One point that has not been mentioned about HDNews is what having "their own HD news service" says about VOOM!
D* and E* merely rebroadcast existing channels. They don't offer anything exclusive.
VOOM is not only a "rebroadcaster" but a source of unique content. Having so many unique channels ("and, Hilary, they even have their own News channel") makes VOOM unique -- not just the same-old in high def.
This is a BIG commitment! Look at Discovery HD or Fox News -- it is big enough to succeed with a single great channel. What is Voom doing? They are building an HDNews channel from the ground up, an Equator channel from the ground up, 9 other new concept channels from the ground up, 10 movie channels, throwing their own bird into the air, integrating with OTA, and who knows what else is coming? It's a pretty astonishing undertaking.