DIRECTV adds TCM in HD

                                            



DIRECTV has added the high-definition version of Turner Classic Movies (TCM HD) to its lineup. TCM broadcasts pre-1986 MGM and pre-1950 Warner Bros. films such as Forbidden Planet (1956), The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938), and Citizen Kane (1941). The network broadcasts in both 480i (SD) and 1080i (HD) and can be found on channel 256. The video-on-demand (VOD) channel can be found on channel 1256.
Via DIRECTV

DIRECTV makes amends with free channels

                                                        



For many DIRECTV customers, losing Viacom channels like Comedy Central, Nick Jr., Palladia and BET has been a real drag (and maybe even an incentive for some customers to search elsewhere for service). But, at least the satcaster is trying to make some amends by offering comparable channels to customers. PBS Kids Sprout, The Hub, Disney Junior, TV One and Fuse are now offered free for DIRECTV customers. Those channels are typically found in higher tier packages, so you might consider this a bit of a freebie. Unfortunately, DIRECTV is only offering those channels standard-definition. DIRECTV lost 17 Viacom channels (including HD versions) on July 11 because a distribution agreement between the two parties could not be made. DIRECTV is also offering eight Starz channels (535 through 542) at no charge through the end of July.

Verizon FiOS customers will get MSG HD [Update]

                                            

It’s been a long time coming but finally Verizon FiOS TV customers in the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut areas will soon be able to get MSG HD. Verizon says both MSG and MSG+ are “ultimately expected” to be offered to customers in high-definition mid-December — although no exact date was given. For sports fans, that means local New York Knicks, Giants, Rangers, and New Jersey Devils games among other regional teams will be available to watch in HD.
Verizon already offers MSG and MSG+ in standard definition (SD), but the network’s owner Cablevision had long refused to provide the HD feeds to Verizon and AT&T. Until last week. After a ruling in September by The Federal Communications Commission that Cablevision was “out of bounds” by refusing to offer the HD feeds to competing TV providers in the greater New York region, the commission’s decision was upheld and a federal appeals court denied a stay of the decision.
“Sports fans want their sports in HD. And after years of seeking access to this programming, we expect to bring FiOS TV subscribers the basketball, hockey, soccer, lacrosse and other games and sports programming they have been asking for,” said Mike Ritter, Verizon chief marketing officer for consumer and business services.
The areas where Verizon will offer the two MSG networks in HD include New York City and state, northern and central New Jersey, and Connecticut. The channels will be included in all FiOS TV service packages except FiOS TV Local.
As of yet, Verizon has not designated specific channel numbers to the networks.
[Update] Verizon is now adding MSG HD and MSG + HD over the next few days. You can find MSG HD on FiOS TV channel 577, 578 or 579. MSG+ HD will be on channel 579, 580 or 581.

Cablevision going all digital in New Jersey

                                                       

Cablevision is converting its New Jersey market to all digital, requiring every customer to have a digital cable box starting early October. Most of Cablevision’s markets have already been converted to all digital service and require a cable box. But the move usually upsets some customers who just want to plug their coaxial cable into their television…which Cablevision currently allows. However, the company says they will provide CableCARDs’ for customers who want to use them (if their HDTV supports the cards). Cablevision also says customers who have HDTVs with digital tuners can just plug in a coaxial cable without a set-top box, but that they would charge $13 a month for that service. Sheez…you’d think less equipment would cost less.