Local TV viewers choosing satellite service haven’t had an easy way to get Harrisonburg’s WHSV-TV3, but that’s changing. TV3 has announced that its three major channels are now available on DirecTV. Before the change, satellite customers had to put up an antenna or subscribe to a basic cable package to get TV3. Now a DirecTV subscription can be set up for TV3 plus other broadcast and cable networks in a choice of packages. “Finally, people who have had such a strong desire to get WHSV, especially local news, weather and sports, will be able to get the station,” says Tracey Jones, Vice-President and General Manager of WHSV. Here’s more on the story from WHSV’s website. Here’s a link to DirecTV. And finally, here’s a link on HDTV and multicasting in our area.

Recent rate increases by local cable provider Comcast have Bridgewater residents looking at alternatives. Although cable remains the easiest way to get TV signals, some residents report success with a mix of old and new technology — the old-fashioned outdoor antenna teamed up with newer TVs and digital receivers. There’s a page on one setup that works in Bridgewater here. Also check what your neighbors are saying about Comcast and the alternatives at Bridgewater Buzz.

There’s a ratings battle in progress among local TV stations — not an unusual occurrence, but there are a few new developments:

• NBC-29 is pushing to have out-of-market NBC affiliates taken off local cable outlets.
• TV3 is going for Waynesboro-Staunton-Augusta viewers with more news coverage of the area.
• NBC-29 has started a 24-hour weather channel for its coverage area, with lots of Valley readings and forecasts.
• TV3 is doing significant Winchester-area news coverage with its TV3-Winchester operation.

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