What Happened to DIRECTV’s Channel 104 For 4K?

By Phillip Swann
The TV Answer Man – Follow me on X.
Former editor of Satellite DIRECT magazine. Reported on DIRECTV for 30 years.

TV Answer Man, what happened to the channel 104 4K channel on DIRECTV. It says it’s no longer available when you go to it. Is it gone forever? – John, Indianapolis.

John, DIRECTV and DIRECTV Stream have offered multiple 4K channels for live sports programming and other shows. The 104 channel for 4K has been devoted to lifestyle and entertainment shows and documentaries while channels 105 and 106 have been reserved for live sports. However, as you note, the DIRECTV on-screen guide now says that channel 104 is no longer available.

So, is that a temporary glitch or a permanent decision from DIRECTV?

Answer: Permanent. A DIRECTV spokesman tells The TV Answer Man that “channel 104 was removed. However, we continue to offer 4K content on channels 105 and 106.”

Why Did DIRECTV Remove Channel 104?
The spokesman did not give a reason for the removal. However, by removing it, DIRECTV saves the cost of maintaining the channel, including purchasing 4K shows which aired on 104. I think it’s safe to assume that the live sports 4K channels generated more viewership than the lifestyle shows so it’s likely DIRECTV concluded it was no longer worth the investment to keep 104.

Why Removing DIRECTV’s Channel 104 Matters to 4K Owners
Although it’s likely that many 4K owners refrained from watching channel 104, those that did will undoubtedly feel its absence. (I’ve already received several reader e-mails inquiring about the channel.) There is so little programming available in 4K that it’s tough for a 4K owner to see the lineup shrink rather than expand. But that’s become the reality of 4K TV. Once billed as the future of TV, it has become nothing more than a niche seen by relatively few and supported by even fewer in the TV industry.

John, I hope that helps. Happy viewing and stay safe!

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The TV Answer Man is veteran journalist Phillip Swann who has covered television for more than three decades. He will report on the latest news and answer your questions regarding new devices and services that are changing the way you watch TV. See the bio for Phillip Swann here.