Is there any way to have Direct TV shows to come on like Comcast?

Question

We had no idea that satellite tv show times would be different. Its kind of silly I think for there not to be a way with all of their high tech stuff.

Back in the day (1980's or so) everyone switched from the old tv antena to cable, but the pre-existing channels were the same.

Now, say you are used to looking at CSI at 6:00pm on cable. You switch over to satilite, and CSI isn't there at the same time.

This is a big disappointment. Does anyone else feel this way?

Answer 1

You must be on the west coast like I am.

The satellite companies haven't been picking up west coast feeds for network like cable has - this is why CSI is on at 6pm local time when in reality, it's 9pm on the east coast where the signal is coming from.

Also, if you're talking about a "local channel" (like NBC, FOX, etc.) it depends on where that broadcaster is located.  For instance,  being near San Francisco, I do get the local channels (e.g. KTVU, KTSF, etc.)  But I do know that if I'm too far from a large city, my "local channels" will come from the east coast.  "weird hour" NBC is better than no NBC, I guess...

It would cost more to carry the additional feeds and local channels.  This would also reduce the total number of different channels they could carry.  As the companies launch more powerful satellites this might be resolved.   In the meantime, let DirecTV know you want more local and west coast feeds.

Personally, it doesn't bother me too much.  We have the DVR from Dish, so we just tell it to record our shows and let it figure out the scheduling.  Most cable networks repeat blocks of programming every 2 or 3  hours, to help cover the different time zones.  This also helps the DVR schedule more shows to record.  I wish the local networks (NBC, etc.) would do the same thing.  They'd essentially double their viewing audience if they just reran their prime time shows starting at 2 or 3am.  This would solve the problem of having to decide which program (or 2 programs) to record between 8-10pm when the networks seem to like playing popularity contests with their shows.

Answer 2

DirecTV doesn't have anything to do with the programming schedules. That is determined by the station providers and they can change the programming any time they choose (even in the middle of a show you're watching).

All DirecTV does is provide a way for you to VIEW these stations. They transmit the feeds they are given. If you have specific questions as to WHY this is happening, it's best to ask the program providers themselves. =)

Answer 3

What do you mean? Direct TV sometimes does not have your local broadcast network channels like cable does, which is why CSI may be on at a different time on another channel. Check and see if they offer the local channels for your area, sometimes they do and they charge a small fee extra for them. Otherwise you can just use your Direct TV DVR, or order basic local cable, usally called "lifeline" cable or something like that and that gives you your local channels.