Orby TV is a relatively recent entrant into the satellite TV marketplace, which launched in 2019 as a competitor to providers like Dish Network and DIRECTV. The Orby TV service is aimed at people who can’t afford or don’t have access to high-speed internet, which is typically required to subscribe to live streaming services.
Orby TV subscribers don’t have to enter into a contract, which distinguishes it from cable providers that often require users to enter long-term, expensive deals. They then pay a monthly fee and are free to cancel at any point. Orby TV customers also don’t require an internet connection to watch the service as it relies on digital satellite signals. However, they will have to purchase equipment before they can set the service up and start watching it.
This article will explore the channels and packages available through Orby TV, as well as provide information about the pricing of the service.
How does Orby work?
Rather than requiring an internet connection, Orby TV relies on digital satellite TV and audio transmissions. To access this, customers need to invest in several pieces of starting equipment, including an outdoor antenna, a receiver, and an Orby TV dish.
The equipment is available from Orby TV directly, and the provider can also install the antenna and dish for customers. Once the equipment is set up, customers use a remote control to power the receiver and gain access to local and satellite channels through an on-screen Orby TV guide.
As Orby TV relies on a satellite signal, its performance can be affected by several mitigating circumstances. For example, the provider advises customers to place the satellite dish in a location that offers a clear view to the south. While trees, other obstructions, and severe weather could affect or block their signal level.
Orby TV is likely to be compatible in homes that have or are next door to a house that has an existing satellite dish. It can also be installed in apartments or condo complexes, but this will often require special permission.
How much does Orby TV cost?
Orby TV packages give subscribers two options to choose from. Its base plan Orby Essentials costs $40/mo., and its premium offering Orby Extras costs $50/mo.
However, customers also need to purchase equipment and get it installed before they start watching the service. Orby TV charges $150 for its service technicians to install the outdoor antenna and satellite dish and wire them into one room in the house. Adding additional locations around the house costs an extra $50 per room.
Orby TV customers also have to purchase the receiver they watch the service through. A standard receiver costs $100, and a Digital Video Recorder (DVR)-capable receiver is $200. They must also have a receiver for every room they want to watch Orby TV in.
As a result, a new Orby TV customer will pay a minimum of $250 to get a receiver and connect it to their antenna and dish. The service does provide self-installation kits but strongly recommends that new customers take advantage of their professional service.
How do the Orby TV packages compare?
| Orby TV Essentials | Orby TV Extras | |
| Monthly price | $40 | $50 |
| Number of channels | 44 | 68 |
| Popular channels | A&ECNNDiscoveryHistory ChannelMTVParamount NetworkTurner Classic Movies | BoomerangCrime + InvestigationDestination AmericaDIY NetworkMTV ClassicCNN International |
What channels does Orby TV include?
The Orby TV channel list includes a wide range of networks covering entertainment and lifestyle, as well as a few news options.
The standard Orby TV Essentials plan ($40/mo.) gives customers a choice of 44 live channels. This includes popular entertainment channels like A&E, AMC, BET, Comedy Central, Discovery, Food Network, Hallmark Channel, History Channel, Viceland, and VH1. The package includes entertainment for all the family with Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr. and NickTeen. The base plan provides a decent choice of movies on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, Lifetime Movies, Paramount Network, Sundance TV, and Turner Classic Movies. It also offers several news channels, including BBC America, CNN, and C-SPAN.
Upgrading to the Orby TV Extras ($50/mo.) adds a further 24 live channels. This includes four further BET channels, Boomerang, Cooking Channel, Crime + Investigation, CNN en Espanol and CNN International, three additional Discovery channels, DIY Network, and MTV Classic.
Sports networks aren’t available on Orby TV channel packages. That means Orby TV ESPN is not an option, while customers also won’t be able to access local sports games or nationally broadcasted games through the service.
What add-ons for premium channels and extras does Orby TV have?
Orby TV customers can add several premium channels to their subscription. This includes movies and TV shows with Cinemax, which includes four live channels, 5 Star Max, Action Max, Cinemax, and More Max, for $12/mo. Cinemax’s movie lineup includes popular films like Rush, Shaun of the Dead, Shutter Island, and The Thing.
A good add-on option for movie lovers is Epix, which offers four live channels, Epix, Epix 2, Epix Drive-In, and Epix Hits, for $6/mo. Epix is home to recent movie releases like After Darkness, Pet Sematary, Rocket Man, and Terminator: Dark Fate, as well as plenty of classic films.
Orby TV lets subscribers add HBO programming. The HBO add-on HBO features four channels, HBO, HBO 2, HBO Comedy, and HBO Signature, for $18/mo. This enables viewers to catch the latest original HBO content, as well as award-winning shows like Game of Thrones, The Sopranos, and The Wire.
Another add-on option is STARZ, which enables customers to tune into four live channels, Starz, Starz Comedy, Starz Encore, and Starz Encore Westerns, for $9/mo. These channels offer plenty of movies like Black Hawk Down, Looper, Moneyball, Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, and The Shawshank Redemption. They’re also home to STARZ’s original TV series such as American Gods, Black Sails, Dublin Murders, and Outlander, as well as popular shows like Friday Night Lights, Miami Vice, and Spartacus.
What about local networks on Orby TV?
Orby TV customers can access local channels through the service. Local networks like ABC, CBS, and FOX can be picked up through the outdoor antenna, but availability is dependent on the customer’s location.
It’s also possible to access local networks by incorporating an external antenna like Tablo DVR or HDHomeRun. These digital TV antennas pick up free HDTV broadcasts, which enable people to watch local channels, news, and sports.
Are there commercials on Orby TV or is it ad-free?
Orby TV does have commercials. The service broadcasts the same channels as regular cable channels, which means that any channel that is regularly supported by ads will also carry the same commercials on Orby TV.
Can I DVR my shows or watch on-demand content on Orby TV?
Recording live channels on Orby TV is reliant on having a receiver that supports cloud DVR recording. An Orby TV receiver with a cloud DVR costs $200, which is double the price of a regular receiver that doesn’t enable recording.
Orby TV doesn’t provide on-demand content, but subscribers can purchase add-on premium channels like Cinemax ($12/mo.), Epix ($6/mo.), HBO ($18/mo.), and STARZ ($9/mo.)
Should you cut the cord for Orby TV?
Orby TV offers cord-cutters a significant discount on cable services, which tend to be expensive and tie customers into long-term contracts. It provides a different option to the many live streaming services and traditional cable providers. Rather than the high-speed internet connections that streaming services rely on, Orby TV uses a digital satellite signal. This makes it ideal for people who can’t afford or don’t have access to high-speed internet services.
Orby TV provides a good range of entertainment and lifestyle viewing, with between 44 and 68 live channels. That’s on par with popular live streaming services like fuboTV ($59.99/mo.), Hulu + Live TV ($54.99/mo.), Sling TV ($30/mo. to $45/mo.), and YouTube TV ($64.99/mo.) It also adds a good choice of premium add-on entertainment channels from as little as an additional $6/mo. for Epix and up to $18/mo. for HBO.
However, an important factor to consider before signing up for Orby TV is that the service is reliant on subscribers having the equipment required to access it. This includes an Orby TV antenna, dish, and receiver, which demands a minimum $250 up-front setup fee.
The service is a great option for people who are willing to pay that installation fee, as it offers a more affordable alternative to the live channels they are accustomed to watching on cable TV. It’s also a great option for anyone who doesn’t want to commit to long-term cable contracts, as Orby TV can be canceled at any time.
Orby TV plans begin at $40/mo. For the Orby TV Essentials package. Its premium plan, the Orby TV Extras package, costs $50/mo. For more information about the service, how to get hold of equipment and get it installed, and its availability, dial the Orby TV customer service number.