new birds go up, when? and what channels?

[SMG]

when are they launching these things, and what is the expected channel list?

 

[fkostyn]

Per space flight now, Spaceway 1, this april, (via Sea Launch). Spaceway 2, (unknown), also going up this spring is Directv 8. However, there are no specific dates given. It also looks like Spaceway 1 is Sea Launch's next launch, so, we could start seeing launch updates on sealaunch.com once XM3 is up.

 

[Hogarth]

The channels will be primarily HD Local-Into-Locals, and not, largely, new nationwide hi-def programming.

No channel list has been released yet.

 

[SMG]

The channels will be primarily HD Local-Into-Locals, and not, largely, new nationwide hi-def programming.

No channel list has been released yet.

so youre saying that they are launching 2 new Sats and they will only be for locals?

how many actual "real"(aside the big 3) networks actually broadcast in HD?

who is the stick in the mud about getting HD content?

 

[charper1]

the producers and production companies are making HD content and facilities as fast as their budgets allow; i am sure it could be a tad bit faster but you aren't going to see cable or dbs providers flood channels on that don't profit them; especially if they are tight on space

 

[vurbano]

so youre saying that they are launching 2 new Sats and they will only be for locals?

how many actual "real"(aside the big 3) networks actually broadcast in HD?

who is the stick in the mud about getting HD content?

WB, UPN, FOX, PBS, TNT

 

[CWS_kahuna]

so youre saying that they are launching 2 new Sats and they will only be for locals?

how many actual "real"(aside the big 3) networks actually broadcast in HD?

who is the stick in the mud about getting HD content?

The main thing the new sats are for is locals, however I don't believe that's all they will be for. As vurbano said all of the main local channels have some sort of HD content showing throughout the week.

 

[jim tressler]

xm3 went up yesterday I beleive

 

[fkostyn]

Yeap, sure did - watched the webcast of it going up last night.

 

[charper1]

was XM's capacity maxed on rock & roll or are they making sure they have a spare?

 

[jsegura]

Since D* will be moving some channels to these new birds, will this mean they will have more bandwidth on their current birds, and hopefully decompress the signal on current channels? Thanks

 

[charper1]

that is one theory. but they will wait until they make sure all the new birds make it up ok and they have rolled out their new channels; making only minor moves. keep in mind the new mpeg4 also means a new dish & receiver, so they cant just start moving main channels all over the place. they have to stay "visible" for all users.

 

[DrWho]

anything to fix the grain and compression on the current HD offerings

 

[EricTheRed]

OT but to answer charper1's question, XM 3 and 4 are to replace faulty power output issue with xm rock and roll. Their insurance is footing the bill for xm 3 and 4.