viccrew85
11-10-2003, 02:38 AM
Does anyone know if DirecTv is broadcasint local channels in HD? They will be offering local channels in my area soon and CBS is currently broadcasting HD.
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View Full Version : DirecTv Local Channels
Ratman
11-10-2003, 06:12 AM
No... they do not.
Shawn
11-11-2003, 05:43 PM
I understand DirecTV does not broadcast local channels because of spot broadcasting. In other words it broadcasts different local channels to different markets versus the non local channels which are broadcast to everyone.
My question is will DirecTV ever be broadcasting local channels in HDTV?
My question is will DirecTV ever be broadcasting local channels in HDTV?
paulszpet
11-11-2003, 05:57 PM
It is doubtful that local channels will be offered in HD any time in the near future. I don't believe they have the satellite capability. I could see where they could provide both the East and West coast network feeds in High Definition, but most people would not be legally able to get them.
Brewer4
11-11-2003, 07:24 PM
Believe it or not but their Directway conversion of broadband signals to residential TV will allow them to broadcast HD local channels possibly starting next year or 2005. Look out, DirecTV is serious and they are poised to dominate in the next few years. From what I can gather from published reports, they look very well positioned to offer locals, VOD, HD and PVR.
Shawn
11-12-2003, 09:17 AM
Here is my dilemna. I can sometimes get an HD signal through my roof antenna and I absolutely would like to have the locals in HD. I have a brand new roof mounted antenna with a pre-amp and I believe it is as good as it is going to get. If and when the local stations switch over to the VHF frequency I will be in great shape. The UHF is creating problems and as it stands now all of the HD in the DC and Baltimore markets are broadcast over the UHF band. I live closer to Baltimore, but because of obstructions and such, I have the best shot of picking up the signal from DC. My house is not in the most desirable location to pick up these signals.
Enough on the antenna, I have Adelphia cable (which is terrible to say the least) and I have a poor signal as it stands now (the installer even said so.) Adelphia claims they will be offering HD after Jan. 1, 2004 which would solve my local channel problem I believe. If I wait another month or two I will find out for sure versus spending $400 on a DirecTV HDTV setup and use my antenna for the locals (which as I mentioned comes and goes.)
Seeing as my current picture quality on cable is not the best, I wonder if it will affect my HD picture. Is DirecTV picture quality (non HD quality) that much superior to cable? Based on the unknown with all of these scenarios, does anyone have any suggestions?
Enough on the antenna, I have Adelphia cable (which is terrible to say the least) and I have a poor signal as it stands now (the installer even said so.) Adelphia claims they will be offering HD after Jan. 1, 2004 which would solve my local channel problem I believe. If I wait another month or two I will find out for sure versus spending $400 on a DirecTV HDTV setup and use my antenna for the locals (which as I mentioned comes and goes.)
Seeing as my current picture quality on cable is not the best, I wonder if it will affect my HD picture. Is DirecTV picture quality (non HD quality) that much superior to cable? Based on the unknown with all of these scenarios, does anyone have any suggestions?
57U
11-12-2003, 09:33 AM
With regard to cable:
1. With digital channels, you either get them or you don't, so the picture quality, doesn't really relate to signal strength (you'd get dropouts instead).
2. The picture quality of SD digital channels is affected only by the compression that the service provider does. If the signal is perfect when it leaves the service provider, it'll be perfect when you get it. If it's over-compressed, then the picture will likely not be that good.
3. Since HD is digital (but not compressed the same way SD digital is) then the HD picture should be great, provided you get it.
1. With digital channels, you either get them or you don't, so the picture quality, doesn't really relate to signal strength (you'd get dropouts instead).
2. The picture quality of SD digital channels is affected only by the compression that the service provider does. If the signal is perfect when it leaves the service provider, it'll be perfect when you get it. If it's over-compressed, then the picture will likely not be that good.
3. Since HD is digital (but not compressed the same way SD digital is) then the HD picture should be great, provided you get it.
jhollenbach
11-13-2003, 05:27 PM
Im looking at maybe the new Zenith C32V37, 32" integrated tuner, etc. and can be gotten for around a grand, if not less with sales. If anyone knows of anything better or a much better value let me know. I dont wanna get the tv when it first comes out so i can get some reviews first, make sure its not too flawed
57U
11-13-2003, 05:44 PM
I don't know exactly why you've posted a question regarding a Zenith TV in this DirecTV thread...
Zoetermeer
11-14-2003, 01:27 AM
Sony has a new set-top box now that actually acts as a DirecTV receiver, HD receiver, and local antenna HD receiver all in one. So you can organize all your channels into a custom guide, pretty convenient. I'm sure it costs a pretty penny though, probably around $800.
The fact that you can't get local channels in HD through the DirecTV package is the major reason I won't spring for it. Without those, and no premium channels, you only have like 4 or 5 channels at best. $400 is a heck of a lot of money to pay for 4 channels, no matter how good the picture is.
The fact that you can't get local channels in HD through the DirecTV package is the major reason I won't spring for it. Without those, and no premium channels, you only have like 4 or 5 channels at best. $400 is a heck of a lot of money to pay for 4 channels, no matter how good the picture is.
