I live in Florida and would like to get HD channels (more the better) without any contracts. I can't take DirecTV because they want me to sign 2 year contract. What do you guyz have for viewing HD Channels? I liked VOOM but I dont know how to get it? I am not interested in any regular channel and would like to only watch HD channels (and pay less if possible).

I live in Florida and would like to get HD channels (more the better) without any contracts. I can't take DirecTV because they want me to sign 2 year contract. What do you guyz have for viewing HD Channels? I liked VOOM but I dont know how to get it? I am not interested in any regular channel and would like to only watch HD channels (and pay less if possible).

You not satisfied with your local cable provider? I dont think there are any contracts there. And Comcast (if that's your provider) generally gives you a decent number of HD channel options.

VOOM channels are now part of Dish. The only way to get HD without a contract is with your local cable company (or FIOS if you get that).

I use OTA with no fees or contracts :p

Antenna is your best bet.

What HD channels are available on OTA? antenna?

Titantv.com (www.titantv.com) is a good place to start. OTA = Off The Air (antenna).

What HD channels are available on OTA? antenna?

FOX, CBS, NBC, ABC

I believe you still have the option of no commitment with Dish.

You just don't get the $49.95 activation fee refunded like with the commitment.

I think it's part of the "Home Advantage" plan. At least it was back when I signed up.

Where in FL are you located? There are "local" threads. Call DISH and tell them what you want. You just might get it.

I am in Tallahassee. I called dish, they told me only $130 /month for all their HD Channels (38 of them)...Sounds like Extortion to me...DirecTV is even worse , they want to milk you for 2 years for 12 channels. I've not talked to comcast yet...I'm sure they are in the same leagure...nothing else out here, as far as I know. I did post in the local forum, no replies yet...

Use an antenna

Tom, you want a lot of HD, you should go with DirecTV. They'll be adding a bunch of channels this week and be up to 100 HD channels by year's end. What's wrong with a 2-year commitment anyway?

Larry

I am in Tallahassee. I called dish, they told me only $130 /month for all their HD Channels (38 of them)...Sounds like Extortion to me...DirecTV is even worse , they want to milk you for 2 years for 12 channels. I've not talked to comcast yet...I'm sure they are in the same leagure...nothing else out here, as far as I know. I did post in the local forum, no replies yet...

Tune in a few days from now and Directv will be beaming down around 50 channels of HD content. I pay less than $100 a month and get everything I want. I have been with Directv for many years and paid out very little for equipment and installs over those years.

Is DirecTV going to give you all those new HDTV channels at no extra cost?

I think OTA is the only "provider" that can't raise their rates...since they are free.

Is DirecTV going to give you all those new HDTV channels at no extra cost?

I think OTA is the only "provider" that can't raise their rates...since they are free.

If I am to get 'added value' I would expect to pay more for it. I have OTA, by the way, but (naturally) only get the networks. With the networks (and local stations) I have to sit thru so many commercials. That is the way we pay for 'free' tv. And this is fine with me. But, for the most part, I prefer commercial free programming. And I do get lots of this on Directv. Directv costs me $3 a day and I receive 'good value' for this money. I believe it money well spent for our family.

FOX, CBS, NBC, ABC

Don't forget, PBS, The CW and MyNetwork TV (at least they are HD in my area)

What's wrong with a 2-year commitment anyway?

These commitments take leverage away from consumers. If you feel the product, customer service or even price is no longer competitive you have no way of parting ways cleanly. I feel like any company that has these commitments are slimey and I try to avoid them.

Use an antenna

Yup.

Or talk to your cable company if you're completely against contracts.

FOX, CBS, NBC, ABCPlease do not post incorrect information.

There are 7 OTA HD networks, and in any given local area other SD digital channels could be available.

Read the HDTV Programming Synopsis.

The OP should also check the local topic for his area, for specific details.

Earlier posters are correct about Dish - you do not neccesarily need to make a commitment when you subscribe. And, there are ways for new subs to avoid the $50 fee that is incurred to avoid the contract.

$130 for all HD channels? That's probably right, but considering they probably gave you the price of all the premium packages (HBO, SHO, STZ, etc) with an HD channel, on top of the top programming package, is it that suprising?

Dish is less than $80/month without the HBO etc. The extra $50/month only gets you one HD channel per premium network, so it's not a great value.
Dave

Please do not post incorrect information.

There are 7 OTA HD networks, and in any given local area other SD digital channels could be available.

Read the HDTV Programming Synopsis.

The OP should also check the local topic for his area, for specific details.

I know there used to be at least one local HD chat room (not linked to AVS) in Tampa. I can't speak to the OP's area.

I think OTA is the only "provider" that can't raise their rates...since they are free.


I know some cableco execs who used to say the same thing. They don't say it anymore. :D

Of course you're right - not only are they free to the end user, but they typically represent about half of all viewing by most households.

Can't you buy your equipment outright with both E* and D* and subscribe to the programming you want without a 18 month or 2 year commitment? Don't commitments only apply when you get hardware for free or a significantly reduced cost?

If you can actually still find DIY install kits from a retailer, there shouldn't be any upfront commitment. It is possible they may try and talk you into some lasting agreement for a particular package, though.

Can't you buy your equipment outright with both E* and D* and subscribe to the programming you want without a 18 month or 2 year commitment? Don't commitments only apply when you get hardware for free or a significantly reduced cost?

I have all the DirecTV equipment they need...They still want commitment :) [ I cancelled them a few months ago ]

If you can actually still find DIY install kits from a retailer, there shouldn't be any upfront commitment. It is possible they may try and talk you into some lasting agreement for a particular package, though.

I think the DIY days are a thing of the past if you want a HD DVR from either D*** or E***.

Both of these providers insist on sending out its own contracted installer who brings the DVRs with him. I tried to get them to ship the DVR to me, but both sat providers refused.

Word on the street is that tomorrow morning is when D* turns on their HD channels..

So, it'll go from 12 to over 50 pretty quickly.