Directv Responds To Dish Network Adding Voom Channels

leww37334 · 05-01-2005, 07:17 AM

I sent an email to Directv asking about the MPEG4 conversion and about Dish network adding the VOOM channels. I am posting my question and Directv's response (PS I already use a Channelmaster 4228 antenna with a Winegard preamp for OTA)

MY QUESTION

Details: I bought a high definition receiver from Directv, and I am extremely disappointed in the High Definition offerings from Directv. I now find that several things are happening.

1. Directv is going to MPEG4 this will make my HD receiver (SAMSUNG TS360) unusable.

2. Dish Network has picked up 10 of the VOOM HD channels, will soon pick up the other 11.

When will Directv be able to offer additional HD channels?

DIRECTV RESPONSE

Thank you for writing. Earlier this year DIRECTV made several announcements from the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) about new technology and high definition local channels. I understand your concerns about how this new technology and programming will affect you and while I do not have specifics at this time, we are working out all of the details for the new technology and equipment. We will be able to provide more information soon so please stay tuned to DIRECTV.com for the latest information and news about our services.

As you may know, we recently announced the upcoming launch of four new satellites that will allow us to carry more digital channels. Two of the satellites will launch in this year and we anticipate being able to offer digital (HD) local channels broadcasting more HD programming via satellite in some areas of the country shortly after the launch. As always when we add new programming, we try to make it as easy as possible for customers to tune in and enjoy. When we're closer to the launch, there will be more announcements about the channels and what customers will need to do (if anything) to receive them.

As a reminder, many DIRECTV customers are able to get a local HD broadcast using an off-air (rooftop) antenna. (Note: In cities where local off-air HD programming is available, reception may vary based on geographic location. Again, it is important to understand that not all digital programming is broadcast in high definition in all markets.) Contact a local electronics retailer for more information.

We're committed to providing the best in HDTV programming and to continue to add new channels and programming we're in constant discussions with various program providers. Stay tuned to DIRECTV.com/HDTV for the latest news and announcements as they become available.

Thank you again for writing and please stay tuned to DIRECTV.com for the latest news and information about our service.

Sincerely,

XXXXX
DIRECTV Customer Service

borromini · 05-01-2005, 08:01 AM

Did it make you feel any better?

gnichola · 05-01-2005, 09:43 AM

What this states is the following:
We here at D* dont care. Go to our website, nothing it posted there. Buy our HD equipment. Sooner or later you can sell it on ebay.

*This letter says nothing new. Just the same stuff but different day.

Cygnus · 05-01-2005, 11:14 AM

Heh...that response answered nothing. Is this the great service DTV customers get?

GRN · 05-01-2005, 12:45 PM

DirecTV is sort of stuck in a rough spot right now. They don't want to get into specifics and that's understandable. This is the company that's been running ads for months now touting "hundreds of HD channels" coming to DirecTV, yet with no fanfare Echostar releases a statement on a Friday saying that in two days 10 new HD channels are going to be added to their lineup. If DirecTV were going to run ads calling themselves the leader in HD, that's pretty much been sunk.

DirecTV has gotten a bit of a reputation (some warranted, some not) for counting their chickens before they're hatched. You can't blame them if they choose to stay mum until they have something more concrete to offer.

lizardhowson · 05-01-2005, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leww37334

I sent an email to Directv asking about the MPEG4 conversion and about Dish network adding the VOOM channels. I am posting my question and Directv's response (PS I already use a Channelmaster 4228 antenna with a Winegard preamp for OTA)

I too sent an E-mail to D* telling them that I was duped into signing up for D* because I thought they passed thru the HD format for local channels. I also had to put up an OTA antenna to get the local HD programming (an extra $275).

I told D* that once my year commitment was up (Nov 2005), I would be leaving D* unless they added some real HD programming (not just my local channels in HD--I already get those via my OTA). I also refered to Dish Network picking up between 10 and 21 of the Voom channels and I challenged them to match that. As I understand, Columbus, OH is in the 2nd DMA to receive the new programming. If D* doesn't measure up, I am soooo gone !!

lizardhowson · 05-01-2005, 06:37 PM

Here is my E-mail:

Details: When I signed up with DirecTV in Nov 04, I was led to believe your HD package included local channels for Columbus, OH. Of course that is not so and I had to spend an additional $275 for an OTA antenna to receive the local channels in HD. Buy the way, my OTA antenna gives a better quality picture of the SD programs than what I get from your local sat channel feed (6.1 vs 6, 4.1 vs 4, 10.1 vs 10). I am aware that DirecTV has launched 1 new sat with another to go up in June 05. My 1 year commitment ends in Nov 05 which gives me time to see what new HD channels you will add to my DMA. I suggest you add some HD channels other than local channels (which is what I suspect is all you plan to do for the 1500 new HD channels you have been promising) or I, along with many other customers will be moving to Dish Network who have picked up between 10 and 21 of the VOOM channels. You need to offer more HD channels. Your HD package is mediocre. I respectfully suggest you really get on the HD bandwagon, or many of us will go elsewhere.

Here is the response:

05/01/2005 03:44 PM

Dear David,

Thanks for writing. I'm happy to hear you're interested in our high-definition service and our plans to expand the number of digital (HD) channels we'll be providing to customers in the future.

As you may know, we recently announced the upcoming launch of four new satellites that will allow us to carry more digital channels. Two of the satellites will launch in this year and we anticipate being able to offer digital (HD) local channels broadcasting more HD programming via satellite in some areas of the country shortly after the launch. As always when we add new programming, we try to make it as easy as possible for customers to tune in and enjoy. When we're closer to the launch, there will be more announcements about the channels and what customers will need to do (if anything) to receive them.

Thanks again for writing and please stay tuned to DIRECTV.com for the latest news and information about our service.

Sincerely,

Minerva
DIRECTV Customer Service

Well, it's not the same (word for word), but it still doesn't really say anything.

ITALIAN926 · 05-01-2005, 06:54 PM

If they cant offer more HD RIGHT now because of lack of bandwidth or whatever, they should dump like 10 of their like 50 PPV channels. When youre flipping through the channels , its like endless PPV's ! Why the heck do they need so many?

Smthkd · 05-01-2005, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ITALIAN926

If they cant offer more HD RIGHT now because of lack of bandwidth or whatever, they should dump like 10 of their like 50 PPV channels. When youre flipping through the channels , its like endless PPV's ! Why the heck do they need so many?

I Here you Man! The sad thing about this is they offer so many of the same movie its a crime shame! For me, I own every single movie they show on Dvd all ready! What a waste! Can anybody say VOD!!
BTW ITALIAN926, Cool Home Theater setup!

beatboy77 · 05-01-2005, 10:06 PM

Well I know a way to immediately free up enough space for ESPN2-HD and TNT-HD. They duplicate both HBO-HD and Showtime-HD. They have HBO-HD on channel 70 and 509 and have Showtime-HD on channel 71 and 543. There is no need to have the same exact channel on twice. They should get rid of these two on channels 70 and 71 and keep them grouped together with the rest of their familiy of channels in the 500's.

~Josh

cudafish · 05-02-2005, 09:01 AM

The only reason why I stay with DTV is the NFL package. Only available with DTV. Baseball NHL NBA are available on both Dish and Direct. I wonder why ?

Cygnus · 05-02-2005, 09:26 AM

Hmm, is the lack of bandwidth the reason why HD looks better on Comcast than it does on DirecTV?? HD looks much better on cable, but satellite has better digital channels.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ITALIAN926

If they cant offer more HD RIGHT now because of lack of bandwidth or whatever, they should dump like 10 of their like 50 PPV channels. When youre flipping through the channels , its like endless PPV's ! Why the heck do they need so many?

ITALIAN926 · 05-02-2005, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cygnus

Hmm, is the lack of bandwidth the reason why HD looks better on Comcast than it does on DirecTV?? HD looks much better on cable, but satellite has better digital channels.

I dont know if cable HD looks better, and I never will. Unless I move outve cablevisions turf, I will never have cable into my house again. They are a complete rippoff when their special prices expire and their technicians are a bunch of idiots. The next time I switch providers is when my phone company has a fiber line running into my house.

BTW, I dont know what youre talking about with Dtv HD not looking good. A couple channels look weird sometimes but most of them are crystal clear. Maybe it depends on whats playing. DiscoveryHD is fantastic all the time.

GRN · 05-02-2005, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cudafish

The only reason why I stay with DTV is the NFL package. Only available with DTV. Baseball NHL NBA are available on both Dish and Direct. I wonder why ?

It's called "exclusivity". the NFL signed an exclusive contract with DirecTV to carry all their games. MLB, the NBA and the NHL did not.

Streetfighter1 · 05-02-2005, 03:27 PM

I only had to pay 50 bucks for the OTA Antena from DirectTV and I get all local channels with a great picture.

I am sure we will get more hd soon, but I don't really watch more then a few hours of tv a day and most of that is on the local hd channels. I watch boxing and movies on the weekend and those are mostly on hbo hd and showtime hd.

The only thing that concerns me then is that I just bought the h10 hdtv rec. is that still going to work when they make any changes?

05-01-2005, 07:17 AM	#1
leww37334 x Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: South Central Tennessee Age: 60 Posts: 71	Directv Responds To Dish Network Adding Voom Channels I sent an email to Directv asking about the MPEG4 conversion and about Dish network adding the VOOM channels. I am posting my question and Directv's response (PS I already use a Channelmaster 4228 antenna with a Winegard preamp for OTA) MY QUESTION Details: I bought a high definition receiver from Directv, and I am extremely disappointed in the High Definition offerings from Directv. I now find that several things are happening. 1. Directv is going to MPEG4 this will make my HD receiver (SAMSUNG TS360) unusable. 2. Dish Network has picked up 10 of the VOOM HD channels, will soon pick up the other 11. When will Directv be able to offer additional HD channels? DIRECTV RESPONSE Thank you for writing. Earlier this year DIRECTV made several announcements from the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) about new technology and high definition local channels. I understand your concerns about how this new technology and programming will affect you and while I do not have specifics at this time, we are working out all of the details for the new technology and equipment. We will be able to provide more information soon so please stay tuned to DIRECTV.com for the latest information and news about our services. As you may know, we recently announced the upcoming launch of four new satellites that will allow us to carry more digital channels. Two of the satellites will launch in this year and we anticipate being able to offer digital (HD) local channels broadcasting more HD programming via satellite in some areas of the country shortly after the launch. As always when we add new programming, we try to make it as easy as possible for customers to tune in and enjoy. When we're closer to the launch, there will be more announcements about the channels and what customers will need to do (if anything) to receive them. As a reminder, many DIRECTV customers are able to get a local HD broadcast using an off-air (rooftop) antenna. (Note: In cities where local off-air HD programming is available, reception may vary based on geographic location. Again, it is important to understand that not all digital programming is broadcast in high definition in all markets.) Contact a local electronics retailer for more information. We're committed to providing the best in HDTV programming and to continue to add new channels and programming we're in constant discussions with various program providers. Stay tuned to DIRECTV.com/HDTV for the latest news and announcements as they become available. Thank you again for writing and please stay tuned to DIRECTV.com for the latest news and information about our service. Sincerely, XXXXX DIRECTV Customer Service

05-01-2005, 08:01 AM	#2
borromini HT Frontiersman Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Northern California Posts: 9,822	Did it make you feel any better? __________________ "I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy"

05-01-2005, 09:43 AM	#3
gnichola How can anyone watch standard def? Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 28	Cliffnotes Version What this states is the following: We here at D* dont care. Go to our website, nothing it posted there. Buy our HD equipment. Sooner or later you can sell it on ebay. *This letter says nothing new. Just the same stuff but different day.

05-01-2005, 12:45 PM	#5
GRN Think outside the Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Parts Unknown, NY Posts: 635	DirecTV is sort of stuck in a rough spot right now. They don't want to get into specifics and that's understandable. This is the company that's been running ads for months now touting "hundreds of HD channels" coming to DirecTV, yet with no fanfare Echostar releases a statement on a Friday saying that in two days 10 new HD channels are going to be added to their lineup. If DirecTV were going to run ads calling themselves the leader in HD, that's pretty much been sunk. DirecTV has gotten a bit of a reputation (some warranted, some not) for counting their chickens before they're hatched. You can't blame them if they choose to stay mum until they have something more concrete to offer. Last edited by GRN; 05-01-2005 at 12:59 PM.

05-01-2005, 06:37 PM	#7
lizardhowson Go Steelers ! Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 510	I think I got the same lame response you did Here is my E-mail: Details: When I signed up with DirecTV in Nov 04, I was led to believe your HD package included local channels for Columbus, OH. Of course that is not so and I had to spend an additional $275 for an OTA antenna to receive the local channels in HD. Buy the way, my OTA antenna gives a better quality picture of the SD programs than what I get from your local sat channel feed (6.1 vs 6, 4.1 vs 4, 10.1 vs 10). I am aware that DirecTV has launched 1 new sat with another to go up in June 05. My 1 year commitment ends in Nov 05 which gives me time to see what new HD channels you will add to my DMA. I suggest you add some HD channels other than local channels (which is what I suspect is all you plan to do for the 1500 new HD channels you have been promising) or I, along with many other customers will be moving to Dish Network who have picked up between 10 and 21 of the VOOM channels. You need to offer more HD channels. Your HD package is mediocre. I respectfully suggest you really get on the HD bandwagon, or many of us will go elsewhere. Here is the response: 05/01/2005 03:44 PM Dear David, Thanks for writing. I'm happy to hear you're interested in our high-definition service and our plans to expand the number of digital (HD) channels we'll be providing to customers in the future. As you may know, we recently announced the upcoming launch of four new satellites that will allow us to carry more digital channels. Two of the satellites will launch in this year and we anticipate being able to offer digital (HD) local channels broadcasting more HD programming via satellite in some areas of the country shortly after the launch. As always when we add new programming, we try to make it as easy as possible for customers to tune in and enjoy. When we're closer to the launch, there will be more announcements about the channels and what customers will need to do (if anything) to receive them. Thanks again for writing and please stay tuned to DIRECTV.com for the latest news and information about our service. Sincerely, Minerva DIRECTV Customer Service Well, it's not the same (word for word), but it still doesn't really say anything.

05-01-2005, 11:14 AM	#4
Cygnus The Bringer of Balance Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 6,832	Heh...that response answered nothing. Is this the great service DTV customers get?

05-01-2005, 06:54 PM	#8
ITALIAN926 High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 589	If they cant offer more HD RIGHT now because of lack of bandwidth or whatever, they should dump like 10 of their like 50 PPV channels. When youre flipping through the channels , its like endless PPV's ! Why the heck do they need so many? __________________ Proud owner of a 60" plasma and ~1500 DVD's Pio PDP-6010FD , Panny TH-42PX77U, Toshiba HD DVD Player (HD-A20) Xbox 360 Verizon FiOS technician My Family Room Pic #1 My Family Room Pic #2

05-01-2005, 10:06 PM	#10
beatboy77 High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Colorado Springs, CO Posts: 59	Well I know a way to immediately free up enough space for ESPN2-HD and TNT-HD. They duplicate both HBO-HD and Showtime-HD. They have HBO-HD on channel 70 and 509 and have Showtime-HD on channel 71 and 543. There is no need to have the same exact channel on twice. They should get rid of these two on channels 70 and 71 and keep them grouped together with the rest of their familiy of channels in the 500's. ~Josh

05-02-2005, 09:01 AM	#11
cudafish PT-AE700U Projector Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 43	The only reason why I stay with DTV is the NFL package. Only available with DTV. Baseball NHL NBA are available on both Dish and Direct. I wonder why ?

05-02-2005, 03:27 PM	#15
Streetfighter1 How can anyone watch standard def? Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 22	I only had to pay 50 bucks for the OTA Antena from DirectTV and I get all local channels with a great picture. I am sure we will get more hd soon, but I don't really watch more then a few hours of tv a day and most of that is on the local hd channels. I watch boxing and movies on the weekend and those are mostly on hbo hd and showtime hd. The only thing that concerns me then is that I just bought the h10 hdtv rec. is that still going to work when they make any changes?