Dish network® meets 100 hd channel mark ahead of schedule

[milehighmike]

I asked about what the difference is between the silver and gold packages and the consensus was the 7 HD only channels. That's the equivalent of adding the platinum package to silver to arrive at gold. Other posters apparently believe that they can add the platinum package to the gold package which contradicts the difference between the silver and gold packages reported by some posters.

I think the Dish press release was poorly worded, to say the least. The platinum package appears to only apply as an add on to the bronze package. If you add it on to the silver package, you get the gold package? If that's the case, what's the purpose of the gold package?

It looks like we need some clarification from Dish on the programming/pricing structure. I've thought about going HD only with Dish, but with the confusion over these new HD programming packages (at least to me) and the fact that a lot of Olympic coverage will be on non-HD channels like CNBC, I'm going to wait before I make any switch to an HD only package.

 

[kb7oeb]

I'll have managed to have a current package for a grand total of 6 months now. I held on to a grandfathered $9.99 HD package until 2/1 when I switched to the Hd only package that appears to go grandfather status on 8/1.

I'm surprised no Showtime/TMC channels will be added, I thought there were several uplinked back when voom was shutoff. Perhaps dish did not want to mix mpeg2/4 in the same premium package.

 

[scifilaser]

question on new channels!

Are the new channels full HD or are they HD lite? Just wondering since the new Sat. hasn't been launched yet!

Thxs!

Eric

 

[CPanther95]

That may be true, but they never actually counted them. Hinting is not the same as doing.

In all fairness you did say suggested and did not actually say they did. Sorry to jump on your post. Just wanted to clear up any confusion.

You're correct, they never ended up actually counting the NFL ST, etc. channels in any official HD channel count. That was something they said immediately following the claim they'd have 100 HD channels by the end of 2007 (in Jan '07 ? ). After the subsequent claims of 250 -1000 channels by cable, I think they realized that they were better off with a stricter definition of what constitutes a "channel" to eliminate any part-time channels that would exclude cable's VOD and many of E*'s RSNs.

Of course, with that new definition, they came up short on the year end channel count.

 

[JimP]

Are the new channels full HD or are they HD lite? Just wondering since the new Sat. hasn't been launched yet!

Thxs!

Eric

I was wondering the same thing, but how couldn't they be HD lite?

 

[tigerfan33]

Dish doesnt count VS/Golf as two channels, DirecTV does

Every provider will count these channels as two by the end of the year. They will split into two different channels.

 

[JimP]

Is the $30 HD only package now gone? Couldn't find it on their website.

 

[broadcasttheworld]

Maybe this is available somewhere else on here. But could someone take a few minutes and actually list all 100 channels dish is counting as National? I keep counting on my program guide and I do not see 100. I have 61.5/110/119/129 birds...So maybe im not getting some of them.

 

[dmendenjr]

I asked about what the difference is between the silver and gold packages and the consensus was the 7 HD only channels. That's the equivalent of adding the platinum package to silver to arrive at gold. Other posters apparently believe that they can add the platinum package to the gold package which contradicts the difference between the silver and gold packages reported by some posters.

I think the Dish press release was poorly worded, to say the least. The platinum package appears to only apply as an add on to the bronze package. If you add it on to the silver package, you get the gold package? If that's the case, what's the purpose of the gold package?

It looks like we need some clarification from Dish on the programming/pricing structure. I've thought about going HD only with Dish, but with the confusion over these new HD programming packages (at least to me) and the fact that a lot of Olympic coverage will be on non-HD channels like CNBC, I'm going to wait before I make any switch to an HD only package.

Will make one last attempt at this - anyone in the know, any way to confirm what I am about to say (other than just through the use of applied reasoning...)

The medals match up with the existing AT-tiers.

During the retail chat they had two different slides. The first (figure one) shows what they are re-naming essential and ultimate for AT subs. The pricing structure is the same as the existing structure. For ten a month, you get the equiv HD channels to what you are subbed to. For an additional ten, you get the 7 channel bonus pack. This bonus pack (Turbo Plat) can be added to any Turbo Tier.

The second (figure two) shows the standalone packages and prices. If you notice, the Bronze that can be added to AT100 is the same as the Bronze stand alone; likewise with the Silver and Gold for the AT200 and AT250.

Therefore, if you sub to AT100 and Have HD essentials you get:

1. TNT
2. ESPN
3. ESPN2
4. A&E
5. SCI-FI
6. HISTORY
7. DISCOVERY
8. USA
9. CNN
10. TLC
11. HDNET
12. HGTV
13. FOOD
14. HD THEATER
15. TBS
16. MHD
17. WEATHER
18. TRAVEL
19. CNBC
20. DISNEY
21. ABC FAM
22. ESPNEWS
23. CARTOON
24. Lifetime (on 8/1)

There is no reason to believe this isn't the HD Bronze stand alone pack.

---

Likewise, when you step up to AT200 and have HD essentials you also get:

1. ANIMAL PLANET
2. NFL NET
3. BRAVO
4. TOON DISNEY
5. WGN AMERICA
6. (your RSN's)
7. LIFETIME MOVIE (on 8/1)
8. CBS COLLEGE (on 8/1)

again, this is what will likely be the difference between Bronze and Silver

---

Finally, when you jump to the AT250 w/ HD essentials you add:

1. TENNIS
2. BIO
3. HALLMARK MOVIE
4. GOLF/VS
5. SCIENCE
6. NAT GEO
7. Planet Green (on 8/1)

This is what I am assuming is the dif between Silver and gold.

--

According to the Press Release, the Platinum can be added to any tier (which is the same as the HD Ultimate now)

TurboHD Platinum: $10/month – add TurboHD Platinum to any qualifying package and receive HD channels that do not have corresponding SD channels.

Well, Scott (or anyone who was actually on the retail chat / or is in the know) am I reading this right, or am I just as confused as everyone else?

 

[broadcasttheworld]

Will make one last attempt at this - anyone in the know, any way to confirm what I am about to say (other than just through the use of applied reasoning...)

The medals match up with the existing AT-tiers.

During the retail chat they had two different slides. The first (figure one) shows what they are re-naming essential and ultimate for AT subs. The pricing structure is the same as the existing structure. For ten a month, you get the equiv HD channels to what you are subbed to. For an additional ten, you get the 7 channel bonus pack. This bonus pack (Turbo Plat) can be added to any Turbo Tier.

The second (figure two) shows the standalone packages and prices. If you notice, the Bronze that can be added to AT100 is the same as the Bronze stand alone; likewise with the Silver and Gold for the AT200 and AT250.

Therefore, if you sub to AT100 and Have HD essentials you get:

1. TNT
2. ESPN
3. ESPN2
4. A&E
5. SCI-FI
6. HISTORY
7. DISCOVERY
8. USA
9. CNN
10. TLC
11. HDNET
12. HGTV
13. FOOD
14. HD THEATER
15. TBS
16. MHD
17. WEATHER
18. TRAVEL
19. CNBC
20. DISNEY
21. ABC FAM
22. ESPNEWS
23. CARTOON
24. Lifetime (on 8/1)

There is no reason to believe this isn't the HD Bronze stand alone pack.

---

Likewise, when you step up to AT200 and have HD essentials you also get:

1. ANIMAL PLANET
2. NFL NET
3. BRAVO
4. TOON DISNEY
5. WGN AMERICA
6. (your RSN's)
7. LIFETIME MOVIE (on 8/1)
8. CBS COLLEGE (on 8/1)

again, this is what will likely be the difference between Bronze and Silver

---

Finally, when you jump to the AT250 w/ HD essentials you add:

1. TENNIS
2. BIO
3. HALLMARK MOVIE
4. GOLF/VS
5. SCIENCE
6. NAT GEO
7. Planet Green (on 8/1)

This is what I am assuming is the dif between Silver and gold.

--

According to the Press Release, the Platinum can be added to any tier (which is the same as the HD Ultimate now)


Well, Scott (or anyone who was actually on the retail chat / or is in the know) am I reading this right, or am I just as confused as everyone else?

Hum... Let me see If I have 24 crayons and I steal 7 from tommy and 8 from joe.

24 + 7 + 8 = 100 ok ok I see the math sorry I questioned dish 100 it is.

 

[DodgerKing]

Maybe this is available somewhere else on here. But could someone take a few minutes and actually list all 100 channels dish is counting as National? I keep counting on my program guide and I do not see 100. I have 61.5/110/119/129 birds...So maybe im not getting some of them.

Comparing Direct and Dish HD Count

 

[FitzAusTex]

Oh I see, thankyou. So we just went back to adding a metallic name to the top programming pack of your choice. But if you want all the hd channels and just the hd channels alone, like we have today with hd absolute for 29.99 , it will cost you more : Gold turbo hd pack at $49.99 + platinum pack for $10.00 more so a total of $59.99 or a $ 30.00 increase over the absolute hd pack at $29.99.

Yes, that is my understanding...$59.99 to get all the HD channels, a $30 increase...and it now includes an HD RSN if available...

 

[dmendenjr]

Hum... Let me see If I have 24 crayons and I steal 7 from tommy and 8 from joe.

24 + 7 + 8 = 100 ok ok I see the math sorry I questioned dish 100 it is.

Actually, I was talking about what is in the packages, not how they come to 100.

 

[paja]

I've talked to two different CSR's who stated they know absolutely nothing about these new packages. Both asked me where I got the info. When I told both of them that I was reading from a DISH press release, they said they had no knowledge of it. How can we speculate on what the packages will be like, pricing, etc, when the CSR's who will take orders , make changes know nothing??

 

[MikeD-C05]

The problem I see with the turbo STAND ALONE hd packs is this: Why would I pay more for less channels? I mean if I add hd to any existing top programming pack I only pay $10.00 more than that programming pack, and I get the sd channels in that pack and the hd channels with their sd equivalents. But if all you want is hd channels and no sd you will now pay more for them. Especially if you just want all the hd channels you can get , like the hd absolute pack . Today it sells for $29.99 a month, but if you want those same channels on 8/1/08 you will have to pay $59.99 a month- a $30.00 increase in price. You would have to sub to the turbo gold hd pack at $44.99 and add $5.00 for locals, so $49.99 or just do the dvr advantage pack at $49.99 and then add platinum hd pack for $10.00 more = $59.99 to get the same thing you pay $29.99 for today. Does DISH really think that people will pay more for less channels just because they are HD? WHy would I pay just for hd when I can also get the sd channels and Sirius satellite channels as well? I find the whole stand alone hd turbo packs as a gimmick that will give old Charlie more money because of the confusion it will create. So to summarize we are going back to the metallic packs we had a couple of years ago : add hd to any programming pack and you get

top 100 + hd =Bronze pack for $10.00 more/ just like hd essentials today.
top 200 + hd = Silver pack for $10.00 more/just like hd essentials today.
top 250 + hd = Gold pack for $10.00 more/just like hd essentials today.

Add Platinum hd pack for $10.00 more to any metallic pack and you get the same 7 extra hd channels in the ultimate hd pack you have today.

Now the confusion starts with the stand alone TURBO hd packs. Imagine how many calls that DISH will get when the new subs call in and ask why they can't get comedy central or fox news , msnbc news etc. Because this is only the HD Channels , NO sd at all.

Bronze hd pack for the hd channels in the top 100 ONLY = 24.99/34.99 dvr advantage.
Silver hd pack for the hd channels in the top 200 ONLY = 32.99/39.99 dvr advantage.
Gold hd pack for the hd channels in the top 250 ONLY = 44.99/49.99 dvr advantage.

Add platinum hd pack to any turbo hd pack for $10.00 more.

I guess DISH thinks it looks like it offers more options and they hid a $30.00 increase on their stand alone hd pack -which was a good selling point at $29.99 like it is today. Now they have lost that advantage. I think it is easier for consumers to just do it like today or like DIRECTV does. Add hd pack to any programming pack for $10.00 and get those corresponding hd channels in that pack. Add extra hd channels for another $10.00 -but it should only be $5.00.

Dvr advantage should be easy too instead of the complicated way of adding it today. Today you add dvr advantage for top 200 and add the bonus pack for top 250 for $10.00 more just to get the dvr advantage for top 250. Way to much wording and adds confusion. Wonder how many subs are only stuck at top 200 dvr advantage because they have no idea that they can get the top 250. You have to think like a lawyer to figure out the confusing ways of adding extra channels just so you can skip ONE dvr fee . It should be easy like this:

Dvr advantage for top 100= 39.99
Dvr advantage for top 200= 49.99
Dvr advantage for top 250= 59.99
NO dvr fees on AEP.

But marketing thinks the average consumer is stupid and they hope that they can trap new subs in their new turbo stand alone packs and make more money off the existing hd channels . So I say it again, Why would anyone pay more to have less variety of channels with a stand alone hd pack , when you could get those same channels + the sd channels in that programming pack + sirius sat on the top 200/250? I mean I still watch some sd channels that have no hd equivalents. I watch for content not just hd. Most people I know do also. Isn't that why we did away with the Voom channels? NOt enough new content that people wanted to watch and too many repeats. This seems to be a reversal of thinking back like we did 3 or 4 years ago when everyone would watch paint dry if it was in hd. I am way past that WOW factor in hd . Especailly since DISH has done their hd in hd lite.

 

[dishMIKE]

My question is: will the HD DVR be a 612/622/722 and will it truly be FREE? Thanks,Mike

 

[darrencp22]

100 channels eh? We should not legiitfy press releases by making them headlines here. Press releases are always intended to be company propaganda. The 100 count is very debateble. I can porbably be extremely liberal in my coutns and still not get to that number.

 

[Hall]

I've talked to two different CSR's who stated they know absolutely nothing about these new packages. Both asked me where I got the info. When I told both of them that I was reading from a DISH press release, they said they had no knowledge of it. How can we speculate on what the packages will be like, pricing, etc, when the CSR's who will take orders , make changes know nothing??

Isn't this what happens every time something like this is posted here ? Scott used to tell people to wait a few days or even a week so that the Dish people/systems can catch up, but no one listened, so he quit wasting his energy typing it. One would think Dish would have their people trained on new info and their computer systems ready for things like this but they don't operate that way.

 

[Poke]

Folks got to remember this is HD Only Plans.. So has nothing to do with those on HD plus SD plans. Yeah I think this should put them at 100 if you count all of the movie channels and RSN channels just like the rest do..

 

[johnalred]

I am so confused! I advise everyone to take two aspirins, go to bed and call Dish in the morning.

*I am not a doctor but I watch many of them on Discovery Health.