HD TV coverage and Anzac Game in NZ

A long running problem should now be resolved. Since the AFL coverage has been on Fox Soccer Plus, any match originating from the Seven network usually was transmitted in wide screen standard definition (SD). Due to DirecTV policy, viewers using that satellite network only received the game on the SD version of FSP. The HD channel (621.1) was blacked out. This affected only DirecTV customers but was the source of great frustration and confusion. As of Round 4, 2015, Seven network will be producing all AFL matches in HD. (Foxtel already does this.) Therefore, as of this weekend, DirecTV no longer has any excuse to black out live matches on 621.1. All viewers should benefit from improved picture quality.

Regarding this coming Friday, the game between St Kilda v Carlton is listed by FSP at 8:00 PM. The match is in New Zealand and by all the sources we have from the AFL begins at 11:00 AM Melbourne time which equates to 9:00 PM US EDT. Fans are strongly encourage to take this into account when setting their video recorders or planning their viewing of the game. We have advised FSP of the issue and await an explanation or correction. While it's possible that ANZAC pregame ceremonies are being included however in this case the time window for the game is too short. (Update: 4/23/15: The AFL has confirmed the start time of the game as 9:10 PM US EDT. Pre-game ceremonies start approximately 8:38 PM . Telecast start time will be 9:00 PM. We have confirmation of that from the AFL and FSP. Coverage will run until 12 MN EDT.)