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Advanced Products. HD
New Customers
Want the best HD experience? Choose one of these great packages: CHOICE XTRA + HD Access PLUS HD DVRCall 1-800-562-4388
Existing Customers
To get the HD channels available in your programming package upgrade to an HD receiverCall 1-800-378-3309
The most HD channels and great picture quality
DIRECTV has made a huge investment in HD capacity. So what does that mean to you? The very best in HD quantity and HD programming.
Some other TV service provides actually over-compress their HD signals to squeeze in more HD channels. The result can be grainy and pixelated images, jerky movements, images that appear softer, screen freeze-ups and audio drop-outs.
With DIRECTV, you get the best of both worlds - the most HD
and great picture quality.
HD Channels: Easy to Find and Sound as Good as They Look
Select the channel you want to watch on DIRECTV and you will be automatically taken to the HD version. In the guide, the HD and SD versions of the station will appear on the same viewer channel, with the HD version listed first. No need to learn a whole new set of numbers for HD like with other television providers.
Already the leader in local HD channel access, DIRECTV is adding 44 new markets to our lineup By the end of this year, DIRECTV local HD broadcasts will be available to more than 88% of U.S. households. So almost anywhere you live, you'll be able to receive your favorite local channels in HD.
New Satellite Delivers Even More HD Channels
With the launch of the latest satellite, DIRECTV now delivers access to over 130 channels in HD*!
We offer local channels in HD to over 120 markets across
the U.S - that's over 88 percent of U.S. households.
No wonder we're the undisputed leader in HD.
To access DIRECTV HD programming, HD Access fee ($10/mo.),
a DIRECTV Slimline dish, along with DIRECTV HD Receiver
(H20, H21, H23, HR20, HR21, HR22, HR23), HD television
equipment and a qualifying programming package are required.
We want to make sure you get the most out of DIRECTV HD, so we've put together a list of answers to questions you're likely to have about our service.
What is HDTV?
HDTV stands for high-definition television, and it marks the biggest leap forward for television since color TV made its debut in the 1950s. HDTV images are significantly more detailed than standard analog TV, delivering rich, realistic images, as well as multichannel, movie-theater-quality sound. HDTVs can display both standard definition and HDTV images, but they need HD signals to look their best.
How do regular TV shows look on an HDTV set?
It really depends on screen size. Some standard-definition programming may look a little sharper and cleaner on your HDTV set, but more often, it looks worse. That's because all the little flaws and murkiness inherent in regular TV images become that much more obvious when blown up to larger sizes, especially when compared to crystal-clear HD channels. In addition, because SD programming has a narrow aspect ratio of 4:3, you'll see black bars on the left and right sides of the picture if you're watching on a wide-screen 16:9 set. If the black bars bother you, adjustments on all HDTVs can make 4:3 programming fill a 16:9 screen, but when doing so, they crop or distort the image.
Are the HD channels on 24/7 or are they PPV/On-Demand channels?
Most HD channels have programming 24/7, although some of the programming delivered by the provider may be in Standard Definition. HD PPV and On-Demand programming may also be available.
How is the sound quality on HD shows?
At best, standard-definition shows have 4-channel Dolby surround sound (left, center, right and one rear "surround" channel), but they usually have 2-channel stereo. High-definition broadcasts, on the other hand, support 5.1-channel Dolby Digital surround sound (left, center, right, left and right surround and a subwoofer-the part for booming bass). This is similar to the sound you hear in a movie theater or, with the properly equipped home theater, on a DVD. Not all HD broadcasts have 5.1 Dolby Digital yet, but the majority do, and you'll hear-and feel-the difference. Of course, you'll need a home-theater audio system to take full advantage of it. (Dolby, Dolby Digital and the double-D symbol are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.)
Are HD and Digital TV the same?
All HDTV is digital, but not all Digital TV is HDTV. High Definition refers to the resolution of the video (720p, 1080i or 1080p). Digital TV means that the off-air signals are transmitted digitally (usually in ATSC) versus the older analog signals (NTSC). Digital TV broadcasts can be a mixture of standard definition and high definition programs.
Are there any international services available in HD?
No. HD is not currently available from foreign networks.