Networks respond to DirecTV's call for "100 HD channels in 2007"
DirecTV claimed it would have 100 national channels by the end of this year and we collectively said... "There are 100 national HD channels?!?!" Multichannel News took a look at some of those names on DirecTV's list and found that they are actually planning on putting at least some HD programming out in the next year. A few channels, like CNN and Sci Fi already have HD programming, even if it's not aired that way. CNN Worldwide president confirmed an HDTV version of the 24 hour news channel will launch in September around the same time as Cartoon Network HD and TBS HD. A spokesman for Fox indicated that although FX and Speed don't have any announced plans for high definition, now that national distribution is assured they can ramp up aggressively. Assuming other channels follow their lead, 2007 should see a veritable explosion of high-def channels, the only question remaining is how will other companies match them (without resorting to HDLite?)... and how in the world will we keep up with the listings?Read - DirecTV HD News Sends Nets Scurrying
Read - Cable rushes to HD
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Ken @ Jan 10th 2007 1:52PM
What I want is to have more non-HD channels being broadcast in HD (if that makes sense, basically show CNN, FoxNews, etc. with little or no compression) - and then as HD segments and full shows become more popular, you will simply get more percentage of HD (vs. hi-quality standard stuff).
TRS @ Jan 10th 2007 1:56PM
Yeah, it'll be more of the same (500 channels and nothing to watch), only it will be a clearer picture. Give people 20-30 high-quality HD channels, and they will be thrilled. Quantity not quality is hardly a good thing. Not to knock Directv (I'm a sub), but does anyone really care about that many HD channels if they are gonna be carrying the same old dull programming (nature shows, weather, crappy films)? Doubtful. And if they don't get their HD DVR working right very soon (on firmware download #14 I type, in just 4 months), what will it matter? More HD channels to record means even more frustration for subs.
Christopher Johnson @ Jan 10th 2007 2:17PM
But other VOOM channels, like Equator and Gallery regularly show stuff that is more interesting than what I get on Discovery or A&E. VOOM has some uniqueness that will be missed if it goes away.
supaneko @ Jan 10th 2007 11:58PM
I recently subscribed to Dish Network's satellite service due to their HD line-up. Currently, Dish Network seems to have the largest listing of HD channels. I was excited to get a chance to see some of the HD channels.
After a few days, I have become a little disappointed. Most of the Voom HD Network channels (especially Gameplay HD) don't seem to really show anything special. It seems to be simply un-narrated shots of either gameplay, land, and plenty of repeats (and to be honest, I think that each of these channels only have about twelve hours of content which is repeated daily). The HD movie channels are weak too (only showing poor, two-star or less movies).
DirecTV is asking for 100 HD channels... I'd rather see some quality HD channels before I see 100 of them. It would only take me a few days before I had already seen all of the content on these channels if they fail to display something that's original and something that's original on a regular basis.
Tauron @ Jan 17th 2007 4:56PM
Bullstuff! Directv promised 100 HD channels 2 years ago! Where are we today? Still waiting for false promises I guess. Now they're promising 150. I'll believe it when I see it.