Want to know when D* is launching the new HD Channels?

[DTV_Guy]

Everyone thinks its the 16th but it will actually be the 19th and I've attacthed the proof. The PDF is a converted from a PPT that D* will be using to train CSRs and the Excel file shows an example of what channels to expect at the HD launch. Don't bother asking me about my source because I won't reveal it.

 

[Hemi 6.1]

I don't know what to make of this. Looks like last years papers.I don't see anymore of a date then before. Plus the satellite has already launched.That says Satellite launch on the 19th. Not HD channels become available. Maybe you could explain some more?

 

[anhmduk]

I don't know what to make of this. Looks like last years papers.I don't see anymore of a date then before. Plus the satellite has already launched.That says Satellite launch on the 19th. Not HD channels become available. Maybe you could explain some more?

Yeah the blasted thing is dated 7 months ago. ???

 

[jcrandall]

I think there is some validity to the info inside, possibly excluding the Sept 19 date. The date is a target date, as this document is from a while ago.

What is important is the explanation of how they will treat the new channels, and the creation of an extra HD pack for $4.99 including the HD nets, smithsonian, UHD, MHD, etc.

This is important and shows what the conversations regarding new HD packs is. Also explains a possible reason to have total access as an upsell to premier.

 

[Questioner]

Its going to be a real party pooper for the 16th if they arent launched until the 19th:

Styles and Scenes by Elizabeth Snead - The Envelope

 

[rad]

What is important is the explanation of how they will treat the new channels, and the creation of an extra HD pack for $4.99 including the HD nets, smithsonian, UHD, MHD, etc.

This is important and shows what the conversations regarding new HD packs is. Also explains a possible reason to have total access as an upsell to premier.

Curious about that also since D*'s said time and time again no price increase when they light up the new HD channels.

 

[DTV_Guy]

Yeah the blasted thing is dated 7 months ago. ???

How is it dated 7 months ago? The date on the first page of the pdf is 09/06/07 which is only 2 days ago. About the satellite launch of the 19th, that is about the service not the actual satellite. The wording is probably stating the launch of the services on the new satellite.

 

[Alan Lackey]

So they are going to take away HDNet channels, as well as others, and charge more under an HDExtra pak?? That would be bullsh**. Should have figured they would have found ways to re-tier everything to get more money out of subscribers. How about getting rid of some the crap we have to watch now in SD and NOT squeeze the wallets.

 

[HD#1]

I agree with Alan why do we need SD channels. Lets hope Directv does the right thing and keeps all HD channels with no price increases.

 

[Bosco10021]

So they are going to take away HDNet channels, as well as others, and charge more under an HDExtra pak?? That would be bullsh**. Should have figured they would have found ways to re-tier everything to get more money out of subscribers. How about getting rid of some the crap we have to watch now in SD and NOT squeeze the wallets.

Don't get too angry about this....it hasn't happened yet !

Time will tell.

 

[iceturkee]

you guys have to figure there will be a price increase, probably next march when prices generally go up!

 

[Southbaydan]

Thank you DTV Guy! It is very good information and I'm sure is the most accurate
available. I really enjoy this site and thank everyone involved as it is fun to read
everyone's anxious comments about the launch of those new channels. I never heard
of MGM-HD or MHD-HD. Someone give me a clue about those channels. Thanks again
DTV Guy for the post.

 

[charper1]

Thank you DTV Guy! It is very good information and I'm sure is the most accurate
available. I really enjoy this site and thank everyone involved as it is fun to read everyone's anxious comments about the launch of those new channels. I never heard of MGM-HD or MHD-HD. Someone give me a clue about those channels. Thanks again DTV Guy for the post.

It just old info thats all. This have been changed a bit since that in-house training tool was conceptualized and printed.


Anyway, MHD is the Viacom owned music TV combo for its HD productions and MGM (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Inc.) is one of the largest movie studios looking to begin their own branded channel. See some basic info below.


MGM

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Inc., or MGM, is an American media company, involved primarily in the production and distribution of films and television programs.

From the end of the silent film era through World War II, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer was the most prominent motion picture studio in Hollywood, with the greatest output of all of the studios: at its height, it released an average of one feature film a week, along with many short subjects and serials. A victim of the massive restructuring of the motion picture industry during the 1950s and 60s, it was ultimately unable to cope with the loss of its theater chain (due to the Paramount decrees), and the power shift from studio bosses to independent producers and agents.

On April 8, 2005, the company was acquired by a partnership led by Sony Corporation of America and Comcast in association with Texas Pacific Group (now TPG Capital, L.P.) and Providence Equity Partners. MGM Mirage, a Las Vegas-based hotel and casino company listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "MGM", is not currently affiliated with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

Sony Pictures currently distributes MGM/UA/Columbia TriStar co-productions—most notably Casino Royale—but outside of the co-productions MGM is now actively involved in acquiring worldwide film rights and distributing theatrical motion pictures domestically. 20th Century Fox will be handling the international theatrical distribution and worldwide home video distribution of MGM titles.

Established in 1924, MGM is tied for the fifth-oldest movie studio in history with Columbia Pictures.


MHD

Music: High Definition or MHD is a high definition music television network that first aired on January 16, 2006. MHD shows music-related content from its owner, MTV Networks, a division of Viacom. MHD broadcasts programming from MTV, VH1, CMT and less frequently MTV2.

 

[Alan Lackey]

Don't get too angry about this....it hasn't happened yet !

Time will tell.

Yeah...I know...probably an over reaction...but its frustrating that they would tier the HD channels such that you just have to keep upgrading your package to get channels that I would not consider "premium" channels.

One of those reactions where just when I think D* is about to set itself apart from the other providers, something leaks out to potentially sour it. I know it takes money to put those satellites up to enable the HD content, but I am already paying $10 a month EXTRA for the HD I get now....to make me pay even more is a bit frustrating.

Time will tell. Time for that margarita because despite all this...life is good!

 

[wmj5]

I have been with directv 12 yrs. and I'll tell you one thing if they raise the price they can skip me wmj5@aol.com
!!!!!

 

[Jimbo]

I have been with directv 12 yrs. and I'll tell you one thing if they raise the price they can skip me wmj5@aol.com
!!!!!

They raise prices a bit every March, you've been with them for 12 years, you of all people should know that.
They NEVER raise the prices as much as the local cable companies.

Cable is rediculous.

Jimbo

 

[charper1]

I have had DirecTV's and/or a USSB subscription since fall 1994; along with my BUD; AND there were a few stretches where there was no increases at all. A yearly review with everything changing these days is of no surprise to me and as long as it is comparable to the other choices vs. the TOTAL offering, then count me in.

 

[rad]

What would upset me is that D* exec's have been saying for months there would be no increase in price when they fire up the new HD channels. Now if they turn around and create a new HD package and move the HD only channels over there for an extra charge that is a bunch of BS. With that said not sure if they will start charging 'legacy' HD customers this new charge or not, can't figure that out from the PDF link.

 

[Scott Greczkowski]

From what understand is the new packages would only be for new HD customer. exisiting HD customers would get all the HD grandfathered in.

If you want to get HD get it now, as once they light up you might be paying for HD packages.

 

[charper1]

What would upset me is that D* exec's have been saying for months there would be no increase in price when they fire up the new HD channels. Now if they turn around and create a new HD package and move the HD only channels over there for an extra charge that is a bunch of BS. With that said not sure if they will start charging 'legacy' HD customers this new charge or not, can't figure that out from the PDF link.

I thought what he said was no new increase this year; as in how he answered based on the context of the conversation/the questioning. Come 2008, or especially in the normal spring of the year review, I see it as totally expected.