See What your HDTV can really do.
With the advanced features of the DIRECTV^® HD Receiver, you'll enjoy TV like never before. Get up to 1080i picture resolution for astounding HD clarity and color.^* Plus, take advantage of a customizable program guide, search shows up to seven days in advance, control what your children can watch, and more.

 

• See your favorite channels in stunning HD
  With DIRECTV Receiver HD programming you have plenty to choose from. In fact, you can get access to the most HD channels now, and soon the capacity for over 200 channels^‡ in HD.^* Enjoy your favorite shows and the latest movies in spectacular clarity.

• Find what you're looking for in just a few seconds.
  Tired of scrolling to find a show? Search by person, title, keyword or channel. Make the guide work for you by customizing it with just the channels you want to see.

• Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound Capable.
  Take advantage of our HD receiver's Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound capability by connecting a home theater surround sound system (sold separately).

• Favorite Channels List
  Get fast access to your most-watched channels by creating a Favorites list.

• Customize your Guide
  Customize your channel guide to show only those channels you're subscribed to. It's easy. 

• Easy Text Search
  You can search by title, person, channel or keyword — all just by pressing the appropriate letters on your remote.  

 

To receive HD programming on your HDTV, you need a receiver specifically designed to deliver HD content. DIRECTV offers two receivers for HD: the DIRECTV HD receiver and the DIRECTV Plus HD DVR receiver. These state-of-the-art receivers allow you to view both high-definition and standard-definition content.

How will regular TV shows look on an HDTV set?

It really depends on screen size. Some standard-definition programming may look a little sharper and cleaner on your HDTV set, but more often, it looks worse. That's because all the little flaws and murkiness inherent in regular TV images become that much more obvious when blown up to larger sizes, especially when compared to crystal-clear HD channels. In addition, because SD programming has a narrow aspect ratio of 4:3, you'll see black bars on the left and right sides of the picture if you're watching on a wide-screen 16:9 set. If the black bars bother you, adjustments on all HDTVs can make 4:3 programming fill a 16:9 screen, but when doing so, they crop or distort the image.

Is HD and Digital TV the same?

All HDTV is digital, but not all Digital TV is HDTV. High Definition refers to the resolution of the video (720p, 1080i or 1080p). Digital TV means that the off-air signals are transmitted digitally (usually in ATSC) versus the older analog signals (NTSC). Digital TV broadcasts can be a mixture of standard definition

Where can I look to find out if I have the right DIRECTV HD Receiver?

If you open the access card front door panel, you'll find a white sticker with the model number, or through the On Screen Menu, Settings, Set Up, Info & Test.

Do I need to upgrade to a new dish to receive HD local channels?

You may need a new HD receiver and/or a new satellite dish to see our new channels.

Go to directv.com/hdcheck for a step-by-step guide to help you understand the equipment that's needed. Check directv.com/locals to see if local networks are available in your area. (Eligibility for Local networks based on service address.)

How is the sound quality on HD shows?

At best, standard-definition shows have 4-channel Dolby surround sound (left, center, right and one rear "surround" channel), but they usually have 2-channel stereo. High-definition broadcasts, on the other hand, support 5.1-channel Dolby Digital surround sound (left, center, right, left and right surround and a subwoofer-the part for booming bass). This is similar to the sound you hear in a movie theater or, with the properly equiped home theater, on a DVD. Not all HD broadcasts have 5.1 Dolby Digital yet, but the majority do, and you'll hear-and feel-the difference. Of course, you'll need a home-theater audio system to take full advantage of it. (Dolby, Dolby Digital and the double-D symbol are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.)

Is a BBC (B-Band Converter) required to receive DIRECTV's new HD programming?

Yes, a BBC is required to receive DIRECTV's new HD content.

How do I know if I have the proper equipment and installation? What equipment do I need?

The only way to access the new HD services is to have all of the following:
(a) Advanced set top box: Models H20, H21, HR20 or HR21
(b) B-Band Converter (BBC) on each satellite input (HD DVRs require two BBC's) or must be a new Single Wire Multi-switch installation without a BBC
(c) Slimline 5-LNB antenna
(d) If a multiswitch is required, it must be a wideband 6x8. (WB68) or (WB616)

As of 3/1/06 DIRECTV® now requires all equipment to be returned to DIRECTV® if customer cancels service with DIRECTV 

H21 Features and Benefits (PDF)
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