They’re finally serious about it this time. DIRECTV is actively shutting down standard definition service. They’re starting with local markets that were served by DIRECTV’s 119 satellite. If you’re in one of those markets, you’ve probably gotten warnings for years that it was going to happen. Well, it’s finally time. The transition was put off first because of technical considerations, and then because of the pandemic. However, we’re already hearing about several major cities where standard definition service stopped unexpectedly, and that service isn’t coming back.
Why is this happening?
DIRECTV’s standard definition local channels went live between 1999 and 2005, with most going live in 2000 and 2001. Before that, the law wasn’t clear about whether a national service like DIRECTV could offer local service. A series of laws have allowed local service over satellite. It’s all based on the technology that keeps people from other markets from seeing your local channels. There was a big push to include as many locals as possible back then. That’s why DIRECTV launched satellites that sat at 119 degrees west longitude. However, just a few years later the decision was made to move to high definition. That’s what everyone wanted. You probably did too.
DIRECTV’s HD channels required much more sophisticated satellites, and licenses were secured in the 99 and 103 degree west longitude slots. That meant that even as early as 2007, that 119 slot was “dead man walking.” No new satellites went in there. The fleet there is down to one satellite, and it’s well past retirement age.
In the mid-’10s, DIRECTV went on a spree, offering customers free or discounted equipment in order to get everyone to use the HD-capable receivers. It was so successful that today there are only a small number of SD-only systems out there, mostly in markets like RV and marine where the equipment is more expensive. The goal was to turn off those SD channels, especially the ones on the 119 satellite.
So here we are.
It’s happening fast now, and it’s happening without warning. It’s going to continue to happen throughout 2023. Most people will still get their local channels, they’ll just use the HD feeds and nothing else. If you’re in the mobile or marine world, though, you know that’s a challenge. Your dish may only be able to see the satellite at DIRECTV’s 101 location, not the ones at 99 and 103. Don’t fret, you’ll still get the channels you want. As SD channels are taken off that satellite, HD channels will take their place. In the end, you’ll probably get more HD channels than ever before. But you have to be ready for the transition. You’ve probably gotten all the warning you’re going to get… and it’s going to happe.
Here’s what you can do
Call the experts at Signal Connect NOW. We have programs that can help. We can tell you just what you’ll need in the coming months to weather the change. DIRECTV’s own call centers aren’t equipped to handle mobile and marine customers. We are. It’s that simple.
So call us now at 888-233-7563. Call during East Coast business hours, so we can connect you with the right person. If it’s after hours, or if you just want a call back on your schedule, fill out the form below. We’ll get back to you, usually within one business day.
