Preview 9 HD channels on DIRECTV free

DIRECTV started their free preview of the HD Extra Pack today, which includes 9 premium HD channels such as Sony Movie Channel HD, MGM HD, and Universal HD. (See all high-definition channels below.) The free HD channel preview starts today, Dec. 5 and runs through next Weds., Dec. 12, 2012. You’ll need an HD receiver to the view the channels, which should start appearing in your channel guide sometime today. If you’re not seeing the channels, you might try restarting your DIRECTV receiver.

DIRECTV Extra Pack channels include:

• Hallmark Movie Channel (Ch. 560)
• HDNet Movies (Ch. 561)
• MGM HD (Ch. 562)
• Sony Movie Channel HD (Ch. 563)
• Universal HD (Ch. 564)
• Smithsonian HD (Ch. 565)
• Crime & Investigation HD (Ch. 566)
• Palladia HD (Ch. 567)
• ShortsHD (Ch. 568)

The HD Extra Pack normally costs $4.99 per month. The service pack also lets you watch Sony Movie Channel online once you register using your DIRECTV username and password.