I recently had the misfortune of sitting down at a friends home that has yet to move from DIRECTV’s HD receiver to the new DIRECTV Plus HD DVR. I left the room during what was described to me as the most incredible play in our team’s history. To my dismay the replays had already finished. I picked up their remote control expecting to hit the rewind button only to remember they don’t have the Plus HD DVR. All I can say is that my friend missed a classic and I found myself longing to watch the game back home.
The DIRECTV Plus HD DVR is an amazing receiver that makes your viewing experience incredible. This receiver can display the DIRECTV HD channels with its high-def capabilities as well as record your favorite shows with its DVR system. High-definition can be watched in mpeg-2 or mpeg-4 format and the receiver is standard definition mpeg-2 enabled.
Subscribers with this DVR can record up to 200 hours of SD and 50 of HD. The ease of use in recording a show or series is impressive. Direct TV makes it easy to setup recordings via the web, your mobile phone or while sitting at the TV so that you will never have to miss a program. I was pleasantly shocked to discover that I could use my mobile phone to setup a recording of the Boston Celtics game while I was out to dinner with friends.
Recording a series gives you tons of options with the ability to specify how many shows to save, whether to record repeats, start or stop times and how long to keep the episodes. If the network changes the time and day of my series DIRECTV handles all that for me. There is no need to change my recording information.
The DIRECTV Plus HD DVR gives me incredible control over my viewing experience. Any program that is being watched can be paused to refill the popcorn bowl or rewound to watch a scene over for up to 90 minutes of programming. I can even record two shows at once or watch a separate show from the one I am recording. There is little more that I could ask for with this DVR. I can even turn on Parental Controls to prevent the younger generation from getting to unapproved content.
Top of all the control this receiver give you over your television watching with the amazing audio and video quality and it is hard to believe that more people have not made the switch from a standard DVR to the DIRECTV Plus HD DVR. Images are sharp and crisp with brighter colors while the sound quality is superb. This receiver is even Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound capable making it a versatile component that can be easily integrated into your home theatre system.
As an added bonus this receiver allows me to share photos and music that have been stored on my PC through my HDTV. PC’s must be Intel Viv processor technology-based for this feature.
Once you get the DIRECTV Plus HD DVR you will never want to go back to a standard receiver. The gang will just have to watch the game from my large-screen HDTV so that we will not miss a single throw, catch, or score next time.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
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!,
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!
Monday, April 7, 2008
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.
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.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
NFL Sunday Ticket only from DIRECTV is here!
NFL Sunday Ticket is finally here and DIRECTV is offering everything that they have for only $69.99/month for 4 months.
- Player Tracker - Select your favorite players and follow their performance throughout the day. With your DIRECTV interactive receiver track up to 9 players with up to the minute alerts and stats. With Player Tracker you can:
- Pick or edit up to 9 players 24/7 during the NFL regular season
- Receive live "Big Play" Alerts for your players on all your Sunday Ticket Channels
- Real-time Cumulative Stats available at the touch of a button, whenever you want
- Alerts available on all standard-definition and high-definition Sunday Ticket game channels, Game Mix 1 & 2 and Red Zone Channel
DIRECTV also offers NFL SuperFan. SuperFan can be added to your NFL SUNDAY TICKET package to create the ultimate NFL viewing experience. Perfect for true fans and fantasy football players everywhere!
Links to the 2007 NFL Schedules: NFC Team Schedules; AFC Team SchedulesTuesday, July 10, 2007
DIRECTV's HDTV Satellite Launches Friday
SOURCE: TvPredictions.com 07.02.07
'Washington, D.C. (July 2, 2007) -- DIRECTV this Friday night is scheduled to launch the first of two new satellites to expand its High-Definition programming lineup.
Called DIRECTV 10, the spacecraft will launch on July 6 at 9:16 p.m. ET from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, using an International Launch Services Proton rocket.
If successful, the satellite should be operational in roughly 30-45 days, although DIRECTV is not likely to begin adding high-def channels until early September. The satcaster will require some time to test the satellite under real conditions.
DIRECTV says it will offer 100 HD channels by year's end, but many are scheduled to be added in September.
The satellite service is expected to launch the second satellite designated for HD next year. After that satellite is operational, DIRECTV says it will have the capacity for up to 150 HDTV channels and local HD channels in most markets.'
'Washington, D.C. (July 2, 2007) -- DIRECTV this Friday night is scheduled to launch the first of two new satellites to expand its High-Definition programming lineup.
Called DIRECTV 10, the spacecraft will launch on July 6 at 9:16 p.m. ET from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, using an International Launch Services Proton rocket.
If successful, the satellite should be operational in roughly 30-45 days, although DIRECTV is not likely to begin adding high-def channels until early September. The satcaster will require some time to test the satellite under real conditions.
DIRECTV says it will offer 100 HD channels by year's end, but many are scheduled to be added in September.
The satellite service is expected to launch the second satellite designated for HD next year. After that satellite is operational, DIRECTV says it will have the capacity for up to 150 HDTV channels and local HD channels in most markets.'
Thursday, May 24, 2007
DIRECTV Adds More HD (High-Definition) Channels
As part of DIRECTV's highly anticipated high-def expansion, the nation's largest satellite TV company has added nearly a dozen more HD channels just in time for the summer season.
Hoping to stay on track with its "100 high-definition channels by year's end" goal, the nation's largest satellite TV provider unveiled plans this week to launch four Discovery HD channels, five HD channels from Starz and CNBC and Chiller in HD.
Under terms of the agreement with Discovery, DIRECTV will launch four simulcasts - Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet and The Science Channel - and two other channels yet to be named (or launched) by Discovery sometime in the near future. The HD feeds of the four existing networks will launch in September, DIRECTV said.
Terms of the deal with Starz include the launch of 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, which the company said will feature first-run movies, and the coastal HD feeds will also launch in September.
The news comes on the heels of DIRECTV's recent announcement that it will be the first to launch the History Channel HD, a new 24-hour HD network, and A&E HD later this year. DIRECTV also said it has inked a deal with Disney Channel for the exclusive rights to broadcast the premiere HD version of High School Musical 2.
Hoping to stay on track with its "100 high-definition channels by year's end" goal, the nation's largest satellite TV provider unveiled plans this week to launch four Discovery HD channels, five HD channels from Starz and CNBC and Chiller in HD.
Under terms of the agreement with Discovery, DIRECTV will launch four simulcasts - Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet and The Science Channel - and two other channels yet to be named (or launched) by Discovery sometime in the near future. The HD feeds of the four existing networks will launch in September, DIRECTV said.
Terms of the deal with Starz include the launch of 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, which the company said will feature first-run movies, and the coastal HD feeds will also launch in September.
The news comes on the heels of DIRECTV's recent announcement that it will be the first to launch the History Channel HD, a new 24-hour HD network, and A&E HD later this year. DIRECTV also said it has inked a deal with Disney Channel for the exclusive rights to broadcast the premiere HD version of High School Musical 2.
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
HDTV’s Most Reliable Brands
SOURCE: TvPredictions.com. 4.11.07
Washington, D.C. (April 11, 2007) -- When buying a High-Definition TV, you need to be sure that the set will not require frequent repairs. Reliability is almost as important as the picture.
With that in mind, Consumer Reports has just published a comprehensive review of the reliability of dozens of major brands, including big-screen TV makers.
Although the magazine said LCD, Plasma and some rear projection technologies are too new to draw final conclusions, it did offer some judgments based on data over the last two years.
LCD
In the LCD category, Consumer Reports said the following brands have shown "promising reliability," meaning they have needed few repairs:
JVC; Magnavox; Panasonic; Philips; Samsung; Sanyo; Sharp; Sony; and Toshiba
However, the magazine said Dell LCD sets have needed "more repairs than average."
Plasma
In the Plasma category, Consumer Reports said the following TV makers have shown "promising reliability":
Fujitsu; Hitachi; Panasonic; Pioneer; Sony; and Toshiba.
Consumer Reports said Philips and Vizio Plasma sets have needed "more repairs than average."
Microdisplay Rear Projection
In the Microdisplay Rear Projection category, the magazine said the following brands have demonstrated "promising reliability."
Panasonic and Sony
However, it said RCA (DLP) and JVC (LCoS/D-ILA) have needed 'more repairs than average."
Based on data from 2001 to 2006, Consumer Reports also rated tube TVs from 30 to 36 inches. It said JVC, Sharp, Sanyo and Toshiba needed repairs only three percent of the time.
In the 34 to 36-inch category, the magazine said Toshiba tube TVs needed repairs only four percent of the time while Sony sets needed repairs just five percent of the time.
Washington, D.C. (April 11, 2007) -- When buying a High-Definition TV, you need to be sure that the set will not require frequent repairs. Reliability is almost as important as the picture.
With that in mind, Consumer Reports has just published a comprehensive review of the reliability of dozens of major brands, including big-screen TV makers.
Although the magazine said LCD, Plasma and some rear projection technologies are too new to draw final conclusions, it did offer some judgments based on data over the last two years.
LCD
In the LCD category, Consumer Reports said the following brands have shown "promising reliability," meaning they have needed few repairs:
JVC; Magnavox; Panasonic; Philips; Samsung; Sanyo; Sharp; Sony; and Toshiba
However, the magazine said Dell LCD sets have needed "more repairs than average."
Plasma
In the Plasma category, Consumer Reports said the following TV makers have shown "promising reliability":
Fujitsu; Hitachi; Panasonic; Pioneer; Sony; and Toshiba.
Consumer Reports said Philips and Vizio Plasma sets have needed "more repairs than average."
Microdisplay Rear Projection
In the Microdisplay Rear Projection category, the magazine said the following brands have demonstrated "promising reliability."
Panasonic and Sony
However, it said RCA (DLP) and JVC (LCoS/D-ILA) have needed 'more repairs than average."
Based on data from 2001 to 2006, Consumer Reports also rated tube TVs from 30 to 36 inches. It said JVC, Sharp, Sanyo and Toshiba needed repairs only three percent of the time.
In the 34 to 36-inch category, the magazine said Toshiba tube TVs needed repairs only four percent of the time while Sony sets needed repairs just five percent of the time.
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