DIRECTV deployed local HD channels to several markets yesterday, continuing to make good on their promise to reach 121 markets with local HD programming. The new markets now receiving local HD channels are as follows:
Syracuse, N.Y. designated market area. The following broadcast networks are available in HD: WSYR/ABC, WTVH/CBS, WSYT/FOX WSTM/NBC and WNYS/MNT
South Bend-Elkhart, Ind. designated market area. The following broadcast networks are available in HD: WNDU/NBC and WSJV/FOX.
Mobile, Ala.-Pensacola, Fla. designated market area. The following broadcast networks are available in HD: WEAR/ABC, WKRG/CBS, WALA/FOX, and WPMI/NBC.
Richmond-Petersburg, Va. designated market area. The following broadcast networks are available in HD: WRIC/ABC, WTVR/CBS, WRLH/FOX, and WWBT/NBC.
Toledo, Ohio designated market area. The following broadcast networks are available in HD: WTVG/ABC, WTOL/CBS, WUPW/FOX and WNWO/NBC.
Youngstown, Ohio designated market area. The following broadcast networks are available in HD: WYTV/ABC and WFMJ/NBC.
With the addition of these six markets, DIRECTV now offers offers HD programming of local network broadcast channels in 91 cities, which represents 81 percent of US television households. DIRECTV expects to add local HD programming in 30 more local channel markets by the end of 2008. That will bring the total number of HD markets served by DIRECTV to 121 representing more than 88 percent of US TV households.
While the local HD expansion is certainly good news for DIRECTV customers in these markets, customers across the country are still waiting for new national HD channels. Many in particular have been waiting for Fox News in HD, which was recently passed up in favor of Planet Green, leaving DIRECTV customers wondering where priorities have been placed as far as HD content goes at the satellite TV company.
