<center><img src="http://www.ilslaunch.com/blog/headline/pic.jpg"></center><p><ul><li><a href="http://www.ilslaunch.com/blog/">Launch Blog</a></li></ul>

it's going to be a while before that capacity is online

and even longer before there are 100 HD channels TO carry

thanks for the reminder, though - forgot it was today

if you care to watch it

ironically, the launch won't be in HD

move the sat into parking orbit and then some time to check out the systems.

Many movie and other suppliers have announced HD channels (HBO -7, Star - 5, etc) and by the end of this year I would not be surprised if the amount of HD starts approaching 100. This sat will allow all of the NFL games to be broadcast in HD and carried by D* if you have the new receivers.

If every market gets their own local HD version of (ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC) then that would take up a lot of channels. I don't imagine they count locals in the 100 HD channels of D*TV, but all that really means is that they need to be able to broadcast many more channels in order to cover locals.

Or am I confused?

the next to sats are for national hd channels - and will require everyone to have the newer receivers for them

ie, not local markets.

They will have capacity for several hundred HD channels including locals.

I'm moving at the end of this month and have to give up my beloved FiOS service. I'm hoping that the new &amp; improved DirecTV will help cushion the blow, since I can't get FiOS in the new house.

Funny thing is I was such a die-hard DirecTV fan before switching over to FiOS. One thing is for sure, I'm not going back to cable for TV service.

and if you follow any of the sat stuff you will see all of the SD programming announcing their HD channels in the coming year<ul><li><a href="http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=89726">only partial lists - Stars will have 5</a></li></ul>

What else will be available?

NFL Network HD? Why is this not available on DirecTV? I don't get it.

Food Network, HGTV? Hey if my wife makes me watch these be nice if the were in HD...

NFL network - is it in HD now? D* has more HD NFL games than anyone else

Dish Network carries NFL Network HD, as well as HGTV HD, and Food Network HD.

I know DirecTV has the most NFL games, I subscibe to the their Sunday Ticket, but it sucks when I watch NFL Network and all their cool NFL programing is not in HD. I just see the logo pop up now and then "available in HD contact your cable provider". It sucks.

when the bird comes on line