Comedy Central Goes High Definition with DirecTV
It may happen that one is a DirecTV customer who once subscribed to the HD programming services but had to opt out of it in order to cut the monthly expenses. Changing from SD to HD while using DirecTV is not a problem because it can be completed in a number of simple steps. Below is a guide on how you can get your DirecTV service back to showing HD programming step by step.
Assess the Necessary HD Equipment The first thing you want to do is make sure that you have the right cables for your DirecTV system connected to your television set. For you to be able to receive the HD channels from DirecTV you have to install an HD receiver and connect it to a HDTV. The majority of DirecTV receivers produced in the past ten years are HD capable, however, some older DirecTV receivers may not. Locate the front panel of your receiver box and establish whether it capable of supporting high definition television.
You will also require an HDMI or component video cable to link your DirecTV receiver to an HDTV. For instance, if you have the wrong cable connections, you may only be receiving standard definition signals on your high definition TV. If you do not have HDMI or component cables on hand, it is recommended that you visit a local electronics retailer to purchase these cables.
Satellite Dish Alignment However, to obtain the DirecTV HD channels, one has to have a satellite dish that is capable of receiving HD signals from the DirecTV satellites. Dishes installed in most homes in the recent past meet the standards of HD, but dishes installed before this period may require realignment or an upgrade to the equipment if they are to support HD.
To confirm your satellite dish installation, you can check the signal quality of the current transponders in the satellite setup menu of your receiver. Any transponders that display signal 0 may require dish fine tuning to accommodate for high definition reception. Make arrangements to speak with DirecTV or consult with a local satellite installation company.
Choose an HD Programming Package When you have ensured that your equipment is compatible with HD signals then the next best thing is to choose the right HD programming package from DirecTV. Check the channel offerings and the costs of DirecTV’s HD packages through their website or contact the consumer care. When choosing between the two, some of the factors to consider include the available channels and the price of the package.
Some popular HD programming options to consider from DirecTV include:Some popular HD programming options to consider from DirecTV include:
The CHOICE Package – Provides more than ninety high-definition network including local station and many cable networks.
The ULTIMATE Package – This package is even more extensive, offering over 130 High Definition channels from HBO, SHOWTIME, STARZ, and other premium networks.
Sports Packages – Additional service options such as the NFL SUNDAY TICKET and MLB EXTRA INNINGS for live HD sports.
How to Turn on HD on Your DirecTV Account Once you have decided on the HD programming you want, call the DirecTV customer service number to change your account back to an HD tier. Be prepared to provide details like:Be prepared to provide details like:
Here is your DirecTV account number
This is the account which the name is under
This is the HD package you want to switch to
Your payment details if your bill rises
The representative can do this for you on the call, and you can ask them to enable the HD channels that were disabled before. This is usually done immediately after the call has been completed, although it can be done at any time, minutes or days after the call.
People ought to perform an HD Channel Scan After this, the last process that remains is making your DirecTV HD receiver to search and tune to the new HD channels that are now available. Go to the menu in your receiver and search for the option that says channel scan and then proceed with the selection. This may take about a range of 10-15 minutes.
Once the scan is complete, your receiver will have refilled its channel list with many sharp, high definition channels from DirecTV. Surf to your favorite shows on ESPN, HGTV, AMC or local stations now in rich high definition. If any of the expected HD channels are missing, attempt to reset the DirecTV receiver and then rescan for the channels again.
Further Suggestions when Watching DirecTV on HD Here are some other useful tips to improve your viewing experience with high definition DirecTV programming:Here are some other useful tips to improve your viewing experience with high definition DirecTV programming:
Look for an HDTV settings for example the aspect ratio and resolution that is compatible with DirecTV HD formats. It is recommended that you seek guidance from your TV instructions.
It has been observed that during scan HD channels sometimes move around from positions of their standard definition counterparts. You can also add your favorite or bookmark the HD channels on your receiver for convenience.
Recording and playback of programs in high definition is possible by using a DVR receiver from the DirecTV.
If you want to watch HD in different rooms then go for an additional HD receiver. Additional receiver fees apply.
Choose HDMI cables instead of component video to get the highest resolution of the picture and sound.
Use a reboot on your receivers from time to time in case the HD channels’ playbacks are choppy or pixelated.
Going back to high definition programming will enhance your picture quality and viewing experience through DirecTV. The following are the steps which, if followed as indicated herein, will lead to the continuation of watching television channel, movies as well as sporting events in high definition resolution. Get the best out of the high definition that is provided in your favorite entertainment!