DirecTV raises its HD channels claim to 160, disses Dish for juking the numbers

We hadn't even finished counting Dish's 200 channels claim when DirecTV pops up with plans to add a whole slew of new HD networks as well. By its reckoning, tossing ESPNU HD, WGN HD, MSNBC HD, some additional DirecTV Cinema Channels and more puts it over 160 "around the clock HD channels", and executive VP Derek Chang couldn't resist tossing in a link to count them for yourself. He's laid the gauntlet down for Dish to put its channel lineup up for similar scrutiny, we'll see if the end result of this duel is more clarity in the channel/choices count wars. Check the full press release after the break.

Show full PR text

DIRECTV Continues To Deliver More Full Time HD Than Any Other Provider With The Addition Of Over 30 New HD Channels -Bringing DIRECTV's HD Lineup to More Than 160
MSNBC HD, ESPNU HD, Travel Channel HD, Hallmark Channel HD, Lifetime HD and Univision HD Are Among the New HD Channels to Begin Launching in May

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Apr 20, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- DIRECTV, the world's most popular video service, continues to deliver more full time HD channels than any other television provider in the nation with the addition of over 30 new HD channels. These new channels will begin rolling out in May and will continue in the following few months bringing DIRECTV's total HD channel lineup to more than 160.

Among the 30 new HD channels that DIRECTV will begin launching next month are:

1. CSN Bay Area HD
2. Showtime Beyond HD
3. CSN California HD
4. Showtime Next HD
5. Encore HD East
6. Showtime Women HD
7. ESPNU HD
8. Starz Cinema HD
9. FSN Florida HD
10. Starz In Black HD
11. GolTV HD
12. Telefutura HD West
13. Hallmark Channel HD
14. TMC Xtra HD East
15. Hallmark Movie Channel HD
16. Travel Channel HD
17. HBO2 East HD
18. Univision HD East
19. HBO Zone HD
20. WGN HD
21. Lifetime HD
22. Additional DIRECTV Cinema Channels
23. MSNBC HD

"From day one we have led the way with HD and, to the dismay of our competitors, that has not changed," said Derek Chang, executive vice president, Content Strategy and Development for DIRECTV. "While DISH Network is very skilled at grossly inflating their HD numbers, you'd be hard pressed to find an actual list of comprehensive HD channels that match their recent claims. We invite consumers to go to DIRECTV.com/hdchannels to see a list of all of DIRECTV's more than 160 HD channels. We challenge DISH to publish a list of all their full-time HD channels so consumers can decide and count for themselves."

In addition to the new HD channels, beginning this June, DIRECTV will launch a suite of 3D channels, which will include N3D(TM) powered by Panasonic, ESPN 3D, a 3D DIRECTV Cinema channel; and a 3D DIRECTV on Demand channel.

DIRECTV continues to lead the industry with the most sports in HD by broadcasting exclusive interactive sports packages like NFL SUNDAY TICKET(TM) and NCAA(R) MEGA MARCH MADNESS(TM) all in crystal-clear HD. DIRECTV will also continue to add HD content to its DIRECTV on Demand platform. In addition, DIRECTV delivers local HD programming to 138 markets, representing 92 percent of U.S. TV households.

[Type A Posted Apr 20th 2010 2:55PM]

As always a big thanks to providers who, for the most part, focus solely on quantity rather than the QUALITY hd was meant to be. This is just what HD languished for so many years in obscurity for; channel counts. TGFBR.

[bobjfs Posted Apr 20th 2010 4:00PM]

Still no BBC America? Sheesh. Some day I will see Doctor Who in HD. It may be on Dish Network, however.

[jwardell Posted Apr 20th 2010 10:26PM]

@bobjfs Agreed, Where is BBC America HD? I'm tired of watching Top Gear double-cropped and downrezed!

[barkingghos Posted Apr 21st 2010 5:50AM]

@bobjfs Get it on Blu-ray.

[lakiwi Posted Apr 21st 2010 1:48PM]

@bobjfs : Yes once more DIRECTV has shafted us and given us the finger on BBC America. I am sick of them adding obscure channels in HD, when BBC America has been providing them an HD signal since at least October 2009. I've been with them since 1994 and I'm sure it is not too difficult to switch over to Dish!!

[Sarten Posted Apr 21st 2010 2:42PM]

@bobjfs I actually spoke to a directv rep last week and they informed me that we will be getting it later this year when I asked her narrow it down she said most likely in Q3 this year.

[webdev511 Posted Apr 27th 2010 12:37AM]

@bobjfs

I dropped DirecTV for the constant price increases and genrally crappy content. As a result am VERY happy to download Dr. Who off Xbox Live in HD. $1,200 a year buys a LOT of downloads.

[bobjfs Posted Apr 27th 2010 9:31AM]

@bobjfs Now, don't get me wrong. I had ComCRASH for nearly 22 years. DirecTV is a godsend compared to that lousy service. I just wish they'd offer BBC America and, now that I think about it, AMC, so I can see Doctor Who and Mad Men in HD.

Maybe they could make a deal with both networks to offer the shows in HD via the FREE Demand feature.

[swoon Posted Apr 20th 2010 9:08PM]

Well played, Mr. Lawler.

[JohnnyDrama Posted Apr 21st 2010 1:26AM]

What about AMC? Breaking bad would be nice to see in HD..even Comcrap has that one DTV...

[IseWise Posted Apr 21st 2010 3:51AM]

I'm happy to see Travel Channel is in HD now. I'm not proud to say that I suffered through Anthony Bourdain in SD.

Definitely would like to see BBC American in HD though.

[ggore Posted Apr 21st 2010 6:08AM]

OK, here's a list of some of the HD channels DirecTV WILL NOT have:
BBC America HD
History Intl HD
Turner Classic HD
G4 HD
Style HD
Headline News HD
NatGeoWild HD
Travel Channel is on its way out, it's been bought and is going to be rebranded/renamed as something else entirely. It hasn't produced any new original content in ages, so it is a bit of a mystery as to why this channel is in the new lineup instead of the ones listed above. This is the tipping point that will make me switch to Dish.

[slickshoes Posted Apr 21st 2010 11:47AM]

Channel list for Dish is up, suck it DTV...

http://www.dishnetwork.com/hdchannels/default.aspx

[djx Posted Apr 21st 2010 3:18PM]

@slickshoes 74 Cinema HD channels?! I don't know if its fair to count 20 channels that play the same movie

[bobjfs Posted Apr 22nd 2010 12:40PM]

@slickshoes

The only negative for Dish is their DVR battle with TIVO. A lower court ruled that Dish violated TIVO's patent on some of the engineering in the Dish DVR.

So far, the appellate courts have upheld the lower court's ruling and injunction to disable the DVR. A new appeal was launched, and that has temporarily stayed the injunction. If the appellate court eventually rules against Dish, they're done for unless they can invent a new DVR or work out a deal with TIVO.

It's a big, big problem.

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 22nd 2010 12:43PM]

@slickshoes
Lists on paper are nice....but I have yet to find BBC HD or TCM-HD ANYWHERE on my Dish "ALL Channels" guide.
Everything available SHOULD show up there!!!

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 22nd 2010 1:44PM]

@Unverified User If you are not getting the channels you need to call Dish so they can install a new antenna, I had the same problem now I get all the channels, it was just $15

[Sgt Cell Posted Apr 21st 2010 8:58PM]

I'm still waiting for TW to offer Spike and Comedy Central in HD in upstate NY. No one jerks you around like TW!

[ggore Posted Apr 22nd 2010 4:47AM]

Dish doesn't have ESPNU HD or Smithsonian Channel HD. You have to examine the lists closely when making a buying decision.

[jagowar Posted Apr 22nd 2010 12:15PM]

I really want G4 and BBC America.....