It's June 28th....no announcements

[Questioner]

Wasn't there believed to be some official announcements from directv on June 28th? I know the hd locals went live and the website changed, but was hoping for some details finally on future hd offerings. Aren't they at least going to confirm the local hd launches?

[boba]

Wasn't there believed to be some official announcements from directv on June 28th? I know the hd locals went live and the website changed, but was hoping for some details finally on future hd offerings. Aren't they at least going to confirm the local hd launches?The NFL Sunday Ticket promotion started today, you want more HD programming than that you better go to DISH. Directv has fallen asleep, maybe Rip Van Winkle (20 years):lol:

[Questioner]

The NFL Sunday Ticket promotion started today, you want more HD programming than that you better go to DISH. Directv has fallen asleep, maybe Rip Van Winkle (20 years):lol:

While there are things coming, some pretty definite, like the mpeg 4 dvr and future hd local launches....others less definite like full and part time rsns in hd reported to begin next month. Directv is lagging for hd no doubt, but you think with these things they could come up some sort of press release.

[Greg Bimson]

There are some press releases somewhere regarding the nine markets launched today. I saw them earlier on businesswire.com.

There is also a press release from a while ago regarding the next 14 markets to receive HD locals.

There is another press release from last year that stated when DirecTV 10 and 11 were launched that there will be room for 1500 HD locals and 150 national HD channels.

What more do you need? (as I am listening to Queen's "I Want It All")

[Questioner]

Those hd locals announcements were third party press releases. What would be nice is some confirmation of future hd plans for the so called hd leader more than once every 6 months.

[Kevlar]

My HD Local channels came on today :D

[boba]

Those hd locals announcements were third party press releases. What would be nice is some confirmation of future hd plans for the so called hd leader more than once every 6 months.Chack out Directv's website they no longer claim to be the HD leader.:)

[Newshawk]

Oh, no. No announcements. Just 9 more markets getting their locals in HD off the satellite, the official launch of the Titanium package, the start of this year's Total Choice Premier/NFL ST promo, Family Choice being cut from $34.99 to $29.99, the introduction of the "Big Button" remote, for all of us Baby Boomers with bifocals, the relaunch of the D* website... I think there may even be a new Para Todos promo out there. Isn't that enough?

[jonaswan2]

Oh, no. No announcements. Just 9 more markets getting their locals in HD off the satellite, the official launch of the Titanium package, the start of this year's Total Choice Premier/NFL ST promo, Family Choice being cut from $34.99 to $29.99, the introduction of the "Big Button" remote, for all of us Baby Boomers with bifocals, the relaunch of the D* website... I think there may even be a new Para Todos promo out there. Isn't that enough?

Do people have pictures of the big button remote? I really wanted to see that (even though I'm not going to get it).

[Questioner]

Oh, no. No announcements. Just 9 more markets getting their locals in HD off the satellite, the official launch of the Titanium package, the start of this year's Total Choice Premier/NFL ST promo, Family Choice being cut from $34.99 to $29.99, the introduction of the "Big Button" remote, for all of us Baby Boomers with bifocals, the relaunch of the D* website... I think there may even be a new Para Todos promo out there. Isn't that enough?

For hd users no, not when we have the least channels, poorest quality hd, and in some cases the inability to record all hd programming, compared to other hd providers. These areas announced is not where directv needs to step up their game.

[ScoBuck]

Those hd locals announcements were third party press releases. What would be nice is some confirmation of future hd plans for the so called hd leader more than once every 6 months.

If you would (if you haven't already) listened to their webinars (replays available at directv.com), you would hear plenty about what is going on regarding HD.

It's there if you're interested.

[Questioner]

I listened, but as usual, is void of the specific details you get in press releases, which usually come out sooner before hd services are introduced. Which means I don't expect much positive anytime soon with hd on directv.

[bonscott87]

For hd users no, not when we have the least channels, poorest quality hd, and in some cases the inability to record all hd programming, compared to other hd providers. These areas announced is not where directv needs to step up their game.

Not too sure what more you are looking for. DirecTV has already announced and stated many times what their plans are. HD Locals right now. No new national channels until the new sats in 2007.

What more do you want? If that's not fast enough for you then there are plenty of options for you out there. No need to continue to be upset. Call up Dish and they'll have you setup with an HD DVR and lot of HD channels in no time at all.

[ScoBuck]

Not too sure what more you are looking for. DirecTV has already announced and stated many times what their plans are. HD Locals right now. No new national channels until the new sats in 2007.

What more do you want? If that's not fast enough for you then there are plenty of options for you out there. No need to continue to be upset. Call up Dish and they'll have you setup with an HD DVR and lot of HD channels in no time at all.

You know what wiseguy- you are 1000000% right. Thanks for that post.:lol:

[Questioner]

There are many things in the works (full and parttime rsns in hd for example), they just are not releasing any info about them. The mpeg 4 has been in development for ages and is rumoured to be out soon enough, but yet no official info for many many months. Right now, they can get away with being the worst hd provider, but If directv waited until mid 2007 to offer any new hd services and products, they would be start to take a noticable hit. They could help their cause if they weren't so tightlipped with the few hd products that are coming out the rest of this year.

[ScoBuck]

Those hd locals announcements were third party press releases. What would be nice is some confirmation of future hd plans for the so called hd leader more than once every 6 months.

this is not a third party press release - is it?

http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=127160&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=877724&highlight=

BTW - there are at least seven (7) count 'em seven press releases FROM DIRECTV THIS YEAR regarding HD, plus 5 or more webinars THIS year where HD has been discussed. I know your anxious, but at least don't be ridiculous about your rants.

[ScoBuck]

There are many things in the works (full and parttime rsns in hd for example), they just are not releasing any info about them. The mpeg 4 has been in development for ages and is rumoured to be out soon enough, but yet no official info for many many months. Right now, they can get away with being the worst hd provider, but If directv waited until mid 2007 to offer any new hd services and products, they would be start to take a noticable hit.

What kind of serious trouble? I you actually took the time to get correct info, you would see that they are increasing their sub base EVERY QUARTER. They are also now at over 25% of their sub population having advanced technology equipment (HD and DVR).

This argument you CANNOT win.

[Questioner]

People likely are going to wake up starting saturday and see rsns in hd with no advance warning, and others without the right equipment won't be able to see them at all....all because directv refuses to give customers advanced warning about these things. The same thing will probably happen when the mpeg 4 dvr comes out. I don't think this is asking for too much. Directv's past hd press releases have been vague to say the least, and void of details and timetables. It's not the quantity of them I have a problem with, but what's in them.

[Questioner]

What kind of serious trouble? I you actually took the time to get correct info, you would see that they are increasing their sub base EVERY QUARTER. They are also now at over 25% of their sub population having advanced technology equipment (HD and DVR).

This argument you CANNOT win.

You are naive if you think directv never has to keep up with other providers when it comes to hd services. There just aren't enough customers who care about hd yet for it to make a difference, but this is not going to be the case forever.

I never said directv isn't doing very well now, it's the future they need to worry about.

This is an argument anyone can win with common sense.

[ScoBuck]

You are naive if you think directv never has to keep up with other providers when it comes to hd services. There just aren't enough customers who care about hd yet for it to make a difference, but this is not going to be the case forever.

I never said directv isn't doing very well now, it's the future they need to worry about.

This is an argument anyone can win with common sense.

Well if its the future you can't win that one either. Take the time, listen to their webinars - they have mentioned targets for number of HD nationals within the next 12 months and so on.

There is little they can or will do in that area until the DIRECTV10 bird is up, so all of your whining can't change that FACT. They HAVE SAID though that once that sat is humming the game changes.

Its not just common sense - its common sense based on doing a little homework before you talk. You OBVIOUSLY have NOT done your homework.

For you to say (as you DID) that they only had 1 press release in 6 months PROVES THIS - end of my discussion with you.

[ScoBuck]

Who Is Losing Subs? It's NOT DirecTV.

[Questioner]

I am fully aware of what directv PLANS to do in general terms. If they deliver, they may be closer to other hd providers at some point next year. However, by then, we don't know what the other services will be offering, it doesn't mean directv will not be still behind.

But doing homework on the topic has nothing to do with the manner in which directv releases or not releases info about their services, which is my main problem.

And again, they will be releasing hd products and services well before 2007 when the satellite goes live, just not a slew of national hd channels. I am tired of hearing about 2007 and want to know more about the next few months.

[Questioner]

Who Is Losing Subs? It's NOT DirecTV.

You wouldn't make it very far in the cable/satellite business focusing just on subscriber numbers now and not how future plans may affect them. Success now doesn't mean success forever.

[ScoBuck]

I am fully aware of what directv PLANS to do in general terms. If they deliver, they may be closer to other hd providers at some point next year. However, by then, we don't know what the other services will be offering, it doesn't mean directv will not be still behind.

But doing homework on the topic has nothing to do with the manner in which directv releases or not releases info about their services, which is my main problem.

And again, they will be releasing hd products and services well before 2007 when the satellite goes live, just not a slew of national hd channels. I am tired of hearing about 2007 and want to know more about the next few months.

Ok - show me where DISH, FIOS, cable reveal specific competitive info in ADVANCE. THEY DON'T. And they NEVER could until they have carriage agreements in place, and they WOULDN'T have carriage agreements in place 8-10 months in advance. You DO NOT KNOW what you are talking about

[Questioner]

Ok - show me where DISH, FIOS, cable reveal specific competitive info in ADVANCE. THEY DON'T. And they NEVER could until they have carriage agreements in place, and they WOULDN'T have carriage agreements in place 8-10 months in advance. You DO NOT KNOW what you are talking about

They don't need to, they are already miles ahead of directv when it comes to hd offerings. However, dish for example, announced their mpeg 4 compatible dvr well in advance, with far more details than we have with directv, and tested and delivered their dvr in a far more timely manner.

You don't know what you are talking about if you think I am the only one that questions directv's business plan and practices as far as their hd products.

[DCSholtis]

Ok - show me where DISH, FIOS, cable reveal specific competitive info in ADVANCE. THEY DON'T. And they NEVER could until they have carriage agreements in place, and they WOULDN'T have carriage agreements in place 8-10 months in advance. You DO NOT KNOW what you are talking about

Couldn't have said it any better than that!!

[Questioner]

Couldn't have said it any better than that!!

And I couldn't have responded more effectively!

[ScoBuck]

Wasn't there believed to be some official announcements from directv on June 28th? I know the hd locals went live and the website changed, but was hoping for some details finally on future hd offerings. Aren't they at least going to confirm the local hd launches?

Ok - this was your first WRONG post. I have sent you a link to the DirecTV press release.

[ScoBuck]

Those hd locals announcements were third party press releases. What would be nice is some confirmation of future hd plans for the so called hd leader more than once every 6 months.

OOPS WRONG AGAIN - see previous post

[Questioner]

Ok - this was your first WRONG post. I have sent you a link to the DirecTV press release.

At the time of my post, there was only third party confirmation.

[ScoBuck]

People likely are going to wake up starting saturday and see rsns in hd with no advance warning, and others without the right equipment won't be able to see them at all....all because directv refuses to give customers advanced warning about these things. The same thing will probably happen when the mpeg 4 dvr comes out. I don't think this is asking for too much. Directv's past hd press releases have been vague to say the least, and void of details and timetables. It's not the quantity of them I have a problem with, but what's in them.

Advanced Warning? What are they scud missles or something?

[Questioner]

OOPS WRONG AGAIN - see previous post


See my previous post.

[ScoBuck]

At the time of my post, there was only third party confirmation.

Well - if you REALLY wanted to know so badly, you could have CALLED them, they would have told you. Also, many people on this forum IN THOSE DMAS posted confirmation.

If not having a press release is your beef - GET OVER IT!

[ScoBuck]

See my previous post.

You are best IGNORED! Ta Ta

[Questioner]

Advanced Warning? What are they scud missles or something?

I don't expect them to be able announce agreements with new channels ahead of time. However, many have found very little reason to upgrade to the latest hd equipment. If directv had been more forthcoming about their plans to launch rsns in hd, this definitely would have been a reason for more to upgrade to mpeg 4 compatible hardware.

I am not the only one that was not expecting anymore fulltime mpeg 4 channels for a while until third party sources started leaking info the past few weeks.

Please stop trying to question my knowledge about television services, mainly because of my job, I seriously doubt you have a more comprehensive view of directv, dish, cable etc. than I do.

[Questioner]

Well - if you REALLY wanted to know so badly, you could have CALLED them, they would have told you. Also, many people on this forum IN THOSE DMAS posted confirmation.

If not having a press release is your beef - GET OVER IT!

Bwahahhahahahahahaha, a directv csr....now there is a reliable source of info. Call one right now, I bet you some won't have a clue about the first batch of local hd channels launched.

[ScoBuck]

I don't expect them to be able announce agreements with new channels ahead of time. However, many have found very little reason to upgrade to the latest hd equipment. If directv had been more forthcoming about their plans to launch rsns in hd, this definitely would have been a reason for more to upgrade to mpeg 4 compatible hardware.

I am not the only one that was not expecting anymore fulltime mpeg 4 channels for a while until third party sources started leaking info the past few weeks.

Please stop trying to question my knowledge about television services, I seriously doubt you have a more comprehensive view of directv, dish, cable etc. than I do.

how many is many - show me your numbers - let's see some proof, let's see some backup. they obviously KNOW more than either of us, what are YOUR satellite company qualifications for judging if they are right or wrong.

Looks like they ARE getting your money, TRUE?

[Questioner]

No, directv lying for months about being the hd leader and not doing much of anything at all to ensure their hd customers that they will not be improving their products is my problem.

[Questioner]

how many is many - show me your numbers - let's see some proof, let's see some backup. they obviously KNOW more than either of us, what are YOUR satellite company qualifications for judging if they are right or wrong.

Looks like they ARE getting your money, TRUE?

I would offer numbers if any existed, but if you frequent these forums, you would know how many directv customers still have only mpeg 2 compatible equipment. In threads discussing these proposed rsns for example, these very customers are desperate to upgrade not expecting anything useful to be added as far as mpeg 4 hd.

Keep posting the subscriber numbers.....directv is doing so well.....meaning everything is fine and always will be! Lalallalalallalaa

[Aransay]

Th Might Anonounce That Tleformual Enters Directv Ch 420

[ScoBuck]

They also seem to have lots of happy customers - I'm one of them. I also have basic cable - between the two I have just about what I require. Neither has enough stuff on their own though.

I just don't see why you are so mad at them.

[bonscott87]

People likely are going to wake up starting saturday and see rsns in hd with no advance warning, and others without the right equipment won't be able to see them at all....all because directv refuses to give customers advanced warning about these things. The same thing will probably happen when the mpeg 4 dvr comes out. I don't think this is asking for too much. Directv's past hd press releases have been vague to say the least, and void of details and timetables. It's not the quantity of them I have a problem with, but what's in them.

DirecTV has always been like this. For what...12 years now? They don't pre-announce anything. And now they have 15+ million subs. Guess being tight lipped is bad for business. Oh yea, perhaps because 98% of people out there don't care and never read press releases. The only time they find out about a new channel is a blurb in their bill about new Slueth channel such and such was added. And this is the case for all providers, cable/Dish/DirecTV.

I agree with your perfect world senario. It's just not the way the real world works. Sorry.

[ScoB]

hmmmmmmmm.....................:lol:

I'll be darned!

TvB!

[Questioner]

hmmmmmmmm.....................:lol:

I'll be darned!

TvB!

What?

[NVBlue]

Th Might Anonounce That Tleformual Enters Directv Ch 420

NO... Ch. 420 is reserved for the Bong Channel.:lol:

[ScoBuck]

NO... Ch. 420 is reserved for the Bong Channel.:lol:

And if in the 400's would that mean it is a Para Todos channel?

[BillyT2002]

You know what would be really cool? If Rupert Murdoch would call NBC/Universal and fund them to convert the SciFi channel to the SciFi-HD channel and then put it up on DirecTV as soon as possible. That and the broadcast networks, DiscoveryHD and maybe a few movie channels are all I really want in HD anyway. If they put SciFi-HD on DirecTV exclusively, then they'd be locking me in as a customer for the most part.

[Craiger]

You know what would be really cool? If Rupert Murdoch would call NBC/Universal and fund them to convert the SciFi channel to the SciFi-HD channel and then put it up on DirecTV as soon as possible. That and the broadcast networks, DiscoveryHD and maybe a few movie channels are all I really want in HD anyway. If they put SciFi-HD on DirecTV exclusively, then they'd be locking me in as a customer for the most part.


Scifi-HD would be cool. Imagine SG-1 and BSG in HD.

[JLucPicard]

BSG in HD is awesome - and available on Universal HD on Sunday nights.

[BillyT2002]

Yeah - but I'm not disciplined enough not to watch it when it first airs on the SciFi channel and to wait instead to when it airs on UHD and I also generally don't like watching things soon after I have already seen them. So, I'd rather be able to watch this stuff as it is aired on a SciFi-HD channel.

[Earl Bonovich]

I have just gotten used to watching it 6 months delayed on SCI-FI.
I record so many other shows, That it doesn't really seem like that much of delay.

I would agree that SCI-FI HD would be cool, so we could get the SG's in HD as well.

[Mike D-CO5]

I am all for a Sci Fi hd channel, but it looks like there won't be a sci fi channel as we know it today. THey are supposed to add Wrestling to the sci fi channel. It looks like the begining of the end for sci fi if they start adding this crap .

[Newshawk]

I am all for a Sci Fi hd channel, but it looks like there won't be a sci fi channel as we know it today. THey are supposed to add Wrestling to the sci fi channel. It looks like the begining of the end for sci fi if they start adding this crap .
Actually, the beginning of the end for SciFi was about 1 1/2 or 2 years ago when they appointed a new CEO who was openly disdainful of the science fiction genre. This was before the NBC/Universal merger.

[psweig]

I thought something happened to the SciFi channel a while back. I quit being interested in their line-up. It seems like all the programming is aimed at teeny-boppers.

[Craiger]

I never thought Scifi was aimed at teeny-boppers with shows like Stargate and the new BSG.

I thought something happened to the SciFi channel a while back. I quit being interested in their line-up. It seems like all the programming is aimed at teeny-boppers.

[BillyT2002]

Obviously psweig SciFi is not aimed at teeny boppers. You must have missed Stargate SG-1, Stargate Atlantis, Battlestar Galactica and Doctor Who. If that programming is aimed at teeny boppers, then count me a 43 year old teeny bopper. You need to actually watch the programming before you go dissing it. ;)

Not to say that SciFi isn't irking me by some of their other decisions like adding wrestling and Law and Order to their programming fare. However, if it adds ratings for them at times when I wouldn't be watching their channel anyway and if they take the extra revenue earned by the higher ratings and invest it into the original programming that I like, then so be it. ;)

[Questioner]

So no official announcements from directv about the latest rsn in hd launches?

[Wolffpack]

DTV doesn't make any official or unofficial announcements. Other than that the R15 was successfully debugged. :D

[BillyT2002]

Yeah - right! I'll believe it when enough people get that update and agree that it's as reliable in every aspect as my HR10-250. Until then, I may or may not be a DirevTV customer using my HR10-250. It all depends on if the TIVO series 3 ever sees the light of day.

I really have very little faith that DirecTV/NDS is going to get the R15-based DVR completely right. I'm currently monitoring these forums to see if they introduced any new bugs with this new update to further confirm my suspicions that DirecTV (as I'm pretty sure DISH Network does) uses the Waterfall software development method to design, develop and debug software. (I'm pretty sure that most non-software focused companies use this approach, anyway as it is the least resource intensive approach and as such is usually the most cost effective.) The problem with the Waterfall software development method is that it is basically encourages dealing with problems as they arise as you can while still focusing on adding new features to and enhancing your software product. Typically using this method, bugs will not be fixed in favor of new features/enhancements. Also with every new release of software is the potential for new bugs to arise using this method.

A better method is employing Agile development and Test-Driven Development principles. In a nutshell:

Agile development principles basically dictate a communication period between management and the development team to really iron out the goals for a given software iteration. A software iteration is determined to be of a set amount of time. Duiring that iteration, the software developers are to accomplish the already agreed upon goals using as little effort as they can to get the job done;.

Test-Driven development principles dictate that there are two types of tests that a developer will write while developing software.

Unit tests for the software are generally methods written in the same programming language and libraries as the software being developed. There should be a unit test method written for every software method developed to test whether the software method being developed actually achieve the goal set forth for it. Unit tests are written ideally before the actual software methof that they are to test in order to set the guidlines for the method and ultimately to determine whether the method passes or not. A unit test method and the actual software method that it should be a test for may or may not be assigned to the same software developer and probably better software will result if it is not. Ultimately writing unit tests for at least all of the critical methods within your software will result in better software being written.

Acceptance tests are also written using a third-party tool of your choice (there are a lot of them out there - or you could develop your own which trust me is a lot of work, but also sometimes the best route to go in terms of flexability). These tests are specifically to test the UI of your software. They can be written by the development staff or by the QA staff. Generally there is an acceptance test written to test every detail of the user-interface of your software. QA can also create acceptance tests for the developer to help them reliably reproduce a bug in the software.

As a result of applying the Agile and Test-Driven software develpopment methods, better software is written.

Unfortunately only companies that write software as a business ever bother to employ these methods. Thus most of the software out there being written by companies who are not in the software development business (and DirecTV/NFD is vertainly not - they are in the entertainment media distribution business) use the Waterfall method and thus do not write good software. (Whether the software that they write is usable or satisfactory is subjective to the user, but some of us have higher standards).

Let's hope that DirecTV/NDS does the right thing and hires a professional software development and QA staff that follow the Agile and Test-Driven software development methods and pays them what they are worth. I'd put my faith in what they are doing then. Until then, though, I have no faith that they are ever really going to get it done right.

[ScoBuck]

I think this thread can be put to bed, please.


:)

[Greg Bimson]

So no official announcements from directv about the latest rsn in hd launches?There was one somewhere.

[Earl Bonovich]

I think this thread can be put to bed, please.


:)


Welcome back..

And yes, it can be put to bed.

RSN's have been released, and there have been formal press releases on it.