DirecTV 2007 New HD Channels - First Wave anticipation thread.

[mx6bfast]

Latest update on the new DirecTV HD channels.

When will the new HD channels go live?
The thread title will be updated daily so please pay attention to it. Currently the first wave is LIVE Please read the Current HD channels section below for current HD channels.

What channels are they planning to broadcast?
See the list below.

Which channels are in engineering mode?
Please read the first post at http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=899457.
To see these channels you have to have a special access card, not available to the general public.

What are the planned channel numbers?
The proposed channel list is located at http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...5#post11515705
Also see the 3rd post in this topic.

What kind of hardware do I need to receive these new HD channels?
You will need mpeg-4 capable receivers and and a 5-lnb dish. You will also need to connect the BBC's to the receivers. http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=690198

What is channel 498, D-10 test channel?
This is a transmission from D*'s newest satellite D-10. This channel contains a slide show to confirm that your entire system/setup is correct and ready for the D-10 transmissions. If your test is successful you will see this message. http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...0#post11686280

What is channel 499, B-band converter test channel?
If your BBC's are connected and working, you will see a 771 Searching for Satellite signal on this channel.

What if the test is not working?
Check out this thread: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=690198

How much will the new HD channels cost?
D* stated the price of HD Access will not increase once the new HD channels go live. There are rumors of different packages and pricing, but D* has not commented.

What happened to the original topic on this subject?
The first two posts were split to create this topic, the rest are here:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=908351



Current HD Channels courtesy of http://www.dbstalk.com/showpost.php?...11&postcount=2

265: A & E HD
282: Animal Planet HD
220: Big Ten HD
202: CNN HD
278: Discovery HD
206 / 73: ESPN HD
209 / 72: ESPN2 HD
70/501/509: HBO HD East
269: History Channel HD
76: HD Theater (was Discovery HD Theater)
79: HDNet
78: HDNet Movies
280: Learning Channel HD (TLC HD)
244: Movie Channel HD
212: NFL Network HD
284: Science Channel HD
538: SHO Too HD
71/537/543: Showtime HD
540: Showtime HD West
267: Smithsonian HD
519: Starz Comedy HD
520: Starz HD East
521: Starz HD West
522: Starz Edge HD
518: Starz Kids and Family
247: TBS HD
245 / 75: TNT HD
74: Universal HD
604: Versus HD / Golf Channel HD
362: Weather Channel HD
101: CD USA



Announced HD Additions
* = not a simulcast of the SD channel (if available), programming will vary.
Channel names in RED are currently in test mode on the D*10 satellite
Source: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=899457 Thanks to Bschneider

September 2007

1. A&E
2. Animal Planet
3. Big Ten Network
4. CNN
5. Discovery
6. Food Network*
7. HGTV*
8. History Channel
9. MHD (MTV brand channel)
10. National Geographic
11. NFL Network
12. The Science Channel
13. Smithsonian Channel
14. TBS
15. TLC
16. Versus
17. Weather Channel
18. Cinemax-E
19. Cinemax-W
20. MoreMax
21. HBO-W
22. HBO2-E
23. HBO2-W
24. HBO Family-E
25. HBO Family-W
26. HBO Signature
27. The Movie Channel
28. SHO-W
29. STARZ-E
30. STARZ-W
31. STARZ-Edge
32. STARZ-Comedy
33. STARZ-Kids
    Fall 2007
34. Bravo
35. Cartoon Network
36. Chiller
37. CNBC
38. Fuel
39. FX
40. MTV
41. NBA TV
42. VH1
43. SciFi Channel
44. Sleuth
45. Speed
46. USA Network
47. SHO TOO
    December 2007
48. The Tennis Channel
    Spring 2008
49. ABC Family
50. Disney Channel
51. ESPN News
52. MGM
53. Toon Disney
    Channels in Test Mode with no official carriage announcement
54. NHL Network
55. Outdoor
56. Spike
57. Comedy Central
58. Nickelodeon East
59. CSTV

Regional Sports Networks
Available nationally, but local blackout rules still apply.
Fall 2007

1. Altitude
2. Comcast SportsNet Chicago
3. Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic
4. FSN Arizona
5. FSN Bay Area
6. FSN Detroit
7. FSN Florida
8. FSN New England
9. FSN North
10. FSN Northwest
11. FSN Ohio
12. FSN Prime Ticket
13. FSN Rocky Mountain
14. FSN South
15. FSN Southwest
16. FSN West
17. New England Sports Network
18. SportsNet New York
19. SportsSouth
20. Sun Sports
21. YES
    Channels in Test Mode with no official carriage announcement
22. FSN Midwest
23. FSN Houston
24. FSN New York
25. FSN Pittsburgh
26. MSG
27. FSN Cincinnati
28. Comcast SportsNet West
29. MASN/SportsTime Ohio

Foreign Language Channels

1. HBO Latino - 9/07

[RAVEN56706]

DIRECTV Adds New HD Channels for Fall; Four Discovery HD Channels, Five Starz HD Channels, CNBC and Chiller to Join the HD Pack, More on the Way
HD Version of Disney's High School Musical 2 to Air Exclusively on

DIRECTVEL SEGUNDO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 23, 2007--DIRECTV, the nation's leading satellite television service provider, continues to set the stage for its unprecedented expansion of HD services. With agreements in place to launch four Discovery HD channels, five HD channels from Starz, CNBC and Chiller in HD, along with recently completed deals with The History Channel and A&E, DIRECTV is on schedule to roll out up to 100 national HD channels by year-end to satisfy the appetite of its HD customers, who have doubled over the last year.

"Earlier this year we called 2007 the 'Year of HD' and we're going to deliver on our commitment to offer more HD channels than any other multichannel provider," said Derek Chang, executive vice president, Strategy and Development, DIRECTV, Inc. "In addition to the networks we've signed to date, we will continue to add more HD programming to our launch list between now and year-end. Demand for HD continues to grow, and with the dramatic expansion of our capacity this summer and the nationwide reach of our service, we are uniquely positioned to lead the industry in the carriage and delivery of HD programming."

Under the agreement with Discovery Communications, DIRECTV will launch four simulcasts - Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet and The Science Channel - and two other channels to be named and launched by Discovery at a later date. The HD feeds of the four existing networks will launch in September.

DIRECTV also has an agreement in place with Starz to launch three new HD movie channels: Starz Edge, Starz Comedy and Starz Kids & Family, as well as Starz's East and West coast HD feeds. The new Starz HD channels, featuring first-run hit movies, and the Starz East and West HD channels, will also launch in September.

The History Channel and DIRECTV recently announced that DIRECTV will be the first to launch The History Channel HD, a new 24-hour HD network, and A&E HD in September.

As it continues to beef up its HD channel lineup, DIRECTV has also become the platform of choice for the debut of exclusive HD programming. Disney Channel is providing DIRECTV the exclusive rights to broadcast the premiere HD version of High School Musical 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the global sensation for kids and families. DIRECTV will air the movie in HD a few days after its standard-definition premiere Friday, August 17 on Disney Channel.

In addition to the networks listed below, DIRECTV also plans to offer the HD feeds of regional sports networks on a nationwide basis this fall, and has commitments from a number of other networks to launch their HD simulcasts. They will be added to the lineup for launch by year-end and will be announced at a later date.

To date, DIRECTV has signed agreements or agreements in principle, to launch the following networks.

-- A&E -- National Geographic
-- Bravo -- NFL Network
-- Cartoon Network -- SciFi Channel
-- CNN -- Speed
-- Food Network -- TBS
-- Big Ten Network -- The History Channel
-- HGTV -- The Weather Channel
-- MTV -- USA Network
-- Disney Channel -- Versus HD
-- Toon Disney -- TLC
-- ABC Family -- Animal Planet
-- ESPNNEWS HD -- The Science Channel
-- Starz E/W feeds -- Discovery Channel
-- Starz Edge -- The Tennis Channel
-- Starz Comedy -- Showtime West
-- Starz Kids & Family -- The Movie Channel
-- CNBC -- Chiller
HD networks currently offered by DIRECTV include ESPN HD, ESPN2 HD, Discovery HD Theater, HDNet, HDNet Movies, TNT in HD, Universal HD, HBO HD, Showtime HD, an HD pay per view/special events channel and HD feeds from NY- and LA-based broadcast networks ABC, NBC, CBS and FOX (for eligible customers). DIRECTV also offers local HD broadcast channels in 60 cities, representing more than 70 percent of U.S. TV households.

looks quite promising

[Ken H]

Coutesry of AVS member Nils_lars.

From DirecTV, regarding new HD channel numbers:

Thanks for writing about our new HD programming. I see that you are a valued and loyal customer, we want you to know that we truly appreciate your business. After years of preparation, we’re excited that the first wave of new HD channels should be on the air by the end of September. Here are the channels and what numbers we expect to be available first:

A&E HD 265
Big Ten Network HD 220
Cartoon Network 296
Cinemax HD East 512
Cinemax HD West 514
CNN HD 202
ESPNews HD
Food Network HD 231-1
FSN New York HD 624
HBO HD West 504
HGTV-HD 229-1
The History Channel HD 269
Madison Square Garden HD 621
NFL Network HD 212
National Geographic Channel HD 276
Showtime HD West 540
Smithsonian Channel HD 267
Starz Comedy HD 519
Starz Edge HD 522
Starz Kids & Family HD 518
Starz HD East 520
Starz HD West 521
TBS in HD 247
The Movie Channel HD 544
Versus HD / Golf Channel HD 604
The Weather Channel HD 362

While details are still being finalized, we’re planning to bring up the following channels in October:

Animal Planet HD 282
Bravo HD 273
Comcast SportsNet Chicago HD 680, 640
Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic HD 681, 629
Discovery Channel HD 278
Fox Business Channel HD 359
FSN Detroit HD 636
FSN Prime Ticket HD 653
FSN Southwest HD 643
FSN West HD 652
Fuel TV HD 612
FX HD 248
The Learning Channel HD 280
MGM HD 255
NBA TV HD 601-1
New England Sports Network HD
The Science Channel HD 284
Sci-Fi Network HD 244
Speed Channel HD 607
SportsNet New York HD 683, 625
USA Network HD 242
Yankees Entertainment & Sports HD (YES) 684, 622

[wco81]

Comcast recently gained controlling ownership of FSN BA and FSN New England (or whatever it's called).

Any word on the long-term prospects for D* continuing to offer these channels?

[isyp]

Hmmm...This isn't exactly a new channel but the D* online guide has channel 206 as ESPNHD. A good sign for things to come perhaps?

[kmullen]

See here...Partial failure for Local beams:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showp...56&postcount=1

[OrleansDawg]

Very exciting!

[dc10forlife]

From my understanding, FSN Cincinnati is nothing more than a separate feed from FSN Ohio for the Cincinnati area. The station identifies itself to the viewer as FSN Ohio.

FSN Cincinnati sometimes picks up other FSN feeds during college basketball season in place of Blue Jackets hockey and other programming normally carried by FSN Ohio (Xavier, Kentucky, and Dayton games). Nevertheless, 95+% of the time the programming is the same. My guess is that any agreement for FSN Ohio also includes FSN Cincinnati and hence no additional announcement will ever be made.

[fafner]

I just noticed a new section on D* home page called DirectV HD NEW!

http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global...setId=P4360044

It has sections called All HD Channels (includes logos for channels listed as Coming Soon,) Packages (more logos), Premiums (more logos), and Sports Subscriptions (again with logos.)

This is obviously related to the upcoming rollout of HD channels and may not be new to everyone. I have not seen a reference to it, however, so I am posting the link in case others have not see it yet either.

Getting so close!

fafner

[chibul]

I just sent an email about an unrelated channel matter to DirecTV, and noticed under "My Programming", I'm seeing this:

DIRECTV Protection Plan
DIRECTV DVR Service
Welcome to DIRECTV
Instant Rebate
HR20 New Service
Primary Leased Receiver
HBO and STARZ
PLUS HD DVR
HBO HD
LOCALS HD
Starz HD
Leased Receiver

Never had that before!

[guffy1]

If you go click on the packages there is no reference to HDNET, HDNETMovies or UniversalHD in any of the packages. Does anyone know why?

[fredfa]

The Business of Television
(Minor) Trouble for the DirecTV Satellite?
Some Spot-Beam Capability Could Be Missing
(DirecTV News Release) Sept. 14, 2007

EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 14, 2007--The DIRECTV 10 satellite, launched on July 6, 2007, has been successfully placed in geo-synchronous orbit and is currently undergoing in-orbit testing. The testing process has confirmed that the satellite is fully functional to deliver all planned nationwide HD programming. This will enable DIRECTV to deliver up to 100 HD channels nationwide by year-end.

The DIRECTV 10 satellite's transponder payload also includes spot-beam capacity that will support the expansion of DIRECTV's local HD channel services.

While testing of DIRECTV 10's capability continues, it appears that a portion of the anticipated spot-beam capability may not be fully available. The investigation to determine the cause of the reduced capability and potential means to mitigate its effect is on-going. However, we currently believe our planned expansion of HD local programming as previously announced will not be materially affected.

The launch of DIRECTV 11 is still scheduled for late this year or early next year, on a Sea Launch launch vehicle.

http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix....829&highlight=

[mikemikeb]

Originally Posted by DirecTV

The DIRECTV 10 satellite's transponder payload also includes spot-beam capacity that will support the expansion of DIRECTV's local HD channel services.

While testing of DIRECTV 10's capability continues, it appears that a portion of the anticipated spot-beam capability may not be fully available. The investigation to determine the cause of the reduced capability and potential means to mitigate its effect is on-going. However, we currently believe our planned expansion of HD local programming as previously announced will not be materially affected.

Uh-oh! I wonder if D* didn't quadruple-check the satellite just before launch...

I also hope that the problem is fixable from space, otherwise... No matter how much PR spin is applied to crap, crap will always risk affecting future plans and/or what one gets for the money.

[kmullen]

Originally Posted by guffy1

If you go click on the packages there is no reference to HDNET, HDNETMovies or UniversalHD in any of the packages. Does anyone know why?

---------------
It may be because those will be in the H/D extra pack.
All of the non-simulcast HD channels that are not tied to an SD channel. HDNet, HDNet Movies, and Universal HD will be a part of the pack, along with MHD, Smithsonian HD, and MGM HD.
It is being said that HD Xtra Pack will be free for everyone until December 15th, at that time everyone will be billed (no grandfathering)

[alk3997]

Originally Posted by fredfa

[b][color=deepskyblue]

...

While testing of DIRECTV 10's capability continues, it appears that a portion of the anticipated spot-beam capability may not be fully available. The investigation to determine the cause of the reduced capability and potential means to mitigate its effect is on-going. However, we currently believe our planned expansion of HD local programming as previously announced will not be materially affected.

...

The big question is whether DirecTV will accept on-orbit delivery of DirecTV 10 from Boeing (the manufacturer) with this apparent defect in the spot beam? Obviously if delivery delayed then so would be the HD rollout. I've seen this hold up a few deliveries in the past with other customers while insurance payoffs are discussed.

For those wondering, most satellite contracts these days require the manufacturer to place the satellite into the intended orbit and show that the satellite is working properly before the owner accepts delivery. Not surprising given the cost of these high power large payload satellites.

Here's hoping this is truly a minor spot beam issue.

[kmullen]

Originally Posted by alk3997

For those wondering, most satellite contracts these days require the manufacturer to place the satellite into the intended orbit and show that the satellite is working properly before the owner accepts delivery. .

-------------
Unfortunately for D*, their contract with Boeing, was for DOG(delivery on ground) not Delivery in orbit.(DIO)...Boeing's done with it.

[alk3997]

Originally Posted by kmullen

-------------
Unfortunately for D*, their contract with Boeing, was for DOG(delivery on ground) not Delivery in orbit.(DIO)...Boeing's done with it.

Interesting. I guess they chose different delivery terms than the Spacenet F series...

http://www.boeing.com/ids/news/2006/q2/060419c_nr.html

[herdfan]

Originally Posted by guffy1

If you go click on the packages there is no reference to HDNET, HDNETMovies or UniversalHD in any of the packages. Does anyone know why?

It looks like the HD channels that don't have an SD mirror including the ones you listed plus other like Smithsonian HD are going into a new $4.99 HD package for new subs.

Old HD subs will be grandfathered and get this "package" for free.

[kmullen]

Yeah, I guess it was a "Money" thing....I guess the Insurance comp. will have at it now.

[kmullen]

Originally Posted by herdfan

It looks like the HD channels that don't have an SD mirror including the ones you listed plus other like Smithsonian HD are going into a new $4.99 HD package for new subs.

Old HD subs will be grandfathered and get this "package" for free.

----------------
See my post nbr 14 in this thread....as I noted Dec.15 all will pay it...no more
"grandfathers"

[burt_bladers]

So what you are saying is that nobody knows and this is just speculation.

[chibul]

Originally Posted by kmullen

----------------
See my post nbr 14 in this thread....as I noted Dec.15 all will pay it...no more
"grandfathers"

Yeah, and your source is what? Exactly.

[kmullen]

A E-mail from D* to me...
Dear Mr. xxxxxxx

Thank you for writing us. It's always a pleasure to hear from one of our new customers. Let me take this opportunity to thank you for your choosing DIRECTV. I understand that HD programming is important to you and we are committed to bring you the best HD programming. I understand that you are concerned about the new package called DIRECTV HD Extra Pack. I'd be glad to provide you additional information on your concern.

Beginning Sept 19, an extra new premium service will be available called DIRECTV HD Extra Pack. We offer this package for unique HD channels that don’t have an SD simulcast. We have good news for all of our customers who have HD programming. It’s a free preview from Sept 19 until Dec 15, 2007. After that, it costs $4.99 per month. But let me provide additional information about the charges. Our HD Access Fee of $9.99 is like a key that unlocks HD content for you, but you need to subscribe to the programming content which is the HD Extra Pack. We created this package as an optional add-on package due to the high costs to deliver HD programming. High definition is some of the most expensive programming we carry due to what we pay to distribute it and the bandwidth we use to deliver it. Rest assured that we'll deliver HD programs for a very reasonable price because we're also investing in new satellites to bring you more HD channels than any other providers.

Because we value your comments and suggestions, I also forwarded your email to our DIRECT Management. Thank you very much for taking time to let us know how you feel and for giving us a chance to respond to your concerns.

Sincerely,

Allan M.
Employee ID xxxxxxx
DIRECTV Customer Service

[CPanther95]

Price increases are a part of life - but the whole "HD Access fee is like a key" that gives access to purchase programming doesn't sit well for people that bought the $600 DTC-100, $999 HD-Tivo, and $299 upgrade-to-lease HR20 "keys" for HD access at each step of this HD expansion.

[kmullen]

Originally Posted by CPanther95

Price increases are a part of life - but the whole "HD Access fee is like a key" that gives access to purchase programming doesn't sit well for people that bought the $600 DTC-100, $999 HD-Tivo, and $299 upgrade-to-lease HR20 "keys" for HD access at each step of this HD expansion.

I Agree, all three pertain to me as well, except the DTC-100 is built-into my
HDTV, and my Tivo was $1,200....there must be a ending place for all these "EXTRA" H/D fees???

[chibul]

Sounds good to me. $4.99 isn't too much for an extra 100 or so HD channels. I'd gladly pay $20 extra a month for that.

Then again, I didn't invest anything more than $200 for the HD-DVR.

[johnny15]

Originally Posted by kmullen

A E-mail from D* to me...
Dear Mr. xxxxxxx

Thank you for writing us. It's always a pleasure to hear from one of our new customers. Let me take this opportunity to thank you for your choosing DIRECTV. I understand that HD programming is important to you and we are committed to bring you the best HD programming. I understand that you are concerned about the new package called DIRECTV HD Extra Pack. I'd be glad to provide you additional information on your concern.

Beginning Sept 19, an extra new premium service will be available called DIRECTV HD Extra Pack. We offer this package for unique HD channels that don’t have an SD simulcast. We have good news for all of our customers who have HD programming. It’s a free preview from Sept 19 until Dec 15, 2007. After that, it costs $4.99 per month. But let me provide additional information about the charges. Our HD Access Fee of $9.99 is like a key that unlocks HD content for you, but you need to subscribe to the programming content which is the HD Extra Pack. We created this package as an optional add-on package due to the high costs to deliver HD programming. High definition is some of the most expensive programming we carry due to what we pay to distribute it and the bandwidth we use to deliver it. Rest assured that we'll deliver HD programs for a very reasonable price because we're also investing in new satellites to bring you more HD channels than any other providers.

Because we value your comments and suggestions, I also forwarded your email to our DIRECT Management. Thank you very much for taking time to let us know how you feel and for giving us a chance to respond to your concerns.

Sincerely,

Allan M.
Employee ID xxxxxxx
DIRECTV Customer Service

Sept 19th!!!

A guy I work with got a call from D* just last week and the lady told him Sept. 15th.....today!!!! I was looking forward to this!

[Electrico]

Originally Posted by guffy1

If you go click on the packages there is no reference to HDNET, HDNETMovies or UniversalHD in any of the packages. Does anyone know why?

With ALL due respect to everybody after talking to the D* "Mister"(sarcasm intended) CSR the other day(Wed 12 Sep 07) in order to get those CH's as you asked you will be charged another $4.99. If I'm wrong please make my day!
Thanks

[Ken H]

Originally Posted by alk3997

The big question is whether DirecTV will accept on-orbit delivery of DirecTV 10 from Boeing (the manufacturer) with this apparent defect in the spot beam?

If you read the update, it says they will have no problem with the national HD channel rollout, so acceptance seems to be a moot point.

[richard korsgren]

Since 2 days ago, everytime I have tuned into to 103 (b)..transponder 11..the signal reading has been 98 on both tuners.