I'm new to this site, and I suspect that this has been addressed many times, but it seems to me as if DirecTV is currently concentrating on getting local channels up and running in HD and has put other HD programming on the backburner. Is this true? Can we expect very few HD non-local channels to be added over the next year or so, despite the new satellite.
I recently upgraded to HD and received the HU-20 receiver. But this email I received from DirecTV makes me wonder if I'm going to have to upgrade again when HD local channels become available in my area (Miami/Fort Lauderdale) By the way, I love the line about "Regarding DIRECTV HD programming, high-definition channels are some of the most expensive ones for us to carry." Kind of rude, don't you think, since they're charging us a ridiculous price for them. I don't think they're losing money on HD.
Anyway, the letter:
"Thanks for writing. Our records show that our target date to broadcast local HD channels in your area is June 2006.
I know that HD programming is important to you and DIRECTV is committed to offering the best possible HD experience to you. In recent months, we have launched the first two of four satellites that will allow us to greatly expand our HD local channel offerings.
The two new satellites have allowed us to begin offering HD local channels in several cities, with many more to come later this year. Because our satellite capacity is still limited, we intend to focus on getting HD feeds of ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC up in as many cities as possible. When the other two satellites become available, we will be able to begin providing even more channels (including CW, where available) in existing HD local markets, as well as adding new HD markets and more national HD programming.
Once local HD programming launches in your city, you will be eligible for an MPEG-4-capable receiver replacement. More details will be available when we launch the local HD service in your area, so watch your local TV, radio or mailbox for upcoming announcements or visit DIRECTV.com/HD for the latest news.
In the meantime you may be able to get your local HD channels for free by installing an off-air antenna. A local electronics store can recommend an antenna for you.
Regarding DIRECTV HD programming, high-definition channels are some of the most expensive ones for us to carry, both in terms of what we pay the networks to distribute their programming and the technology we use to deliver them. However, we're in constant discussions with program providers to continue adding new channels and programming. In fact, we added TNT HD on February 17 and ESPN 2 HD last fall.
Thanks again for writing and stay tuned to DIRECTV.com/HDTV for the latest news and announcements as they become available."
I recently upgraded to HD and received the HU-20 receiver. But this email I received from DirecTV makes me wonder if I'm going to have to upgrade again when HD local channels become available in my area (Miami/Fort Lauderdale) By the way, I love the line about "Regarding DIRECTV HD programming, high-definition channels are some of the most expensive ones for us to carry." Kind of rude, don't you think, since they're charging us a ridiculous price for them. I don't think they're losing money on HD.
Anyway, the letter:
"Thanks for writing. Our records show that our target date to broadcast local HD channels in your area is June 2006.
I know that HD programming is important to you and DIRECTV is committed to offering the best possible HD experience to you. In recent months, we have launched the first two of four satellites that will allow us to greatly expand our HD local channel offerings.
The two new satellites have allowed us to begin offering HD local channels in several cities, with many more to come later this year. Because our satellite capacity is still limited, we intend to focus on getting HD feeds of ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC up in as many cities as possible. When the other two satellites become available, we will be able to begin providing even more channels (including CW, where available) in existing HD local markets, as well as adding new HD markets and more national HD programming.
Once local HD programming launches in your city, you will be eligible for an MPEG-4-capable receiver replacement. More details will be available when we launch the local HD service in your area, so watch your local TV, radio or mailbox for upcoming announcements or visit DIRECTV.com/HD for the latest news.
In the meantime you may be able to get your local HD channels for free by installing an off-air antenna. A local electronics store can recommend an antenna for you.
Regarding DIRECTV HD programming, high-definition channels are some of the most expensive ones for us to carry, both in terms of what we pay the networks to distribute their programming and the technology we use to deliver them. However, we're in constant discussions with program providers to continue adding new channels and programming. In fact, we added TNT HD on February 17 and ESPN 2 HD last fall.
Thanks again for writing and stay tuned to DIRECTV.com/HDTV for the latest news and announcements as they become available."
