DirecTV delivers 31 new HD channels -- kind of
By Ben Drawbaugh 
posted Aug 14th 2008 4:21PM
posted Aug 14th 2008 4:21PM
When DirecTV recently promised it'd have 130 HD channels on August 14th, we have to say this isn't exactly what we had in mind. What we expected was 31 new HD channels that would match the lineup that Dish recently revealed, but what we got was 4 real HD channels (Planet Green HD, ABC Family, Showtime Showcase HD, Showtime Extreme HD), 12 HD regional sports networks and 18 HD PPV channels. Sure, technically this is 31 new HD channels, but what about; Travel Channel HD, Outdoor Channel 2 HD, a whole slew of HBO and Cinemax HD channels, and finally all the Starz and Encore channels? According to DirecTV, all the HD PPV channels are simply place holders until the rest are brought online, but even with that excuse, this is just yet another reason why we take DirecTV's press releases with a grain of salt.
What they add is what they add. It's what they don't add that boggles the mind. How can they not have WGNHD yet when it's been available for quite some time. Yea, I know, contracts.
Dtv has WGN chicago HD.
What about AMC HD? They are actually broadcasting HD content unlike the useless MTV and VH1 HD channels.
Are these immediately available if you have the premium package?
i really hope they add espnU when it launches this fall.... i could care less about some of the channels they still lack but thats going to be a big one to add this fall with all the college football they will be showing this year.
I'm confused about your confusion. From their July 28 press release:
"Among the new HD channels that DIRECTV will launch next month are Showtime Extreme HD, Showtime Showcase HD, Planet Green HD, ABC Family HD, additional DIRECTV HD pay per view channels and an additional 23 Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) in HD 24 hours a day."
Seems to me they launched what they said they would launch
Have to agree with cg. D* released exactly what they stated they were going to release. I don't understand why there's any confusion with the press release.
Now whether or not it's what you wanted that another story entirely.
Doh! Where's my local HD before the Olympics end?
"...an additional 23 Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) in HD..."
Thats where the confusion was... they werent going to add 23, but rather add 12... maybe some of us thought the 'other' 11 may have been other networks (Travel HD, WGNHD...) so they would get to the magic number of 30 channels they were going to add.
WGNHD please!! :(