Dish Network HDTV - Page 2

I'm currently paying $20 a month for the HD package. Why is paying $30 a good thing? If they immediately add lots of HD channels when they increase the price, then I can understand. But to increase the price and not offer anything of worthwhile* value, then I may need to look at D*. That would mean giving up my 622 and the very attractive TV2 capability that is currently keeping me with E*, but money is money.

*Isn't that always the dilemma? What is worthwhile to one may not be to another.

http://www.satelliteguys.us/attachme...3&d=1199840918

Would you be kind enough to post the details here? Thanks.

E* will have 3 HD packages starting in February.

Package 1 - Dish HD Essentials will have all of the HD channels that have a SD equivalent plus HDNet and MHD. This package will be $10/month. I guess this was done to compete with D*.

Package 2 - Dish HD Ultimate will have all of the HD channels in the HD Essentials package plus 15 Voom channels, HDNet Movies, Universal HD, NBA HD and NHL HD. This package will be $20/month. This is the same that you are currently paying.

Package 3 - All HD channels (no SD channels) for $30/month.

I was completely unaware of the DishDVR Advantage package. I just switched from my AT-200 to that. With the package price increase next month, this plan (which includes the bundling below) will save me $6 per month, lock my rate ‘til ’09, plus I get local channels. No biggie on the locals since I already get OTA, but at least now I will get the programming guide and can avoid some of those local network recording conflicts. Bundling the HD channels and HBO saved me $5. I have autopay so this didn’t require me to commit to anything.

I see nothing about Hbohd, Showtimehd, and Cinemaxhd being a different package and seperate from sd.

Ok...this like totally hurt my eyes trying to read it...

Anyways...

As appealing as that E* "HD Only" package would be since I watch HD about 95 percent of the time anyway...without at least Nickolodeon, Weather Channel, or some decent news channels (CNN, FOX, etc), the package seems pretty much useless.

Sorry, as 'fun' as Voom HDnews can be at times, I can't see myself relying on that as my only news source. And if my daughter doesn't get her SpongeBob fix, well...thats just not good. I mean, even D*'s 'upconverted SD to HD' channels are better than...well....nothing!

So what would be the cost for an "all HD" package from Dish, including all of their HD channels, movie channels (HBO, Sho, Starz, etc.) and local networks HD channels? Honestly there are a few SD channels I'd miss but its not that many and I'm guessing the few that I watch will be available from Dish in HD sometime in 08.

Now I wonder how LONG it will be before we get to see these additional channels. I am not holding my breath.

All HD package $29.99
HD Premiums $10.00
Locals $ 5.99

Total $45.98 + taxes

I just got off the phone with a Dish rep. He confirmed the $29.99 HD only package. You can't place the order until February 1st. This is fantastic news AFAIK.

I found this out about Dish's 100 channel HD claim but I think it deserves its own thread:

I just confirmed this with a Dish rep:

$29.99/month TOTAL(!!!) for 40 HD channels, no SD channels. It requires a 2 year commitment and doesn't include a DVR, just an HD receiver. I quit DISH last year after years of "bill creep," this suits me just fine. SD looks like crap on my TV anyway and I can get my locals OTA. It's an HD cheapskate's dream come true. You can't place your order until February 1st, so don't bother calling until then.

What if we already have the DVR? Did they say anything about that?

I'd be interested in this too, depending on what channels and the DVR situation noted by btokars. I was just getting ready to dump Dish, may have to wait and see how this shakes out.

Like the pros around here have said in the past - "Competition is awesome!"

So D* can't nickel and dime us to death b/c they finally delivered the HD!

What is the channel line up?

Are there any hidden fees? Can the price go up during the 2 year contract?

Does this include the equipment or does it cost extra?

Does anyone know the bitrate? Is it as good as 19mbps OTA?

it's better of course

The channel lineup is in the lower right corner of this crappy picture:



He told me the receiver is included. No hidden costs and the price is locked in. The photo shows first three months free, but I forgot to ask him about that.

If someone could decode those channel logos, that would be great.

how much for the dvr rental?

It's all of the current HD channels for a total of 39 HD channels (not including PPV's and RSN's)

DVR rental fee is $5.98/month per DVR.

Good deal, but I hope the major basic cable channels (USA, FX, Sci-Fi) are included when Dish gets around to adding them in HD.

It does say "More channels to come in 2008."

It looks like the line up is:

TNTHD, ESPNHD, ESPN2HD, A&EHD, NFLHD, ???HD First row

HGTVHD, FOODTV, MHD,???HD,???HD, History ChannelHD Second row

Discovery Channel HD, TLCHD, ... more later. Third row

Oh My goodness. This is such a great news. I have been waiting for this for such a long time. I've had Dish in the past and have had nothing but good experience with them. The only thing left is to find out how the picture quality is going to be. Wow way to go Dish.

I hope they don't merge. Competition can be good indeed.

Rudy

I see that BTN is also included. This is the first time I've ever thought about E* after thinking only D* for more than 5 yrs. Oh, if someone with no ties to nor employed by either company could post here with a trustworthy true comparison of HD PQ by both. PQ, that's my big concern. But how would one know such a person if they even existed?

Does the E* system allow a measurement of the signal received, showing the bitrate and any reduced resolution? Apparently, this can't be measured with D*.

If BTN is included in this I'll be pulling the trigger for sure. I'll just keep my cable for the locals.

It's about time someone has done this. This could be "game changing."

I do hope so, maybe Directv will make a like offer.