Sorry don't expect Epix from DTV unless they change their mind (maybe with the new CEO?):
DirecTV Will Pass On Epix - 2009-08-06 16:23:00 | Multichannel News
"DirecTV interim CEO Larry Hunter said that the satellite giant would likely pass on carriage of the newest premium channel, Epix, when it launches later this year.
"That's another one that I don't think you'll be seeing us being interested in," Hunter said on a conference call with analysts to discuss second-quarter results."
Direct thinks most will not pay for premium channels - that's likely why the last round of new HD channels included TWO Hallmark channels.
If you're interested in movie and learning channels in HD, Dish would be the better choice. No matter how Dish and Direct count the number of HD channels, Dish is leading in the non-sports HD channels (with few exceptions like Disney and ABCFAM HD).
It seems Direct primary focus is sports:
Direct CEO: I think we'll probably continue on the strategy that we've had as it relates to content and that is first and foremost we want to ensure we have the best sports content out there bar none. Second, that when we get great content, we always add a Direct TV twist to it. So we have a feature group with Master's or we have our stats that we have with the NBA League Pass or other things. We'll continue to look for ways to put a little twist to the content we have. And third, we're going to continue to try and provide compelling content on the 101 Network.
More With DirecTV's Michael White: An Extended Interview - 2010-07-20 21:37:06 | Multichannel News
Regarding paying extra for Epix, Palladia...
This may be the only option to get better content or more choice. Each channel will add some cost. I rather pay for 50 quality channels I can select than for 300 pre-packaged budget channels - quality over quantity. Problem is quantity sells better.
re: Movies... just like Starz, HBO, Showtime, Cinemax, and the plethora of other movie channels only from what I've seen they don't have their own original content, making them completely replaceable by Netflix/RedBox.
Actually to me the main reason to add HBO is for their original content: Sopranos, Band of Brothers, The Pacific, Curb your Enthusiasm, Comedy specials...
I agree regarding Starz and Max - they can be replace by Netflix