short answer: no
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Network HDTV on DirecTV?
Will DirecTV EVER carry network HD programming? Since I live in small town USA, I'm sure my local stations will take forever to broadcast HD and I want my CSI in HD NOW!
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Will they EVER offer it? Sure, but it might be 15 years from now.
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You don't say where you live, but Dish Network has WCBS and KCBS in HD right now. If you live in an area served by a CBS owned and operated station, or in a 'white area', you should qualify to receive it. If not, you may be able to get a waiver.
| Originally posted by banshee1 Will DirecTV EVER carry network HD programming? Since I live in small town USA, I'm sure my local stations will take forever to broadcast HD and I want my CSI in HD NOW! Thanks |
It's been said many times here before, but cable is going to rule if DirecTV can't provide network broadcasts. I know many people that will jump from DirecTV back to cable as soon as cable offers the local digital channels. I've been a DirecTV customer since the beginning and I really enjoy having only 3 HD channels available to me. I can't get ota where I live, so I'll definitely go back to cable when the cable company offers HDTV--and it could be early next year. And another thing, DirecTV hasn't allowed firewire outputs on their receivers, although the new Mits might have one, so while my friends are recording ota HDTV on DVHS, I'm stuck recording highly compressed standard definition from DirecTV. Right now DirecTV may not care if many people in this forum drop them due to lack of HDTV content, but as the cable rollout continues it will cost DirecTV millions.
Have to agree on this one. Once HD network feeds are available via cable DBS will have a difficult time. Once the Joe Six-pack effect begins, a) Joe walks into Best Buy/CC/etc, picks up a 'big TV' for football, and b) plugs in cable, c) suddenly sees HDTV, cable will take off.
Trust me, HD NFL is the ticket to releasing the potential of HDTV. When you walk into the local electronic superstore and see HD football, Joe Six-pack WILL want it. But he will NOT put up with installing a large outdoor attenna and dealing with multipath, etc to get that picture. He'll dial up Mr local cable co.
Trust me, HD NFL is the ticket to releasing the potential of HDTV. When you walk into the local electronic superstore and see HD football, Joe Six-pack WILL want it. But he will NOT put up with installing a large outdoor attenna and dealing with multipath, etc to get that picture. He'll dial up Mr local cable co.
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This will be especially true in the suburbs of NYC, where OTA-HD may not be a complete option for many years (when a new transmission tower is finally built).
| Originally posted by fire407 It's been said many times here before, but cable is going to rule if DirecTV can't provide network broadcasts. I know many people that will jump from DirecTV back to cable as soon as cable offers the local digital channels. |
I'm not so sure about cable being the future of HDTV. They have a finite amount of bandwidth that without running another cable to your house, they cannot increase. D* or E* can lease satellite space if push came to shove (Hello Sat C).
I think that each has a very viable future, but their executives need to realize that now is the time to make plans for the future. Who ever gets the foot in the door with what everyone wants, (Network Feeds and Live Sports) they will be the winner. I wouldn't be suprised if mark cuban ends up the godfather of the HDTV revolution.
I think that each has a very viable future, but their executives need to realize that now is the time to make plans for the future. Who ever gets the foot in the door with what everyone wants, (Network Feeds and Live Sports) they will be the winner. I wouldn't be suprised if mark cuban ends up the godfather of the HDTV revolution.
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This is not accurate.
The cable networks in the larger markets generally have several times the bandwidth capacity of the individual DBS providers (at core slots). That was the main reason why DISH was pushing so hard for the merger; there may not seem like a whole lot of difference in what you can get from cable and satellite now, but cable has a huge capacity advantage going forward. And cable companies can always run more fibre to increase bandwidth, whereas the satellite providers cannot increase their available capacity in the same way or magnitude (just adding new satellites won't do the trick). There is no more KU band spectrum to lease that can be received everywhere in the United States; Dish and DirecTV already control and use all such small-dish KU band slots.
Remember, on cable using 256QAM, two HDTV channels fit in the same space as a single analog channel (6Mhz), and this is without extra stat mux compression. With two 1080i HDTV channels fitting in 6Mhz of spectrum (and eventually three with stat mux compression), you can just imagine how many they could carry on their typical 750-860Mhz network; some of the best cable networks are dual 860Mhz.
Consider...Comcast and some other cable companies have planned for a long time to deliver on-demand PPV. The basic idea is that the customer will be able to search an database of movies through their cable box, pick one with their remote, and it will be streamed to their television. Comcast and many other cable networks have been saving the equivalent of several hundred digital channels (in bandwidth) for this purpose. HDTV just means that they will be able to offer the on-demand PPV to a few less customers.
As per above, modern cable networks in the major markets have the bandwidth to offer literally dozens of HDTV channels today. Of course, the cable companies would rather use the majority of this excess bandwidth for what they perceive as more lucrative on-demand services. Certainly, cable companies would prefer that there be a limited number of HDTV channels, so they can use more bandwidth for these services. But 10 or even 20 HDTV channels won't have too significant an impact on these plans.
| I'm not so sure about cable being the future of HDTV. They have a finite amount of bandwidth that without running another cable to your house, they cannot increase. D* or E* can lease satellite space if push came to shove (Hello Sat C). |
The cable networks in the larger markets generally have several times the bandwidth capacity of the individual DBS providers (at core slots). That was the main reason why DISH was pushing so hard for the merger; there may not seem like a whole lot of difference in what you can get from cable and satellite now, but cable has a huge capacity advantage going forward. And cable companies can always run more fibre to increase bandwidth, whereas the satellite providers cannot increase their available capacity in the same way or magnitude (just adding new satellites won't do the trick). There is no more KU band spectrum to lease that can be received everywhere in the United States; Dish and DirecTV already control and use all such small-dish KU band slots.
Remember, on cable using 256QAM, two HDTV channels fit in the same space as a single analog channel (6Mhz), and this is without extra stat mux compression. With two 1080i HDTV channels fitting in 6Mhz of spectrum (and eventually three with stat mux compression), you can just imagine how many they could carry on their typical 750-860Mhz network; some of the best cable networks are dual 860Mhz.
Consider...Comcast and some other cable companies have planned for a long time to deliver on-demand PPV. The basic idea is that the customer will be able to search an database of movies through their cable box, pick one with their remote, and it will be streamed to their television. Comcast and many other cable networks have been saving the equivalent of several hundred digital channels (in bandwidth) for this purpose. HDTV just means that they will be able to offer the on-demand PPV to a few less customers.
As per above, modern cable networks in the major markets have the bandwidth to offer literally dozens of HDTV channels today. Of course, the cable companies would rather use the majority of this excess bandwidth for what they perceive as more lucrative on-demand services. Certainly, cable companies would prefer that there be a limited number of HDTV channels, so they can use more bandwidth for these services. But 10 or even 20 HDTV channels won't have too significant an impact on these plans.
I have the perfect example for the pro-cable crowd in this argument.
I still have DirecTV, but if the NFL Sunday Ticket package is offered to cable, I'll be saying bye-bye to DirecTV. Why? Because I just got Comcast digital cable a couple of weeks ago so I could get the local NBC and ABC affiliates in HD. As most everybody knows, they aren't available in the NYC area OTA, so cable was my only choice if I wanted them. I still use my antenna to get CBS and FOX, but if Comcast gets around to transmitting those signals, the antenna will primarily become a backup system.
No local HD on DirecTV is definitely a difference maker in having to chose between it and cable. I'd miss HDNet, but since they are currently in discussions with Comcast, I probably wonuldn't miss them for long.
I still have DirecTV, but if the NFL Sunday Ticket package is offered to cable, I'll be saying bye-bye to DirecTV. Why? Because I just got Comcast digital cable a couple of weeks ago so I could get the local NBC and ABC affiliates in HD. As most everybody knows, they aren't available in the NYC area OTA, so cable was my only choice if I wanted them. I still use my antenna to get CBS and FOX, but if Comcast gets around to transmitting those signals, the antenna will primarily become a backup system.
No local HD on DirecTV is definitely a difference maker in having to chose between it and cable. I'd miss HDNet, but since they are currently in discussions with Comcast, I probably wonuldn't miss them for long.
There will not network HD on DirecTV in this decade, except perhaps for a tiny number of markets. There is, right now, no strategic plan at DirecTV in the post-merger-collapse world and there is no current way to broadcast HDTV to more than perhaps 3-5 markets without gutting available channels to others.
This is one of those problems that does need solving by both Dish and DirecTV (Dish offers CBS-HD but eventually will have to kill it for all but New York and LA and the boonies) it's just not exactly their biggest priority right now.
Mark
This is one of those problems that does need solving by both Dish and DirecTV (Dish offers CBS-HD but eventually will have to kill it for all but New York and LA and the boonies) it's just not exactly their biggest priority right now.
Mark
This is not confirmed yet, but I heard that the NFL Sunday ticket package may be offered to cable companies for the next season...
As far as bandwidth goes, cable has a lot more to give than satellite. The biggest setback for cable right now is the older markets that need upgrading to higher frequency spec'd systems. If they are certified to run at 750 or 860 MHZ, they will begin moving (already have) the analog channels up into the digital tiers to give some more space for content. As stated before two HD digital (at 64QAM) channels can reside on one analog space and depending on the content, up to 18 digital video SD channels can run on one analog space. Even the music channels ran on digital are only taking up one analog space for about 45 digital channels. Now think about a current analog lineup and swapout a few ananlog channels to pop in some digital and you have more space. Satellite started as digital, so they can't swap out anything to make more room for future growth.
Our current system in Vegas just had a channel lineup to allocate more HD and VOD space. We have 9 current allocated HD channels, and are testing VOD right now. Add in the cable modem, safevillage security (online home security cameras) and future telephony signals and you would think we are all filled up, but we still have plenty of space left over for other services. On top of that they are moving more and more up to 256QAM (from 64QAM) and looking at going to 1024QAM for future growth.
Cable will be making a huge push in the near future.
Vegggas
As far as bandwidth goes, cable has a lot more to give than satellite. The biggest setback for cable right now is the older markets that need upgrading to higher frequency spec'd systems. If they are certified to run at 750 or 860 MHZ, they will begin moving (already have) the analog channels up into the digital tiers to give some more space for content. As stated before two HD digital (at 64QAM) channels can reside on one analog space and depending on the content, up to 18 digital video SD channels can run on one analog space. Even the music channels ran on digital are only taking up one analog space for about 45 digital channels. Now think about a current analog lineup and swapout a few ananlog channels to pop in some digital and you have more space. Satellite started as digital, so they can't swap out anything to make more room for future growth.
Our current system in Vegas just had a channel lineup to allocate more HD and VOD space. We have 9 current allocated HD channels, and are testing VOD right now. Add in the cable modem, safevillage security (online home security cameras) and future telephony signals and you would think we are all filled up, but we still have plenty of space left over for other services. On top of that they are moving more and more up to 256QAM (from 64QAM) and looking at going to 1024QAM for future growth.
Cable will be making a huge push in the near future.
Vegggas
I just wish we could get an HD package like basic cable. All I want is local HD channels. I have Directv for all the rest. If I could have just those channels for $20 or so I'd be really happy.
DirecTV and Dish did just fine without local channels up until 10 1/2 months ago. They will do just fine without local HD. They are the low cost distributer. For $22.99/month and a roof top antenna you get the programming from Dish that my cable company charged $50/month. Also they have great economy of scale. If they double their subscribers their only extra cost is doubling the number of bills sent out.
Actually, DBS can go to other encoding schemes to offer HD locals via satellite.
Rick R
Actually, DBS can go to other encoding schemes to offer HD locals via satellite.
Rick R
I always hate how short-sighted people can be...the main question is whether or not Dish/Directv will ever offer networks in HDTV...not locals, just networks in HDTV...can the DBS companies manage 4-6 hdtv channels? (NBC,ABC,CBS,FOX,WB,ESPN,whatever...) the answer is YES, they can manage this many channels...so anyone who says they don't have the bandwidth, etc...is wrong....remember, the question was about carrying the networks, not local networks from every market....
the second question, and obviously the more important, is will they carry them? It may not seem like there are any big plans in the near future...but trust me, within the coming year, we should start seeing a change in this as well...first of all, satellite realizes that cable is better equipped to handle hdtv, so they have to find a way to maintain those customers who are thinking of switching...second of all, satellite has offered network programming for several years...it wasn't always local, but many were able to get distant networks w/ permission...I believe we will start seeing this for hdtv...third, we will start to see laws that favor reception of digital television...meaning if you can't receive digital transmission in a cost effective manner, then your local station will have to allow you to receive digital by another means (DBS). Is this a guarantee? No, it is not by any means...but the great thing about technology is, where there's money, there's a way...and DBS companies will find it, and deliver on it sooner than you think...they may fall behind at first, but i don't think it will be for long...
and if in 2 years we're still here complaining about all this, remember to put someone in office who favors technology...
the second question, and obviously the more important, is will they carry them? It may not seem like there are any big plans in the near future...but trust me, within the coming year, we should start seeing a change in this as well...first of all, satellite realizes that cable is better equipped to handle hdtv, so they have to find a way to maintain those customers who are thinking of switching...second of all, satellite has offered network programming for several years...it wasn't always local, but many were able to get distant networks w/ permission...I believe we will start seeing this for hdtv...third, we will start to see laws that favor reception of digital television...meaning if you can't receive digital transmission in a cost effective manner, then your local station will have to allow you to receive digital by another means (DBS). Is this a guarantee? No, it is not by any means...but the great thing about technology is, where there's money, there's a way...and DBS companies will find it, and deliver on it sooner than you think...they may fall behind at first, but i don't think it will be for long...
and if in 2 years we're still here complaining about all this, remember to put someone in office who favors technology...
I think the rumors of the death of DirecTV/ Dish are premature.
We live in an era of unprecedented change. Consider, for example, the possibility of a truly national HD feed of network programming. I don't know why everyone thinks that the old paradigm will never be challenged.
What are affiliates any more really? Do you care that you might lose your local news programming? I think the whole game needs a rethink.
Doug
We live in an era of unprecedented change. Consider, for example, the possibility of a truly national HD feed of network programming. I don't know why everyone thinks that the old paradigm will never be challenged.
What are affiliates any more really? Do you care that you might lose your local news programming? I think the whole game needs a rethink.
Doug
I think the rumors of the death of DirecTV/ Dish are premature.
We live in an era of unprecedented change. Consider, for example, the possibility of a truly national HD feed of network programming. I don't know why everyone thinks that the old paradigm will never be challenged.
What are affiliates any more really? Do you care that you might lose your local news programming? I think the whole game needs a rethink.
Doug
We live in an era of unprecedented change. Consider, for example, the possibility of a truly national HD feed of network programming. I don't know why everyone thinks that the old paradigm will never be challenged.
What are affiliates any more really? Do you care that you might lose your local news programming? I think the whole game needs a rethink.
Doug
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I think it will take a long time for the old paradigm to change. DBS has agreements with the local affiliates and to change the compression method could require new receivers. My cable company may not have as much bandwidth as DirecTV, but then my cable company does'nt have to carry every local TV station in the country.
| Originally posted by Doug McCoy I don't know why everyone thinks that the old paradigm will never be challenged. What are affiliates any more really? Do you care that you might lose your local news programming? I think the whole game needs a rethink. Doug |
BEV should have all the HD networks by May 03 ...... for the best HD US offerings go to Canada 
remember, the question was about carrying the networks, not local networks from every market....
belsokar was correct with regards to my question, I don't care if I have my LOCAL stations over D* as I subscribe to the national networks right now. The question is what is preventing D* from offering a NATIONWIDE HD channel for each network that currently broadcasts OTA HD? It's frustrating to have to watch the "presented in high definition" logo at the beginning of many network shows only to have to watch them in SD.
belsokar was correct with regards to my question, I don't care if I have my LOCAL stations over D* as I subscribe to the national networks right now. The question is what is preventing D* from offering a NATIONWIDE HD channel for each network that currently broadcasts OTA HD? It's frustrating to have to watch the "presented in high definition" logo at the beginning of many network shows only to have to watch them in SD.
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