DirecTV to carry local digital subs?

[landtuna]

I was wondering whether DirecTV would be adding the digital local subs to their lineup so wrote them an email. As has happened before when asking them a question I got a rather lengthy and obscure answer:

"I understand your concern about getting additional digital channels. Please be advised that in order to comply with the FCC mandated analog shutdown date of February 17, 2009, local stations are upgrading their broadcast transmission systems from analog to digital. As of 10/6/08 DIRECTV upgraded its local facility in Phoenix AZ market to support the digital transition process of the local TV stations that we carry. We're continuing to expand our capacity and hope to offer more digital channels in your area in the near future.

Furthermore, since DIRECTV is 100% digital most customers will not be affected by the 2009 transition. However, if you receive your local channels over the air (through "rabbit ears" or a rooftop antenna), you may need to take a few steps to continue to receive them after June 12, 2009.

To make this transition easy for you, DIRECTV has a solution that will allow you to continue to receive your local channels as well as seamlessly integrate them into your on-screen program guide. Go to directv.com/localsolution to learn more about your options for the digital transition."

I think, after all that hyperbole, the actual answer lies in the highlighted line above. Still not sure however..... The link provided takes you to a page that basically tries to sell you an OTA digital converter box. Nice!

 

[ykw]

Over at DBSTalk, the standard line given by D* is that they do not and will not carry any digital subchannels except where a digital subchannel is either a) already broadcast by D* independent of it being a local subchannel or b) providing the only coverage in a given DMA of what D* considers a major broadcast network (and, even then, will only do so on a case-by-case basis).

 

[landtuna]

Thanks for the clarification. Guess I needed to get my question past the first line of answer droids.

I've been a customer of D* for several years now and am not unhappy with their service. What I am unhappy about is the amount of money I have to pay to receive the five (count 'em 5!) channels I watch regularly. With the latest increase in subscription just announced I'm thinking it is now more economical to drop D* and subscribe to something like Netflix to get my documentaries and specials fix.

Oh for the days of the BUD when we could subscribe ala carte!