At the Nov 24th retailer chat, E* dropped the bombshell that the SuD/105/HD plan was being abandoned completely. But they put their usual positive spin on this by simply saying that any new HD channels would go on 110. When pressed about what they would do with the existing HD channels at 61.5/148, Charlie hinted that they would like to move HBO and SHO, but was sure if they could or would and further confused a lot of us by suggesting current HD installs add the side dish to "future proof" HD.
I believe that the simple truth is that on the 24th, they hadn't decided whether it was better to move the existing channels onto the limited space at 110, or leave them on the side sats and add a few new HD channels to 110.
Well, on Monday's chat they announced their decision to move the existing channels which will go live at 110 on the 19th. And although I and the majority of others with second dishes already installed would have preferred to see some new HD channels, I think in the long run, it's in everyone's best interest that they did this. As E* HD customers, we want our base to grow, and the faster the better. The more voices we have, the more we will have to be reckoned with.
As thousands of existing E* customers install HD sets every month, many of them would opt to switch to D*'s single dish solution for (currently) $370 rather than paying $200 for an 811 plus the additional cost of installing a second dish and expensive sw64. Not to mention the aesthetic issues of a second dish and the all important WAF.
This move also levels the HD playing field for any new customer deciding between E* and D* based on their HD offering. Pretty much the same channels from either one with a single dish (D* getting the edge for NFL fans with their Sunday Ticket). But for those that are only interested in HD and can't afford Voom, you can get all eight HD channels including HBO and SHO from E* for $41/mo and I don't think anyone can touch that.
But now that all eight channels will be on 110, the big question in my mind is why do they need separate PPV and event channels. Unless there is some technical limitation, I doubt that many of us would complain if the endless reruns of the same 10 movies during the month are occasionally interrupted with a special HD event or an NBA HD game if doing so would free up space for an additional HD channel.
As for new HD channels on 110, Charlie appears to have decided to stand pat for the moment. He'll probably wait to see if D* raises the bet with new channels, and match it somehow if they do.
I believe that the simple truth is that on the 24th, they hadn't decided whether it was better to move the existing channels onto the limited space at 110, or leave them on the side sats and add a few new HD channels to 110.
Well, on Monday's chat they announced their decision to move the existing channels which will go live at 110 on the 19th. And although I and the majority of others with second dishes already installed would have preferred to see some new HD channels, I think in the long run, it's in everyone's best interest that they did this. As E* HD customers, we want our base to grow, and the faster the better. The more voices we have, the more we will have to be reckoned with.
As thousands of existing E* customers install HD sets every month, many of them would opt to switch to D*'s single dish solution for (currently) $370 rather than paying $200 for an 811 plus the additional cost of installing a second dish and expensive sw64. Not to mention the aesthetic issues of a second dish and the all important WAF.
This move also levels the HD playing field for any new customer deciding between E* and D* based on their HD offering. Pretty much the same channels from either one with a single dish (D* getting the edge for NFL fans with their Sunday Ticket). But for those that are only interested in HD and can't afford Voom, you can get all eight HD channels including HBO and SHO from E* for $41/mo and I don't think anyone can touch that.
But now that all eight channels will be on 110, the big question in my mind is why do they need separate PPV and event channels. Unless there is some technical limitation, I doubt that many of us would complain if the endless reruns of the same 10 movies during the month are occasionally interrupted with a special HD event or an NBA HD game if doing so would free up space for an additional HD channel.
As for new HD channels on 110, Charlie appears to have decided to stand pat for the moment. He'll probably wait to see if D* raises the bet with new channels, and match it somehow if they do.
Does not matter FCC will not allow SBC to buy Dish and it has been turned down befor! SBC stinks and glad they did!
