DIRECTV Announces New HD!

[DodgerKing]

Hey... I am basing my thought process here on DirecTV saying 30 HD channels were coming in May. Not that I don't believe my fellow satelliteguys readers but I haven't read anything in the form of a press release from DirecTV about problems with D10. So, operating under the assumption that the new satellite will increase the capacity to over 200HD channels and they said we are getting 30 more, why are we seeing only 5 coming next week. Perhaps you are exactly right (that they don't have the capacity while they fix D10). I am just throwing the question out there.

Also, the hearsay problems with D10 are supposed to be with spotbeams, right? Aren't Spotbeams different Transponders than HD nationals? Or are they just making use of our HD nationals space to fix another problem?

I guess the problem lies with their press releases not matching up to the truth. I cannot say that I blame a company for not announcing every problem, but if I base my thoughts 100% on what I have read on the DirecTV website, I am expecting 30 new HD channels this month. And I ask (based on that thought process), why not add all 30 at once? Why roll them out a little here and a little here like a parent trying to trick a kid into thinking they are getting more gifts on Christmas by giving them one here, one there to open, instead of the measly lot of six garbage gifts all at once!

Have we been duped again? Have we been outright lied to? Has D* been too optimistic and jumped the gun again like the June 2007 press release?

Thanks for the feedback. It sure would be nice if we knew what was going on.

I believe the announcement was for them to START launching the 30 in May, not necessarily complete it in May.

Plus, we still have about 3 weeks left in this month.

 

[skottey]

Actually, Direct could add all 30 now if they wanted to. All they would have to do is to downrez the image like they do on Dish. I am sure most of us would still prefer quality over quantity?

So when did they decide D10 needed fixing? Has this been their non-public intention for a while? If so, why give a press release about 30 channels?

It is nice to know that the brand new car (D12) we bought is going to be used primarily by the wife indefinitely while the wife's car (D10) sits in the shop getting "fixed." How convenient, a breakdown just as the new car leaves the lot (enters orbit). What would they have done if 12 wasn't up there? Not fixed the problems with 10?

 

[skottey]

I believe the announcement was for them to START launching the 30 in May, not necessarily complete it in May.

Plus, we still have about 3 weeks left in this month.

You are correct... to start launching... I think most of us thought more than 5 the first week. That is exactly what I am getting at though. If everything was fine up there, they'd have rolled them out much faster than 5 next week and so forth. It kind of looks like reading between the lines of the press release means "we will be using the capacity while we fix D10." They just didn't come out and say it. It is making sense now.

 

[raoul5788]

So when did they decide D10 needed fixing? Has this been their non-public intention for a while? If so, why give a press release about 30 channels?

It is nice to know that the brand new car (D12) we bought is going to be used primarily by the wife indefinitely while the wife's car (D10) sits in the shop getting "fixed." How convenient, a breakdown just as the new car leaves the lot (enters orbit). What would they have done if 12 wasn't up there? Not fixed the problems with 10?

When D10 was launched they discovered there were issues with some of the spot beams, but it went into service anyway with reduced capacity. Apparently during the testing of D12, they found a possible fix for D10, but it meant they would have to move everything from D10 to D12 and temporarily disable D10. Since D12 has more transponders than D10, they can add some new hd even without D10 being in use. When and if they can fix D10, then you will see many more hd channels come on line. When Directv said 30 channels in May, I don't think they knew they could possibly fix D10. When they found they could, they changed the press release to more hd channels STARTING in May. I know it's difficult being patient, but hang in there a few more weeks or so. It should be well worth it!

 

[toto]

As summer is here and I get locals off satellite in wonderous stretchovision, DiWreckTv should be allowed time to fix 10. How about 2 days?

 

[raoul5788]

You are correct... to start launching... I think most of us thought more than 5 the first week. That is exactly what I am getting at though. If everything was fine up there, they'd have rolled them out much faster than 5 next week and so forth. It kind of looks like reading between the lines of the press release means "we will be using the capacity while we fix D10." They just didn't come out and say it. It is making sense now.

I think you have it right. On dbstalk, satelliteracer said just that, that if they weren't trying to fix D10, there would have been many more hd channels fired up in May.

 

[skottey]

When D10 was launched they discovered there were issues with some of the spot beams, but it went into service anyway with reduced capacity. Apparently during the testing of D12, they found a possible fix for D10, but it meant they would have to move everything from D10 to D12 and temporarily disable D10. Since D12 has more transponders than D10, they can add some new hd even without D10 being in use. When and if they can fix D10, then you will see many more hd channels come on line. When Directv said 30 channels in May, I don't think they knew they could possibly fix D10. When they found they could, they changed the press release to more hd channels STARTING in May. I know it's difficult being patient, but hang in there a few more weeks or so. It should be well worth it!

Excellent explanation and very much appreciated. With so many attitudes lurking about this website, one never knows what is really going on. Thanks.

 

[cfb]

Downrezzing has nothing to do with whether or not a channel stretches their picture.

Besides, channels that do stretch-o-vision only do so on their HD broadcast channel. The current SD version of a station does not stretch.

I didnt say they had anything to do with each other, I just stated a preference. I'd rather have a downrezzed HD channel with the proper aspect ratio than a stretched SD channel like I'm getting on a number of current SD channels, and then get the full banana later on.

Travel channel SD does do the stretching. Only way I've been able to correct that is to use a zoom setting on my tv to stretch the picture vertically to correct most of the aspect ratio screwup, but that makes the picture quality even more smeary and squalid.

But I know the directv head honcho's would prefer to have us wait for the HD than to provide something with a quality level that would make people whine. Even though it'd be better than what we have.

 

[uncrules]

Excellent explanation and very much appreciated. With so many attitudes lurking about this website, one never knows what is really going on. Thanks.

Just a little more info for you. You asked for a press release about fixing D10. While there isn't one, there is a STA request that D* filed with the FCC stating their intentions. You can find that in the first post of this thread.

http://www.satelliteguys.us/directv-forum/212378-big-news-directv-12-take-directv.html

Also right before D10 was lit up in September 2007, D* did file a notice with the SEC (as they are required to by law) stating the D10 had some spot beam failures. So this isn't new information.

The process of fixing D10 will go like this.

First, get D12 parked, which it already is, then move all of D10's programming to D12. Then move D10 slightly and then fix the spot beam issues with D10. Then move D10 back and then have the capacity of all 3 recent satellites. D10, D11 and D12. D12 does have 2 more transponders than D10 so even though D12 is carrying D10's programming, there is some space for channels above and beyond that. With all 3 satellites that will give D* capacity for about 200-210 channels. Now will D* use all that space for HD channels? Who knows.

Also SatelliteRacer at the other site did state that before D* decided to fix D10, they would've added almost all 30 during the month of May. So the plan to fix D10 did alter our time line of new channels.

 

[skottey]

Because god forbid I subscribe to a service, pay for it, and then actually have the nerve to complain in a forum about something I don't like. You know, without giving specific company names, there are some companies I really look up to and can count on for honesty and even they make mistakes. It is how a company handles mistakes and missteps that defines their public image. DirecTV and Dish Network both have a long history of "dirty pool" tactics. I am sorry I clash with the "defend them at all costs" crowd.

I have said this before and I will say it again. I give my share of praise when a company does something right and I give my share of complaining when a company does something wrong. It is not as if I am expecting a perfect relationship with DirecTV. I am just expecting a little honesty. I would expect the same thing out of another person.

Maybe as a business owner I view things different than some of you. I take great pride in what I do and if somebody is "mad" or calls me out on something I feel rotten about it, especially if I really dropped the ball on things. You can only CYA so many times with MOST customers. Yes, there are the diehards that will stick by you no matter what, but most of us get fed up with lies and excuses. Don't hate me for that.

And yeah, I will and do "enjoy myself."

 

[DodgerKing]

I didnt say they had anything to do with each other, I just stated a preference. I'd rather have a downrezzed HD channel with the proper aspect ratio than a stretched SD channel like I'm getting on a number of current SD channels, and then get the full banana later on.

I realize that. What I am saying is that the SD channels are not stretched so you are not making an accurate comparison. All SD channels are 4:3. If they are stretched on your TV, then you are the one stretching them and you can change that by changing the settings on your TV and/or your DVR/receiver.

 

[raoul5788]

Excellent explanation and very much appreciated. With so many attitudes lurking about this website, one never knows what is really going on. Thanks.

Glad to be of service! :up

 

[skottey]

Just a little more info for you. You asked for a press release about fixing D10. While there isn't one, there is a STA request that D* filed with the FCC stating their intentions. You can find that in the first post of this thread.

http://www.satelliteguys.us/directv-forum/212378-big-news-directv-12-take-directv.html

Also right before D10 was lit up in September 2007, D* did file a notice with the SEC (as they are required to by law) stating the D10 had some spot beam failures. So this isn't new information.

The process of fixing D10 will go like this.

First, get D12 parked, which it already is, then move all of D10's programming to D12. Then move D10 slightly and then fix the spot beam issues with D10. Then move D10 back and then have the capacity of all 3 recent satellites. D10, D11 and D12. D12 does have 2 more transponders than D10 so even though D12 is carrying D10's programming, there is some space for channels above and beyond that. With all 3 satellites that will give D* capacity for about 200-210 channels. Now will D* use all that space for HD channels? Who knows.

Also SatelliteRacer at the other site did state that before D* decided to fix D10, they would've added almost all 30 during the month of May. So the plan to fix D10 did alter our time line of new channels.

Thanks for the info... and yes the problematic issues with D10 were new to me. I either didn't pay enough attention to the related threads at the time or forgot. I have just been following this thread for new HD and suddenly saw this repair info. So it was news to me.

BTW, any idea how long said repair of D10 will take them? Days, weeks, months?

 

[Hemi 6.1]

I'm going to start bitching if D* doesn't get this HD thing going.

Then you can all call me what ever you want.

But E* has a commanding lead. I'm starting to doubt my switch to D*.
D* get on the ball. NOW!

And I thought E* had broken satellites.
Just saying I can see peoples frustration.

 

[Rey]

Because god forbid I subscribe to a service, pay for it, and then actually have the nerve to complain in a forum about something I don't like. You know, without giving specific company names, there are some companies I really look up to and can count on for honesty and even they make mistakes. It is how a company handles mistakes and missteps that defines their public image. DirecTV and Dish Network both have a long history of "dirty pool" tactics. I am sorry I clash with the "defend them at all costs" crowd.

I have said this before and I will say it again. I give my share of praise when a company does something right and I give my share of complaining when a company does something wrong. It is not as if I am expecting a perfect relationship with DirecTV. I am just expecting a little honesty. I would expect the same thing out of another person.

Maybe as a business owner I view things different than some of you. I take great pride in what I do and if somebody is "mad" or calls me out on something I feel rotten about it, especially if I really dropped the ball on things. You can only CYA so many times with MOST customers. Yes, there are the diehards that will stick by you no matter what, but most of us get fed up with lies and excuses. Don't hate me for that.

And yeah, I will and do "enjoy myself."

skottey who's talking about defending at all costs?? i'm a business owner myself so i understand and agree with most of what you just said but i honestly i would've left D* by now.you want to continue to ride it out thats fine. Understand that most of us are aware of the issues and it can get irritating hearing the same complaints over and over again. it doesn't resolve anything. you want me to understand your side? i can do that. but try to understand my side and the others. defending D* at all costs or constantly complaining are two extremes i refuse to take.

 

[DodgerKing]

Dish has had a commanding lead in the number of HD channels for a long time now (not counting PPV, VOD, or RSNs).

 

[Hemi 6.1]

Dish has had a commanding lead in the number of HD channels for a long time now (not counting PPV, VOD, or RSNs).

D* will never catch up.

I don't care how many Sports packs D* has.
Its time to get the channels that matter to most subscribers.

3rd Quarter I predict Subscriber Losses.

D* is taking to long to deliver.

I can live with what we have now, But i can't blaim anyone who can't, And I certainly want more National/NON RSN HD.

 

[Rey]

D* will never catch up.

I don't care how many Sports packs D* has.
Its time to get the channels that matter to most subscribers.

3rd Quarter I predict Subscriber Losses.

D* is taking to long to deliver.

I can live with what we have now, But i can't blaim anyone who can't, And I certainly want more National/NON RSN HD.

who doesn't?

 

[Hemi 6.1]

who doesn't?

I'm sure someone will stop in and say they don't.

 

[yaz96]

I'm sure someone will stop in and say they don't.

Forget National HD/RSN. I want VOOM back!!!!








oh wait, wrong thread.......