Back in 2016, DIRECTV announced that they were going to stop broadcasting in standard definition. Then… they didn’t. Time passed, deadlines weren’t met, and well there was all that stuff in 2020 and 2021, right? Most folks pretty much forgot that it was going to happen.
And then it started to happen. And it happened FAST. In early 2023, DIRECTV stopped broadcasting standard definition local channels in most markets. Only the larger ones still kept those old SD locals. Folks who relied on them were confused. Were you one of them?
Who needs SD anymore?
Standard definition is the old style of TV channel you remember from when you were a kid. You know, back when TVs were boxy and dim and blurry. Most folks moved on from that style of TV 15 years ago. So who cares if DIRECTV, or anyone, still puts out stuff for those old TVs?
If you have an RV or a boat, or if you’ve been holding on to old equipment you really like, you care. Those customers have been using standard definition channels because often times, the equipment they need isn’t available. RV and boat owners generally only have dishes that can track one satellite at a time. This technology means that they don’t have access to DIRECTV’s two big high definition satellites. That hasn’t been a problem up until now.
Why is this happening?
Well, first of all it’s happening because that technology is pretty old. It’s getting hard for DIRECTV to even get equipment that will work with it. That means upgrading their broadcast centers is expensive, and it’s hard to pass that cost on to the very small number of people who want this kind of programming.
It’s also happening for a much better reason. DIRECTV’s satellite at its 101 location has the capacity for about 100 national HD channels, but right now it only has about 5 national HD channels. By clearing out space on that satellite, RV and marine users will be able to get more channels in crystal-clear high definition. It also means that more channels will be resistant to rain fade, because the 101 satellite location uses frequencies that are better in the rain.
It’s a win-win for pretty much everyone… pretty much.
What can you do if you’re affected?
First of all I’ll tell you what you shouldn’t do. Don’t call DIRECTV’s main call center. They aren’t equipped to help you. As far as their computer systems are concerned, that problem was solved three years ago. They won’t know what to do about it.
On the other hand, Signal Connect has helped thousands of people transition to more modern equipment. We can help you, too. We’ll recommend the best option for you and help you figure out what’s next. We can also recommend options like TV antennas and cell phone signal boosters that can help you keep some of that local content.
When something like this happens, you need qualified experts. Signal Connect has them. We handle more mobile and marine activations than anyone else on the planet. We know what we’re doing. We have full access to ALL of DIRECTV’s systems, even the ones that the call centers don’t! Best of all, we’ll give you a direct line to a tech who will be able to help you. We don’t believe in big overseas call operations. We believe in real customer service.
Find out more
If you’ve recently lost local channels on DIRECTV, call us at 888-233-7563 during East Coast business hours. We’ll make sure you get the help you need. We’ll connect you with the right person and get you back on track. Call now, or if it’s after hours, fill out the form below. We’ll get back to you, usually within one business day!
