Getting the Most Out of DIRECTV HD

So you just bought a beautiful HD-ready flatscreen TV and a surround sound system to go with it. Now you want to put your home theater through its paces. If you've signed up for DIRECTV HD programming, you're already on your way to the ultimate TV experience.* There are some things you'll want to know, though, to get the most from DIRECTV.

DIRECTV currently broadcasts over 130 channels in HD. That's significantly more than any other satellite or cable TV provider offers. And you should also know that these aren't just any HD channels. They're the ones you really want to see — channels like A&E, Animal Planet, Discovery Channel, to name just a few.

The number of HD channels you get depends on the programming you're subscribed to, starting with your base package. (You'll need to add HD Access for $10 per month to access the simulcast HD channels in your package.) Take a look at our HD programming page to see which channels each package includes, as well as the premium channels and sports subscriptions we offer. You'll also want to consider the HD Extra Pack, which features channels available only in HD. To get the most HD channels DIRECTV has to offer, you'll want to sign up for the PREMIER package, which also includes the premium movie channels (HBO, Showtime, Cinemax, Starz).

Another ingredient in the DIRECTV HD recipe you'll need to consider is the receiver (also known as a "set top box"). DIRECTV offers two receivers designed for HD: The DIRECTV Plus® HD DVR and the DIRECTV HD receiver. Both of these state-of-the-art receivers allow you to view both SD and HD content. They are also Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound capable, which means with the proper sound system in place (sold separately), you can take advantage of the theater-quality sound incorporated in most HD broadcasts. You can even have a DIRECTV professional install your sound system for you for an extra charge.

The DIRECTV Plus® HD DVR, our flagship model, takes your TV experience even further — with the latest in digital video recording technology. Why tune your life to the networks' schedule when you can tune in to your favorite shows whenever you want? With the DIRECTV HD DVR, you can record up to 50 hours of HD content (or up to 200 hours of SD content), so you can enjoy your shows on your own time. Plus, you can even pause and rewind live TV.

Once you pick the DIRECTV programming and receiver that are right for you and your family, you're all set to enjoy TV like never before. Stay tuned to these pages for more articles on how you can get the most from DIRECTV HD programming.

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