OmegaSource

DIRECTV offers local HD channels in 115 markets now and plans to expand that to 121 markets by year’s end.
The local PBS HD channels launch follows the recent approval of an agreement announced earlier this year by DIRECTV and the Association of Public Television Stations. Under the agreement, DIRECTV will offer high-def programming from local PBS stations in markets where it now provides local HD channels.

The satellite company says 14 markets now have local PBS HD channels in their DIRECTV lineups. And they are:

Cedar Rapids-Waterloo-Iowa City-Dubuque, Iowa; Chicago; Davenport, Iowa-Rock Island-Moline, Ill.; Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami-Fort Lauderdale, Minneapolis-St. Paul, New York, Norfolk-Newport News, Va.; Phoenix; Portland, Ore.; Rochester, N.Y.; and Waco-Temple-Bryan, Texas.

DIRECTV says PBS HD channels will be added to more markets this year and in 2009.

Changes effective July 1st 2008
Effective July 1st 2008, retailers will no longer be authorized to book or complete retail initiated move programs. Customers who are moving to another location, and need their services moved, will be required to contact Star Choice directly in order to schedule an installation date at their new address. Retailers will be able to schedule Move Programs provided the work is completed, and the work order is closed by July 1st.

This further eliminates retail dealer/installer involvement with customer. Time will tell if this is a good idea.