I heard that Dish is now offering 1080p video on demand (just VOD?). My first thought is, how can this possibly be, or perhaps this is just what they are calling it, though probably not near the quality of bluray, though their ad claims it is?

I still have comcast and a 1080i player, i had known that comcast wouldn't be going 1080p on broadcast feeds (at least) for a long while, if ever, due to the bandwidth requirement.

Is this for real? And has anyone checked out the quality? Is DirectTV also doing this now and how long before Comcast is able to follow through?


Its tempting to go back to Dish for this ability, but i hate switching providers.


I'm still skeptical on the specifics here.. would it really be better than Comcast HD on demand.. what bitrate are they using? I heard 6mbps mpeg4.. but bluray players them self are 30+ correct? I heard mpeg4 6mbps may be more like 12.. so i'd guess this quality would be better than DVD but nowhere near true Bluray quality and perhaps around the same level as comcast..

Any thoughts on this?

From Dish Network

TurboHD has the best quality HD content you will find, and it’s available NOW! New, first-time DISH Network customers are eligible for great 100% HD packages starting at only $24.99/mo – that’s over 40 high-def channels at one low price. Channels include ESPNHD, ESPN2HD, Discovery Channel HD, TBS in HD and much more! With over 100 HD channels available and 150 projected by the end of the year, you can expect a lot of choices when it comes to sports, movies, and news. We offer three outstanding packages – TurboHD Bronze ($24.99/mo), Silver ($32.99/mo) and Gold ($39.99/mo) – PLUS our $10/mo 7-channel add-on, PlatinumHD.

TurboHD uses a cutting-edge 8PSK-Turbo code to stream more data to your satellite receiver at a faster image processing rate, which results in a superior picture and sound for all your home viewing. You won’t find this technology anywhere else!

TurboHD offers the industry’s ONLY 100% HD programming packages. Whether you own HD or SD TVs, TurboHD will deliver the best quality picture straight to your screen – or multiple screens with select receivers. You can also take advantage of superior audio with Dolby® Digital 5.1 Surround Sound that TurboHD delivers straight to your home theater system. Additionally, DISH Network presents groundbreaking technology with Video on Demand (VOD) in 1080p – same as Blu-Ray® Disc quality that you won’t find with ANY other TV provider!

TurboHD provides the best HD programming out there – and it’s affordable. So you can watch your favorite sports, movies and news in high definition any and every time you want! DISH Network truly gives you the best offer with TurboHD to provide you the BEST in TV for every TV!

Here's topic discussing 'I Am Legend' on Dish in 1080p, it appears to have technical issues at this time:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1055867

Here's another topic discussing Turbo HD, with quite a bit of 1080p discussion:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1051399