Frequently Asked Questions

SYFY Channel FAQ

Can you get rid of that little logo in the corner?

No, but we try to make it as unobtrusive as possible. We want viewers to know where we are and who we are. If you've ever tried to watch cable in another town and have struggled to find your favorite channels, you know how important this feature is.

How can I find out about jobs, whether with the network or with SYFY.com?

All career opportunities are posted on the NBC Universal career site at nbcunicareers.com

How can I get in touch with my favorite actor from my favorite show?

The best way to contact your favorite actor is to send a letter or email care of the company that produces the show. Please keep in mind that shows are not actually made here but are initiated, created and executed by specific production companies. The best way to find out what company produces your show is to watch the credits.

How do I get SYFY?

We are aware of the few cable affiliates in the country that don't presently carry us and are doing everything we can to get them to do so. If your cable provider does not have SYFY, we encourage you to write them and ask them for it!

How do you pronounce SYFY?

It's pronounced just like "sci-fi" is.

I have a great idea for a show. How do I submit ideas?

SYFY does not accept unsolicited material. We only accept submissions/pitches from distributors, producers, agents, talent with representation, etc. This is to protect both the Channel and the individual with the idea.

I live on the west coast. Could you explain the West Coast Feed?

The West Coast feed is a separate feed of SYFY that runs according to Pacific Time. Before we had the feed, a show listed as airing at "9 p.m." ran at 9 p.m. only in the Eastern time zone, which meant that viewers in the Pacific time zone would see the show at 6 p.m. Now that the West Coast feed is in place, shows listed as 9 p.m. run at that time in both the Eastern and Pacific time zones. Please note that if you have DirecTV, the DISH NETWORK, or a c-band dish you will remain on the East Coast feed, as will certain digital cable subscribers. Also, not all of SYFY's Western cable affiliates may have the necessary equipment to utilize the new feed, so in those markets viewers will still see SYFY's East Coast broadcast. If you're not sure which feed you are receiving, please contact your local cable or satellite provider for details.

Is SYFY in stereo?

This is show- and movie-specific. It depends on whether or not a show or movie was delivered to SYFY in stereo or in mono. Some older shows were never available in stereo. Keep in mind that you must have a stereo TV or a TV hooked up to a stereo receiver in order to get the stereo broadcast.

The letterboxing looks terrible on my small screen! Why do you do that?

We firmly believe that movies and shows that are shot in widescreen (also known as letterboxing, abbreviated "LBX") should be shown in widescreen. It preserves the proper aspect ratios and displays the moving images as the creators intended them to be seen. We are trying to faithfully transmit the original creators' intentions.

[My Show] needs to be close-captioned! Why isn't it?

Almost every show on SYFY is close-captioned, as well as a large percentage of our movie inventory. A lot of programming is delivered with captions; however, some shows air without captions the first time. This is a timing issue. The captioning process takes a lot of coordination and if SYFY makes a last-minute acquisition, there may not be enough time to prepare captioning for a show's initial airing.

What's with the Feedback autoresponse? Don't you care?

We care quite a lot, but we're human and, as such, finite. There aren't a lot of hours we can reasonably dedicate to answering all the questions. Although we would like to respond individually to every request and query, we simply can't. The answers to many questions we receive, really are answered by this FAQ, though. Dig around.

When will my favorite show/movie be back on?

We schedule episodes and movies only a few months in advance. The best thing to do is to search the coming months' schedules on our Schedule page. If a program has been officially scheduled, it'll show up there.

When will you be airing my favorite episode of [insert popular show]?

You can actually find this out for yourself by checking our Schedule. If you are not sure what the title of the show is, check the "Shows" navigation item at the top of the page.

Why are commercials so LOUD?

Compression. Advertisers use compression so that everything in a commercial is about at the same (loud) audio level, close to the maximum allowable levels. This way, you can still hear their pitch even if you get up to go the kitchen or bathroom. SYFY does not turn up the volume on these commercials - they're just recorded and mixed that way. Most of our shows, however, are not in an audio-compressed format so they generally have a wider dynamic range than the ads. Since we can't go back and add compression to our shows, the ads tend to sound a lot louder than the programming.

Why did you change the time slot of my favorite show?

The reason it was moved is the same reason it was scheduled where it was in the first place: namely, ratings. A program is scheduled in the hopes of getting good ratings and of helping the shows around it get good ratings. A show is given a new timeslot in the hopes of raising either its ratings overall, raising the new timeslot's ratings, or raising the original timeslot's ratings - and hopefully the ratings of the shows around those timeslots. Sometimes a change can result in lower ratings for some shows that were moved yet still be the right thing to do.

For example, say a show called Intergalactic Space Ninjas aired Mondays at 8pm and was moved to Sundays at 10am. There's little chance it could get higher ratings in its new slot, but if the new Monday night show gets a higher rating, and "Intergalactic Space Ninjas" gets a higher rating than the show it replaced, the net result is better ratings for the network as a whole.

Keep in mind that no show has a "natural" or "rightful" time slot.

Why do you scrunch up the credits at the end of shows/movies?

On-air "real estate" is very expensive, and we have to make the best use of what is available. This includes making some things do double duty.

Why doesn't SYFY have... [insert popular show]?

Some common reasons might be:

The show has been licensed by another cable network, is in a syndication window and airing on local stations nationwide, or is simply not available for licensing at the moment.
Some cable networks may own the current license term for your favorite show even though they are not airing it.
Shows may be kept on the shelf until they are needed, or have been put on the shelf due to poor ratings performance.

Other reasons may be budgetary or strategic: If, for a given show, ratings estimates are low and/or the target demographics don't fit the Channel, SYFY may decide not to acquire that program.

Why so much horror on SYFY?

It is true that there is a lot of horror programming on SYFY, but we try to maintain a balance between sci-fi, fantasy and horror in order to present a wide variety of programs in these related genres. We constantly strive to bring our viewers the best in science-fiction, fantasy and horror programming.

SYFY.com FAQ

How can I get your site on the go?

Yes! The SYFY app, available for many devices, allows you to watch full episodes of our programming.

I have a comment/complaint about your site content; there is something I'd like to see on your web site; there is something I'd like to see on SYFY

Please send us an e-mail detailing your comments to feedback@syfy.com or visit us at http://www.syfy.com/feedback.

I have trouble viewing your site.

If you are having specific problems loading web pages or viewing specific content, visit our feedback section (http://www.syfy.com/feedback) or contact us at feedback@syfy.com

Please detail your issue by providing the following information:

Description of the issue (e.g., missing captions on a particular episode, captions cut off, timing is off)
Website or application where you are experiencing the problem
Approximate time and date that the issue occurred
Your name and contact information including mailing address, email and phone number

I live in (anyplace outside of the continental U.S.) and want to watch your shows. How can I get your channel?

Contact your local cable/satellite television service provider.

Check our sister sites:

I see out-of-date information and/or a broken link. What should I do?

Send an e-mail to feedback@syfy.com or visit http://www.syfy.com/feedback and include the broken link or the link to where the out of date information is.

I'm having technical issues with a SYFY Games game. What should I do?

If you are experiencing technical difficulties with one of SYFY Games' multiplayer online games, please visit this site and let us know the nature of the problem: http://www.syfygames.com/contactus/view

What is SYFY WIRE?

SYFY WIRE is the arm of SYFY devoted to news and original editorial about ALL things sci-fi, fantasy and horror. In other words, things beyond the TV shows we air (ex: Marvel, DC, Star Trek, etc).

Where else can I watch SYFY shows?

SYFY programming can be viewed on other platforms including iTunes, Hulu and Amazon Prime. To find out where you can watch the SYFY show you are looking for, visit the “episodes” section of that program’s show site here on SYFY.com.

Why can't I hear anything when I view video or other multimedia content on your site?

If your computer produces no sound at all: Check your speaker(s) for loose, disconnected or improperly connected wiring. If your speakers require a separate power supply, make certain they are plugged into an active AC outlet. Check your computers sound settings to ensure the volume controls are properly set and that the mute is not activated. If all of the previous have checked out OK, verify that your computer has a sound card. If a sound card is installed, it might be damaged. Contact your computer or sound card vendor for further instructions. Check video controller and make sure the mute button is not active. Some video players automatically load with mute enabled, causing no sound during video playback.

Why is SYFY.com's homepage not all about the TV shows you air?

SYFY, as a brand, is dedicated to ALL things science fiction, fantasy and horror, regardless of whether something airs on our network or not (and we care about lots more than just TV - movies, comic books, books, you name it). And what better way to show that then on our homepage? Content from SYFY WIRE, the division of SYFY that covers news and offers original editorial on all things sci-fi, fantasy and horror can be found on the SYFY.com HP.

Your Channel Guide is giving me incorrect information. What should I do?

Send an e-mail to feedback@syfy.com or visit http://www.syfy.com/feedback. Include the show you want information about and tell us specifically what the error in the schedule is. Is it a broken link? Is the information out of date? Is it misspelled? Please be as detailed about the error as possible.

SYFY App & Full Episodes FAQ

Can I watch full episodes without the SYFY App?

Yes. Full episodes are available to watch at SYFY.com when viewing the site on your desktop computer. To watch the majority of them, you must log in through your TV provider.

Do I have to create a new account?

If you already have a username and password from your TV provider, you will not need to create a new account. If you have not previously registered an account with your TV provider, you will need to do so with a valid email address. Please contact your TV provider to learn more.

How do I verify my TV provider account?

When prompted, select your TV provider. You will then be asked to enter your TV provider username and password; similar to when you pay your bill online. Don't forget to check 'remember me' if you don't want to log in again. If you don't have an online account with your TV provider or can't remember your username and password, please contact your TV provider to learn more.

Is the SYFY app or watching full episodes on SYFY.com available internationally?

This service is only available to customers of participating U.S. TV providers watching in the U.S.

Is there content on SYFY app available without a Pay TV subscription?

Yes, you can continue to use the SYFY app to access show clips, highlights, and a limited number full episodes without a Pay TV subscription.

What if I forgot my username and/or password?

Most TV providers offer a simple way to retrieve or reset your password. Please contact your TV provider to learn more.

What is the cost of this service?

It’s free! It’s an added value to your regular TV subscription through participating television providers.

What is the SYFY app?

The SYFY app is an app for your mobile or tablet device and Xbox One game console. It offers a way, through participating TV providers, to watch full episodes of your favorite SYFY shows online the day after airing on TV.

When are new shows available on this service?

Full episodes for the available SYFY original series are typically available the day after they air on television.

Why isn't my TV provider listed?

We are actively working to add additional TV providers to this service. Don't see your provider? Check back at a later time to see if your provider has been included.

Features

Are shows available in HD?

Yes.

Can I watch shows with closed captions?

Yes.

How do I find what shows have full episodes available to watch?

If you want to watch full episodes on SYFY.com via your desktop computer, just visit the “Full Episodes” section of the site. A list of all shows with full episodes to watch can be found there.

If you want to watch full episodes via the SYFY app, once you are signed into the app you can select the “Shows” option in the main menu. Find the show you are looking for, select it and see what full episodes are available!

What do the ratings codes (e.g., TV-14-DL) on the Schedule mean?

They indicate the age-appropriateness and type of content presented in a program. There are two parts after "TV-": An age-based rating, followed by a content descriptor. A summary of the codes we use is provided below for your convenience. For complete information, visit the TV Parental Guidelines at http://www.tvguidelines.org.

Content codes: Suggestive dialogue (D), coarse or crude language (L), sexual situations (S) and violence (V).

Audience age codes: All children (Y), children 7+ (Y7), children 7+ with fantasy violence (Y7-FV), all ages (G), parental guidance suggested (PG), unsuitable for children under 14 (14) and unsuitable for children under 17 (MA).

Who can I contact with questions about Closed Captioning?

To report an issue or concern regarding closed captioning on SYFY.com or within the SYFY app, visit our feedback section (http://www.syfy.com/feedback) or contact us at feedback@syfy.com.

Please detail your issue or concern by providing the following information:

Name of the program
Description of the issue (e.g., missing captions on a particular episode, captions cut off, timing is off)
Website or application where you viewed the program
Approximate time and date that the issue occurred
Your name and contact information including mailing address, email and phone number

For caption inquiries regarding SYFY Network programs delivered via broadcast television, please contact your local pay television service.

Written complaints concerning captioning on SYFY Network programs made available online or through mobile apps may be sent to:

Margaret Tobey
Vice President Regulatory Affairs
NBCUniversal
300 New Jersey Ave. NW
Washington, DC, 20001-2030

Phone: 202-524-6401
Fax: 202-524-6411

IPCComplaints@nbcuni.com

Why do I not see full episodes of a particular show that I am looking for?

There are some shows that air on SYFY that are not currently available on this service. We are frequently adding new series and episodes, so continue to check back to see if your show has been added.

Technical Questions

Do I need to have an active Internet connection to access full episodes or the SYFY app?

Yes, you will need an active high-speed or wireless Internet connection to access full episodes from your desktop or laptop computer, and the SYFY app from your mobile or tablet device.

What are the system requirements to watch full episodes on my desktop computer?

SYFY is currently supported on the following Operating Systems:

Windows 8.1, Windows 7
OS X Mountain Lion, Mavericks and Yosemite

What web browsers can I access full episode from on my desktop computer?

Full episodes are currently supported on the following browsers:

Google Chrome 10+
Safari 7+ - Mac Only
Firefox 13+
Internet Explorer 10+

Why am I getting an error message when browsing with Internet Explorer 9?

IE9 is supported, but its Compatibility View feature is not. The fix is simple — turn off Compatibility View mode. Here's how: 

Select Tools from the menu bar (If it's not visible, press Alt on your keyboard)
Select Compatibility View Settings. A panel will open. Uncheck all 3 options at the bottom of the panel. 
Select the Close button to save your changes. 
Reload the page, and enjoy.

Why am I not getting confirmation that my TV provider credentials are authenticated?

You will need to enable user cookies. Here are instructions to enable it in Chrome.

Go to Chrome Settings by either typing "chrome://settings/" in the browser locator or by clicking on Chrome --> Preferences in the menu bar.
Make sure you are in the Settings page (see left menu navigation). Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the "Show Advanced Setting" link, which will open up the privacy settings.
Under the Privacy section click on the Content Settings button.
In the "Content Setting" screen under the Cookies section make sure "Allow local data to be set" is selected and "Block third-party cookies and site data" is unselected.

Contact Us

More questions about full episodes or the SYFY app not covered in the above? Still need help with something? Contact us and let us know.

Why can’t I play videos when using Google Chrome?

If you are using Google Chrome and having trouble playing videos when you log in with your TV provider credentials, you might need to adjust your set Privacy settings.

Click the Customize and Control Google Chrome button at the top right corner of the browser.
Select Settings.
Click Show advanced settings at the bottom of the screen.
Click the Content Settings button under Privacy.
Scroll down to Unsandboxed plug-in access.
Click the Allow all sites to use a plug-in to access your computer radio button.
Once you’ve changed your settings, close all browser windows.
Restart your browser and navigate to http://www.macromedia.com/support/documentation/en/flashplayer/help/sett...
A page will appear with Protected Content Playback Settings panel. Press the Reset License Files button.
Restart the browser, navigate to the site, log in, and enjoy.

Why can’t I play videos when using Safari?

If you are using Safari 6.1.1 and above and having trouble playing videos when you log in with your MVPD credentials, you might need to adjust your set Privacy settings.

Click the Safari menu item the top left corner of the browser.
Select Preferences.
Click Privacy at the top of the Preferences window.
Click Always radio button for the Block cookies and other website data question.
Once you’ve updated your preferences, close all browser windows.
Restart the browser, navigate to the site, log in, and enjoy.

Why isn't my TV provider login working with Safari for Mac?

To login with your TV provider credentials, your browser needs access to cookies. Safari for Mac blocks cookies by default. The fix is easy – enable cookies. Here's how: 

Select 'Safari > Preferences' from the menu bar
Select the 'Privacy' tab 
Change the 'Block cookies' setting to 'Never' 
Reload the page, log in, and enjoy.

Will I need to download and install anything onto my computer to watch full episodes?

You may need to update your video players and their plug-ins to their most current versions. Please make sure you have updated and installed the latest version of Adobe Flash Player, if you are experiencing difficulties playing video.

Still having problems?

Still having problems with full episodes on SYFY.com or in the SYFY app? Please contact us by email feedback@syfy.com so we can try to help get to the bottom of the problem.