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DirecTV was supposed to launch 30 new HD channels today (which I was hoping would include Golf Channel HD), simulcast on the same channels as the regular SD broadcasts.

Our entertainment needs are pretty simple: I have my old TiVo as a backup in the bedroom (hooked to a tiny 19" TV that's so old it only has one input - coaxial cable) and a DirecTV HD DVR downstairs.

Our current programming package is no longer offered, but costs $51.99. We pay $9.99 for the HD package and $5.99 for the TiVo (a second DVR). It's a "no longer offered" plan that comes to $67.97 per month.

I called to see if I'd be gaining anything if I switched to the $69.99 "Plus HD DVR" plan. It includes the $5.99 (extra DVR) and $9.99 (HD) options… but nothing else. So, for $2.02/month, I'll keep my current non-existent plan.

I also asked about what HD channels would exist and whether people would need to pay extra for them, and I was told that a seven-channel HD package was going to be created for $4.99. It would include three channels we get now - Universal HD, HDNet, and HDNet Movies - as well as four new channels and would debut December 12. The package, my CSR told me, was going to be included free for HD customers from its release until December 12.

Oh, and the 30+ new HD channels that were supposed to debut today? The CSR said that at his morning briefing he was told they still planned to launch them today, but he hasn't heard anything else yet and they clearly haven't launched them yet, so he expects they'll "definitely be up by the end of the month."

Update: Swanni says they're still planning to launch 20-40 new stations this week (September 21).

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