HomeSat Announcement FAQs

Thank you for your responses to the announcement about BJ HomeSat. We are heartened by not only your loyalty but also by your understanding. We are considering many suggestions and will keep you informed of new developments as we can.

What is HomeSat?

HomeSat is the name of the satellite delivery method for BJU Press Distance Learning. Other major delivery methods for Distance Learning include the DVD and Hard Drive options.

Is BJU Press discontinuing HomeSat?

Yes, but we will continue to provide top-quality Distance Learning by DVD and Hard Drive.

Will BJU Press still be providing Distance Learning to homeschool families?

Absolutely! Our teachers and staff are dedicated to producing the best in Distance Learning, and we will continue to produce new video classes for DVD and Hard Drive.

Why is the satellite program being ended?

The fast pace of our society and the rapid progress of educational technology have made satellite systems less viable for many families. Fewer and fewer of our customers are choosing this Distance Learning option. And the cost to broadcast via satellite is enormously expensive. Thus we’ve decided to discontinue our satellite option in favor of other convenient distance learning solutions.

When will HomeSat stop broadcasting?

After the end of the spring semester 2009, our Distance Learning classes will no longer be broadcast via satellite.

Can I still record HomeSat classes?

Until the end of the spring semester 2009, please feel free to record all the classes you need. You may keep these recordings indefinitely as long as you continue paying the regular subscription fee.

Do I have to pay to use the HomeSat recordings that I have?

We ask that you continue paying the regular fee of $49.99 a month as long as you use the recordings that you have.

Will the monthly subscription fee ever change?

No. We have permanently fixed the price at $49.99 a month. That will not change as long as we have customers using our HomeSat recordings.

How is BJU Press supporting its customers during this transition?

Until the end of the spring semester 2009, please feel free to record all the classes you need. You may keep these recordings indefinitely as long as you continue paying the regular subscription fee. These fees will remain fixed at $49.99 a month.

If you would prefer to move from the satellite program to the DVD option, we will give you a one-time 30% discount when you order a full-grade DVD Distance Learning package now through May 31, 2009.

What other options do I have for my homeschool?

Our DVDs are very easy to use; you can play them in your DVD player at home. All your child has to do is select the lesson he wants to watch from the menu and press play.

If you have a home computer, you might want to try the Hard Drive. It’s very compact—about the size of a videotape—and it contains all the Distance Learning classes for every subject in the desired grade level. Simply hook it up to your computer’s USB port, install the Distance Learning player, and use the menu to select a subject and a lesson.

Are there any discounts available for HomeSat subscribers?

If you are a current HomeSat subscriber, we will give you a one-time 30% discount when you order a full-grade DVD Distance Learning package now through May 31, 2009.

Where can I go to purchase DVD or Hard Drive Distance Learning?

Visit our Distance Learning Options page or call our Customer Service at 1.800.845.5731.

When I purchase Distance Learning on DVD or Hard Drive, can I buy my textbooks elsewhere?

The DVD and Hard Drive classes come with all essential textbooks.

Can I still subscribe to the satellite program?

From now to the end of the spring semester 2009, anyone can subscribe to the satellite program at the regular price and record all the content he needs. This offer is open as long as equipment supplies last.

After the spring semester 2009, do I need to register for classes if I decide to continue using my recordings?

No. After the end of the spring semester 2009 there will be no class registrations.

What if one of my recordings is defective? Will I be able to purchase make up lessons after the end of the spring semester 2009?

No. There will be no support in the form of make-up lessons after the end of the spring semester 2009. We highly recommend that you check your recordings immediately to insure that they are usable.

What should I do with my hardware (dish, receiver, etc.) after the end of the spring semester 2009?

Satellite hardware is a purchased item, and is yours to do with as you wish.

Are you supporting satellite customers with 30% off the Hard Drive package also?

No. The 30% discount is a one-time discount off a DVD package only.

I just signed up for HomeSat. Can I return my equipment and sign up for the DVD program?

Yes. As the HomeSat agreement says, you have 30 days to return your equipment.

Why can't I keep the recordings without paying the monthly fee?

The content of the programming is copyrighted intellectual property which BJU Press leases through contract.

Why, if the satellite broadcast is discontinued, do I need to keep paying monthly subscription fees?

The subscription fees cover other costs than the satellite broadcasting. BJU Press has for several years been heavily subsidizing the satellite delivery.

Do I have to pay registration fees?

If you want to take advantage of the additional support available this year, then registration fees are required.

Will there be any broadcasting from BJ HomeSat after May 31, 2009?

No. We encourage you to record all classes and extra programming you need by May 31, 2009.

If I bought BJ HomeSat more than thirty days ago, can I still return the equipment?

Please call our customer service to discuss options.