Frequently Asked Questions about
AT&T U-verse Service
These days, most people have a good understanding of traditional TV, radio, local and long distance phone service, and Internet service. However, when you consider replacing your existing services with U-verse, many of the questions you may have about Internet, phone, and TV service can become tricky.
Below is a guide containing frequently asked questions and answers regarding AT&T U-verse service and its features.
AT&T U-verse FAQs
Below are some of the most frequent questions about AT&T U-verse TV, Internet, and Voice (phone service), with the appropriate answers:
AT&T U-verse General
My Screen Message says "SIGNAL TEMPORARILY NOT AVAILABLE"
What is common terminology for AT&T U-verse?
AT&T U-verse TV
How can I switch from Standard to Widescreen TV Settings?
Can I use High Definition (HD) TV with AT&T U-verse TV?
How do I access recorded shows from other TVs using Total Home DVR?
AT&T U-verse High Speed Internet
What is the fastest AT&T U-verse High Speed Internet plan?
AT&T U-verse Voice
Can I use a regular fax machine with the AT&T U-verse Voice service?
My Screen Message reads "SIGNAL TEMPORARILY NOT AVAILABLE"
If your screen is displaying the message: "SIGNAL TEMPORARILY NOT AVAILABLE":
- Try changing the channel to see if the problem is only with that one channel.
- If the message appears on more than one channel, there is a problem with the signal.
- Call AT&T for technical assistance.
What is common terminology for AT&T U-verse?
Key terminology for your AT&T U-verse TV:
- Aspect ratio: The relationship of your TV screen’s width to its height. For example, a standard TV size of 4:3 means 4 inches of width for every 3 inches of height.
- HDTV: High-Definition television is the newest standard when it comes to television viewing. HD TV showcases programming and content filmed in High Definition; almost every program in prime-time on ABC, CBS, and NBC is in HD. HD TV offers spectacularly beautiful picture quality and sound, creating a theater-like experience in your home.
- Pixel: Commonly referred to as picture element, pixels are tiny dots that convey light and combine to form a video picture on your TV.
- Resolution: The number of vertical pixels viewable onscreen. The higher the better for picture definition. (HDTV can contain 720 or 1080 vertical pixels; standard is 480.)
- TV programs: AT&T U-verse TV programming is delivered to your home as streams of data that allow viewing or recording of up to four programs simultaneously.
- TV signal: A standard TV signal is comprised of 486 visible lines, while a High-Definition signal is comprised of up to 1080 visible lines. While simple math would indicate that an HD signal is slightly more than twice as sharp, due to the way the eye perceives the amount of lines, an HD signal actually results in a picture up to 6 times sharper than the same image sent with a standard definition signal.
U-verse bills can be paid:
- Online
Online payments allow the Primary Account holder to securely pay AT&T U-verse bills online using a credit/debit card (American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa) or a checking or savings account. You can still receive a paper bill or choose paperless billing. This service is free to use through AT&T web site. However, you are responsible for any fees that may be charged by your bank. You may also pay at your bank, credit union, or another web site such as CheckFree; however, they may charge a fee. To pay at AT&T web site, log in to AT&T U-verse Central, select Account, then select Payments. - Automatically
AT&T offers two free services that allow you to pay U-verse bill automatically each month:- The AT&T Direct Payment service allows you to authorize your bank, credit union or financial institution to automatically debit your savings or checking account to pay your monthly AT&T U-verse charges - if your credit status allows.
- The AT&T EasyCharge service allows you to authorize your credit/debit card (American Express, Discover, MasterCard or Visa) to pay your monthly AT&T U-verse charges.
To set up automatic payments at AT&T web site, log in to AT&T U-verse Central, select Account, then select Payments.
- Over the phone
(Note: Not currently available to former BellSouth customers)
Paying your bill over the phone is easy. For fastest service, use AT&T's automated system. Call 1-800-288-2020, provide your nine-digit Billing Account Number, say "Pay Bill" then follow the prompts. Be sure to have a copy of your bill, along with your credit card or checking account information handy. You will be provided with a confirmation number for your records. You may also contact a customer service representative at the phone number displayed on your bill. - By Credit/Debit Card
The AT&T EasyCharge service allows you to set up regular, monthly, automatic payments using an American Express, Discover, MasterCard or Visa credit/debit card. Online payments allow you to securely pay your bill online each month using your credit/debit card (American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa). You can still receive a paper bill or use paperless billing. To pay at AT&T's web site, log in to AT&T U-verse Central, select Account, then select Payments. - By Mail
Mail your payment to:
Attn: AT&T U-verse
P.O. Box 5014
Carol Stream, IL 60197-5014
Remember to return the first page of the bill with your payment and write your account number on the check. Do NOT send cash. - In Person
You may pay your bill in person at one of AT&T's authorized payment locations. To find an authorized payment location near you, log in to AT&T U-verse Central, select Account, select Payments, then select Ways to Pay. The payment service will provide you with the following information about each authorized payment location near you: - Name
- Address
- Hours of operation
- Transaction charges and fees assessed
Credit card payments are not accepted at payment locations. If paying by check, bring a photo ID as proof of identity. Bring a page from your current bill to ensure your account is credited properly. Participating businesses cannot guarantee that they will be able to accept payments at the time of your visit. Payment locations are only available in AT&T service areas. Customers outside of AT&T service area should make their payments according to the instructions included in their bills.
How can I switch from Standard to Widescreen TV Settings?
Follow these three easy steps to change your U-verse TV settings from Standard to Widescreen:
- Press Menu, select Options, and then System Settings, and then aspect ratio.
- Use the arrows to select 4:3 standard definition, widescreen standard definition, 720p High Definition, or 1080i High Definition and press OK.
- Use the arrows to select continue and press OK.
Can I use High Definition (HD) TV with AT&T U-verse TV?
Yes, you can use High Definition (HD) TV with AT&T U-verse TV! To view AT&T U-verse TV in HD, you must subscribe to AT&T U-verse TV High Definition service (additional fees apply), and you must have a 720p, 1080i, or 1080p capable HD TV.
Please note that Extended Definition TVs (EDTV) will not deliver an HDTV viewing experience.
How do I access recorded shows from other TVs using Total Home DVR?
Just press the Recorded TV button on your remote control. Every connected TV has access to the same master menu of recordings. You can stop, rewind, fast forward, replay or skip recorded programs on any TV in the house.
What is the fastest AT&T U-verse High Speed Internet plan?
The fastest AT&T U-verse High Speed Internet plan is U-verse Max Plus. Max Plus offers speed up to 18 Mbps.
AT&T U-verse Voice is a next generation voice communication service delivered over AT&T's world class IP network. AT&T U-verse Voice provides all of the traditional features you have come to expect, as well as crystal-clear quality. Features include dynamic voicemail as well as powerful advanced features that put you in control, such as Locate Me, U-verse Messaging, Call History, Click to Call, U-verse Caller ID, and Do Not Disturb.
It's easy to switch your current phone service to AT&T U-verse Voice. In most cases, you are able to keep your current telephone number(s) and telephones. In addition, you may order up to two AT&T U-verse Voice lines in your home. When you order AT&T Voice, a professional AT&T installer will come to your home to install AT&T U-verse phone service. Check U-verse availability in your area with our U-verse Availability tool.
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* Please note: Rotary and pulse phones are not supported on AT&T U-verse Voice.
Can I use a regular fax machine with the AT&T U-verse Voice service?
Yes. This service works with most fax machines when connected to the AT&T gateway In order to use a fax machine with your U-verse phone service, you need to ensure that the fax LINE connector is connected to the gateway, rather than the PHONE connector. These connectors are usually marked Line and Phone or "L" and "P", or are designated by use of small icons.
Find out if U-verse is available in your area with this U-verse Availability tool.