More HD for DirecTV?

A number of readers are reporting getting a new national HD channel from DirecTV this morning it appears that DirecTV added A&E Networks new “Crime & Investigation Network” in high definition.  However for customers to see this channel they need to go to DirecTV.COM and refresh their programming.

So while customers are now enjoying this channel, it could go away at anytime as it might just be up for testing. DirecTV has told me that no new national HD would be made available this week.  If this is not the official launch of Crime & Investigation, then it is a clear indication this channel will be officially added to its lineup shortly.  In fact one DirecTV employee posted online yesterday that several new national HD channels will be launching soon.

If the channel remains online then the addition of Crime & Investigation comes on the heels of the launch of Fox News HD which launched last week on DirecTV.

In addition to the new national HD content DirecTV also lit up three more HD local markets; those markets are Dayton, OH, Colorado Springs, CO & Davenport, IA.  DirecTV has been launching new HD LIL’s at a fast rate over the past few weeks. 

More HD DVR Issues for DirecTV / New DVR Feature in Public Beta

For the second time in less than a month customers with DirecTV’s advanced DVR’s found their receivers locked up.  DirecTV caught the lockups quickly and sent commands to the receivers to reboot, however for many it affected their prime time television viewing. 

In an unusual move by DirecTV they also forced a software update to the DVR’s, which besides adding some new features, bug fixes and improvements but again this  update happened in primetime for many.  I can only believe that this forced update was done to prevent the lock up issue which we have seen twice this month.

The new software adds support for 1080p/24 televisions for 1080p movies, a new song title screen saver for the XM music channels, plus it allows you to watch recorded DVR programs on your DVR using a new program called DirecTV2PC.  The new program which entered public beta yesterday can be downloaded from http://www.directv.com/directv2pc allows you to watch recordings from your advanced DVRs on your computers in your house.

Sirius / XM Channel Moves Delayed?

The rumored combined XM / Sirius Lineup and channel changes we have been talking about here in The Satellite Dish looks like it might be delayed.  The popular satellite radio news site Orbitcast.COM is reporting that the channel changes will now take place on November 14^th. 

I do hope Sirius / XM makes some kind of announcement about these changes soon and does not make these changes without notifying its customers in advance.

Dumb Pirate Goes To Jail

I love it when I get press releases when pirates get caught and convicted for stealing satellite services, but this one is even better.

It seems that Glen White of Wagram, NC was not only pirating Dish Network signal but was taking the stolen programming and rebroadcasting it on Wagram Cable.   FBI raided Wagram Cables offices and found DISH Network receivers containing piracy devices were found installed in the cable distribution system.

Mr. White reached a plea deal and was sentenced to a 14 month federal prison sentence.

If The Satellite Dish had a “Dumbass Award” then Glen White would surely win one of those awards.