The mix of content that you can receive through direct broadcast satellite service includes programs that are normally broadcast in your neighborhood. There is confusion among consumers about why they need to pay for such programs given that they can access them for free through traditional broadcasting feeds. There is also a common misunderstanding regarding why some customers of satellite service – such as DirecTV – cannot receive local channels even though they can receive them through a regular feed. Making matters even more confusing, some subscribers cannot get the signal while their neighbors can.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at accessing your local channels through Direct TV. We’ll clarify the differences between receiving the signal through conventional broadcasting feeds versus satellite service. We’ll also provide insight regarding why DirecTV is often preferred over cable television.

Conventional Broadcasting Versus Satellite

First, it’s worth noting that at the time of writing, most broadcasters have already migrated from analog to digital frequencies. That means the programs you used to enjoy through a regular non-dish feed are typically unavailable without a special converter box. Having said that, many customers wonder why they should pay for such programs.

There are benefits to enjoying local channels through a direct broadcast satellite (DBS) provider. A traditional broadcast seldom has the same quality as a digital broadcast. Also, there’s no need to keep a converter box that changes the signal (and image quality) before displaying it on your television. What’s more, you won’t have to contend with interference that often marks an analog signal.

One objection that some people have is that they cannot enjoy the shows they once watched even though they are now Direct TV customers. This might be due to one of two reasons. DirecTV has expanded their network to deliver local channels to over 94% of the U.S. To be sure, there are still a few areas that are out of range of the signal. Direct TV is taking steps to expand further in order to address that issue.

More commonly, the cause of the problem is an obstruction in the path of the dish, which would affect all programming. There must be a clear path between the satellite which sends the signal and the customer’s antenna. If there is a tree or another object in the way, it will impact the reliability of the signal.

Why Direct TV Is Better Than Cable

There are many reasons why Direct TV is preferred by millions of people over cable. In the context of watching local channels, the main reason is the picture quality. DirecTV transmits more digital programming than cable, which means you can enjoy the programs you used to watch through an analog feed with pristine image clarity.

Is there a charge for watching these programs through direct broadcast satellite service? Yes, but the same is true for cable; they simply don’t itemize the charge, so their customers are largely unaware they’re paying it. In the end, you can enjoy your favorite local channels with DirecTV’s characteristic high-quality picture at a price you’re likely already paying.

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Category: Entertainment
Keywords: direct TV, local channels, accessing your local channels on DirectTV