HD Equipment

It’s easy to start enjoying DIRECTV’s HD channels. If you’re already signed up for DIRECTV HD, here’s a simple list of what you need to enjoy the new HD channels. It’s very likely you’re already fully set up to receive the new channels. We just want to make sure you’re getting the most from DIRECTV. If you’re ordering DIRECTV today, you can ignore much of the information here — you just need to make sure you have an HD-ready TV, order an HD receiver and add HD Access ($9.99/mo.) to your base package.
HD Television |
HD Receivers |
B-Band Converter |
HD Satellite Dish |
HD Programming Package

HD-ready Television

 Make sure your TV or the one you’re about to purchase is "HD-ready." This means that it’s capable of displaying at least 720 progressive lines of resolution and can scale up lower resolution signals and scale down higher resolution signals to fit the screen.

B-Band Converter (BBC)
For current DIRECTV customers only: The BBC module, installed on your HD receiver, allows you to view the new HD channels.

Please note: The BBC module works only with the DIRECTV HD and DIRECTV Plus® HD DVR receivers. The information here applies only to DIRECTV customers with one of these receivers. If you live in an apartment or condo in a building where multiple units share one dish, please click here for more info.

The easiest way to tell if your receiver has the BBC connected to it is to look at the back of the receiver. Look for a module that looks like the one pictured to the left. You can also check for the BBC module by tuning in to The Weather Channel, channel 362:

If you see the message "Searching for Satellite Signal," you do not have the BBC module or it is not connected properly. If you do see the channel, press the Guide button on your remote twice to bring up the channel information on your TV screen. If you do not see the HD logo next to the channel name, then you do not have the BBC module or it is not properly connected.

HD Receiver

 Make sure you have an HD capable receiver. DIRECTV offers two receivers designed for HD broadcasts: The DIRECTV Plus® HD DVR (model number HR20 or HR21) or DIRECTV HD Receiver (model number H20 or H21). On the front of the receiver, look for a sticker inside the small door where the Access Card is located. You'll find the model number under the letters MDL or next to the word "Model." If there is no door on the front of your receiver or if you do not have a receiver with the model number HR20/HR21 or H20/H21, you can order one online.

The Satellite Dish

 For current DIRECTV customers only: If your satellite dish was installed prior to October 2005, you do not have a 5-LNB dish. If you don't remember when your dish was installed or if you're just not sure that it is a 5-LNB, take a look at your dish and see if it matches either one of the images below. If you have an H20 or HR20 and do not have the 5-LNB dish, you can easily order a new dish for free and set up installation by calling 1-800-531-5000. Say "order new equipment" to be routed to the correct destination.

Programming Package with HD Access

 Make sure to add HD Access for just $9.99/month to your base programming package. To get the maximum number of HD channels, you’ll want to consider subscribing to the PREMIER™ package.