List of DirecTV channels

Below is a numerical representation of the DirecTV channel lineup. Some channels have both east and west feeds, airing the same programming with a three-hour delay on the latter feed, creating a backup for those who missed their shows. The three-hour delay also represents the time zone difference between Eastern (UTC -5/-4) and Pacific (UTC -8/-7).

Note that most high-definition (HDTV) and foreign-language channels may require a certain satellite dish or set-top box. For a list of cities which broadcast local channels in high-definition, see List of DirecTV channels/Locals With HD.

Most channels come from the main satellites at 101°W longitude, and all systems from the very beginning can get these channels. Most DirecTV Spanish-Language programming and some Chinese programming is from 119°W. Most HDTV is from 99.2°W and 102.8°W, and will not show up in other program guides as it is essentially a different system (MPEG-4 AVC over DVB-S2, instead of MPEG-2 over DSS). Reception requires the large AT9 Ka/Ku or the new and lighter AU9-S Ka/Ku antenna.

Note that DirecTV has created potential confusion by using channel numbers 70 to 99 (as well as 1 and possibly 0). Because ATSC over-the-air (OTA) digital TV also has virtual channel numbering (just as DirecTV does), it would be entirely possible for local stations to use these as their major channel numbers, even though under current FCC rules regarding digital channel identification, stations must use their old analog channel numbers. Since channel numbers above 69 are not used for analog TV, there is no current conflict, but that could change in the future. Currently, TBN plans to use 75. For the new DirecTV boxes that have OTA tuning, these may show as channels 75-1 to 75-5, in this example. Additionally, the same channel number is listed for both the standard-definition (SD) channel and the high-definition (HD) channel, such as 202 for both CNN and CNN HD. DirecTV HD receivers can tune to each channel separately. This is required since programming may be different on the SD and HD versions of the channels; while at times the programming may be simulcast with the same programming on both SD and HD channels. Some HD channels will be listed as XXX-1, like local channels in HD are broadcast. Older HD receivers (that use the 3 LNB antenna) will only receive the MPEG-2 HD programming.

In addition to the channels listed below, DirecTV occasionally uses temporary channels for various purposes, such as emergency updates (e.g. Hurricane Gustav information on channel 363 in September 2008), channel announcements, and news of legislation that could affect subscribers.