What HDTV programming is available?
HDTV programming is still quite limited. There is an HD version of HBO and Showtime that you will get if you have HD equipment and subscribe to those services (i.e., if you subscribe to HBO you will get HBO HD). There is also a channel called HDNet, offered by DIRECTV that offers a variety of HD programming. The Discovery Channel offers something called “Discovery HD Theater”, available on Dish Network. Some local channels, notably CBS in NY and LA, are also available on Dish Network.

What Spanish programming is available?
Both DIRECTV and Dish Network offer an alternate series of programming packages that incorporate both English and Spanish programming for about the same price as an equivalent English only package. The table below summarizes these alternatives; click the English-Spanish package name to see what comprises that package.

 

What International programming is available?
Dish Network is pretty far ahead in International programming, offering several multiple-channel packages in Arabic, Chinese, Greek, Polish, Russian, as well as a South Asian package. Additional a la carte offerings are also available. Keep in mind that for most International programming, a second dish will be required if you wish to receive both US and International programming. For a fuller description of the International programming on Dish Network, click here.

Why aren't locals provided for more cities?
It comes down to capacity. The satellites have limited capacity, so the providers are going to leverage it to provide these local channels where there will be the most impact (i.e., larger cities).

They add stations in the big cities. Why not add more cities instead?
This is because of the Federal Communications Commission's must-carry rule. Basically, as of January 1, 2002, if a satellite provider transmits one local channel for a city, they must transmit them all.

I moved from Reno to Waco Can I get Waco locals?
No. The transmission area is determined by a city's Designated Market Area (DMA), and Federal law. Each location is assigned to one DMA, and that determines what local channels you get. Another reason is that local network affiliates don't want to be competing against each other.

I live near a qualifying city, can I get locals.
Send us an email with your address and zip code and we'll check it out for you.

Locals aren't available where I live. What choices do I have?
For most people, the answer is an over-the-air antenna, or a 'lifeline' cable subscription that provides local channels. If you can't get any antenna reception AND you live more than 70 miles from local network affiliates, you may qualify to receive Network feeds from New York and/or Los Angeles. You can also get these feeds if you get a waiver from your local affiliate of a specific network. As a practical matter, these waivers are very tough to get, and in most cases you should not get satellite TV assuming you will get one. Your provider (Dish Network or DirecTV) can file a waiver request on your behalf.

I really want WB or UPN, but they're not offered in my area. Do I have any other options?
Dish Network offers a “SuperStations” package for $5.99 per month. This package includes 5 channels. KTLA (Los Angeles), WPIX (New York) and KWGN (Denver) are all WB affiliates, while WSBK (Boston) and WWOR (New York) are both UPN affiliates.

I travel in an RV. What options do I have?
The rules have changed in this area, and are now somewhat more restrictive. You can only get the Distant Network Feeds from New York and Los Angeles. To meet Federal requirements, you will have to provide several pieces of documentation, including photocopies of your vehicle registration, commercial driver's license (if applicable) and a Mobile Vehicle Affidavit.

Are the restrictions the same for both Networks?
Yes

Who offers satellite TV?
There are two major satellite dish providers in the United States. The largest is DIRECTV, with about 12 million subscribers (including Latin America). DIRECTV is a subsidiary of Hughes, which is owned by GM. The second company, Dish Network, is owned by Echostar Communications, and has nearly 8 million subscribers.

Are Dish Network and DIRECTV merging?
Hughes is trying to sell DIRECTV, and Dish Network (Echostar) made a buyout proposal. In late 2002, the proposed merger was rejected by the FCC and the Department of Justice as anti-competitive. At this point, that combination seems unlikely.

Is satellite better than cable TV?
Like most things, there are pros and cons. Here are some of the main ones:

Can I get satellite TV?
Most people can get satellite TV. There are basically two criteria you must meet:

These may sound like they overlap, and if you are a single-family homeowner, they do. It's more difficult if you live in an apartment or condominium community, rent a home, or have a picky homeowner's association.

I live in an apartment. What options do I have?

Is high speed Internet access available with satellite TV?
DIRECTV offers something called DIRECWAY which can offer both satellite TV and Internet access. But, it requires special equipment, and can be a very expensive solution. DSL or cable modem are preferable, if they are available where you live.

Where is satellite TV available?
DIRECTV and Dish Network are only licensed to broadcast in the United States. The programming options discussed on the other pages of this site include the options available in the 48 continental states. Somewhat modified programming options are available in Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. These two services are not available internationally, although DIRECTV does have a division that broadcasts programming to parts of Central and South America.

Are satellite signals digital?
The signals are digital, but your TV isn't (unless you have an HDTV), so you don't get the full benefit of the digital transmission.

What’s available?
Both DIRECTV and Dish Network offer multiple channels of HBO, Cinemax, Showtime and STARZ! on a monthly subscription basis.

How much do these channels cost?
The price varies by what you choose, as you will be able to see when you do your bill summary. However, here is an overview:
 

What about pay-per-view movies?
Both services offer numerous pay-per-view movie options. DIRECTV movies are prices at $3.99 each if you order online. Dish Network offers “Dish on Demand” movies for $3.99 if you order via your remote. With Dish, the movies are available for every showing that day, so you can watch at your convenience. Both services allow you to order via other methods (e.g., telephone), but add surcharges for that.

To see what’s currently playing on DIRECTV, click here.
To see what’s currently playing on Dish Network, click here.
 

What about adult programming?
Adult programming options are available. Some are on a monthly basis, others on a per-movie or per-time block basis. Here’s a sampling of what is available as of October, 2002. Note that parental controls are available to block these, or any channels.

 

Why are certain sports leagues, such as NFL Sunday Ticket, only available on DIRECTV?
DIRECTV has negotiated exclusive arrangements with the NFL and other leagues. Recently, the NBA League Pass and the NHL Center Ice package became available on Dish Network, so perhaps over time more of these exclusive arrangements will end.

Is the YES Network available?
The YES Network is available on DIRECTV; and will be available to subscribers in the New York metropolitan area. If you live outside New York, you can get YES through the DIRECTV Sports Pack, although programming will be subject to the blackout rules.

What are the blackout rules?
The blackout rules are pretty complex, and vary from sport-to-sport. This is true whether you have satellite TV, cable, or neither. Specific to satellite TV, however, are the regional sports packages listed on the sports page of our site. You should know that, as a general rule, most professional sporting events carried by the regional sports channels are subject to blackout outside the local market. If you are a big pro sports fan, don't get this package assuming you'll be able to flip around to every game in the country --- you'll be staring at a lot of blank screens. Click on the Seasonal Sports Packages link to learn about how to get a much broader selection of professional and college sports, although those are also subject to occasional blackout.

Why do I need a different TV for HDTV?
HD signals are different than the analog signals used in standard televisions. You'll need an HDTV to display high definition's true resolution. Note that these new HDTVs are backwards compatible... you will still be able to receive all standard programming just like you get on your current TV.

What is HDTV?
High definition television is a digital format for broadcasting TV signals that will become standard by 2006. The standard TV transmission broadcasts 480 lines of information at a time, while HDTV sends up to 1,080 lines. This leads to much better quality in the picture and coloring.

What is an aspect ratio?
Analog televison has an aspect ratio of 4 x 3, which basically refers to the rectangular nature of the picture... 4 units wide, 3 units high. The aspect ratio of HDTV is a widescreen 16 x 9, matching that of movie theater screens. That is why the HDTVs you see have a different shape relative to standard TVs. Note that HDTVs can be adjusted for different aspect ratios, so if you are watching a show that is in standard definition, you will still be able to watch it in the 4 x 3 format.

When will the transition to HDTV be complete?
From the FCC: "As of May 2003, more than 1,000 stations were on the air with DTV signals, and every major TV market was served by at least one DTV station. The target date set by Congress for the completion of the transition to DTV is December 31, 2006. However, that date may be extended until most homes (85%) in an area are able to watch the DTV programming. At that point, broadcasting on the analog channels will end and that spectrum will be put to other uses. Until the transition to DTV is completed, television stations are required to broadcast on both their digital and analog channels."

How do locals work with HDTV and satellite TV?
Some CBS stations are available in high definition via Dish Network. Beyond that, however, all local channels on satellite are transmitted in the standard format. This means you will need to have an HD tuner in the HD satellite receiver you buy and you will need to attach an antenna to your HD satellite receiver to pick up over the air local channels transmitted in HD. Note that the DIRECTV HD receiver offered thru our site includes the HD tuner, while the Dish Network model 6000 offers the tuner as an optional add-on for an additional cost.

What kind of antenna do I need and what local channels are available?
A listing of currently operational HD broadcast channels can be found at http://www.fcc.gov/mb/video/files/dtvonair.html . Note that the capture of HD signals via antenna are subject to the same issues as regular signals: Distance and topography can affect your ability to receive the signal. Note also that while some antennas are being marketed as best for picking up HD signals, the reality is that a decent set of "rabbit ears" with a 75 ohm. connection should do fine. We bought a $20 antenna, and it works great on our HDTV.

What is an HDTV monitor?
When shopping for an HDTV, you may notice that some TVs are HDTV monitors, while others are full HD sets. A full HD set has a built-in decoder, and is all set to receive any local over-the-air HD signals with just the addtion of an antenna. The HD monitor, on the other hand, is kind of like your computer monitor, and will need additional equipment to receive television signals. In both cases, however, if you want satellite TV, you will need the satellite HD system, which will function as your HD converter for satellite signals. What this means is that if you are going to get HD satellite TV, you don't need to purchase a full-blown HD set... an HDTV monitor will do fine.

How do HDTV signals affect sound?
The digital signal of HDTV is integrated with 5-channel digital surround sound, providing the type of sound + picture experience you get with DVD players or in a theater itself. Note that a set of surround speakers is generally required to take full advantage of the home theater experience.