Orby TV launched in 2019, with a mission to “bring transparency back to television.” Cord Cutters News recently talked to Orby TV CEO Michael Thornton, a former Starz executive, to learn more about how this service fills the gap between cable TV and streaming and who can benefit from the features it has to offer.
What is Orby TV?
Orby TV is a satellite TV service. It is not a streaming service and does not require an internet connection, which makes it an option for those in areas where people can’t access high speed internet required for streaming.
The company’s focus is offering an affordable, user friendly service. It gives users the traditional TV experience with a “value conscious price.”
What Makes Orby TV Different?
Orby TV is a satellite TV service but differs from other services in that it does not require a contract, so you can pause or cancel your service at any time. Orby TV also includes all taxes and fees in your base price, so you won’t be surprised by your monthly bill.
How Much Does Orby TV Cost?
The basic Essentials Package costs $40/month with no hidden fees and taxes.
When you sign up, you’ll also need to purchase equipment, including a satellite dish, an outdoor antenna, and a receiver for each room. Orby TV also offers a DVR service for $4/month.
Those costs can add up, but Orby TV frequently offers deals to bundle that equipment, including installation, for a much lower price.
For those interested in installing Orby TV, the company shared with CCN that it has safety protocols in place. Most installation takes place outside, and time spent inside is minimized. Homeowners don’t need to be in the room during installation but can choose to be in the room while social distancing.
What Channels Can I Watch on Orby TV?
With Orby TV, local channels are free. Even if you cancel your service, you’ll be able to access your local channels with your Orby TV equipment. “We want the customer to be happy,” Thornton explained. “We have flexibility and if pausing for a month makes sense, customers can do that.”
To find out which local channels are available in your area, enter your address on the Orby TV website.
Orby also offers the following premium channel add-ons.
HBO Pack $18/month
- HBO
- HBO 2
- HBO Signature
- HBO Comedy
Cinemax Pack $12/month
- Cinemax
- More Max
- Action Max
- 5 Star Max
Starz Pack $9/month
- Starz
- Starz Comedy
- Starz Encore
- Starz Encore Westerns
Epix Pack $6/month
- Epix
- Epix 2
- Epix Hits
- Epix Drive-In
Here’s the Essentials Package channel lineup:
- A&E
- AMC
- Animal Planet
- BBC America
- BET
- Cartoon Network
- CMT
- CNN
- Comedy Central
- CSPAN 1 & 2
- Discovery
- Food Network
- FYI
- HGTV
- History Channel
- HLN
- IFC
- Investigation Discovery
- Lifetime
- Lifetime Movie Network
- Motortrend
- MTV
- MTV2
- Newsmax
- Nick Jr.
- Nick Teen
- Nickelodeon
- OWN
- Paramount Network
- SCI
- Sundance TV
- TBS
- TLC
- TNT
- Travel Channel
- TruTv
- Turner Classic Movies
- TV Land
- VH1
- VICELAND
- We TV
Extras Package (Additional $10/month):
- American Heroes
- BBC World News
- BET Gospel
- BET Her
- BET Jams
- BET Soul
- Boomerang
- CNN en Español
- CNN International
- Cooking Channel
- Crime & Investigation
- Destination America
- Discovery en Español
- Discovery Family
- Discovery Life
- DIY Network
- Familia
- Great American Country
- History en Español
- Lifetime Real Women
- Logo
- Military History
- MTV Classic
- Nick Toons
Is Orby TV Right for Me?
This satellite TV service isn’t for everyone, including many cord cutters who likely won’t want to return to a satellite service.
The service also focuses on keeping prices down by being selective in the channels it adds, so this may not be the right service for serious sports fans. If you need access to all the leagues and all the games, Orby TV won’t be the solution. But, as Thornton points out, the solution “will be much more expensive.”
Visit the Orby TV website for more information and come back tomorrow for a deal for new customers.
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