View Full Version : HD channels
ngleo123
03-20-2005, 09:23 PM
I live in central NJ and I'm looking to upgrade to an HD signal. I have directv SD now. I have tried going to the websites of Directv, Comcast and Dish TV to find out exactly what they offer in HD channels but it's very confusing.
What HD channels do each of these providers have? Do any of them provide the local channels in HD? I'm pretty sure I can't receive anything OTA.
Directv offers ESPN-HD, DiscoveryHD, UniversalHD, HDNet, HDNet Movies, HBO-HD and ShowtimeHD. From time to time, you'll see a NBA-HD game available. NFL Sunday Ticket carries many football games in HD. Network feeds in HD are currently available, but not local HD. This year, Directv should have their new satellites active which will allow them to carry local channels in HD. (A current commercial makes some people think that Directv will have over 1,500 HD channels available this year, but it's a bit misleading. Those channels are the locals and most people will only receive 5-6 channels.)
Directv charges $10.99 for their HD package. HBO and Showtime are only available if you currently subscribe to their regular movie package, they are NOT available in the HD package by itself. They also have signed a contract to carry ESPN2-HD as soon as enough content is available. Also, TNT-HD might become available sometime this year as well.
raidbuck
03-25-2005, 05:15 PM
Comcast will have your locals in HD unless an affiliate in your area withholds the HD signal. They have INHD1&2, ESPNHD and DiscoveryHD.
They do not have HDNET/Movies, TNT-HD, ESPN2HD nor UniversalHD.
Comcast does have the premium HD channels (HBO,SHO,MAX.STRZ) if you subscribe to the services.
Rich N.
ngleo123
03-28-2005, 09:51 PM
Does DishTv carry the same HD channels as Directv? They're having a special for new subscribers. Also another question. If I upgrade with Directv to HD, will I still be able to get the local channels in SD? I'm pretty sure I can't pick them up OTA so I'd like to get them in SD at least.
Maxamus1975
03-29-2005, 12:43 PM
I also live in central New Jersey and I have DTV. I have CBS, NBC, ABC, and Fox all in HD. I'm not sure what durl was talking about when he said
(Network feeds in HD are currently available, but not local HD.)
mjones73
03-29-2005, 01:23 PM
ngloe123 - Yes you'd still get your locals in SD. Call retention at Directv, tell them you are thinking about going to cable, see what deals they will offer you to upgrade to HD with them, you could probably get a receiver and installed dish upgrade fairly cheap if you've been a good paying customer.
mjones73
03-29-2005, 01:26 PM
ngloe123 - Yes you'd still get your locals in SD. Call retention at Directv, tell them you are thinking about going to cable, see what deals they will offer you to upgrade to HD with them, you could probably get a receiver and installed dish upgrade fairly cheap if you've been a good paying customer.
Maxamus1975 - Your getting the network feeds out of NYC, Directv only carries the big four from NYC and LA currently, based on FCC laws depending where you are in the country you may or may not be eligable for all or some of them. For example I can only get the CBS HD feed out of NYC in Maryland but not the others because my local CBS station is owned by CBS but the other three are affiliates.
