States.

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The Good

  • 30-Day Risk-Free Trial
  • Simple Setup
  • Eliminating Long Contracts and Fees
  • Local TV Antenna
  • Premium Channel Options

30-Day Risk-Free Trial

Currently, Orby TV is offering a 30-day risk-free trial. Customers who order the Orby TV satellite system can try it out and if they don’t love it, Orby TV will give them a full refund on the equipment and professional installation*.

Simple Setup

Getting started with Orby TV is a fairly simple process. All consumers have to do is purchase an Orby TV Receiver — which can be found on the company website for $100 or from a local Best Buy. The Orby TV satellite dvr service upgrade is available for $200 plus taxes and allows up to 100 hours of HD recording.

Upon receiving the equipment, customers can schedule a professional installation for $150. For those who prefer not to pay installation fees, Orby TV has a self-installation kit that is available for $70.

After that, Orby TV encourages customers to sit back and enjoy a lifetime of savings.

Eliminating Long Contracts and Fees

Orby TV has done away with long contracts. Customers don’t have to worry about being locked into a two-year contract with a low initial price but then have to deal with an outrageous price hike for their second year.

Orby TV allows customers to pay month to month for their service and customers can pause or cancel at any time.

The majority of TV providers charge a monthly rental fee for any equipment. This often can cost around $10–$12 per month per room. Orby TV has eliminated this recurring fee and instead has customers buy and own their equipment. Orby TV also does not have any reconnect fees or late fees.

Local TV Antenna

Orby TV includes an outdoor antenna with the Orby TV satellite dish. The antenna simply attaches to the dish and brings you local TV channels for free. Additionally, Orby TV’s on-screen guide combines the local channels with the satellite channels.

Premium Channel Options

Orby TV customers can add on premium channels to their base TV package. For example, adding the HBO channels will cost an additional $18 per month, while the STARZ premium channels will only cost an extra $9 per month.

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The Bad

  • Weather Interference
  • Professional Installation Recommended
  • Installation Cost
  • Sports Channels

Weather Interference

As with all satellite TV providers, Orby TV’s signal and reception can be hindered by the weather. Customers who live in an area with a lot of rain, snow, or wind gusts may have trouble with a satellite TV provider.

Professional Installation Recommended

Orby TV strongly encourages customers to have their equipment installed by a professional.

However, the company does offer a Self Installation Kit that comes with a satellite dish, outdoor TV antenna for local television, and mounting hardware.

While many consumers may gravitate toward the Self Installation Kit to save money, they should be warned that previous installation expertise is required. It also states that consumers will need to provide their own tools and cabling.

Additionally, choosing the Self Installation Kit will void the product warranty and the one-year service warranty that is included with the professional installation.

There is also a $40 restocking fee if the Self Installation Kit is returned.

Installation Cost

Orby TV’s standard installation price for one room is $150 and each additional room is $50 (plus the cost of an additional receiver/DVR).

While installation costs are fairly common throughout the entire industry, there are a few companies that will waive the installation fee or only charge customers an activation fee.

Sports Channels

Unfortunately, Orby TV does not offer as many sports channels as its competitors do.

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The Bottom Line

Overall, it seems like Orby TV is a decent option for consumers who aren’t quite ready to cut the cord but want to save on their monthly TV bill.

The satellite TV provider only offers two packages but they are reasonably priced. Both have a decent channel lineup and a number of premium and HD channels are available. Additionally, users will get a TV antenna along with their satellite dish allowing them to get local TV stations for free.

However, Orby TV’s biggest selling feature is the fact that users don’t have to sign a two-year contract. Customers pay month to month and have the ability to cancel anytime without a plethora of fees.

Nonetheless, there are a few downsides to getting a TV subscription with Orby TV. Although the company does its best to cut down on unnecessary fees, users can’t escape them altogether. Customers will have to pay an installation fee of $150 (for the first room, $50 for each additional room), restocking fees (if equipment is returned) and a DVR service fee — which is $4 per month with a programming package and $12 per month just by itself.

As with all satellite TV providers the service will be affected by the weather. Those who live in areas with extreme weather conditions may experience more signal and reception issues than those who live in a temperate region. Additionally, local channels will vary by location. Read our verified Orby TV reviews below to learn more about the customer experience.

 
 
*Risk-free trial offer valid for equipment purchases and rental. Offer only available by phone. Offer valid only on professional installations, self-installation kits not included. You must call Orby TV customer care within 30 days of activation to receive a return authorization (RMA) and prepaid shipping label. Return your Orby TV equipment in like-new condition to receive a full refund. All returns require an RMA. Monthly programming not included in risk-free trial and is not refundable. All marks are property of their respective owners.
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Star Rating

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2.7

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59 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

32%

4 grade

7%

3 grade

3%

2 grade

7%

1 grade

51%

Sentiment Criteria

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Quality

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Francis Adesuyi

It’s really good tv provider.and they offer a variety of plans and channels.they have good customer service and competitive price.their selection of channels can be a bit limited,and they don’t offer as many features as some of the bigger providers.

2 days ago

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David Snyder Huntington, WV

I purchase the basic Orby TV receiver from Best Buy on February 2019. Installation was really quick and the guys who installed the system was very professional. I pay for the $50 plan. Just like any other satellite service, you will have service interruptions due to bad weather. I don’t have to rely on the internet to get my TV channels. Plus, it’s all prepaid, so I can turn service on or off when I want. No reconnect fees and you own the satellite equipment. Now Orby TV is offering a do it yourself installation kit for people who knows how to setup satellite systems. I believe I made a smart choice for my tv enjoyment.

3 years ago

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Johnny , TX

I got installed a week ago with the $25 install offer and it works great. Was paying $140 a month for charter cable and now 46 (I got epix with the 40 package) which is almost a HUNDRED bucks cheaper per month. Thats a lot of money for my family over a year. I might get the HBO deal tho so that would be another 18. So what. I get nearly 50 local channels with the antenna they bring with the dish which was way more than the cable company would give me. I see reviews here mostly about install problems. Mine went well although I can understand frustration if it isnt done right. I bought it at Best Buy and they said if I dont want to pay I still keep local channels and nobody sends me a bill or takes it back because I own it. I like that. And I dont like Directv cause I had that before too. Too expensive. I like the customer service I got on the phone. But I have the app they tell you to download and now I pick each month what I want. R U kidding me? So for 125 I got the whole shooting match and I only pay what I want, if I want. That's the way this is supposed to be. Treating people like real human beings instead of gauging them to death. I am a fan! I cant get affordable internet where I live so this is absolutely perfect. OH....and by the way we had a storm come through and I lost satellite signal for about 5 minutes. But I still got the local channels cause they arent on the dish......they come through the antenna they bring you. Very cool concept. Wish I had got the DVR.

4 years ago

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3rror420 ,

Orby TV has been nothing but great for our family. I did the self-installation kit since I had everything except my Birddog from when I worked for a DirecTV subcontractor. I used an Augmented Reality dish pointing APP on my phone to get the Satellite location in the sky. From there I used the signal meter on the receiver. Most of the bad reviews seem like installer issues and not really Orby tv issue's. For the money, we get great TV. We added a receiver and don't think we have been charged even a penny extra. Considering we live in a location that gets no type of regular internet and streaming isn't a very good solution for us Orby is great for the price. The kids love all the cartoon channels and my wife and I love having extra channels on top of all our local TV channels. If you don't have DBS satellite installation stuff just laying around I would recommend trying to get in on one of the 1/2 install special's. Also if you don't know about your satellite tv reception check for Eutelsat 117W (116.8W) with an AR dish pointing app if you have a device that is capable of giving you an accurate reading.

4 years ago

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Sean New Boston, TX

I took on Orby TV around September of 2019. I did my own installation since I have always done my own set ups. I have no problems with the signal going out during rain storms unless it super bad. I have plenty of local channels. Orby TV contract out companies to do their installations. Some of the companies probably installing these dishes have no ideal what they are doing. This is what it sounds like from some of these reviews since the signal is there to be picked up. This is why I choose to do a self installation to know it was done correctly. I have had no issues since my installation and still receive while I am writing this review and we are almost in the year 2020 of January. Anyways if you can get a strong signal from them you will be happy with picture and sound quality. I am a retired Electronic Engineer for many large companies around the country as well the military. The equipment works fine and just looks like the dishes are being pointed wrong for most consumers . This resulting in weak signals or no signals at all. I suggest Orby TV needs to check out who they are hiring to do the installations or they will loose customers due to bad contractors whom seem not know how to install a dish correctly. Again since I did my own installation I have had no problems with Orby TV. When Direct TV start out in 1994 . I was one of their first customers back then and we had to do a self installation. They had no one come and install it for you. The owners Manual walked you through the installation. I left Direct TV since they were no longer the same company I started out with in 1994. I will not get into that but the new company everyone knows is not Direct TV and does not even come close to the same customer service I received back in 1994. Orby TV is new and if the people they send out do not work out then insist to them that you want a different contractor to install your dish that the techs they sent out do the work do not know what they are doing. This is only a suggestion. Believe me once you have everything up and going you will love the picture and sound quality you receive. I have had Orby TV since September of 2019 and it has been great. I cannot say much more than this.

4 years ago

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D. Farish Austell, GA

My experience with Orby TV has been mostly positive. Purchased the equipment, the installer arrived on time and got everything working fine. No problems with reception, even during heavy rain. The digital antenna that comes with the satellite package gives us over 40 channels we didn't know existed. We were lucky to be able to watch one NFL game at a time with DirecTv, but have been able to find 2 games at 1 p.m. and another at 4 p.m., which is great! One of the selling points of Orby is that you can start or stop the pay TV channels at any time. You download an app that allows you to start or pause payment (and the pay channels) from your phone. The other selling point is that local channels are free, even when you pause the service, and are always available to view. I paused the service earlier this month and decided to check my local channels for today's football games, but all I got was a black screen. I called customer service and was told to try a different HDMI port. It made no difference because as it turns out, they had decided to turn my local channels off, along with the pay channels. The customer service rep asked if I wanted him to turn the local channels back on, also asking if I'd like to turn the pay channels back on by activating my credit card. It was a Yes and No answer from me. I'm not upset with Orby, but when you advertise local channels being always on and always free, even when you've paused the pay channels, it's not a good look for the company when they don't back up their own words. It was a minor inconvenience that was quickly fixed, so it's not a big deal. Apart from that, Orby has delivered as promised... good satellite service at a reasonable price and the installation process was also painless.

4 years ago

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Mike p AZ Scottsdale, AZ

Works exactly as advertised. Very basic DVR and on-screen guide but does integrate your local channels seamlessly. I'm in a Major Market more then enough local channels/ major networks with news and sports and my local PBS has 5 channels which is great. Sure more national satellite networks would be nice but considering its 1/2 to 1/3 the price of DirecTV it's a fantastic deal and you don't have to deal with them always jacking your rates up and nickel-and-diming you to death. I'm a handyman by profession installed it myself for half the Professional installation cost. Tried using they're add-on V8 signal meter but that did not work for me however the dvr Box does have a signal meter built in so i was able to locate and fine-tune the signal. Haven't used it rving yet and may only get the satellite broadcasts but extremely easy to find the satellite signal like Dish Network or DirecTV used to be in the old days when they were much simpler systems. For rving I was told but I have not confirmed that the DVR will work even if the Satellite Dish does not have signal. So if you're moving or don't set the dish up you still should be able to watch your saved programming once again not confirmed at this time.

4 years ago

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Pepper Mt. Airy ,

I'm not sure what these bad reviews are about, but Orby tv explained exactly what they were about and everything they said was true. They had set prices and the channels they showed. I was highly satisfied got more channels they I ever did with any other satellite company I dealt with. No they didn't have a lot of sports, which I didn't need,but they didn't do this tier thing either, splitting channels and making you pay according to the tier you have, now I know its a scam by others like Directv and Dish because Orby did not split their channels. They only thing you had to pay extra for was the movie channels. What was more impressive you paid for your boxes and owned them right out, they didn't make you continously pay for the boxes as long as you had the account, no matter how old they got. These satellite companies are ripping us off and Orby was a different kind of satellite that saved you money from buying sticks for your tv's. I want Orby back in service forget a dish and directv, they probably are doomed once people continue with the firestorm, Philippines, etc.

3 years ago

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SpaceGhost 4k Madison, TN

Just recently installed Orby satellite and so far i really like it. It has almost all the channels i usually watch. I'm not a sports watcher so I don't miss these channels. I really like being in control of my programming without spending time on the phone with a representative...and the absence of a contract is great. I bought my system directly from the company and installed it myself. It was actually pretty easy. It's saving me over 80 bucks per month. I think I made a good choice.

3 years ago

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Brian Long Colorado Springs, CO

The only thing I would have to complain about with Orby TV is that they need to provide the same concept to internet service. My husband and I LOVE this service. I bought it for my mom for Xmas and it cut her cable bill from $200 to $50 a month. .same exact channels. This is a genius idea. Now the concept needs to be applied to internet service and they would get my business there too. We have had NO PROBLEMS AT ALL. LOVE IT!

3 years ago

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Isabella Martin Cambridge, MA

I'm a couple of weeks into having Orby TV and I'm satisfied. I got one of their offers because I signed up for their email list. They have most of the channels that I like watching and I was paying $130 for cable because they made me bundle everything. Now i just have the satellite package and it costs me $50 a month. I really like that i can stop the package if i want to save money for a month or two. I haven't done that but i like the option. I also like that local channels are free, I didn't know I was paying for local channels with my cable before. I'm happy with it.

3 years ago

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Cmh238 monroe Monroe, LA

We got Orby back in January and were quite impressed with the service and the pricing. Great channel selection plus we get almost 30 local channels. The picture is really great except during a storm but that is not unusual with satellite. Only complaint I have is the box occasionally will freeze up and I have to unplug it and restart it. Customer service is very good and the installer was friendly and professional. I doubt we will be changing service any time soon.

3 years ago

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Rebekah Latshaw Columbia, MD

I just got mine installed and am happy with it. Customer service told me they had a 30 day trial so that made me feel better about ordering just in case. Direct tv just got too expensive for me to manage anymore and my bill kept going up. The channels are really good for the price and I dont care much for sports so i dont miss having those channels. The no contract makes me happy since now I dont have to be locked in to Direct's price increases all the time.

3 years ago

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James A Los Angeles, CA

I tried a lot of the other services out there like Hulu, Firestick etc. and got sick of having to log in and deal with a bad picture. I love Orby and don’t have any problems with the antenna it gives a 50 mile radius and I never even lose picture in storms. I like a lot of the paid channels too and watch a lot of HGTV and DIY since i'm pretty handy around the house. My wife gets her Hallmark so she’s happy too. I would not go back to cable again.

3 years ago

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J R Brenham, TX

Saved a bundle with the installation special Orby is offering through 3/29 and the offering is really good (would be GREAT if the standard or additional programming package included USA!). The antenna for OTA channels isn't a quality HD antenna (could only get 20 or so locals, while a premium antenna I have on my RV and now use gets 66 channels!). The biggest drawback is the installer would not take the time to explain how to use all the features of the remote, and there is no guide explaining the equipment either. All in all, it is a good system that works well depending on your location and sure beats the cost of DISH/DIRECTV or cable. The DVR allows you to watch one channel while recording another, and seamlessly meshes your OTV channels into the Guide and remote.

4 years ago

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Sadie Kennedy Dallas, TX

I love Orby TV. Installation was by DirecTV as a contractor for Orby. Having a stronger antenna for local channels is wonderful. I was with Dish when it first started in Seagoville (surburb) of Dallas, Texas and then with DirecTV for about 20+ years That was when the above companies cared about the customer. Now its just the money. Orby feels just like those beginning days of the above - not a lot of channels YET but those that they have are quality channels. I believe them to care about customers. The negative reviews look like, in the reading of them, to be growing pains for Orby and by the time they got to me everything was roses. Plus I got in on a special they had going and got all startup costs for 1/2 price. I'm someone who sticks with a company when I choose to go with them and I'm very proud we now have a satellite company that I can really love. Thanks Orby for sticking your neck out for customers. Sadie Kennedy, Seagoville, Texas

4 years ago

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John R Atlanta, GA

I called Orby to get the service and a installer was at the house within a few days. He set everything up and was nice and professional. I like having my local channels on all the time and that I can turn off the other programs when I travel which I do a lot of. Great value for the $$$, would highly recommended the service.

4 years ago

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Robert A Pompano Beach, FL

I didn’t believe it when I first saw it. I kept seeing it on TV and finally tried it when I saw their sale on installation for $25. I switched from Dish to Orby and my bill went from $121 to $56. I got the best package with more channels and got Epix too. I get all the local channels for free. So far so good with no problems.

4 years ago

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Bruce S Palm Springs, CA

Great so far! Just got set up last week with no problems. Was worried at first about getting local channels and we get quite a few. We are 40 miles from the closest TV station. Thank you Orby TV for offering TV for people that don’t want to pay $175 a month just to watch TV.

4 years ago

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Andrea Waco, TX

I called today because my service quit working, Am I going to get a partial refund for the payment you took out on the 17th? This is a pretty crappy way to end service. No warning at all!

3 years ago

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keel Renton, WA

I'm on my 4th DVR from Orby. I get satellite programming fine and I can record, play back and FF thru these shows just fine but broadcast shows? I can watch them, even play the recordings back fine but FF? That is next to impossible. Freezing, glitches, sound continues while FF and lags behind when you hit 'play'. Orby must use separate circuitry for broadcast and separate circuitry for satellite and one is defective. As others have said - cheap product. Customer support has been good, oftentimes better than DirecTV was. I had to threaten a lawsuit with DirecTV before I quit them. I'm ready to go back to just broadcast and a Roku device, especially since there is no longer any programming on broadcast of interest to me. All I really want is a DVR to record when I am not home.

3 years ago

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Johnbce66 Fort Lauderdale, FL

I had Comcast and was paying $174+ for haft the channels that ORBY now offer me . I do recommend that you have their tech install the system, it’s a bargain. I couldn’t be happier and highly recommend them.

3 years ago

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Sam Gonzalez Riverside, CA

This service is exactly what I am in need, hassle free and easy. Finally a service with no hidden fees and straight forward. I love how easy to was to qualify and get my installation done. The BEST part was the price!

3 years ago

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Terence Poole Tempe, AZ

Can’t make the DVR record the end of tv shows. The DVR does not recognize the 10 minute extension at the end of the program. Consequently I cannot see the end of the program recorded.This is still happening despite resetting, unplugging, disconnecting the antenna. Three emails to Orby Tv on this subject remain unanswered. After a long conversation with Customer Service Rep I will call Amy, and despite all of her efforts on my behalf, her superiors are insisting that I return my existing DVR for investigation before they will send a replacement. How long would I be without service is anyone’s guess. For a startup company you would think they would be all over trying to satisfy their customers. Sadly this is not the case. Good luck to anyone trying to get service from this company. Would I recommend Orby TV to my friends, family or even a complete stranger? The answer is absolutely not.

4 years ago

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Cynthia Price ,

Purchased a DVR and a Receiver directly from the company in July 2020. Paid for installation in two rooms in addition to the cost of the equipment. Experienced delays in getting the equipment installed but eventually was installed and I had no complaints for $54 a month (Essentials Package and BET). Woke up one day and the screen said No Satellite signal. If problem persist contact customer care @orbytv.com. Problem persisted and continues to exist until this day 2/27/2021. No response to email sent; phoned company and get recorded message referring me to the email address. The company seems to have gone out of business without any notification to their customers. Sitting on a satellite dish, a DVR and a Receiver - equipment that is of no use. Rumor according to social media is they couldn't find funding - don't know if that's true. But what is true is that Orby TV has left their customers hanging. I want my money back for the equipment purchased and I want this big satellite dish removed from the property since it is of no use.

3 years ago

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Tell The TRUTH Romeoville, IL

The only good thing is the start and stop ability. The BAD: Was scheduled for installation January 6, NO SHOW!! Called Customer service, 2 hour wait for FOREIGN agent who stated that they never sent over the order to the installer!! WHAT?? I took off the ENTIRE day from work for NOTHING!! They state the next available date is 2 weeks away! WHAT!!?? I called back a few days later, again on hold for 2 1/2 hours to get a barely English speaking, FOREIGN customer service rep who "found" a date within the week and scheduled it. I have to take off ANOTHER day from work and Again, NO CALL, NO SHOW!! Finally get a call from the installation company and they reschedule for 4 days later. Installer shows up 4 days later and does not have the proper tools to install and returns the next day with help. Their antenna sucks, you get no/ fuzzy channels, so I will have to buy my own. The equipment that you have to purchase is VERY cheap and shoddy!! After installation, I call to have service activated and sit on hold for 3 HOURS!!! The foreign agent is NOT helpful at all and I demand to speak with a supervisor. 30 minutes later I get a Supervisor whom I had previously talked to and did not put notes in the order to credit me for all of the inconvenience, and I had to playback the conversation for her to get the credit!! Orby was great in the beginning when they had U.S. based customer service, but now that they have offshore they are horrible!! They must realize that poor customer service will lose customers!! BRING BACK U.S. BASED CUSTOMER SERVICE!!!

3 years ago

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Ken , OK

Orby customer service and technical service is terrible. I live in Vancouver, WA. and they have no installers in the area. This is no problem since I have installed satellite dishes in the past and install electronic equipment for the last 25 plus years. The satellite dish portion works great by itself but not when combined with the local TV antenna. When the two cables are combined you loose the quality of the local TV signal. I have used their connectors and hooked it up per their instructions. The only way I can get local TV stations is to hook up a separate cable from the TV antenna directly to my TV antenna input. The TV signal then is perfect but I can't use the Orby remote for local TV channels. The Orby cable box seems to have two receivers one for the satellite portion and one for the Local TV channels. The cable box seems to have has a very poor or faulty TV tuner. I called Orby and spoke with them and they said since I installed the system that they really couldn't help. I said I had no choice since they don't offer installation service in my area. I said I have experience and that the system works fine until I connect both cables into one using the Orby supplied connector. The signal strength for local TV is low using their receiver but comes in crystal clear when I hook directly to the TV antenna port. Asked for them to send another Orby box and they refused. Said many people have issues when they self install. Told them the once again how it was installed per their instructions using their supplied equipment and how I can get it to work just fine by not running TV signal through the box. At this point my only choice is to return the system for a refund or run a new separate RG6 cable from the TV antenna directly to my TV antenna port. Just like Groundhog Day. Very poor almost non-existent customer service. I would not recommend.

3 years ago

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Pat ,

I bought dvr and receiver fro Best Buy. I purchased dish from Orby. Tried to install but would not show signal on tv screen. Then wouldn’t show but black screen on tv. Yes called and asked to pay for installation then they tell me they have no one in my area to install. When a week before they said they didn’t have anyone to install. I can’t return the dish bc I opened the box. No refund. I had to argue about a refund on the $44 for monthly charge that I won’t be using. The dvr and receiver did look and feel awfully cheap. Mickey mouse . Disappointed in equipment and no service. One rep I spoke to couldn’t speak English very well and her kids were screaming in the background. What a crappy company! I do not recommend!

3 years ago

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Mike ,

I would give Orby TV a "Zero Stars" if I could. My wife and I thought it would be a halfway decent substitute for Dish or DirectTV in light of the fact that they cost a small fortune and we were willing to put up with a few distractions to get out from underneath the bills of the big satellite companies. I am now to the point after dealing with lack-luster customer service, inferior products, and service people that show up and don't have the equipment they need and tell me they are filling in and don't know anything about Orby. So in the spirit of David Letterman and to help me deal with my extreme anger and disgust, here is the Top 10 Reasons NOT to get Orby TV: 10) The equipment seems to be sub-standard. The receivers seem to like to lock up or do or silly things here and there. 9) The "professional" installation is hit and miss. The initial guy that did our install was a super nice guy and did a great job. Since then we have had them come out two more times and with the guy the last time showing up and not having all the tools he needed, a signal meter that the batteries were dead on so I had to yell the signal strength thru the kitchen window to him and he adjusted the dish, and in the end, he left us with one of our receivers still not working saying he would put it in the OrbyTV notes that it didn't work. I had to help him find menus in the software because he didn't know Orby. 8) Continuing with #9. The receiver was out of the 1 year warranty (our second one that failed) and so my wife bought a new one at BestBuy. I hooked it up and it did the same thing as the other one. I hooked the HDMI cable to another port on the TV and it worked. We shudder to think that the service guy couldn't figure out to try that, AND that Orby told her to throw the other one away, AND that the one that was thrown away probably was okay and just needed to be switched to another port. But that goes hand in had with the fact that the transponder had failed. I had to suggest to him that I thought it had failed so he finally put a new one on. Things started to work but he still had to play around with things. After he had finished, he said he was going to clean things up and leave. Suddenly the TV quite working. I went out to ask him if he had done something and he said he had taken the transponder off because he had thought that wasn't the problem. I asked him to please reinstall it. 7) If you get heavy clouds/weather, or particulates in the air, the satellite signal disappears, and I don't mean like in the usual way. After having Dish and DirectTV and currently having Hughes internet, I can tell you their signal strength is inferior an drops easier than everything else I have had. 6) The software for the receivers seems to be glitchy. We've had the our DVR lock up on the list screen for recorded shows twice now. The first time I unplugged the system and let it sit a bit and it worked after I plugged it back in. This time it didn't work and after an hour on the phone with a service person, they couldn't get it to reset either. You can't search for shows. If you try to just back up to see something that was just on live TV, it quite often stalls out the system and about half the time you end up doing a restart. 5) Speaking of software, the DVR doesn't even know that it has already recorded the same show over and over if you have it setup to record a series and you end up filling you DVR up with shows that you had previously watched. It will just record them over and over and you either cancel the series or you have to edit them out as you go. Never had that problem with the others. 4) Customer service. Ha. They are always very nice and say they are trying to help but usually don't. They more often than not end up saying I am really sorry but we will have to charge you $70 for a service call. Or as we have had happen twice now, sounds like your unit is bad and sorry but it is out of it's one year warranty and you will just have to buy another one. (Just had a thought...maybe when you buy a receiver from BestBuy, get a 3 year warranty on the unit.... hhhmmm) 3) Your local channels that they claim you will get, won't necessarily come thru even if you got them with a regular antenna before. I have a 60 foot tower that allows me to get signals thru the air but they didn't want to use that and they mount it on top of the satellite dish which was mounted to the fence. 2) Customer service really isn't. Yes, it is mentioned twice. And...the Number One reason to not get OrbyTV.... drum roll.... que Paul Shaefer on the side... They just seem to be a low budget operation. They try to be a low cost alternative to Dish and DirectTV but in the process, they have low quality customer service, low quality equipment, apparently are willing to charge you $70 for a service call to send someone that doesn't know what they are doing. And the list goes on and on.... Needless to say.... I am ready to get rid of them. Just read the fine print... you might save some money in the long run but I really can't say it is worth the frustration.

3 years ago

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Dawn Sumner Bristol, VT

Not a good company to deal with in VT. They told me when I made my purchase of the antennas and requested an install that it would be a few weeks, that was early August. Here we are almost mid October and still nothing, contacted Orby several times and got the “we are looking for installers in your area” story when originally they told me they have traveling installers that’s why it would be a few weeks. Contacted Best Buy tonight and informed them they shouldn’t sell products that companies have no intention of installing and was told by their agent they could help 7 agents and an hour later I was told they couldn’t help because they aren’t contracted with Orby to do install. Now I’m sitting on several hundred dollars worth of worthless equipment. Do Not Purchase if you live in VT unless you know how to install it yourself and if you do they don’t guarantee their equipment.

3 years ago

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MG Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Buyer beware. Service is cumbersome and reminds me of when DirecTv first started. They have a VERY LONG way to go before they are competitive with other services. Can’t filter out the channels with “No Program Information”, the remote is not lighted and feels up-side down. If you want to record a program series that airs at multiple times, it records a ALLLLL airings. ABC and CBS airs the evening new at 3 times. There are no program descriptions until the program is selected. If the program is a week away, you must hold down the arrow button and scroll through ALLLLLL the time slots to get to that future date/time. There is nothing I would recommend about this “Service” . . . except that it’s a cheap alternative to cable/satellite. After 4 months of frustration, I am done with it.

3 years ago

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Shirley North Richland Hills, TX

I ordered Orby and paid close to $500.00 due to having 3 TV's. When the installer got here, he barely spoke English so I had a difficult time understanding him. Then he informed me that he had to charge an additional $90.00 because I have a metal roof and another $40.00 due to having to run another internet line. I called Orby office to discuss and cancelled the installation. Advised them they need to ask about a metal roof and inform customers that there may be additional charges once the installer assessed the situation. She told me I did not tell them I had a metal roof. Actually I did not know I had to and I am sure there are other people who have metal roofs on their homes. Still not sure what the other internet line was for. In any event, I cancelled the entire thing and I received a full refund within 3 days. Guess I am stuck with Spectrum who, by the way, has raised my bill from $149.00 to $256 a month within 2 years with no changes to the service ordered initially. Buyer beware is a good motto!!

4 years ago

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Kevin Greene Decatur, AL

Great service at a great price! Knowledgeable installer performed quick installation. Replacing Directv after 15 years and could not be happier with service and price!

4 years ago

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John Redfield Fort Worth, TX

System worked for two days after installation then repetitive no signal message appeared for both local and sattellite . Made three appointments for service tech never showed up. Returned receiver to Best Buy for refund. Called OrbyTV was told they don't refund even though I couldn't receive service and they couldn't get anyone to fix the system. I live in Fort Worth, TX so it's not like I live where it's hard to obtain service techs. Customer service people sounded like they reading off a script every reply ended with sorry for your inconveniece. They did offer me the phone number for the installation company (who they no longer use) I have not yet been able to reach anything but a recording, I am trying to reach them for a refund on the installation. Don't know of many companies that survive when they sell something and don't deliver and refuse to make it right.

4 years ago

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Rose Graves Collinsville, TX

Installed for not even 2 weeks and had called Orby 3Xs to get signal fixed and since day one the service has not worked right at all. Technician came out once and could find no issues. Called again and they were going to "send a satellite signal" to fix the issue. Now since day one only few channels came in and that was scrambled. Now no signal whatsoever. No local channels at all. Called to ask for refund and was told they don't refund installation or the one month service we had paid in advance for service we never got. I think it's a Rip Off and Do Not Recommend Orby TV. Customer service was awful as well.

4 years ago

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Scott Conway, AR

Poor customer service after they have your money for equipment. Plan on being on hold for 20mins + for any issues. Installer never showed up had the appointment over a week of course had to take off work for the morning 8am-12pm appointment When I called Orby they wouldn't address it and sent me to the installtion company. Once I finally talked to the dispatcher she said the installer would be here between 1pm-2pm No courtesy call saying they would be late. We'll needless to say they never showed up. When I called Orby customer service all they wanted to do is reschedule the install for another time so that would be another day off work. Orby not worth the headache. I figure it's just a sign on how poor their service would be. I've asked for a full refund of my $250.00 hopefully I'll get it

4 years ago

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Michael T Hendrickson Long Bottom, OH

Let's start with the DVR, it's junk. Would not show advanced programing, recorded under wrong program name, if you extended the length of your recording it would cancel the next program. I could go on and on but the bottom line is it was junk. I expected some lack of service because you get what you pay for but this was too much. The dish stopped working after 2 weeks of installation. The service tech took 2 hours trying to get it to work. It took 3 days to get him out here and why I don't know because he said he was doing nothing those two days. Orby needs to have better equipment available to purchase and have better service personnel hours. I went back to DirecTV and kept the Orby DVR for some local channels I can't get with Direct. Bummer...

4 years ago

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Debbie New Port Richey, FL

We decided to try Orby, since we were not sure about this company we decided to rent instead of buying the receivers. The second morning we tried to turn the receiver on it didn’t work. We unplugged and reset to get it back on. Same problem the next day. I called orby , explained the problem ( a few times). They told me to send the bad receiver back, when they receive it they will then send out a replacement. It took a week to get the first receiver so we were looking at at least 2 weeks without a TV. They would not bend and even suggested we unplug the box in the bedroom and move back and forth. At this point we decided Orby was not for us. I told them to turn off and send me the instructions on how to return. After spending around $85.00, I was told I would only receive $25.00 back. Several weeks passed after returning and no refund. I called today to ask about the refund and was told they have no record of receiving the receivers. Please don’t waste your time or money on this company, they are very unprofessional and customer service is of no help!!

4 years ago

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Someone Muscatine, IA

No signal is coming from the satellite. Used the recommended V8 finder and it cannot detect any signals. Orby was no help in the matter. Orby customer service told me to pay a satellite installer to figure it out. Already paid 250 dollars for box, satellite and two months of service without ever getting past the setup screen. If any issues do arise, you will have no help from orby tv. Removing satellite and box from the home and throwing it away. My fault for not researching and OrbyTv's fault for being like all the other money hungry companies that put the Dollar above all customers. Put in the research time before you buy.

4 years ago

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Amanda Bristow, OK

I am only giving 1 star because that is the minimum. This company is AWFUL and I do not recommend them. I purchased the Orby system off their online site and after taking 4 weeks to finally get someone out to install it, it worked for 8 hours and then quit. I called Orby and they scheduled to have a repair man come out but that was another 3 weeks. I asked about a refund and was told because I purchased online and not over the phone then they could not honor the refund. They also wouldn't give me my $44 fee back for the month of service I had for 8 hours. I told them to remove me from automatic payments until it got fixed and they said they did but I was charged again. After 3 attempts I finally received that $44 back into my account. The repair man told me that he thought they sent me a faulty box and have them replace it - I did and the repair man came back out and it still wouldn't work. I paid $200 for the DVR box and $150 to have it installed and it still does not work and they will not return my money. This company is very shady - please do your research before you purchase anything from them.

4 years ago

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Steve East Moline, IL

The tv is fine but the installation company is a nightmare. It took me 3 weeks to get hooked up in the first location and they called to cancel 1 hour before installation. Now that I am trying to get a second location done it’s another 3 weeks out and a major runaround.

4 years ago

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Terence Poole Tempe, AZ

I’ve had Orby TV for just over one month and have had problems with the DVR since day one. I can’t completely record a single program. The end of the program is cut off on each recording. The DVR will not recognize the 10 minute extension. Most of the satellite programs will not record at all. Just get a message stating “unauthorized content “ despite the fact that I’m paying for them. I’ve disconnected the box from the power, the antenna cable, I’ve reset the box to no avail. Three emails to customer support remain unanswered. Finally got hold of customer support on the phone. After explaining everything they suggested I do it all over again or send the box back to them for analysis. Nothing works, they will not just replace the box. I’m done with Orby TV. Heaven help anyone who has a problem. Would I recommend this company to family, friends or even a complete stranger? Most definitely not. For a start up company you would think they would be all over customer support but they are not.

4 years ago

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Kevin K Moscow, ID

I scheduled a installation last fri. Installer no show no call. I called Orby very pleasant assured me Installer would call, didn’t happen. Called Orby next day, again super polite. Assured me they had contacted the supervisor of the installer and that he or she would call me, nope, not a call. Not impressed. In their defense they use 3rd party installers, however they are representatives of Orby. Having second thoughts about giving up Rectum, I mean Spectrum.

4 years ago

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Rob ,

Bought two recievers and Dish ect Paid them to install it. Worked for two months stopped said no signal end of October called, they said sorry we dont have service techs in your area so i said then i need refund for equipment i bought they said no you have had it more then 30 days. So $550 for two months for service and equipment Stay away from Orby!!!

3 years ago

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tech Ventura, CA

Orby tv is cheap in all ways. You get what you pay for is true here. There are more commercials on ORBY than on public broad cast TV. I calculated 20 minutes of commercials in a typical hour of vewing. Tech support is 8-5 PST, if the equipment you purchase goes bad like mine did in the first 30 days you will pay an $80 dollar tech visit fee to confirm the equipment has failed. The good thing is no contact so i can terminate at anytime., only if you purchase your equipment in advance.

3 years ago

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John Zaugg Commerce City, CO

I have ORBY TV and it stinks because they have streaming text on the TV screen which is disgusting, annoying and impossible to read. And you cannot turn it OFF. May6be I will change TV service????

3 years ago

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pamela Newland, NC

order orby tv suppose to be install on dec 23 between 12-5 got a call at 1:23pm on dec 23 to cancel appointment made an appointment for dec 27 no show no call so i called 1-800 # and they did not have me down for dec 27 . wanted to reschedule appointment so i asked if they would give me a discount since all of this has happened. more less stated that i must have misunderstood so asked for a refund

4 years ago

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Mark Dargis Alton, IL

We were satisfied with Orby TV for the 8 months we had it. But this morning the screen is black and the website says they closed their doors. I’m glad I didn’t work for them. I’m sure the people there found out this morning when they tried showing up for work. Jeeeez

3 years ago

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Stacy Pioneer, OH

I'm not a fan of orbyTV. On a star rating I would rate Orby TV a two. It has too many commercials. And I could not receive any of the local channels that was promised. I would not recommend Orby TV.

3 years ago

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Alfreda Days Topeka, KS

Hello My Name Is Freda I Looked Into Orby TV It's A Big Joke 40 .00 Dollar's There Just Like The Cable Company Way Too Many Hidden Fee's The Equipment Is At Best Buy Or You Buy From The Company And It's Overpriced It's Cheaper To Stream Or Just Get Hulu 👎👎👎👎👎

3 years ago