Just out of curiosity, why are there so many duplicated HBO HD channels. I think there are 3 identical HBO HD channels if I'm not mistaken. Is it that one is MPEG-2 and the other is MPEG-4? If so which is which?
Why so many dups of HBO HD?
- Thread starter michaelbudney
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Let me explain it simply. When DirecTV originally put up HBO HD, it went on channel 70. To allow for easier access to the channel, DirecTV mirrored HBO HD to the 500 range so it would be grouped with the HBO channels. However, older receivers would not allow DirecTV to remap to channel 501, so they had to use 509. With the newest HD receivers, SD and HD versions of a channel can be mapped to the same channel number, so DirecTV has mapped the HD version of HBO to the SD channel position.
However, there are still a substantial number of "legacy" HD receivers that cannot see HBO on channel 501, even if that channel is in MPEG 2, as HBO HD is for now. At some point, though, DirecTV will finally move HBO to MPEG 4. At that time channels 70 and 509 will go away and those with legacy HD receivers will stop seeing HBO HD.
However, there are still a substantial number of "legacy" HD receivers that cannot see HBO on channel 501, even if that channel is in MPEG 2, as HBO HD is for now. At some point, though, DirecTV will finally move HBO to MPEG 4. At that time channels 70 and 509 will go away and those with legacy HD receivers will stop seeing HBO HD.
OK, I knew there had to be a good explanation. So 70, 501 and 509 are all mpeg-2?
They are all the same, just mapped to the different numbers and yes, Mpeg 2 ... 
Direct is moving to convert all to Mpeg 4 starting with the West Coast Subs...
Direct is moving to convert all to Mpeg 4 starting with the West Coast Subs...
Thanks, that's good to know. I suspected this was the case and have been recording off HBOHD W because I thought it was a better picture. It's good to hear it confirmed.
Is the main Showtime MPEG2 only too?
Yes all are on the original HD Pack (as well as the HDNets and UHD) ... Mpeg 2 go for west or 2 feeds for SHO and HBO...
They are all the same, just mapped to the different numbers and yes, Mpeg 2 ...
How can they convert without giving you free new equipment? If they are giving it free what does my boss do with his...
RCA F38310 38" 16:9 HDTV with Built-In DirecTV and HDTV Receivers
I told them not to buy it!! But.....They did.
I see there have been several that have corrected you already, but I wish people would research a little before they make statements like this.
I don't think that his comment was due to a lack of research. Look at his sig.
Yeah I just looked at some of his past posting history too. Seems he really has it out for D*, yet he still uses them....
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