DIRECTV HD: The Next Step in the Evolution of Television
You can't turn on the TV these days without hearing about HD, or high-definition, television. So if you don't already have it, you may indeed be wondering what the big deal is. When you experience it for yourself, you'll immediately know the answer. In the meantime, you'll want to know what HD has to offer that standard-definition (SD) doesn't.
It's all about the detail. With SD, the picture is composed of 480 horizontal lines of resolution. HD, on the other hand, gives you either 720 or 1080 lines. More lines mean more detail, resulting in a crisper, more lifelike picture.
HD also differs in its screen format, or aspect ratio. This refers to the relative width and height of the picture screen. SD presents the picture in 4:3 ratio (more square), whereas HD gives you a 16:9 ratio (more rectangular). In other words, the HD screen gives you more screen "real estate," meaning you see more picture than you would with SD. The scope of the HD picture is similar to what you experience on a movie theater screen.
So much for picture, but what about sound? HDTV delivers not only a superior picture but also state-of-the-art sound — namely, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, a technology that provides five separate channels of audio to create an immersive aural experience. You'll need the proper sound system to take advantage of this technology, but no home theater experience is complete without it.
Beyond the tech talk, what you really want to know is this: HDTV gives you an amazing viewing experience with lifelike clarity, breathtaking color and extraordinary sound. Words don't do it justice. You'll need to experience it for yourself.
HD Checklist
Enjoying DIRECTV HD: A Checklist of What You’ll Need
It’s easy to start enjoying DIRECTV’s HD channels. If you’re already signed up for DIRECTV HD, here’s a simple list of what you need to enjoy the new HD channels. It’s very likely you’re already fully set up to receive the new channels. We just want to make sure you’re getting the most from DIRECTV. If you’re ordering DIRECTV today, you can ignore much of the information here — you just need to make sure you have an HD-ready TV, order an HD receiver and add HD Access ($9.99/mo.) to your base package.
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HD-ready Television
Make sure your TV or the one you’re about to purchase is "HD-ready." This means that it’s capable of displaying at least 720 progressive lines of resolution and can scale up lower resolution signals and scale down higher resolution signals to fit the screen.
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HD Receiver
Make sure you have an HD capable receiver. DIRECTV offers two receivers designed for HD broadcasts: The DIRECTV Plus® HD DVR (model number HR20 or HR21) or DIRECTV HD Receiver (model number H20 or H21). On the front of the receiver, look for a sticker inside the small door where the Access Card is located. You'll find the model number under the letters MDL or next to the word "Model." If there is no door on the front of your receiver or if you do not have a receiver with the model number HR20/HR21 or H20/H21, you can order one online.
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B-Band Converter (BBC) |
For current DIRECTV customers only: The BBC module, installed on your HD receiver, allows you to view the new HD channels. |
If you do not have the BBC module, you can order one free of charge by clicking the button below.
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Please note: The BBC module works only with the DIRECTV HD and DIRECTV Plus® HD DVR receivers. The information here applies only to DIRECTV customers with one of these receivers.
The easiest way to tell if your receiver has the BBC connected to it is to look at the back of the receiver. Look for a module that looks like the one pictured to the left. You can also check for the BBC module by tuning in to The Weather Channel, channel 362:
If you see the message "Searching for Satellite Signal," you do not have the BBC module or it is not connected properly. If you do see the channel, press the Guide button on your remote twice to bring up the channel information on your TV screen. If you do not see the HD logo next to the channel name, then you do not have the BBC module or it is not properly connected. |
The Satellite dish
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For current DIRECTV customers only: If your satellite dish was installed prior to October 2005, you do not have a 5-LNB dish. If you don't remember when your dish was installed or if you're just not sure that it is a 5-LNB, take a look at your dish and see if it matches either one of the images below. If you have an H20 or HR20 and do not have the 5-LNB dish, you can easily order a new dish for free and set up installation by calling 1-800-531-5000. Say "order new equipment" to be routed to the correct destination. |
Programming Package with HD Access
Make sure to add HD Access for just $9.99/month to your base programming package. To get the maximum number of
HD channels, you’ll want to consider subscribing to the PREMIER™ package.
With all of these items in place, you’re all set to enjoy over 90 of the best national channels in HD.
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CBS HD 
Fox HD 
NBC HD
