Washington, D.C. (March 4, 2010) -- When it comes to HDTV, DIRECTV just can't seem to tell the truth.

In recent months, I've told you how the satcaster has claimed that rival Dish Network doesn't have 100 HD channels; how it says it has the capacity for 200 HD channels; and how it charges that Dish's lineup is filled with 'part-time' HD channels. (All of the claims are untrue.

But now DIRECTV has outdone itself. In the March/April issue of AAA Magazine, the satcaster has a four page ad promoting its service. The ad features a chart comparing its benefits to Dish and cable TV operators.

In the chart, DIRECTV says that "most" of its movies are in 1080p and Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround.


Is that a DIRECTV copy writer?

That's right. The chart asks if DIRECTV, Dish and cable have "most movies in 1080p and Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound." Under the DIRECTV header, the answer is 'Yes." Under Dish and cable, the answer is "No."

That sounds impressive for DIRECTV, doesn't it? 1080p has become the buzz term for the best picture quality in high-def; Blu-ray high-def discs are displayed in 1080p.

However, sitting next to the '1080p' type in the chart is a little number "1," which means that the statement has a footnote somewhere in the ad. And if you look at the bottom of page two of the ad, the 'number 1' footnote says: "Limited PPV titles available in 1080p."

Limited PPV titles doesn't sound like "most movies," does it? Yes, that's right. DIRECTV is contradicting its own claim in its own ad!

However, the footnote is on a different page than the chart -- and the footnote is in print so small that you almost need a magnifying glass to read it.

Read more below.