Commentary
DIRECTV: VOD Isn't An HD Channel Unless We Say So
By Swanni

Washington, D.C. (July 18, 2011) -- I've reported here the many times that DIRECTV has lied, bamboozled, deceived and/or misled people into thinking it has more HD channels than it actually does. But the satcaster is now telling arguably the boldest lie yet about its HD channel count on its own web site.

On a web page at DIRECTV.com, headlined "HD Channel Lineup," the satcaster pokes fun at Dish Network's clumsy and deceptive attempt last year to count single-title Video on Demand channels as full-time HD channels.

"With DIRECTV, what you see is what you get. We don't count video-on-demand titles as HD channels," says the web page, which includes a headline, 'Over 170 Channels,' suggesting DIRECTV now has more than 170 HD channels.

To DIRECTV's credit, the company then lists its entire lineup of HD channels, everything from HBO to network feeds to sports channels. Nothing like full disclosure, right? Well, apparently not. After reviewing the page, you realize that DIRECTV actually lists just 138 HD channels, not "over 170."

But wait! At the end of the list of the channels, DIRECTV notes that it also has "36 DIRECTV CINEMA HD channels and 1 DIRECTV CINEMA 3D channel." That brings its total to 175 HD channels, which would seem to satisfy the headline of 'Over 170 Channels.'

But there's a problem with that logic. You see, 'DIRECTV Cinema' is the company's fancy name for Video on Demand channels.

That's right. DIRECTV includes 37 Video on Demand channels in its HD channel count on the same page in which it scolds Dish Network for counting Video on Demand channels in its HD channel count.

DIRECTV appears to be saying that its VOD channels are somehow different than Dish Network's VOD channels. And, indeed, unlike Dish, which has just one movie playing on some VOD channels, DIRECTV Cinema VOD channels have multiple titles available.

But a VOD channel is a VOD channel and if you're going to criticize your rival for including them in the regular HD channel count, you risk looking hypocritical if you count them, too.

The problem here is that DIRECTV, Dish Network and just about every TV provider stretches the truth when it comes to HD channel counts. Rather than invest more money adding more HD channels, they inflate the existing numbers so it looks like they have more than they do.

But this is clearly being done to deceive their customers and potential future customers.

It needs to stop, or at least, a government agency such as the Federal Trade Commission should blow the whistle on the practice so consumers will have more information about this deception.

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