As usual, I did a search and it came up blank. It could be that I am not familiar with what search terms to use.

I saw a commercial on HGTV(HD) the other day, that led me to believe that it was showing up on Directv only. The commercial showed the Directv PVR menu (HR20?) and said that he best HD content was "right here on Directv."

I don't think I have ever seen a national carrier like Directv overlay their commerical onto a national feed like HGTV before. Is this something new, or am I just behind the times because I don't watch many commercials?

Thanks in advance.

I see it all the time on Comcast.

just behind the times... ;)

when i had comcast, i got comcast commercials...
now that i have fios, i get fios commercials...

Many providers did not have the equipment to insert their own commercials in HD and thus left the channels alone. These days, many still don't, and just switch to 480i. Big pain if you have an STB that does native mode and a TV that has a few second delay when switching modes.

TWC does this with some channels(ESPN/2, TNT, TBS). They just started doing it this year and it sucks. The audio levels between network and cable are different, cable inserted ads usually COME ON 10X LOUDER THAN THE NETWORK PROGRAMMING!!!! And TWC pisses me off because they are continuing the LIE of stretchovision. Back in the day they used to show their ads in proper 4x3 AR. I remember b/c it was the only time I ever saw a correct 4x3 aspect ratio on TBS HD. But that stopped, quickly. Now even channels like ESPN who keep correct AR are violated with horrible quality, stretched garbage. I'm not sure what output format they are(as I force 720p output all the time).

I'm surprised Directv is behind the times in this. Guess they were too busy bragging about all the channels they have(that are really shopping and have no HD programming)!! :D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

Interesting. Thanks guys.

I think Directv has waited until they had the proper equipment to do it without changing resolutions or any other actions that may cause trouble with the receiver. I have also noticed that they tend to only run the commercials during prime events like MNF on ESPN but not during the replays of SC the next day. This leads me to beleive that the insertion may be done manually or at least require someone to manually program all the breaks.

They are in the early stages of HD Commercial insertion but before long we won't be seeing those stupid MLM, timeshare, or exercise pool commercials instead they will be covered with Directv spots.