Without explanation, Orby TV last week removed all content from its web site except for a single line saying it was no longer doing customer activations. But this afternoon, the satellite TV service has returned the content to its site although it’s unclear if it’s taking orders again.
Update: Orby TV Goes Out of Business
The satcaster has not provided any explanation as to why the web site looks the way it did last Tuesday before everything was removed except the one line regarding customer activations. However, while OrbyTV.com again calls on site visitors to sign up for its service, a random eligibility check of several addresses in different states suggests it’s no longer offering professional installation. Some Orby TV customers have noted on social media that the company doesn’t appear to be selling self-installation kits, either.
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In addition, its customer service line (877-672-9881) still carries a recorded message saying it’s not doing new customer activations, and its Facebook and YouTube pages remain empty.
Orby TV, which was launched in 2019 as a low-cost alternative to DIRECTV and Dish, has not explained why it emptied its web site last Tuesday nor why it removed all content from its YouTube and Facebook pages. Michael Thornton, the former Starz executive who serves as Orby TV’s CEO, has been unavailable for comment and other company executives have also not responded to inquiries from the TV Answer Man, or other publications.
An industry official who once worked with Orby TV told the TV Answer Man today before the web site was changed back that he is not aware of the company’s status.
Despite the uncertainty over the company’s future, some Orby TV subscribers have posted messages on social media sites saying they are still receiving programming as of today.
Orby TV, which has been available in every state but Alaska and Hawaii, started in 2019 as a response to the escalating cost of cable and satellite television. Orby’s monthly cost is $40 for its base package, which is considerably less than DIRECTV and Dish. It’s unclear how many subscribers Orby TV has.
Like DIRECTV and Dish, Orby delivers signals to your home via a small satellite dish and receiver, which can be purchased at Best Buy. However, Best Buy today is not selling new Orby receivers, only one reduced-priced receiver on “clearance.” The TV Answer Man has asked two different Best Buy press representatives for a comment, but they have not responded.
The TV Answer Man will try to learn more about Orby’s status and report back when we get more information.
Have a question about new TV technologies? Send it to The TV Answer Man at swann@tvpredictions.com. Please include your first name and hometown in your message.
— Phillip Swann
I would like to know if I have to do something else for our tv ben trying for 2 weeks if you can let me know thank you
I have been with Orby for a year and loved the service. The only thing I am getting on the orby tv site is the channel guide but no video. I have texted them numerous times with no response back. I even texted the better business bureau in Burbank California to see if they might know something- still waiting for a response. I am on autopay and cannot get hold of anyone at Orby to cancel my account. They took a payment out of my account on 02/09/2021 but no service. I wish I could help you. If you have anymore info I would love to have it. Good luck! Diane
The part I really don’t understand is the fact I have automatic withdrawal for payment and that was due eleven days ago without a payment going out. Still getting the service, but they don’t want my money?
Are you confirming that you do have service? Thanks! Diane
I still have service with them at the present time
Same here. . . They didn’t withdraw their payment at the beginning of this month but I have still had service all month. I wonder what will happen tomorrow though at the start of a new month.
I love Orby . . We live in a rural area without broadband access, out of cell service range and where over the air signals don reach well due to the terrain and distance. Getting anyone out from the two major TV providers was proving ridiculously difficult. Orby allowed self installation and as much programming as I needed for a good price. I recently purchased a second receiver as well, and more cables of course. We are really enjoying having tv again, especially for my disabled husband. Losing the service would be very upsetting, even more so after investing in all that equipment. I’m holding on to hope that this situation will be resolved and we can retain the Orby service.
What’s going on ? Can’t figure out how to pay the bill then I’m seeing all these comments about it going out of business
I have service today. Like others commenting here, Orby has been great for me. We don’t watch sports and liked the channels available and the price. I live in a rural area also and will miss them if they are done.
Mine went off at 2am this morning and still not on but they charged me money. What’s up?
https://tvanswerman.com/2021/03/01/satcaster-orby-tv-goes-out-of-business/
Of course they were planning this shutdown weeks before. Their subscription rates were for 12-18 months, and now their price goes up. But they didn’t get enough subscribers to stay. BUT they sold off most of their unsold equipment inventory, at the $50 per set top box at the very end. = Con game. They were planning this all along as an alternative.
As of midnight last night, March 1st, all I have is the guide and OTA channels. I can look at the guide and access my DVR, but no programming on any of the satelite channels. I just paid for all of this about 3 months ago. Love the service, but now what? I just paid all that money for an OTA antennae?
Have no service since November 2020, they say they have no tect. for my area, not a very reliable company, need to refund the purchase price of the equipment I purchased…
I agree. We are out in the country with no choices. Signed up with Orby last August and have been very happy with the service. So sad if they have closed. Back to crummy antenna service. Unreliable and we get few channels OTA.
I just want to know how to get my money back you take my money and you turn off service the following day that’s called theft return my money immediately!!! You never informed anyone what you were doing and as far as just making a deal with Dish how to take care of us that’s a joke they’re going to steal from his anyway it’s going to cost me more money to go with that company this is what this is a joke give me my money
I would have been willing to pay up to $50 for the service with DVR option. Looks like OTA (over the air) is the option I am going with. I will not pay $70+ to AT&T, Comcast, Direct or Dish for basically the same channels I had with Orby. I cancelled comcast when they hit $75 and had OTA for a few years until Orby started and I signed up with them. I was very pleased with Orby for the cost.
Turned on the TV yesterday and went to my recordings on my Orby‘s DVR and it says loading and none of my programs are there it says that I have 58% for and today it says 59% for so it’s still recording but I can’t get to any of the programs can you please suggest What I can do. I really loved your service wish you would come back this DVR was working perfectly now it is not everything else is working except for the list of programs that are or were recorded. Thank you
Phyllis Groff