% of D* HD and SD customers [Archive]

Wolffpack

11-27-06, 08:15 PM

Don't wait, kill that TV now if you must. I've had HD for over 2 years, and trust me, the difference is night and day. You will wonder why you waited so long, just like others have said.
Exactly....anyone with any knowledge knows how to make a SD TV "die" and then justify the purchase of a HD equivalent. You just need to be committed! :sure:

Steve Mehs

11-27-06, 08:25 PM

When I started looking into going high def, I really would have felt better at the time if my current 32" SDTV died. I mean that TV was only 5 years old and was a birthday gift. But as soon as I fired up the 42" HDTV and saw that NBA game (I hate basketball) in HD that all went out the window :)

Not trying to be a smartass here, but I would be curious to know the percentage of DirecTV customers that switched providers due to better HD options.

Earl Bonovich

11-27-06, 08:32 PM

IIRC in the last quarterly update, they stated they have 1.5 million (out of the 15.5) with at least 1 HD box.

Staszek

11-27-06, 09:23 PM

I bought my HDTV over 2 years ago but used it for SD only. I really wasnt happy with the offerings so I figured I would wait, plus I wanted to upgrade my HT receiver before I went HD because I like running everything through it and HDMI wasnt ready at the time.

Then I was going to go HD earlier this year but when I found out the HR10 was going away for the HR20 that would have the MPEG4 locals I decided to wait.

So up until a few weeks ago I was completely ready for HD (TV, AVR, Cables) just didnt have the DTV receiver to do it yet.

Finally got my HR20 and love it. Now I am thinking of upgrading the TV in my Bedroom and putting an H20 in there. Maybe a 20" flatscreen dont need anything to big in there.

Phroz

11-27-06, 11:21 PM

I'll probably hold off on HD until everything is HD. :p

Or at the very least, I'll wait 'til I can get all of my local channels in HD (which won't happen before 2009).

I wouldn't want to be spoiled by an HD feed when I still have to watch the majority of programming in SD.

mluntz

11-27-06, 11:52 PM

I've had HD for about a year and a half, and love it. I don't even want to watch SD unless I absolutely have to.

I'm happy with my HR10-250, and get all my locals OTA just fine. I'm not switching anything until they get the bugs worked out of the HR20 and the OTA is activated, and until they get more HD content, maybe this spring or summer.

Once everything is in MPEG4, I'll be forced to make the switch.

captain_video

11-28-06, 07:37 AM

Unless you can get your OTA channels in HD, there's little in the way of quality HD programming available from any of the providers. Dish assimilated VOOM so they probably have the most non-network HD channels. DTV and cable have prety much the same HD lineups but cable will probably give you a slight edge on picture quality. If you can get Verizon FIOS I hear that's the best PQ available.

That being said, if you can afford an HDTV now, don't wait any longer. Once you get an HDTV you'll kick yourself for not getting it sooner. It really is that much better. I used to have a 50" Mitsubishi rear projection set but it was in SD and pretty much looked like crap. SD looks even better on my 60" Hitachi HDTV now. I don't watch that much SDTV anymore but when I do at least it's tolerable on a big screen.

bonscott87

11-28-06, 11:54 AM

I got HD over 4 years ago when all that was available was HDNet on D* and that's it. OTA CBS around here was just starting out in HD and that was it.

But I got an HDTV anyway. At the time it was mainly for the big screen and to properly show Widescreen DVDs. But every time more HD became available I could start wathing it...like all the NFL HD games the past 3 years.

ansky

11-28-06, 07:15 PM

newcs

11-28-06, 09:42 PM

Anyone know the % of DirecTV HD customers vs SD customers? I don't see us making the switch to HD til our main tv, a 36" JVC dies.

15,000,000 (million) Standard Def Customers.
600,000 (thousand) HD Customers.

15,600,000 (million) customers total approximately.

paulman182

11-29-06, 08:24 AM

For now I am just watching HD via OTA antenna. I am not willing to pay the $299 "lease fee" for the HD DVR - I'll wait for prices to come down on that. I get great OTA HD reception of the NYC locals with a $40 tabletop antenna.

I got mine HR20 for $39. After they become widely available again, call D* and they'll probably deal.

carl6

11-29-06, 10:10 AM

15,000,000 (million) Standard Def Customers.
600,000 (thousand) HD Customers.

15,600,000 (million) customers total approximately.

Earl posted a bit earlier in this thread that there were 1.5 million out of 15.5 million were HD.

If it's 600,000 then it's 3.8 percent. It it's 1.5 million, then it's 9.7 percent.

Carl

newcs

11-29-06, 11:50 AM

Earl posted a bit earlier in this thread that there were 1.5 million out of 15.5 million were HD.

If it's 600,000 then it's 3.8 percent. It it's 1.5 million, then it's 9.7 percent.

Carl

Based on the 10% figure I think we are lucky DirecTV is moving ahead with all the new launches and addition to new nationals next year. It's clear the SD customers are the bulk of the cash flow for DirecTV. Reading some of the negative feedback from posts on new H20/HR20 and costs to offer it, it's amazing DirecTV doesn't cut back and delay it. They may have regretted introducing it, and may prefer to wait in the future if such a small percentage actually subscribe.
Personally I'm glad they haven't hold back, and have not wavered.

cbearnm

11-29-06, 12:19 PM

I wouldn't want to be spoiled by an HD feed when I still have to watch the majority of programming in SD.
No offense, but that's like not buying a car until you can get a Mercedes (or Lexus, BMW, whatever).
At least in my setup, SD looks better on my HD set than it did on my conventional TV. In fact the HR20 does a better job with SD than my old TiVo did (when compared on the same SD TV). Comedy Central is kind of my baseline, and the HR20 does a great job on it.
I would watch a good show in HD if it's available, but if not, SD does not bother me. You would be surprised what some TVs (or receivers) can do with the signal. I very much doubt people that say that an HD set does a worse job on SD than a conventional set. Something is mis calibrated if that's the case.

Finally, if HD makes up less than 10% of D*'s sub base, than I am impressed that we get as much attention as we do. Sure, it's vital to their future, but I thought there was better penetration than that.

Mixer

11-29-06, 12:21 PM

Even worse I had an HD TV and was feeding it SD signal until just a few months ago.

:nono:

I was an SD only customer for 7 years until October, we just moved the 36" tv and SD-Tivo into the bedroom. After the change, it made us wonder why we waited so long to get HD.

untouchable

11-29-06, 12:26 PM

I'll probably hold off on HD until everything is HD.

You'll be waiting a very LONG time if you want everything to be in HD...there is probably about 20-40 programming companies that provide HD content (excluding local companies)

jimbo09

11-29-06, 12:28 PM

I'll have to agree, I will probably be more serious about HD when more is offered in HD (DVDs, movie channels, superstations, cable channels). Besides, for a lot of us, an HDTV will be one of those major purchases. I mean, not just the TV, but the receiver/DVR from D*, E*, or cable, plus the extra cost of programming, etc. I don't want to have buyers regret.

Plus, when it looks like the equipment and technology is still in transition (HD receivers, M-PEG4, 1080p, HD-DVD/Blue-ray), I am waiting to see what is really going to be available.

Newshawk

11-29-06, 12:45 PM

I'll probably hold off on HD until everything is HD. :p
Not gonna happen, at least for a verrrrry long time. Besides, almost all of your favorite older shows (even "Seinfeld" and "Friends") is in SD only and most likely cannot be converted to HD.

Or at the very least, I'll wait 'til I can get all of my local channels in HD (which won't happen before 2009).
Again, not gonna happen, yada yada... the 2/17/2009 changeover date is for DIGITAL not HD. You can still have SD in digital, and in fact, if you have any subchannels on your digital signal they have to be SD. A TV channel cannot support two HD streams, IIRC. Also, your local stations may not have the budget to convert to HD for local productions, especially if they are owned by a smaller group or are a "mom and pop" standalone operation.

I wouldn't want to be spoiled by an HD feed when I still have to watch the majority of programming in SD.
Actually, unless you are going to watch new stuff exclusively you will still be seeing a lot of SD.

Bottom line-convert to HD, enjoy it when you can and watch SD when you can't.

Newshawk

11-29-06, 12:49 PM

Sadly, even though I have a HR10-250, I do not have a HDTV... yet. I'm having to wait for tax time next year to be able to upgrade-but by then I hope they have the HR20 swap available again as Tulsa should have their HD locals on the bird next month. I'd love to move the HR10 to the bedroom with my 27" Panasonic flat screen TV. It's a bit bigger than I was planning to put in the bedroom, but the eyes aren't what they used to be...

Radio Enginerd

11-29-06, 12:57 PM

Plus, when it looks like the equipment and technology is still in transition (HD receivers, M-PEG4, 1080p, HD-DVD/Blue-ray), I am waiting to see what is really going to be available. Fair enough, BUT there will always be something bigger and better. At some point you have to jump in the water. :p

harsh

11-29-06, 01:05 PM

HDTV is like broadband internet. Once you go there, you'll wonder how you survived. On the other hand, you'll never be able to go back.

Radio Enginerd

11-29-06, 01:07 PM

HDTV is like broadband internet. Once you go there, you'll wonder how you survived. On the other hand, you'll never be able to go back. AMEN! Couldn't have said it better myself. I think we're going to see that 1.5 million (9.7%) number increase in Q1 2007. Why you ask? Take a look at the hottest selling item this Christmas.

HDTV!

harsh

11-29-06, 01:11 PM

AMEN! Couldn't have said it better myself. I think we're going to see that 1.5 million (9.7%) number increase in Q1 2007.I could buy that argument if DirecTV was the best source of HD. As it is, they qualify as an also-ran when compared to the other options.

Radio Enginerd

11-29-06, 01:29 PM

I could buy that argument if DirecTV was the best source of HD. As it is, they qualify as an also-ran when compared to the other options. I’m not trying to get anyone to buy into my argument, mainly stating some facts... Regardless of the carrier or whether or not DirecTV is currently "The Best" source for HD is irrelevant.

A percentage of existing DTV SD customers that have been gifted or purchased an HDTV for Christmas WILL be driven to upgrade. That number may not be as high as Dish Network (with more HD offerings) but I forecast that it WILL increase.

If DTV delivers more HD content in Q2 & Q3, as they've forecasted, then the number will even jump up more. The one advantage that seems to be apparent to me is the drive to add more DMA's in their HD lineup. Most folks seem to be more concerned about when their DMA will get HD locals, not when Food Network, HGTV and the "Voom Channels" will be on DTV.

harsh

11-29-06, 01:37 PM

I’m not trying to get anyone to buy into my argument, mainly stating some facts... Regardless of the carrier or whether or not DirecTV is currently "The Best" source for HD is irrelevant.In some markets where D* has LIL, it may be an option. There will be a few non-DVR customers who will jump to the H20. There will be some DVR customers who won't be informed that the HR20 is a step backwards with respect to OTA.

Surely, there will be those who aren't interested in doing research into what is (and isn't) available and they'll just pull the trigger. Let's call these the "fat, dumb and happy" customers.

Given the customer retention rate in the last quarter, it would appear that DirecTV is starting to run out of FDH subscribers.

Radio Enginerd

11-29-06, 01:40 PM

Let's call these the "fat, dumb and happy" customers.Sounds like we'd get along well. VERY funny! :lol:

Phroz

11-29-06, 02:20 PM

No offense, but that's like not buying a car until you can get a Mercedes (or Lexus, BMW, whatever). Actually, it'd be more like not driving a BMW until I owned one. ;)

Not gonna happen, at least for a verrrrry long time. Besides, almost all of your favorite older shows (even "Seinfeld" and "Friends") is in SD only and most likely cannot be converted to HD.Yes, I'm aware. The comment about everything in HD was mostly sarcastic. It would be nice to get the locals in HD though.

Again, not gonna happen, yada yada... the 2/17/2009 changeover date is for DIGITAL not HD. You can still have SD in digital, and in fact, if you have any subchannels on your digital signal they have to be SD. A TV channel cannot support two HD streams, IIRC. Also, your local stations may not have the budget to convert to HD for local productions, especially if they are owned by a smaller group or are a "mom and pop" standalone operation.Well, that wasn't entirely what I was referring to. ABC, CBS, and NBC have all had an HD broadcast for quite some time now. I'm still waiting on my local Fox affiliate (WPFO). They currently provide an HD feed to TimeWarner but no OTA HD before 2009.

paulman182

11-29-06, 02:24 PM

Surely, there will be those who aren't interested in doing research into what is (and isn't) available and they'll just pull the trigger. Let's call these the "fat, dumb and happy" customers.
Given the customer retention rate in the last quarter, it would appear that DirecTV is starting to run out of FDH subscribers.

I'm fat and happy, but I don't think "dumb" pertains to me.

I get SD locals from 100 miles away and DNS HD from New York, all on D*. OTA is impossible without 2000 feet of feedline to a hilltop. I am told that E* has never had HD DNS for all the networks, and it has lost all DNS now. Cable here is a total joke. There is no provider here who can match D*, especially when you take HD Sunday Ticket into account.

I have a perfectly-working HR20 feeding one HDTV and a perfectly-working H20 feeding another, with three other R15 DVRS that all work perfectly, too.

I assume the FDHs you are referencing are those fortunate enough to be able to get digital OTA, FIOS, or good digital cable. That doesn't apply in this area. There are still millions of us for whom D* is still the greatest thing since sliced bread.

Wolffpack

11-29-06, 02:32 PM

Based on the 10% figure I think we are lucky DirecTV is moving ahead with all the new launches and addition to new nationals next year. It's clear the SD customers are the bulk of the cash flow for DirecTV. Reading some of the negative feedback from posts on new H20/HR20 and costs to offer it, it's amazing DirecTV doesn't cut back and delay it. They may have regretted introducing it, and may prefer to wait in the future if such a small percentage actually subscribe.
Personally I'm glad they haven't hold back, and have not wavered.
This is a chicken & egg discussion. You can't attract more HD customers without the HD equipment (receivers/DVRs) and the HD content (local and national channels). DTV can't sit and wait for their HD customer base to grow before investing in HD. SATs take a long time to build and launch. DTV waited to a certain extent and got caught with their pants down.

HDTVs will no doubt be on many Christmas lists this year. But once the HDTV is in the house the HD service provider will be chosen Cable/Dish/DirecTV. Unless you're already committed to one provider over another, those making a decision solely on HD content will probably choose Dish. DTV has to get those SATs up, turn on more HD national channels and get a HD DVR that works as advertised.

I don't know what the projected growth in HDTV is for this holiday season, but I'd bet DTV is going to be getting a small piece of that pie.

Newshawk

11-29-06, 04:22 PM

Well, that wasn't entirely what I was referring to. ABC, CBS, and NBC have all had an HD broadcast for quite some time now. I'm still waiting on my local Fox affiliate (WPFO). They currently provide an HD feed to TimeWarner but no OTA HD before 2009.

Oh, THAT... I hate it when someone uses the excuse of "well, we don't HAVE to do it until 2009" to put off upgrades like HD.

harsh

12-02-06, 08:50 AM

Oh, THAT... I hate it when someone uses the excuse of "well, we don't HAVE to do it until 2009" to put off upgrades like HD.There was a time in the not so distant past that Fox declared that they had not intention of doing HD at all.

harsh

12-02-06, 09:02 AM

I assume the FDHs you are referencing are those fortunate enough to be able to get digital OTA, FIOS, or good digital cable. That doesn't apply in this area.In my market, things are somewhat the other way. We can't get waivers because we're "served", but DirecTV carries only two HD channels (NBC; who cares? and Fox).

A true FDH customer would simply assume that the remaining two stations "don't have anything I watch" or that they aren't broadcasting in HD yet. I work with an FDH wannabe who is trying to subscribe to DirecTV to feed his new HDTV. He believes that he should do this because everyone else is. He doesn't want NFLST nor any RSNs.

A year is a long time to wait to get what you want and hopefully, if they can get him installed (they said he has to contract the ground pole himself) he won't have to wait that long to get the ABC and CBS affiliates that we don't get now.

BTW, our cable provider is Comcast, so we don't have what you might call "good digital cable". That will be another 5-6% rate increase please.

bobsloop

12-02-06, 09:08 AM

I just jumped into the HDTV world and I love it. I watch a lot of sports and it is a huge improvement. I waited until I could get a 1080p SXRD TV and then I jumped in with both feet. Anyone waiting for something else shouldn't. People told me that there was not enough HD programming, but there is quite a bit right now.

Learning from my experience, if you have an interest in HD and the money to upgrade then do so today if not sooner. It is well worth it.

Dave_S

12-02-06, 09:33 AM

In my market, things are somewhat the other way. We can't get waivers because we're "served", but DirecTV carries only two HD channels (NBC; who cares? and Fox).

A true FDH customer would simply assume that the remaining two stations "don't have anything I watch" or that they aren't broadcasting in HD yet. I work with an FDH wannabe who is trying to subscribe to DirecTV to feed his new HDTV. He believes that he should do this because everyone else is. He doesn't want NFLST nor any RSNs.

A year is a long time to wait to get what you want and hopefully, if they can get him installed (they said he has to contract the ground pole himself) he won't have to wait that long to get the ABC and CBS affiliates that we don't get now.

BTW, our cable provider is Comcast, so we don't have what you might call "good digital cable". That will be another 5-6% rate increase please.
Some folks really have limited choices. If I get cable, I can have one HD-DVR (with 160gb drive) per household. Right now I have 3 HR20's and 2 HR10's. We have 3 HD screens in our house, so one HD-DVR won't cut it. I could have gone S3, but don't feel like spending ~2k for a short lived technology, and Tivo sub fees are ridiculous. I could go E*, but since I have been a D* customer for so many years, and they were willing to give me 3 dvrs for next to nothing, I stuck with them. I really don't care about the Kung fu HD channel (although the lip synch issue wouldn't matter :D )

My friend at work is a FDH consumer, he loves his Adelphia DVR connected to his 55" HD rptv, it does what he wants. Records the 4-5 shows his kids watch and the Pats game every week. Some folks just don't have very high demands or expectations from their service providers.

Steve Mehs

12-02-06, 01:23 PM

Some folks just don't have very high demands or expectations from their service providers.

I don’t have very high demands. I just want my DVR to work and work solid. I record 14 network HD shows a week, a few more SD shows on cable channels and some original programming on HBO HD and I might start recording Dexter on Sho HD after I catch up with the series by watching it on Showtime On Demand.

Judging from the titles of threads posted here that pertain to latest crop of satellite HD DVRs it makes me smile and it confirms to myself that I made the right decision when I ditched the dish and go back to that so called cable pig. My HD DVR never missed a recording and it doesn’t record when it’s not supposed to, HDMI works, it does what it’s supposed to, if it ever dies I take it back to the cable office and get a new one for free. My Scientific Atlanta DVR from cable is every bit as reliable as my old DirecTiVos and is a hell of a lot better then my experience with DishDVRs. The 160GB hard drive is too small I think as well, but I watch everything I record within 24 hours and delete right away. If I didn’t have the time to do that I’d add an external hard drive. Time Warner lets us have as my HD DVRs as we went, as long as you pay the $12.95 fee per box they could careless.