This list was updated on May 7, 2024
After a delay of several years, DIRECTV is actively removing standard definition local channels from service. They’re doing it to make the most of the capacity they have at their 101 satellite location. With fewer SD channels, this opens up capacity for HD national channels. Since the 101 satellite is more resistant to rain fade, that means more channels that perform more of the time. They’re also doing it so that they can better serve larger accounts like airlines whose systems only work on the 101 satellite.
Is this a problem?
When most people think of standard definition, they think of big boxy tube TVs that they brought to the dump years ago. Since 2009, the US has used a digital standard for TV that lets people get HD over-the-air, and that’s driven growth in HD channels for pay-TV as well. Folks, 2009 was 15 years ago, a long long time in the world of tech.
It’s so long that I’d bet most folks don’t care about standard definition channels at all. But, a few do. If you have an RV, a boat, an oil rig, or even an older commercial install, you might care about these channels. Often times you find installs like this still have old tube TVs or are using small flat TVs. Picture quality isn’t an issue because the screen sizes are so small. On the other hand, if you’re in an RV or boat you might have chosen a smaller satellite dish because it’s cheaper and easier to manage.
If you look at the list below, you’ll see that it includes some of the most active marine markets in the country. If you’re based in one of these cities, you may lose local channels without the right hardware.
The up-to-date list
Here are the cities that no longer have standard-definition locals on DIRECTV:
- Baltimore
- Birmingham AL
- Boston
- Charlotte
- Cleveland
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Greenville
- Houston
- Memphis
- Miami-Ft Lauderdale
- Nashville TN
- Oakland
- Paducah KY
- Philadelphia PA
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland OR
- Raleigh NC
- Richmond VA
- Roanoke VA
- Sacramento
- Salem NC
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Spartanburg SC
- St Louis
- Stockton
- Washington DC
That list includes some of the largest markets in the country, and many are port cities.
What can you do?
There’s really only one thing to do: call the experts for help. Signal Connect can help you figure out the right choice for you as you move forward. We have experts who have helped thousands of customers just like you with the transition away from standard-definition local channels. We have special programs that might help you.
Call us during East Coast hours and we’ll lay it all out for you. The number is 888-233-7563. You’ll reach a tech expert in our Novi, Michigan offices. If it’s after hours, let us help! Fill out the form below. We’ll get back to you as soon as possible, generally within one business day.
