If you skipped out on the
televised launch of the DirecTV 10 satellite, you didn't miss too much, but it's safe to say that the bird is safely in orbit and should start beaming out a new array of HD offerings this September. The Boeing-built 702 model satellite lifted off at 6:16PM PDT on July 6th from "Pad 39 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan aboard an International Launch Services (ILS) Russian-built Proton Breeze M launch vehicle." After just over nine hours in flight, the rocket reportedly "left the spacecraft in a geosynchronous transfer orbit with a high point of 22,300 miles." Best of all, controllers on the ground have successfully made contact with the satellite and "confirmed that all systems are functioning properly." According to
DirecTV, the spacecraft will first be maneuvered into a circular orbit at 103-degrees West longitude, and after testing is complete, it is "
expected" to begin operations in early September, "delivering the first of
up to 100 national HD channels by year-end." For those already looking beyond, DirecTV 11 is actually slated to launch "early next year," which will theoretically enable the provider to serve up 150 HD channels -- whenever they become available, that is.
Read - DirecTV 10's launch process
Read - ILS Proton Successfully Launches DIRECTV 10
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Ken @ Jul 7th 2007 3:20PM
Maybe DirecTV isn't full of chit this time...
I wonder if the picture quality will get any better?
Kevin Murphy @ Jul 7th 2007 3:27PM
The launch vehicle has now completed all burns and separated. DirecTV 10 is now in orbit. Of course, there are still things that could go wrong with the satellite itself, but the launch process was a complete success.
As for PQ ... my experience is that moving from an HR10 to an HR20 improves quality immediately (HR10 softens picture), and the MPEG4 channels seem to be less (or better) compressed. Higher quality anyway. HBO will enforce a bitrate minimum on MPEG4.
Eideard @ Jul 7th 2007 7:37PM
Another engadget less-than-competent last sentence. Guess they must think Apple invests in D*. If you Google around dbstalk.com or any of the established sattv forums, you'll find the list of the 1st 75 HD channels sched for Sept through December intro via DirecTV 10.
GhostDoggy @ Jul 7th 2007 8:39PM
Kevin Murphy, compression is only one way to screw up the PQ of an original HD content. You must be ignorant, absent-minded, or conveniently a playboy for directv to ignore the reduced resolution that directv has been employing for years.
I do not need or want directv to take 1920, chop a third of it off, send me the remaining part, and then have my stb guess what was thrown away for their brand of 'hd' (ahem, hdlite). I think this is what Ken may have been referring to.
Xyzzy @ Jul 7th 2007 11:08PM
I think the "HD Lite" comments are really overblown, at least in my experience. Granted, I only have a 720p projector (Panny AE700) on a 100" screen, but I don't see much of a difference between Fox OTA and the DirecTV Fox broadcast from NYC. That said, I do think HD DVD looks better than both DirecTV and OTA broadcasts.
Maybe I'd notice more of a difference at 1080i, not sure...
DEEZNUTZ @ Jul 9th 2007 11:17AM
Was the launch broadcasted in HD? Rather ironic if it wasn't.
I still hope it goes off orbit and heads towards Mars...
Jeff N. @ Jul 9th 2007 1:17PM
Has DirecTV had enough upgrades to their current HD DVR to now recommend it? Because I've heard some stories on how awful it was and to avoid it if at all possible.
Rob @ Aug 18th 2007 11:54AM
Yes, the HR20 DVR was terrible at first, locking up all the time but there has since been several software upgrades and it is a much better box now.
Anybody know a date for when any of these new HD channels will be available?
Mbita @ Jul 18th 2007 12:29AM
It's my understanding with the launch of
DirecTv's vehicles the most we can expect from the signals will be 1080I. Can someone verify or debunk this information? I'm purchasing a high def 1080P television next month. It's my understanding the only 1080P signal available to me will be via a Blu Ray or HD DVD Player. Any information to veryify or debunk this information?
DJBro @ Jul 19th 2007 6:57PM
glad to see its up in the air...
im gonna go home and watch "The Office for make benefit glorious nation of kazakhstan"