I've got the DirectTV HD package which gets me the standard HD channels, espn, Discovery, etc. But according to DirecTV's channel lineup I downloaded from their website, the networks are availible in HD for the East and West coasts. I get my local network channels from DC, and I know most, if not all of them broadcast stuff in HD. The problem is, I'm not getting these channels on DirecTV. Do I need to get them OTA or something?

I've got the DirectTV HD package which gets me the standard HD channels, espn, Discovery, etc. But according to DirecTV's channel lineup I downloaded from their website, the networks are availible in HD for the East and West coasts. I get my local network channels from DC, and I know most, if not all of them broadcast stuff in HD. The problem is, I'm not getting these channels on DirecTV. Do I need to get them OTA or something?

Do you have a 5LNB Dish and an H20 or HR20 receiver? You will not get the East and West Coast feeds, but you should get the DC locals in HD.

I forgot to mention that I'm to far away from DC to pick up OTA signals. Would the equipment you listed let me get these channels in HD via satellite?

I forgot to mention that I'm to far away from DC to pick up OTA signals. Would the equipment you listed let me get these channels in HD via satellite?

Yes, you will get:
WRC 4
WTTG 5
WJLA 7
WUSA 9
WDCA 20
Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic 629

in HD.

Awesome, thanks a ton for your help. I just looked at my receiver and I have the H10-250, so I guess it's time for an upgrade.

I forgot to ask, but are the local channels in HD encrypted or unencrypted with DirecTV?

I forgot to ask, but are the local channels in HD encrypted or unencrypted with DirecTV?

That question is entirely meaningless with DBS satellite. They're encrypted, but legitimate 3rd party tuners don't exist for satellite anyways.