| How can I receive HDTV programming? |
High definition programming is available from three sources: off-air broadcasts (free), satellite service (paid subscription), and in select areas, cable (paid subscription).
Satellite services (such as DIRECTV) offer the broadest coverage, with HDTV programming availability throughout the contiguous U.S.
Local off-air broadcasts are now available in markets that cover over 95% of U.S. television households. If you are among this majority, you can receive free off-air HDTV broadcasts from the major networks with an off-air antenna and the right equipment. Complementing off-air channels with DIRECTV greatly expands the variety of sporting events and movies available.
HDTV via cable is being rolled out in an increasing number of select markets. HDTV via cable should not be confused with digital cable, which is widely available. |
 |
| What type of high definition programming is DIRECTV broadcasting? |
DIRECTV currently offers an outstanding selection of high definition programming through ESPN, HDNet, HDNet Movies, Discovery HD Theater™, HBO-HD®, SHOWTIME-HD®, DIRECTV® Pay Per View, and DIRECTV has recently added CBS-HD and FOX WIDESCREEN
|
|
| What format of HDTV will DIRECTV broadcast in? |
| DIRECTV will accept high-definition programming in a wide variety of industry-standard formats and broadcast in any or all of the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) and other industry-standard broadcasting formats - essentially remaining "format agnostic." |
|
| Why is DIRECTV moving forward now with HDTV? |
| High definition television (HDTV) represents the next generation in television entertainment. As the digital broadcasting technology leader, DIRECTV has the infrastructure in place to offer consumers compelling high definition programming along with its already comprehensive programming lineup. |
|
| What equipment will I need to receive high definition programming on DIRECTV? |
To receive high definition programming from DIRECTV, you will need a high definition DIRECTV System consisting of a high definition receiver (aka. digital set-top box or digital satellite receiver) and a triple LNB multi-satellite dish, as well as an HDTV-ready monitor.
If you're already a DIRECTV subscriber and are interested in upgrading to HDTV, you have two choices. You can replace your current DIRECTV Receiver with a high definition model (please see "HD-Definition Systems" in our menu on the left side of this page) or purchase a high definition receiver and use your existing receivers to enjoy standard definition DIRECTV programming in other rooms in your home (please note - there is a $4.99 monthly charge for each additional receiver used in your home). You may need to upgrade your satellite dish as well. If you currently have a round 18" x 18" dish, you will need to purchase a Triple LNB Multi-Satellite Dish (click on "satellite dishes" at the bottom of the menu). If you currently have a multi-satellite (elliptical) dish that only has 2 LNBs (rounded projections), you will need to purchase and install a Sat C LNB Upgrade Kit to take full advantage of all of the HDTV programming offered by DIRECTV.
If you would like to enjoy off-air HDTV programming as well, adding an off-air antenna to the equipment listed above will allow you to receive local analog and digital broadcast signals. Off-air HDTV programming is available in areas that include 95% of all U.S. TV households. |
|
| What is a letterbox movie? |
| What is a letterbox movie?
The shape of a theater screen is wider than the shape of a TV screen. So, when movies appear on TV, the left and right sides of the image are usually cut off and you miss about 30 percent of the film's original picture. The letterbox format, preferred by many film buffs, displays movies on a television screen as originally intended by the films' directors. That's why you see black bars at the top and bottom of the screen when you watch a letterbox movie on your television. The TV screen has been adapted to accommodate the film's entire picture. In order to fit the whole picture on the screen, the image has to be reduced. There is no extra charge for letterbox movies with DIRECTV® Pay Per View. Another name for letter box is wide screen.
|
|
| Will I need a new antenna to receive digital high definition television? |
DIRECTV: Subscribers to DIRECTV® service can receive all the high definition programming offered by DIRECTV with a Triple LNB Dish or KaKu Dish. Existing DIRECTV customers who already own a multi-satellite (elliptical) dish with two LNBs can purchase a SAT-C Kit to make the upgrade.
Off-Air programming: If you have an existing outside antenna that is capable of receiving existing UHF stations, then you will be able to receive digital High Definition Television using your same antenna. However, if you do not have an outside antenna or if you have VHF only antenna we recommend that you install a new VHF/UHF outdoor antenna. Many of our viewers have reported good reception with simple UHF "rabbit ears" (2 bay bow tie antenna). Most of the new DTV channels will be on the UHF band (i.e. Channels 14-69). However, some DTV stations will be broadcasting on VHF channels (2-13). |
|
| If I'm getting local channels through DIRECTV, why are they not
coming through in high definition? |
| Local stations broadcast analog and digital as separate signals - two signals leaving the broadcast facility at the same time with each represented by different channel numbers. HDTV versions of local broadcasts look to be available in the near future via satellite because of DIRECTV's continued commitment to expanding technology. However if you wish to get your local stations in high definition now, you may choose to purchase an off-air antenna. |
|
| Why is DIRECTV broadcasting high definition programming from the satellite in orbit at 119 degrees west longitude rather than its satellites at 101 degrees west? |
| Using this strategy, DIRECTV won’t have to divert satellite transponder capacity from their current standard definition programming or impede future expansion plans. This means DIRECTV will bring this great new technology to our consumers who want it, but our customers who choose not to buy HDTV equipment in the short term won’t be inconvenienced. Though high definition broadcasts consume more bandwidth than standard definition programming, they believe that offering high definition programming is an important step for growth and technology advancement since interest in HDTV will be gradual at first. |
|
