What does the plus mean on DIRECTV guide?

The plus sign (+) is used frequently and can be found on most of the DIRECTV channel listings and program guides. But what does this plus sign refer to and why it is located near some channels or programs?

The plus sign has a couple different meanings depending on the context in which it appears on the DIRECTV guide:The plus sign has a couple different meanings depending on the context in which it appears on the DIRECTV guide:

Channel numbers with a plus sign

The most familiar usage of a plus sign is right next to some channel numbers on the DIRECTV programming schedule. For example, you may see something like:For example, you may see something like:

206+ or 302+

Directly following a channel number the plus sign informs viewers that the channel is DIRECTV HD channel. In other words, it has a high-definition resolution of its broadcasts. The suffix ‘+’ beside any channel number indicates that you are watching the high definition version of that channel through DIRECTV.

Therefore, if it shows 206+ rather than 206, it means that you are actually watching the high definition feed of the channel 206. The standard definition version would simply be 206 without the plus sign.

This helps you distinguish between the High Definition and standard definition channels available in the program guide. A plus sign before a channel number means it is broadcasted in high definition while the channel number without a plus sign are those broadcasted in standard definition.

Programs with a Plus Sign

Besides channel numbers, plus signs may also be located to specific programs or program listings in the on-screen guide. For example:

8:00pm Movie Name+

In this case, the plus sign does not mean it is an HD channel when it is placed beside the program title like this. In this case, the plus sign indicates that the program can be watched at any time of the viewers’ preference.

Therefore, it is crucial for any program listing with a plus sign before the program’s title to inform you that you can watch it even if it is not within the linear schedule. It also means the content is included free On Demand for DIRECTV subscribers.

To do this, you just need to look for that program in the listings and opt to watch it On Demand which allows you to view it at that particular time irrespective of when it’s supposed to air. This makes it easy to differentiate from a single look which of the movies or shows are available on demand all the time.

You did not have to wait until eight in the evening of this example to watch that movie. The plus sign indicates it’s on demand and can be streamed at any time.

This is why plus signs are placed next to listings

You may be asking yourself why did DIRECTV go through the process of inserting these plus signs into the guides and listings? What is their function?

The primary one is that it is plain and easy to use. DIRECTV has hundreds of channels with many of those channels having HD counterparts and thousands of On Demand selections available at any given time. That is why the use of these + symbols is quite a simple and unambiguous method to explain everything to subscribers.

Whereas you have to scour to find out which channels provide feed in high definition and which programs permit Instant On Demand streaming, the plus signs quickly inform you at first glance. That is why DIRECTV included them as an upgrade to make their program guides more intuitive.

A plus sign and HD and On Demand labels make this Direct TV menu more user-friendly than the preceding one. It is convenient to search for the plus symbol within channels or listings when you are randomly looking for something.

Potential for Confusion

Although the plus signs are meant well as visual aids, there is some possibility for confusion for DIRECTV’s audience. It is very much important for a plus sign appearing next to a channel number as against being next to a program title.

A lot of people have then presumed that given the channel number has a + in front of it meant it was a HD feed, then they should be able to watch the particular program On Demand the same way they get it on regular TV. However, unless that program listing also contains a plus sign it would not be possible to call for it on demand.

It is therefore advisable to pay attention to context every time plus symbols are used in different line ups in the DIRECTV. Plus sign mark next to channel number pertains to HD resolution only in case of that channel. It is the plus signs for individual programs that signify Instant On Demand capability.

How to Distinguish Them in the Future

Hopefully the meaning and purpose of plus signs on the DIRECTV program guide has been explained above. To recap the key distinctions going forward:To recap the key distinctions going forward:

• Plus signs next to the channel numbers = It indicates HD channel feeds • Plus signs next to program titles: Instant On Demand signifies that the program is available immediately.

Once you realize this significant difference in context, all those formerly perplexing plus symbols are going to make much more sense each and every time you stumble upon them in the guide. No more guessing or assuming all plus signs imply the same thing.

Now that you understand exactly what the plus sign signifies, whether it’s for channel numbers or program listings, you can get the most of all the special perks that come with DIRECTV and everything related to the HD channel list and On Demand. Knowing all the meanings of signs such as the plus go a long way in getting the best out of the DIRECTV programming and subscriptions.