Does DirecTV have an HD preview/demo channel?

[Patrick G.]

Or in other words, is there a DirecTV channel I can tune to just to see what HD looks like on my HDTV without actually having to subscribe to an HD channel or package?

[Mertzen]

Nope. Since you would need a HD box to get the HD programming/signal anyway.

[Patrick G.]

I have an HD box.

[Patrick G.]

Did they used to? I know Dish did at one time.

[Mertzen]

Hrm, still the answer is no. You have a HD box without HD access ?

[Matt9876]

Dish has one at "I think it's 5170" and I have found it useful during equipment setup before activation.

With DirecTV it's more like a switch that gets thrown when you order HD at $9.99.

It's odd to have DirecTV HD equipment and not the HD service,Maybe they should add some kind of HD test channel.:)

[moghedien]

Or in other words, is there a DirecTV channel I can tune to just to see what HD looks like on my HDTV without actually having to subscribe to an HD channel or package?

If your TV has an ATSC tuner, you may be able to pickup the local stations HDTV broadcasts with some rabbit ears antenna. You should also check antennaweb.org or tvfool.com to see what local stations you should be able to see in your area.

[JLucPicard]

I have an HD box.
If you have a Legacy (MPEG2) receiver or HR10-250, you would not be able to receive the MPEG4 signal anyway - the equipment would not support it.

If you have current MPEG4 equipment and a compatible dish, but are not paying the HD Access fee, then you would also be unable to view the new HD signals.

What model receiver and dish do you have?

[FlBillsfan]

If you have a Legacy (MPEG2) receiver or HR10-250, you would not be able to receive the MPEG4 signal anyway - the equipment would not support it.

If you have current MPEG4 equipment and a compatible dish, but are not paying the HD Access fee, then you would also be unable to view the new HD signals.

What model receiver and dish do you have?

With an ant in range of signal, he could get OTA HD with the HR10-250

[boba]

Why should D* waste bandwidth on a demo channel a person either wants a subscription to HD for $9.99/mo. or they don't invest in a HDTV receiver.

[Grentz]

If you have an HD capable receiver (H2x or HR2x) you are required to have the $9.99 HD Access as per the terms and conditions and agreement of the lease.

[bigboyman2]

Just add the hd service on your account temporarily. Then if you want it, keep it. If you don't, call back to take it off. It's pretty simple to do so

[JLucPicard]

With an ant in range of signal, he could get OTA HD with the HR10-250
Which has absolutely nothing to do with DirecTV having a preview/demo channel like he was asking about, and which my post was addressing.

Now, if he was just looking to see ANYTHING HD, and not what DirecTV has to offer in HD via the satellite (which is how I interpretted his question), then you are correct.

[syphix]

I believe if local HD's are available in your market, they are NOT an extra cost (i.e., not part of the "HD Access") and should be viewable. I could be wrong, though...