DirecTV adds most local channels in HD
UPDATE: Sorry, I meant to do this on Friday. DirecTV says they're still talking to KRDO, sounded positive that something would be worked out (and why wouldn't it be - there's no advantage to KRDO to holding back when everyone else is on board, right?).
KTSC said it's a technical problem on their end that's holding things up. They have the required parts on order and PBS should be in HD on DirecTV by the end of the year.
ORIGINAL POST:
DirecTV is finally offering Colorado Springs local channels in HD. That would be the good news. The caveat is that DirecTV and KRDO didn’t come to agreement, so no ABC-HD. And no KTSC/PBS.
To which I, and everyone, says, “Huh?” I’m checking on it…
Still no word on when Dish will add HD locals.
Here’s the DirecTV press release:
Oct 22, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) — WHAT: DIRECTV, Inc., the nation’s leading satellite television serviceprovider, is now offering local HD programming to customers in the Colorado Springs-Pueblo, Colo., designated market area. The following broadcast networks are available in HD: KOAA/NBC, KKTV/CBS and KXRM/FOX. With the addition of Colorado Springs-Pueblo, Colo., DIRECTV now offers local HD broadcast channels in 103 cities, representing nearly 85 percent of U.S. TV households.By the end of 2008, DIRECTV will provide local HD broadcast channels in more than 121 cities, representing approximately 88 percent of U.S. TV households.WHEN: Beginning today, Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2008.HOW: To receive DIRECTV’s local HD programming, customers must have an H20 or H21 HD receiver or an HR20 or HR21 DIRECTV Plus(R) HD DVR and a Ka/Ku band dish. For information on how to get DIRECTV HD consumers can visit DIRECTV.com.Eligibility for local channels is based on service address within certain designated market areas as defined by Nielsen Media Research, Inc. Visit DIRECTV.com for more information.
posted by AndyW @ 10/24/2008 08:54:00 AM
18 comments
18 Comments:
what the hell is up with KRDO? figgers too--as some of the best HD shows to see (LOST ,PUSHING DAiSIES, etc) not to mention sports telecasts...who can we write to ? this makes no sense to me
Thanks for posting, Andy.
Please keep us informed.
Hope KRDO gets fixed soon as I miss having the Saturday ABC football college games in HD. I can see no upside for them not to be online with the rest. Dumb unless it's a technical issue.
Wouldn't the station that claims to be the HD leader want to be on in as many places as they can? Sure helps them going into sweeps... I e-mailed the GM and am waiting for an explanation
Hee ya go, Andy... maybe you can you your influance to get some answers from DirecTv...
This is the response I got from KRDO...
"There is an explanation to this but it will have to come from DirecTV. They have not negotiated with us for the rights to air our HD signal. You would think that we are the first and only Springs TV station to broadcast news in HD they would have put us first on the list. The ball is really in their court and I would suggest you call and complain to them. Remember, you pay DirecTV an extra $10 a month for HD signals that we provide free over the air. However, at my house the only signal I can receive is DirecTV or Dish, so I too am stuck without HD broadcasts. I would hope you understand the issues here a little better."
Tim Larson
KRDO General Manager
According to Mr. Larson, DIRECTV hasn't even approached them to air their signal? Did they just forget that there was an ABC affiliate in the Springs?
Something's fishy here and it smells like "We're the HD leader in Southern Colorado! Give us more money!"
Yes, something is strange. The other 3 majors (CBS, NBS and FOX) all managed to complete the process of engaging with DirecTV. Not sure who approaches who but something isn't right. I can't believe the problem is 100% the fault of DirecTV. Again, something is fishy and KRDO should be doing whatever it takes to get their HP signal on DTV.
i e-mailed Directv and got the form letter response of "we can't comment on current negotiations" etc etc...but this is just plain ODD!it makes no sense at all..clearly someone is not telling us the whole story..and speaking of HD the other night watching NBC news..was like someone at KOAA took a chainsaw to the feed..they were running a scroll underneath and BOOM the picture went to SD abruptly and then with the delay --catching up to itself...very JARRING to the viewer guys come on...you can do better than that!
Anyone know anything about when the CW (57) might be broadcast in HD?
Any update on KRDO? At one point I thought I read the problem was the roll out in October, that there was an agreement with KRDO but it was for the 'end of the year'... thanks.
Do we have an update on this? I can't imagine it would be this difficult to get an agreement when you already have one for the SD channel. I also believe Mr Larson is incorrect when saying that DTV charges $10 to get HD channels including local HD channels. I believe the local channels will still be free even if I didn't purchase the HD package. So KRDO when are we going to get an update on this one way or the other? I guess I will continue watching the other local HD channels until this gets resolved.
I just got an email back from KRDO saying that they were "Waiting to hear back from DirecTV on when they will add us".
Where's KRDO? Lost premiers tonight!!!
Stiiiiiiiil waiting KRDO and DT.
Wonder what would happen if ABC would get a whole bunch of waivers for direct network feeds. I would think that ABC spends a lot of money on these shows in HD and would be interested to know that one affiliate is playing hardball.
This is beyond crazy!! What in the world could take so long? If you can work this out wtih Dish Network why can't it be done with DTV. I honestly have to think that KRDO is dropping the ball. I guess I will continue to boycott watching KRDO until they get HD on DTV.
ummmm... where is dtv getting their standard def signal? Still no hd.
great post. nice information. thank you.
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