DIRECTV to Broadcast ESPNews HD

ESPNews HD will start broadcasting on DIRECTV according to anchors on the 24-hour sports news network. Anchors reported both Monday night and this morning that Direct TV would begin broadcasting the network starting Wednesday, April 2nd.

No mention was made on-air regarding DISH Network, while viewers were encouraged to “call their cable operator” if they wanted ESPNews HD through cable. No official statement has come from DIRECTV regarding broadcast of ESPNews HD.

The HD version of the all-sports network went live on Sunday, March 30^th. A larger, modern set and expanded scores and stats interface greeted sports fans. While some subscribers to ESPN HD and ESPN2 HD were able to see ESPNews in HD when it debuted on Sunday, most have not yet enjoyed the full effect of the new format.

If DIRECTV does add the channel as ESPNews anchors are reporting, it will be the first new national HD added since the Tennis Channel was added just before the New Year. With its latest successful satellite launch, DIRECTV claims it will have the capability to carry 150 HD channels, however it remains to be seen if programmers can keep up with the customers demand for high-definition.