For starters, let's examine DIRECTV's claim that it now has the "capacity" for 200 plus HD channels.

DIRECTV launched a new satellite late last year that's supposed to give it the capacity for 200 HD channels. However, by DIRECTV's own admission, the satellite won't be operational until "spring,' which means it won't be ready for at least one month, perhaps more.

So, DIRECTV does not have the capacity now to offer 200 HD plus channels, as it claims. If there's any doubt about that, just check your DIRECTV's high-def lineup; the satcaster hasn't added an HD channel in months.

Now, let's look at DIRECTV's second claim -- that Dish Network's HD channel count includes part-time channels that are not available 24 hours a day.

Well, guess what? DIRECTV's HD channel count also includes channels that are not available 24 hours a day -- PPV channels to be precise.

A DIRECTV's PPV HD channel, which airs the same movie all day, can only be seen if you order the film in the early part of the broadcast. If you don't, you have to wait until the movie begins again, which could be two hours or more.

So for most of the day, each DIRECTV PPV HD channel is a black screen and can not be watched unless you ordered the movie at the beginning.

This sounds like a part-time channel to me.

Of course, DIRECTV is making these false assertions in part because of the war between the two satcasters. Both sides are throwing mud and lies in an effort to persuade consumers to switch to their service. (However, it should be noted that DIRECTV has been trying for months to create the impression that it has 200 HD channels by using the word 'capacity' in ads without explaining what that means.)

This war is not doing anyone any good, particularly consumers who are desperately trying to figure out which TV provider's service works best for them.

The war should stop -- and so should the lying.

Also see:
Consumer Reports: 'Best Buys' For HDTVs

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Phillip Swann is president and publisher of TVPredictions.com. He has been quoted in dozens of publications and broadcast outlets, including CNN, Fox News, Inside Edition, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, The Financial Times, The Associated Press and The Hollywood Reporter. He can be reached at swann@tvpredictions.com or at 703-505-3064.

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