[vbfreak_98]

I just got my DIRECTV hooked up with an HD receiver also. I'm in the Seattle area.

I'm getting only 3 local channels in HD and 7 HD packaged channels. (disappointed that I cannot other local HD channels) Is there anything I can do about it ?

My non-HD channels are not so great, I mean I had CABLETV before DIRECTV and non-HD channel pciture was crisp clear and sharp, but am disappointed with the quality of the DIRECTV as far as non-HD channels are concerned. Is this normal ? or something that need to be worked on ?

Also why don't the major networks like CNN, CNBC, etc broadcast in HD ?

Please advise for the above questions also any tips and tricks for a newbie would be appreciated.
Thanks.

 

[bobnielsen]

Welcome to DBStalk!

Directv only carries three of the Seattle locals in HD (and Fox was only added recently). Many of us have asked KOMO (ABC) why they are not carried, but all the say is that they are having discussions with Directv (this has been going on since May). Other than locals, Directv has serious bandwidth limitations which keeps them from carrying more national HD channels. This situation will be relieved next year when two new satellites are launched (Directv says they will have cability for 150 national HD channels and many more local HD channels). This should handle all currently-available HD content with room for much more (as you note, there isn't all that much available now anyway). Many of the networks and stations have not yet made the necessary investment for HD. I expect we will see more of them jump on the bandwagon very*soon.

SD channels are often quite heavily compressed, which affects picture quality. It's a tradeoff between the available bandwidth and the desire/need to carry more channels. Of course, with a HD television set, some of these effects on SD channels are more obvious (this can be a problem with cable, as well.)

 

[litzdog911]

You can add an over-the-air antenna to your HD Receiver to pick up additional Seattle digital TV stations. Check out the "Seattle OTA Thread" in the "Local HDTV Reception Forum" at http://www.avsforum.com for advice from local OTA reception experts.

 

[vbfreak_98]

Thanks for the reply with in-depth information.

Welcome to DBStalk!

Directv only carries three of the Seattle locals in HD (and Fox was only added recently). Many of us have asked KOMO (ABC) why they are not carried, but all the say is that they are having discussions with Directv (this has been going on since May). Other than locals, Directv has serious bandwidth limitations which keeps them from carrying more national HD channels. This situation will be relieved next year when two new satellites are launched (Directv says they will have cability for 150 national HD channels and many more local HD channels). This should handle all currently-available HD content with room for much more (as you note, there isn't all that much available now anyway). Many of the networks and stations have not yet made the necessary investment for HD. I expect we will see more of them jump on the bandwagon very*soon.

SD channels are often quite heavily compressed, which affects picture quality. It's a tradeoff between the available bandwidth and the desire/need to carry more channels. Of course, with a HD television set, some of these effects on SD channels are more obvious (this can be a problem with cable, as well.)

 

[bobnielsen]

Someone from KOMO posted yesterday on avsforums that Fisher (KOMO) and Directv have finally reached an agreement, so now it's a matter of actually getting the feed working, which hopefully won't take too long.