EchoStar is planning to launch a separate HDTV dish service, Similiar to VOOM ?

[hdtvtechno]

Will EchoStar Revive Voom?
At the recent Consumer Electronics Show, satcaster EchoStar made it crystal clear that it would be a major player in High-Definition TV. The TV provider announced that it was adding seven new national high-def channels with hints of more to come.

Well, according to Kiplinger's Personal Finance, a Prudential Equity Group analyst says that EchoStar is planning to launch a separate HDTV dish service, perhaps similar to the ill-fated Voom service which went out of business last year. EchoStar has an equity stake in Voom's new programming division and is currently carrying approximately 20 Voom channels. The satcaster could couple the Voom networks with other available HD channels to create a super HDTV dish.

Will it happen? Stay tuned

http://www.tvpredictions.com/episodefourteen012406.htm

 

[gdarwin]

I doubt it... Swanni Sez is wrong on this one IMO... E* has a 20% stake in VOOM...

 

[Tom Bombadil]

In essence the report is kinda right.

Dish is going to be offering its HD pack as a standalone product for $29.99, or $34.99 with locals. It will include 15 VOOM channels.

As the year progresses, Dish will be adding more channels. Perhaps even more VOOM channels.

So the end of year offering is going to be a package much like what VOOM offered.

But nothing in this is anything that we don't know about. It's just another take on the same news. It wouldn't surprise me if Dish did market it as a separate product, possibly as an add-on to one's cable or D* services. In effect, much like what VOOM did.

 

[BrianMis]

In essence the report is kinda right.

Dish is going to be offering its HD pack as a standalone product for $29.99, or $34.99 with locals. It will include 15 VOOM channels.

As the year progresses, Dish will be adding more channels. Perhaps even more VOOM channels.

So the end of year offering is going to be a package much like what VOOM offered.

But nothing in this is anything that we don't know about. It's just another take on the same news. It wouldn't surprise me if Dish did market it as a separate product, possibly as an add-on to one's cable or D* services. In effect, much like what VOOM did.

Rainbow is already trying to do this, just so happens Dish was the first one to bite.

 

[Chris Freeland]

In essence the report is kinda right.

Dish is going to be offering its HD pack as a standalone product for $29.99, or $34.99 with locals. It will include 15 VOOM channels.

As the year progresses, Dish will be adding more channels. Perhaps even more VOOM channels.

So the end of year offering is going to be a package much like what VOOM offered.

But nothing in this is anything that we don't know about. It's just another take on the same news. It wouldn't surprise me if Dish did market it as a separate product, possibly as an add-on to one's cable or D* services. In effect, much like what VOOM did.

But no one knows for sure yet weather one will need to add the $6 access fee to this or if it is counted as a basic package. What I have seen posted in other threads and forums indicates to me if this package is not added to other programing that this fee will apply which makes it even more costly then it already is. I doubt few cable subscribers would be willing to pay $35.99/mo just to add this package to their cable, especially when they could get most if not all of the channels in this package except for the Voom-HD channels from their cable package for little or no extra money. The only one's that might have an interest in this stand-alone package would be those who do not want to pay for cable or SD satellite and just want something to watch in HD to supplement ota or locals it they do not have good reception ota or International channel(s).

 

[Scott Greczkowski]

Dish is launching a seperate HD Package this is true, but it will be the same package available to Dish Network subscribers.

It is quite possible that they could go after former VOOM customers who are not currently Dish Customers.

Whoever wrote the article though needs to really check their facts Dish does not carry approxomately 20 VOOM channels.

 

[Chris Freeland]

Dish is launching a seperate HD Package this is true, but it will be the same package available to Dish Network subscribers.

It is quite possible that they could go after former VOOM customers who are not currently Dish Customers.

Whoever wrote the article though needs to really check their facts Dish does not carry approxomately 20 VOOM channels.

Scott, can you confirm weather or not that $29.99/mo or $34.99/mo w/locals HD only package requires the $6/mo access fee or will it be counted as a basic package? Enquiring minds want to know.

 

[SummitAdvantageRetailer]

If you own a 411/211/622/222, you can presumably activate only the new HD service for $29.99 plus $5/$6 access fee.

 

[jerryez]

No, you can get the bronze, silver, gold, or platinum packages also.

 

[CWS_kahuna]

This package would really kick some butt if it included HBO & Showtime HD. Which I know will probably never happen. So if you wanted to add those channels it cost about another $22 which then makes the only HD package not seem very attractive at least to me anyway. I do like the fact that it's an option though and as more HD channels are added this package will seem like a much better value if they can keep the prices where they are.

What's the deal with this access fee? Does that apply on your first receiver?

 

[Kandiru]

Whatdya mean? I already only subscribe to 15+1 channels for 15 plus 5 plus the 5 DVR fee.

The flipside is that you have to BYOEquipment.