DirecTV Drops Spice HD

WASHINGTON — Showing skin sells, but skin in high-definition might show too much to sell. At least, that’s the feeling at DirecTV, which announced that it was dropping Spice HD from its channel lineup.

According to Robert Mercer, spokesman for DirecTV, Spice HD just ate up too much room for the broadcaster’s taste.

[Spice HD was dropped] in order to reclaim capacity for other programming — a variety of sports, events and movies,” Mercer said.

But a report from TVPredictions.com, a site that covers the broadcasting industry, suspects that there was more to the move than gaining broadcast capacity.

“Since the launch of hi-def TV, experts have differed over whether the adult industry would be helped or hurt by the ultra-realistic picture,” Phillip Swan, a reporter for the site, wrote. “Some have questioned whether porn fans would want to see the facial flaws (and other shortcomings) of their favorite performers.”

According to Swan’s report, the decision to drop the Playboy-owned channel probably had more to do with the performer’s “shortcomings” than broadcast capacity.

Hi-def broadcasts do require more capacity — by some estimates as much as seven times the capacity of regular broadcasts. But, as Swan notes, the move was handled “quietly” and DirecTV has yet to remove Spice HD from promotional materials on its website.

Adding fuel to speculation that it’s the detail of the content, not the content itself that has DirecTV balking at Spice HD, is the fact that the satellite carrier continues to broadcast Spice and Playboy content.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Siri Dahl and Friends to Host 2nd 'Corn Telethon'

Siri Dahl will host the second 12-hour "Corn Telethon" livestream with several of her friends from inside and outside the industry on Thursday, Sept. 4.

Lady Dee Stars in Latest From Immoral

Lady Dee stars with Paul Stalker and Charlie Dean in a new three-part release from Immoral Productions.

Adult Time Drops 'Busting Porn Myths Vol. 1' Informational Video

Adult Time has released the first volume of its new Performer Center series, “Busting Porn Myths.”

Octavia Red Stars in Final Episode of Bree Mills' 'Escape From Camp Conversion' From Adult Time

Octavia Red stars in the final episode of the Bree Mills-helmed thriller "Escape From Camp Conversion," from Adult Time studio brand Girlcore.

Octokuro Makes Her Vampired Debut

Octokuro has made her Vampired debut alongside Sata Jones in “Vampirella Unleashed.”

Natalia Starr Stars in Latest From New Sensations

Natalia Starr stars with Danny Mountain in the latest release from New Sensations.

Sabien DeMonia Drops Latest Evil Angel Directorial 'Depravation of Innocence'

Sabien DeMonia has dropped her latest directorial effort for Evil Angel, “Depravation of Innocence.”

Yhivi Makes Her Tushy Raw Debut

Yhivi has made her debut for Vixen Media Group (VMG) studio imprint Tushy Raw, alongside Dan Damage.

Cubbi Thompson Stars in Latest From Brazzers

Cubbi Thompson stars with Small Hands in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "She’s Good with Her Mouth."

Show More