High Definition Programming from DISH and DIRECTV
Sharp resolution, crystal-clear images and digital surround sound aren’t just for movie theaters any more.
High definition television (HDTV) now brings theater quality to living rooms everywhere with the help of Dish Network and DirecTV HD programming. This new advancement in home entertainment technology is gaining in popularity as more film and television companies invest in equipment capable of producing HD-ready broadcasts.
The direct broadcast satellite companies Dish Network and DirecTV are the world’s leading providers of HD programming, each with millions of subscribers enjoying the superior picture and sound qualities of HDTV. Specialized channels available from Dish Network and DirecTV broadcast only
HD programming.
| HD Channels |
DISH Network
$20.00 (30Channels) |
DIRECTV
$9.99 |
| ESPN HD |
Yes |
Yes |
| ESPN2 HD |
Yes |
Yes |
| Discovery HD Theater |
Yes |
Yes |
| HDNet |
Yes |
Yes |
| HDNet Movies |
Yes |
Yes |
| TNT in HD |
Yes |
Yes |
| Pay-Per View |
Yes |
Yes |
| Subscription HD Channels |
Included |
Included |
| NFL Sunday Ticket HD |
No |
Yes |
| HBO HD |
Yes |
Yes |
| SHOWTIME HD |
Yes |
Yes |
| FILM FEST HD |
Yes |
No |
| FU HD |
Yes |
No |
| WORLD SPORTS HD |
Yes |
No |
| WORLD CINEMA HD |
Yes |
No |
| TREASURE HD |
Yes |
No |
| GAME PLAY HD |
Yes |
No |
| FAMILY ROOM HD |
Yes |
No |
| ULTRA HD |
Yes |
No |
| MONSTERS HD |
Yes |
No |
| RAVE HD |
Yes |
No |
| EQUATOR HD |
Yes |
No |
| GALLERY HD |
Yes |
No |
| ANIMANIA HD |
Yes |
No |
| RUSH HD |
Yes |
No |
| HD News |
Yes |
No |
| GUY TV HD |
Yes |
No |
| MAJESTIC HD |
Yes |
No |
These include HBO HD and Showtime HD; ESPN HD and ESPN2 HD; Discover HD Theater; HDNet, HDNet Movies and Universal HD. Many television broadcasting stations are making the switch to high definition equipment, and there are even some stations featuring movies and shows that debut only in high definition format. Regarding stations that don’t yet run completely in HD format, you can receive HD programming using an off-air antenna, which both Dish Network and DirecTV provide.
Viewing HD programming requires an HD-ready television set. These specialized sets are sometimes called digital HD or flat-screen HD TVs, and boast a higher resolution capability than traditional analog television sets which is comparable to or better than modern computer monitors. Add an HD receiver from Dish Network or DirecTV and a subscription to HD programming, and you can create a movie theater experience without leaving your house. Don’t forget the popcorn!