Just wrote a nasty letter to Directv customer service and this is the response I got back, hopefully they aren't blowing smoke up my ass...
Thanks for asking about HD local programming. DIRECTV has a tentative schedule to launch local HD programming in Greenville-Spartanburg SC-Asheville NC market area by late January or early February of 2007. As you might imagine, high-definition channels are some of the most expensive ones for us to carry, both in terms of what we pay the networks to distribute their programming and the technology we use to deliver them.
I know that HD programming is important to you and DIRECTV is committed to offering the best possible HD experience to you. In recent months, we have launched the first two of four satellites that will allow us to greatly expand our HD local channel offerings.
The two new satellites have allowed us to begin offering HD local channels in several cities, with many more to come later this year. Because our satellite capacity is still limited, we intend to focus on getting HD feeds of ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC up in as many cities as possible. Next year, when the other two satellites become available, we will be able to begin providing even more channels (including CW, where available) in existing HD local markets, as well as adding new HD markets and more national HD programming.
As soon as we launch local channels in HD in your area, we can upgrade your DIRECTV system with the right equipment to receive the new HD local channels. To learn more please call us at 800-531-5000, a customer service representative will be happy to assist you.
Thanks again for writing and I hope this helps answer your question. Please stay tuned to DIRECTV.com/HDTV for the latest news and announcements as they become available.
Sincerely,
Rebecca T
Employee ID 100128908
DIRECTV Customer Service
Thanks for asking about HD local programming. DIRECTV has a tentative schedule to launch local HD programming in Greenville-Spartanburg SC-Asheville NC market area by late January or early February of 2007. As you might imagine, high-definition channels are some of the most expensive ones for us to carry, both in terms of what we pay the networks to distribute their programming and the technology we use to deliver them.
I know that HD programming is important to you and DIRECTV is committed to offering the best possible HD experience to you. In recent months, we have launched the first two of four satellites that will allow us to greatly expand our HD local channel offerings.
The two new satellites have allowed us to begin offering HD local channels in several cities, with many more to come later this year. Because our satellite capacity is still limited, we intend to focus on getting HD feeds of ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC up in as many cities as possible. Next year, when the other two satellites become available, we will be able to begin providing even more channels (including CW, where available) in existing HD local markets, as well as adding new HD markets and more national HD programming.
As soon as we launch local channels in HD in your area, we can upgrade your DIRECTV system with the right equipment to receive the new HD local channels. To learn more please call us at 800-531-5000, a customer service representative will be happy to assist you.
Thanks again for writing and I hope this helps answer your question. Please stay tuned to DIRECTV.com/HDTV for the latest news and announcements as they become available.
Sincerely,
Rebecca T
Employee ID 100128908
DIRECTV Customer Service