FREQUENTLY ASKED
questions.

A central system is much easier to manage and maintain. Our systems can be managed remotely, reducing the need for frequent on-site technician visits. Since the system is centralized, troubleshooting is simpler and more efficient — focusing on one main system rather than individual cable boxes behind each TV. This saves time, reduces maintenance costs, and eliminates the headaches of per-room hardware failures.

Yes. Our centralized DIRECTV systems offer HD picture quality. Customers can choose resolutions from 480p up to 4K, depending on the capabilities of the TVs on-site. Most of our healthcare and senior living clients run full 1080p HD across every room from one central rack.

Cable TV delivers channels through physical coaxial or fiber-optic cables connected to a data center. Satellite TV uses a dish on your roof to wirelessly receive signals from an orbiting satellite — no physical cable connection required. For facilities, our centralized satellite system means one dish, one headend rack, and HD delivered to every room with no boxes behind each TV.

Yes. DIRECTV offers international programming in Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese), Filipino, Italian, Korean, Russian, Vietnamese, and more. These channels cover news, entertainment, sports, and culture. This is especially valuable for senior living and healthcare facilities with diverse resident populations.

Satellite TV doesn't rely on a physical cable connection to a data center, which reduces the margin for service disruptions. For facilities, our centralized satellite system means no individual cable boxes behind each TV — the entire setup lives in your main equipment closet, and each TV connects directly to that one centralized system. Fewer failure points, less maintenance, greater reliability.

Because you're paying for one central system instead of individual cable boxes for each TV. Equipment costs are dramatically lower, and programming rates at bulk facility pricing are generally far below what cable charges per room. Most facilities switching to Empire TV save 30–50% on their monthly TV costs from day one.

Absolutely. DIRECTV Stream is our bulk streaming solution built specifically for this. Each resident gets their own Gemini streaming device — works on any TV — with access to 90–160+ live channels plus Netflix, Max, Prime Video, and more. Residents can use their own personal streaming logins alongside the facility-provided DIRECTV Stream service. It works exactly like what they had at home.

Yes. On DIRECTV Stream plans, residents or tenants can add premium channels and streaming services directly to their own account — Max, Paramount+, Starz, Showtime, and more — without affecting the base facility plan. They manage their personal upgrades and billing themselves. You pay the base bulk rate; they pay for any upgrades they want.

No. There is no installation cost for a DIRECTV system through Empire TV. Our quoting process typically requires zero money down, and installation is provided at no additional charge. Your monthly fee covers the entire service — including unlimited remote maintenance, assistance, and repair of any parts and services under warranty.

Yes. Empire TV can provide a dedicated community channel similar to those found in hotels. Property managers can customize content, advertisements, dining menus, event schedules, and announcements through a cloud-based dashboard accessible from anywhere. No IT knowledge required — if you can update a Google Slides presentation, you can run your Community Channel.

Most installations are completed within 1–3 days depending on facility size. Our team coordinates the full transition from your current provider, and residents or guests typically experience minimal to zero interruption during the switchover. For urgent situations — like a provider going dark mid-transition — we have been known to get in a truck same-day.

You call us. We answer in under 11 seconds — live U.S.-based humans, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year including every holiday. We diagnose remotely when possible and dispatch for on-site emergencies as quickly as we can get there. That's not marketing — read our Burlington Health & Rehab case study for proof.

Yes. Empire TV specializes in multi-facility portfolio management. One account manager handles all your locations, one invoice covers everything, and one call resolves any issue across any facility. Several of our clients manage 35+ locations through Empire with zero involvement from their operations team.

Yes. Through Empire Telecom (our parent company), we provide managed internet, VoIP phone systems, SIP trunking, and PBX systems for healthcare facilities, hospitality, and businesses. Through ELINK (our sister company), we provide full per-unit managed internet, TV, and phone for multi-dwelling units, independent living communities, and CCRCs. One family of companies, one contact for everything.

Our agreements are structured around your facility's needs. We offer flexible terms — ask your account manager about our options during your free audit. Unlike cable companies, we don't lock you into punishing contracts with escalating rates. Our retention strategy is great service, not fine print.