If I am to understand it correctly, when you have DirecTV, your HD channels are mapped in such a way that if you type in the same channel number as the SD of that channel, it takes you to the HD channel/version.

Are there cable companies that do this as well? I know Cablevision in NY does not. I believe this would be huge for people new to HD as this would make it almost impossible to tune to the SD channel when you want to see everything in HD.

For those in the know, why wouldn't cable do the same with channel mapping as D*?

If I am to understand it correctly, when you have DirecTV, your HD channels are mapped in such a way that if you type in the same channel number as the SD of that channel, it takes you to the HD channel/version.

Are there cable companies that do this as well? I know Cablevision in NY does not. I believe this would be huge for people new to HD as this would make it almost impossible to tune to the SD channel when you want to see everything in HD.

For those in the know, why wouldn't cable do the same with channel mapping as D*?

Primarily, because the copper wire in the cable is not fully insulated, it can still pick up signals from the OTA broadcasts of the local channels. This can cause "ghost" images to appear if the local channel is mapped to is corresponding channel on the cable system. The other reason is because those channels broadcasting on the UHF band (those channels above 14) need to be mapped to a VHF channel (2 - 13) for local carriage and lifeline subscribers (depending on the agreement between the cable company and the municipality).

Primarily, because the copper wire in the cable is not fully insulated, it can still pick up signals from the OTA broadcasts of the local channels. This can cause "ghost" images to appear if the local channel is mapped to is corresponding channel on the cable system. The other reason is because those channels broadcasting on the UHF band (those channels above 14) need to be mapped to a VHF channel (2 - 13) for local carriage and lifeline subscribers (depending on the agreement between the cable company and the municipality).

With current cable set-top-boxes, none of this applies.

Cable can remap channels pretty much the same way as DirecTV. Why they don't is a matter of preference.

My first question would be, is D* really doing this?

If so I'd hate to be the one responsible for the mapping tables! :eek:

I would also question why? What could this gain them, especially during the transition?

I'll admit that I have been out of the loop until recently, but have broadcasters gained the confidence in their digital systems to allow a built-in redundancy system be intentionally defeated?

:confused:

d2s2, Ken is right, your info is not relevant to the OP. It's also not real accurate. :D

Thanks to those who responded.

Perhaps those viewing can share their thoughts on if this would help cut down on consumer confusion for new HD subscribers.

My first question would be, is D* really doing this?

If so I'd hate to be the one responsible for the mapping tables! :eek:

I would also question why? What could this gain them, especially during the transition?

I'll admit that I have been out of the loop until recently, but have broadcasters gained the confidence in their digital systems to allow a built-in redundancy system be intentionally defeated?

:confused:

d2s2, Ken is right, your info is not relevant to the OP. It's also not real accurate. :D

Actually, it is correct for viewing on analog systems for those that do not use cable boxes. This was the explanation provided to me in 1981 when I first subscribed to cable.

Actually, it is correct for viewing on analog systems for those that do not use cable boxes. This was the explanation provided to me in 1981 when I first subscribed to cable.

This thread is about mapping, your info is not accurate and does not apply. :p