On MovieTome:
See the TRAILER for TERMINATOR 4!
Click to Save up to $300/yr on callsHDTV World > Understand HDTV > 3 ways to get HDTV programming
The chart: HD programming compared
By Ben Patterson and David Katzmaier
(December 1, 2003; updated May 14, 2008)
(December 1, 2003; updated May 14, 2008)
 |
Ways to get HDTV Which provider offers better high-def programming options: cable or satellite?
|
|
|
(Chart updated 7-1-2008. The chart compares the HD channel offerings of satellite, cable and Verizon Fios. We chose services local to New York City for comparative purposes, so your local coverage will vary. Check out the chart key for further details.)
Sources: DirecTV, Dish Network, Cablevision, Comcast, Time Warner Cable, Verizon Fios Chart keyNational and Local HD channels: This line is intended to give a true comparison between the various services' HD offerings. It includes all of the national and local high-definition channels offered on each service, and specifically excludes pay-per-view channels, RSN networks, duplicate east/west channels and exclusives.Total HD Channels: This line includes all of the HD channels offered by each provider, generally regardless of type or local availability. The number for Dish, for example, includes all of the RSN network channels the satellite service offers, despite the fact that a viewer in any one region gets access to at the most four such channels. We say "generally" because this number still excludes HD sports packages such as MLB Extra Innings, HD preview channels and the eight feeds--four each for NY and LA local networks--that DirecTV counts as "national" channels (they're not worth counting because generally viewers only watch, or care about, their own local network). That's why this number is generally lower than the lofty totals advertised by some providers. HD Local Networks (NYC Area): Includes local broadcast affiliates of the major networks, namely ABC, CBS, Fox, MyTV, NBC, PBS, and The CW. In the NYC area, DirecTV and Dish Network don't broadcast MyTV or PBS affiliates, although they do in some areas of the country. HD On-demand/PPV channels: Includes only the HD channels devoted to pay-per-view events and movies. East/West duplicates: DirecTV offers East and West feeds of the major movie channels, such as HBO East and HBO West. As with RSNs, a subscriber on one coast typically cannot watch the feed from another coast. HD Regional Sports Networks: Networks with generally exclusive rights to broadcast the live games of individual sports teams in a particular region. Satellite services offer numerous RSNs, but again only a few are usually available to any particular viewer in any one region--and in general a cable provider will offer a more-complete selection of RSNs to its regional subscribers. The chart differentiates between RSNs available in the NYC area and in other areas. Exclusive: This includes channels not available on other providers, namely the set of fifteen specialty Voom channels offered by Cablevision, along with DirecTV's The 101 and Time Warner's NY1 (a local news channel). General notesThis chart attempts to compare between the major pay TV services' HD channel offerings, allowing a reader to differentiate between various types of channels. It represents the channels each service offers, including premium movie channels, regardless of programming package, with the exclusions noted above.The two satellite services are by nature national, and offer similar packages (with the exception of RSNs and in some cases local channels) to everyone regardless of region. Cable services and Verizon's Fios, on the other hand, are regional, and HD packages vary somewhat by locality. We have chosen the area around New York City as our example locality, namely Time Warner Cable (Manhattan), Cablevision's IO Cable (Long Island), Comcast (Jersey City) and Verizon's Fios (Yonkers) cable services. These should provide typical examples; check with your local cable provider for options in your area. We are considering adding more local services as space permits. |
TALKBACK
Post your
More HDTV World:
CNET newsletters:
Printer-friendly version
Send feedback
E-mail to a friendFeatured HDTV videos:
Resources from our sponsors
The Samsung LN52A650 LCD is latest CNET editors' choice award winner.
Comcast has the most HD. More than satellite. More than anyone.
Defining the performance crossover. Redefining Luxury.
See all HDTV World:
-
Understand HDTV:
- HDTV 101: A beginner's guide
- Four styles of HDTV
- HDTV resolution explained
- 3 ways to get HDTV programming
- Ultimate HDTV buying guide
- CNET's quick guide to HD camcorders
-
Choose an HDTV:
- Editors' Top HDTV picks
- Find TVs by diagonal screen size
- Find TVs by cabinet size
- Find TVs by viewing distance
- TV aspect ratio converter
-
Optimize your HDTV:
- Choose your HD service
- Must-have HDTV add-ons
- Picture perfect: HDTV tune-up tips
- CNET's quick guide to aspect ratio
More resources from CNET.com:
-
Buying advice
- CNET editors' top HDTVs
- Down the line: 2005 HDTVs
- Universal remote roundup
- How we test: TVs
- CNET's Home Installation Directory
-
Commentary: Fully Equipped
- What's the ultimate HDTV for gamers?
- DVI and HDMI connections explained
- Progressive-scan explained
- Why EDTV plasmas aren't for losers
- LCD vs. DLP: battle of the new rear-projection HDTVs
- LCD and DLP projectors: poor man's plasmas?
- Flat-panel frenzy: what you need to know
- Pro HDTV calibration: rip-off or money well spent?
- Should you hold out for an ultra-HD (1080p) HDTV?
- Blu-ray vs. HD-DVD
- Why not CableCard?
Additional coverage from around the Web:
- TV.com
- AVS Forum
- Home Theater Spot forum
- FCC's DTV fact sheet
- CEA's HDTV info
- PBS's digital TV info
- Titan TV (HDTV programming guide)
- AntennaWeb.org
- HDSportsGuide.com
- Secrets of home theater and high fidelity
TalkBack
68 messages
Article discussion: Three ways to get HDTV programming
Latest post:
"MOJO HD on Cable"
by RACJ2 (See profile) - July 20, 2008 5:10 PM PDT
They missed what I consider to be an excellent exclusive channel on cable providers, MOJO HD. (Read
more).