The Channels of DirecTV

You know that, if anything, Direct TV Satellite TV offers a variety of channels. In fact, the high number of channels that Satellite TV offers has actually influenced cable companies to increase their own offerings in order to stay competitive. If you are thinking about switching to Direct TV you may be interested to know what channels you will actually get with your new H21 HD DVR Plus Receiver. Let’s start with the basics.

Never fear, traditional network television is still here. You can still catch up on all your favorite reality shows, sitcoms lampooning variety shows and traditional dramas that criticize reality shows. In other words, all of the big networks, from CBS to FOX, to NBC and ABC are represented. The major networks are also available in high definition TV in many areas. You also get the top basic cable networks such as TNT, CNN, E!, USA, the TV Guide Network, TBS, FX, Comedy Central and the Sci-Fi Network. You can also watch the most popular cable companies like HBO, Showtime, Cinemax, The Movie Channel, Starz, Sundance, and the IFC.

What about channels for sports lovers? You already have ESPN, but that might not be enough for die-hard fans of the NFL, NHL, MLB and NBA. You can also have special channels, such as the Regional Sports Network, the NFL Network, The Tennis Channel, NBA TV, The Golf Channel and CBS College Sports. You can get a variety of other sports-related channels with the Sports Pack. If music is your preference then you can get music oriented programming from MTV, VH1, BET MHD and VH1.

Some packages include channels from XM Satellite Radio, including favorites of the 1940’s through the modern age. You can also find the Oprah and Friends Talk Channel, The Rhyme and Raw for uncensored rap and multiple Spanish stations. There are numerous channels devoted to On-Demand Programming, such as the interactive YES network, CNN, E! News, Comedy Central, AMC, A&E, Animal Planet and Nickelodeon. There are also a host of religious channels, including God TV, Trinity Broadcasting Network, National Religious Broadcasters and The Church Channel. As far as adult programming goes, there is no shortage of content with two Playboy Channels, numerous Adult Pay Per View films, TEN Clips, Real Adult, Juicy Network, Fresh, Spice and Hustler TV.

Of course, many channels that used to be available on DirecTV have since been reprogrammed. However, there are more channels to come in 2009, which will coincide with the new satellite launch that has been reported. Some confirmed channels thus far include the MLB Channel, additional HD Channels, including ABC Family HD, Disney Channel HD, ESPN News HD and Toon Disney HD. Three more confirmed channels will include the Pursuit Channel, the MTN and the Gospel Music Channel.

Satellite TV offers more original content than cable television and for less of a price. When it comes to programming, Direct TV can offer viewers unique content as well as on-demand entertainment. On-demand channels, and even live TV can be rewound or paused using the DVR (Digital Video Recorder) option. Keep an eye on the news, sports, entertainment and business world with Satellite TV!

FCC Extends DTV Transition for DirecTV and Dish Network

FCC Extends DTV Transition for DirecTV and Dish Network

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced this week that it will extend the DTV Transition date for satellite television providers, DirecTV and Dish Network, until 2013. This is a big win for the satellite television providers which have been working to get a wealth of high-definition channel options out to customers. Both companies are pleased with the FCC’s decision and the commission’s understanding of the challenges presented to satellite providers to comply with the DTV deadlines.

The digital TV (DTV) transition began back in 1996 when broadcast TV stations were authorization an additional broadcast channel by Congress. The U.S. Congress authorized this distribution so that these stations could begin a digital channel and still continue their analog broadcasts. Congress met again later on this same issue and mandated that there would be a date when these stations would stop broadcasting in analog. The date was set for February 17, 2009.

Federal regulators decision to give DirecTV and Dish Network extended time does not apply to cable providers or broadcasters. Broadcasters are required to make the switch to digital programming in February 2009. Cable companies have until February 17, 2012, to continue to deliver channels in analog. The FCC will revisit this date in 2011. At that time they may extend this date.

The DTV transition will provide a few benefits to consumers:
· Public safety groups will have more of the broadcast spectrum to use for communications.
· Broadcasters can off high-definition programming to consumers.
· These same broadcasters can use a process called multicasting to provide more than one standard-definition channel at the same time.
· Wireless broadband companies will be able to purchase through auction additional parts of the broadcast spectrum. This could provide consumers with new wireless services.

Consumers that have already purchased digital cable or satellite television services will not need to make any changes to their systems or programming to prepare for the DTV Transition. Direct TV and Dish Network subscribers are already experiencing the benefits of digital television with the tremendous programming options and picture quality these services provide.

Compare DirecTV to Dish Network

DirecTV and Dish Network have been in a race to provide more high-definition channels to their customers by attempting to launch new satellites into space. Only one of these companies was successfully in their recent launch. DirecTV’s satellite, DIRECTV-11, made the successful launch and will increase the satellite provider’s programming capability from 90 HD channels to 150 channels. Dish Network currently carries fewer high-def channels than DirecTV. Their recent lack of success in launching their satellite puts them even further behind Direct TV.

All eyes right now are on DirecTV after the recent success of DIRECTV-11. Consumers new to high-definition television are craving the superior quality programming and forsaking standard-definition. Not only are consumers pleased with the possibility of new programming that DirecTV will be offering but they are overwhelming the impressive equipment that is being used by the company. Consumers were awed by the five-LNB satellite dish and the PLUS HD DVR allowing subscribers to record up to 50 hours of pure HD programming or 200 hours of standard-def. Dish Network has a tough road to follow with the continued technology advances of DirecTV.

As the countdown draws near for broadcasters to make the switch from analog to digital consumers may have numerous concerns and questions. All of these can be answered by visiting the Digital TV Transition webpage at http://www.dtv.gov/ . This is a great way to learn about the change and how it will affect you in the future.