Why does DirectTV have so many more HD channels than cable?

Question

I have Cox Communications as a cable provider, and have roughly 20-30 HD Channels. I was wondering, how does DirectTV have upwards of 90? Is it some sort of exclusive deal or do cable companies just not want to fork over the cash for them? If that's the case, I might have to split over to DirectTV to enjoy more HD programming.

Answer 1

The simple answer is bandwidth.On satellite it one transponder can carry16 regular channels or 2 HD channels,so about 8 times the bandwidth.The satellite companies put up more sats to carry the signal bandwidth needed where the cable companies would have to upgrade all the hardlines that carry the signals out to each house which will take a lot of time and even more money.