DIRECTV: We're Over 70 HD Channels
The satcaster's list includes PPV channels and distant network signals that can only be seen in limited areas.
By Swanni
However, the satcaster is including eight HD PPV channels and eight DNS (Distant Network Signals) channels in the list.
A DNS signal is a network feed (usually from network affiliates in New York or Los Angeles) that is sent to subscribers who can't get their local channels with an antenna. (In addition to the DNS signals, DIRECTV offers the actual local HD channels to subscribers in many markets, but it's not including those in its overall count.)
At its web site, DIRECTV today posted a new section on its HD lineup under the header, "DIRECTV has the most national HD channels in the known universe."
"DIRECTV now broadcasts over 70 of your favorite national channels in HD...And stay tuned. There's plenty more to come," the site states.
In addition to the PPV and DNS channels, DIRECTV counts 47 national HD channels and nine regional sports channels in high-def.
By DIRECTV's count, that would give the satcaster 72 HD channels.
The company's definition of what makes a HD channel is certainly arguable. But EchoStar, the second leading satellite service, recently said it has 70 HD channels, also counting PPV channels.
DIRECTV says it will offer up to 100 HD channels by year's end and it lists 14 more national high-def networks it will launch during the fall and winter.
The satcaster today added six new national HD channels: Fox Business Network (channel 359); HGTV HD (channel 229-1); FX HD (channel 248); Speed Network HD (channel 607); Fuel HD (channel 612) and The Cartoon Network (channel 296).
DIRECTV today also added the following regional sports channels in high-def: FSN Southwest (channel 643); FSN West HD (channel 652); Fox Sports Prime Ticket HD (channel 653); and FSN Detroit HD (channel 636).
And, it added three channels in the 130s and three channels in the 140s for high-def PPV movies.
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