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El Segundo-based DirecTV, the nation’s largest satellite TV provider, said Tuesday that it added 30 new high-definition channels, which will start rolling out in May.

The roll-out will last several months, eventually bringing DirecTV’s total HD lineup to more than 160.

Some of the new HD channels include Showtime Beyond HD, CSN California HD and Showtime Next HD.

DirecTV’s announcement comes a day after rival satellite TV provider Dish Network Corp. of Englewood, Colo., said it had reached 200 HD channels before any other U.S. pay-TV service.

However, DirecTV counters that it has more “full-time” HD channels than any other service.

“From day one we have led the way with HD and, to the dismay of our competitors, that has not changed,” Derek Chang, DirecTV’s executive vice president of content strategy and development, said in a release. “While Dish Network is very skilled at grossly inflating their HD numbers, you’d be hard pressed to find an actual list of comprehensive HD channels that match their recent claims.”

ENGLEWOOD, Colo., April 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — DISH Network L.L.C., America’s fastest-growing pay-TV provider, today became the first and only company to offer 200 national high definition channels. New additions to the nation’s largest full-time HD line-up include EPIX HD, G4 HD, Headline News HD, History International HD, Nat Geo Wild HD, ShortsHD, Style HD and Turner Classic Movies HD.

Consumers can enjoy these high definition channels and more via the most advanced DVR technology in the industry, DISH Network’s award-winning ViP 922 SlingLoaded DVR. This is the world’s only DVR with integrated Sling technology, allowing DISH Network customers to watch their favorite programs anytime and anywhere via their laptop or mobile device. Customers with a ViP 922 have access to 200 HD channels through a giant 1 terabyte hard drive – twice as large as any other distributor’s DVR.

“While others repeatedly claim they have the capacity to offer 200 HD channels, only DISH Network has delivered,” said Tom Cullen, executive vice president of Sales, Marketing and Programming for DISH Network. “We are pleased to continue to lead the industry in delivering the best movies and entertainment with channels such as EPIX HD.”