Locals over Sat for portland, or 1/10/2006

I wouldn't hold my breath expecting local HD channels in Portland next month. They're just now going "live" with the new MPEG4 satellite in a few cities (Detroit, Atlanta, San Francisco).

Initial quality reports from the first rollout cities is that the quality is quite good, although OTA is still a bit better.

 

If my calculation is correct (according to all the official press releases), DirecTV now offers HD LIL in 10 cities with LA and NY suppose to go live with MPEG 4 this month.

It is very possible that Portland could be going live in January. Portland could be one of the initial markets they plan for Spaceway 2

 

Don't hold your breath

 

I think DirecTV is planning for HD locals in at least 100 markets, or is it 150. That's with 4 satellites. So it wouldn't surprise me if they can accomodate Portland, which is DMA #23, with just one operational Spaceway satellite.

Also, some reports have said that NY and LA won't get MPEG-4 until later, since they're already served by existing MPEG-2 HD. That's two more DMA's that should be "ahead" of PDX that are being skipped.

Finally, DirecTV seems to be quickly pushing HD out to many markets. I would have thought they would be much more deliberate in the rollout. That also points to them getting to PDX in the near future.

But only time will tell. Also maybe KOIN will again be holdouts.

 

A little birdie told me today that 12 more markets are going live prior to SuperBowl Sunday. DirecTV wants to get as many markets online possible prior to the superbowl and winter olympics.

 

What a brilliant strategy. No wonder I never watch that channel...

 

Hmmm .... good news, maybe
Seattle should be up near the top the list since we're DMA#12.

 

Yeah, and after many, many "lean" years you now actually have a football team that's worth watching in HD.

 

Naah, we're 13 on their list. When they released the inital list Tampa was ahead of us. Some speculate it's location, others that Tampa has outgrown us.

Me? I think it's like ESPN, they just forgot we existed.

 

12 more in addition to the original 12 would mean the top 24 markets and I'm in Baltimre, DMA #24 !

 

The only thing is 12 more markets does not always mean 13-24. DirecTV did skip Seattle (DMA 12) in favor of Tampa (DMA 13) during this go around.

 

What is the source/link for these DMA numbers? I want to find out the number and probable timing for the Sacramento market?

 

I think maybe Brent Mussberger must have some influence on the DMA picks. After all, he LOVES Seattle, doesn't he? Was he not a Sonics fan when they won the championship? (choke, spit, gurgle!)

 

KOIN is a joke. EVERY year we get jobbed out of the UGA-Florida game for the Multnomah County Humane Society Telethone. Now, I am all for the Humane Society, but in place of the Cocktail Party?!?! Travesty...

So, will it be worth it to upgrade or just stick with OTA?

 

Actually Tampa has now overtaken Seattle to become DMA #12.

 

until D* puts up something new in HD (besides loals, which I get perfectly with an antenna) and then offer an HD DVR comparable to my HD Tivo, I'm happy to stick with the equipment I have.