We may see all local HD channels on DirecTV by 04

[LonghornXP]

Check this link here... http://money.excite.com/jsp/nw/nwdt_rt.jsp?news_id=reu-n04250803&feed=reu&date=20031104

This says that DirecTV will be using their new satellite which was going to be used for high speed internet to offer all local channels in HDTV. Someone looked at the specs for this satellite and said the following below. Please don't quote me on this because I don't know the facts.

They use a phased array transmit antenna. This means that any satellite can deliver any size or shape spot beam desired, anyplace you want it.

According to the Boeing spec sheet, the aggregate throughput of the 3 satellites is 30GB per second (at least, I assume GB means gigabits, not gigabytes). If that's correct, with each HD channel requiring 20 megabits/second (allowing for some overhead), that's enough capacity for 1500 HD channels.

Of course, that assumes that the three satellites can produce enough spotbeams of sufficient power, but on the basis of the specs, it IS theoretically possible.

For comparison, DirecTV-4S's maximum data throughput rate is 2.16 gigabits per second. This makes each of the Spaceway Ka satellites equivalent to almost 5 Ku spotbeam satellites.

This is from a member on DBSForum site.

This could be big big news.

[Viremia]

That is quite interesting. It would be a nice feather in their cap if they could get this done. It would allow them to advertise to everyone that with one dish you get all the local HD channels plus X number of non-local HD channels.

Seeing as how cable companies (at least locally) are having such a hard time getting all the locals signed on for HD, I wonder if D* would run into the same problem. If they could swing it, it would make most of my reasons for sticking with BH go away.

[CANDY76MAN]

Seeing as how cable companies (at least locally) are having such a hard time getting all the locals signed on for HD, I wonder if D* would run into the same problem. If they could swing it, it would make most of my reasons for sticking with BH go away.


yeah...the only thing that would keep me with bhn at that point is the dvr for cheap....however, once a hd capable directivo unit came out I think I would probly jump ship as soon as i could afford to pick up the box.

[LonghornXP]

I was thinking the same thing. If BHN has so much trouble getting NBC that why would it be different with DirecTV. Well if and when DirecTV does this and they are able to get all of these markets HD channels than we will know if our cable companies screwed us or if our local channels are screwing us. Either way it will force either cable companies or local channel companies to quit the crap and get it going. This news will get out no matter whose fault it is and it will get fixed. But since local HD channels are only available to local cable companies than we don't know who is doing what to who and we can only take their words. This will change all of this.

[mikeymo]

Most of you guys are a whole lot closer to the antenna farm than I am. Yet I get perfect OTA HD reception with a Terk TV-55.

I am of the opinion that it no longer makes sense to claim that an OTA STB is too expensive and thus you have to put up with the constant excuses BHN comes up with not providing HD locals.

Why is D*** promising to deliver local HD stations a big deal when such stations are available free OTA and you will need a HD STB in either event?

[CANDY76MAN]

Most of you guys are a whole lot closer to the antenna farm than I am. Yet I get perfect OTA HD reception with a Terk TV-55.

I am of the opinion that it no longer makes sense to claim that an OTA STB is too expensive and thus you have to put up with the constant excuses BHN comes up with not providing HD locals.

Why is D*** promising to deliver local HD stations a big deal when such stations are available free OTA and you will need a HD STB in either event?

yeah but it's still a pain switching inputs and having yet another black box...it's just much easier and more user friendly to have one source for all your tv watching...I would probly watch NBC more if I didn't have to turn on my ota box and switch inputs on my tv and tune to the station and then I can't see what else is on without reversing it all...it's just a big hassle.

[JCHDTV]

Well I have OTA and DirecTV on my Sony reciever and there is no switching needed. It does everything automatically once you do a search for channels upon first setup. The tuner is built in to the STB. I too am kind of disapointed with the fact that DirecTV is charging for a few measily HD stations that I heard don't have the greatest programming yet. IT is getting better day by day but for me the best bang for the buck so far is my OTA HD. :lol:

[CANDY76MAN]

Well I have OTA and DirecTV on my Sony reciever and there is no switching needed. It does everything automatically once you do a search for channels upon first setup. The tuner is built in to the STB. I too am kind of disapointed with the fact that DirecTV is charging for a few measily HD stations that I heard don't have the greatest programming yet. IT is getting better day by day but for me the best bang for the buck so far is my OTA HD. :lol:

I was refering to cable...BHN doesn't have a cablebox that also has a ota tuner.

[teampozer]

You won't see a Cable/OTA box from Bright House or any other cable company. The cable company would be putting itself in a difficult customer service situation because with OTA, every address and every location is different. What works at my house my not work over at yours. With the cable line it's for the most part standard. It works or it doesn't without relying on all these antennas. And why would the cable company provide you with a free OTA feature in their box when they could in some way stick you with another BS charge on your bill instead?

[CANDY76MAN]

You won't see a Cable/OTA box from Bright House or any other cable company.

I wasn't implying that they would...just responding to the previous post that was a response to mine.

[teampozer]

I know ya didn't chief. Since you brought it up I figured I would expand on why not.