If we're grandfathered until 12/15...where are the channels?

[DBEX]

If DirecTv was giving us a grace period of 12/15 to check out MGMHD and MHD before they move these to a new tier...where are the channels?

[Earl Bonovich]

They are not active yet.

[Doug Brott]

MGMHD and MHD are scheduled to be out by the end of October based on DIRECTV's web page. This is the only information that I have.

[DBEX]

MGMHD and MHD are scheduled to be out by the end of October based on DIRECTV's web page. This is the only information that I have.Then we only get 1 month and 15 days to be grandfathered?

[PoitNarf]

Then we only get 1 month and 15 days to be grandfathered?

It's better than nothing.

[paulman182]

I thought Universal HD, Universal HD Movies, and Smithsonain were supposed to be part of that package? We get those already.

Congratulations, you're a grandfather.

[Indiana627]

What's this about grandfathered only until 12/15?

[Earl Bonovich]

What's this about grandfathered only until 12/15?

A theory-based of the leaked internal document....
But hasn't been confirmed, or denied by DirecTV.

[PhillyFan]

I spoke to a CSR last week and spoke at great length about the second tier HD channels and grandfathering. She confirmed that it would be good until 12/15, then the additional charge would apply. So, if we can believe a CSR, then I guess it is "confirmed".

[bobshults]

You cannot be grandfathered into something you never had (MGM, MHD, Smithsonian). Grandfathering, if and when implemented, will only apply to previous HD package offerings with no SD equivalent (UHD, HDNet, HD Theater, HDnetMovies). Per the customer/D* contract, they can add and delete programming from any package at any time. Consider the current availability of Smithsonian and later MHD and MGM as a FreeView.

[Steve9060]

What is the speculation of the cost these additional channels, or will these only be available the new packages?

[NYSmoker]

Grandfathered implies nothing changes. If this happens, the channels that are going to be put in the new package will be previewed for free for a set amount of time.

[kenmoo]

Another thought. Since we got grandfathered in when the new higher priced packages started will that end if we have to add the alleged "new" HD Programing Package to continue after December. I remember hearing back then that if we changed our packages the grandfathering no longer applied and the price increase would be applied to the new package. That would seem a bit sneaky if it happens. All conjecture at this point.

[oakwcj]

I thought Universal HD, Universal HD Movies, and Smithsonain were supposed to be part of that package? We get those already.

Congratulations, you're a grandfather.

Where do I find Unversal HD Movies?

[mcbeevee]

What is the speculation of the cost these additional channels, or will these only be available the new packages?
Current speculation is there will be 6 channels in the new "HD Extra" pack and it will be an additional $4.99/month.

Swanni article on HD Extra Pack (http://www.tvpredictions.com/dtier091307.htm)

:)

[Dusty]

Where do I find Unversal HD Movies?

Same question here.

[Sintori]

Maybe he was meaning HDNet movies?

[Steve9060]

Current speculation is there will be 6 channels in the new "HD Extra" pack and it will be an additional $4.99/month.

Swanni article on HD Extra Pack (http://www.tvpredictions.com/dtier091307.htm)

:)

Oh wow, thanks....

[noneroy]

A theory-based of the leaked internal document....
But hasn't been confirmed, or denied by DirecTV.

Well, you and I both know what a CSR's word is wroth, but I talked to one a few weeks ago and said that the HD Extra tier would be available until 'the new year'. So that seems to shore up with the theory. Again, you should take this with a giant grain of salt.

[rkjg24]

I can already hear the loud phone calls made to D* from all the legacy HD receivers owners...:nono2:

[paulman182]

Maybe he was meaning HDNet movies?


Thank you for that correction; it's been a long day.

[BreezeCJ]

Where do I find Unversal HD Movies?

Channel 74

[2000voltz]

Another thought. Since we got grandfathered in when the new higher priced packages started will that end if we have to add the alleged "new" HD Programing Package to continue after December. I remember hearing back then that if we changed our packages the grandfathering no longer applied and the price increase would be applied to the new package. That would seem a bit sneaky if it happens. All conjecture at this point.I was told about the dec date and that as long as my other programing doesn't change it will stayed "grandfathered" and I can still add the new extra tier. subject to chance, I'm sure.

[oakwcj]

Channel 74

No tha's plain old UHD. We didn't get UHD Movies, assuming that it even exists.

[cartrivision]

What's this about grandfathered only until 12/15?

It's just a rumor, and it's not grandfathering. Grandfathering doesn't last 2 months…. it lasts a lifetime or at a minimum, many years. The rumor is that we will get a free preview for a few months, and then have to pay extra for them, but some people started calling that free preview "grandfathering for 2 months" because DirecTV has stated in the past (and still does to this day in the HD FAQ at directv.com) that the price of HD access will remain at $9.99, and that subscribers to the Premier package and HD Access will get all the HD channels, so some people started calling it grandfathering in an attempt to rationalize why there might be an additional charge for some of the HD channels when DirecTV clearly still states in their HD FAQ that the $9.99 HD Access charge will cover everything.

[Mixer]

I am not convinced (until Earl says otherwise) that we will not be grandfathered past this date.

However, if they do decide to go ahead and chrge 4.99 for this extra set of HD channels the only way it would make sense for me to do it would be if they moved them to the 103 D10 Sat where I can see them. If they do that then in my opinion it will be well wirth the extra money.

[DBEX]

It's just a rumor, and it's not grandfathering. Grandfathering doesn't last 2 months…. it lasts a lifetime or at a minimum, many years. The rumor is that we will get a free preview for a few months, and then have to pay extra for them, but some people started calling that free preview "grandfathering for 2 months" because DirecTV has stated in the past (and still does to this day in the HD FAQ at directv.com) that the price of HD access will remain at $9.99, and that subscribers to the Premier package and HD Access will get all the HD channels, so some people started calling it grandfathering in an attempt to rationalize why there might be an additional charge for some of the HD channels when DirecTV clearly still states in their HD FAQ that the $9.99 HD Access charge will cover everything.What about the internal memo that circulated around stating there will be a new package that will include the channels that we already get: HDNET, HDMOVIES and UHD. Are we now going to have to pay for them separately? We now get them with the "HD Access" that we currently have?

[Stuart Sweet]

Personally, I enjoy HDNet and HDNet Movies and although I'm not thrilled with $4.99 a month, it will be worth it.

[PoitNarf]

What about the internal memo that circulated around stating there will be a new package that will include the channels that we already get: HDNET, HDMOVIES and UHD. Are we now going to have to pay for them separately? We now get them with the "HD Access" that we currently have?

The current rumors based upon the memo is that any HD channel that is not a simulcast of an existing SD channel will become part of the HD Extra Pack, which will cost an additional monthly fee on top of HD Access. However, D* has not said any official word so we can't really go by a leaked internal memo as things can potentially change. We are just going to have to wait and see.

[clayface1000]

I'm not sure if anyone else has posted on this. As I'm only interested in HD programming, I've had the bare minimum to access the HD pack -- the Family Pack -- the past year. Of course, this gave me the seven channels with which we're all familiar.

With today's launch of the new HD channels, I noticed that the only new channel I was receiving was Smithsonian. Both WeatherHD and ScienceHD gave me 721 "channel not subscribed" messages.

I called Directv, told the CSR the problem and he removed the old HD pack and replaced it with HD Access. Great -- WeatherHD and ScienceHD both came in! Except for one small problem...

ESPNHD, ESPN2HD and TNTHD all became 721. It soon became obvious that I had a choice, for the time being: either stay grandfathered with my old HD Pack and not be given any new channels except for those that were unique to HD (Smithsonian), or go with the HD Access Pack and gain WeatherHD and ScienceHD while losing ESPNHD, ESPN2HD and TNTHD.

So, indeed, it appears that the new HD Access pack will consist of six HD-exclusive channels: HDNet, HDNet Movies, Universal HD, MHD, MGM HD and Smithsonian HD. And the Family Pack only adds a handful of fairly lame crossover channels.

For those of us with the grandfathered HD Pack, it seems only logical to hold onto what we have or upgrade to Choice or above. As the CSR asked me, "what would you rather have: ESPNHD, ESPNHD and TNTHD or ScienceHD and WeatherHD?" I replied, "How many high def weather maps can anyone stare at?"

[powerswitch]

...I've had the bare minimum to access the HD pack -- the Family Pack -- the past year. Of course, this gave me the seven channels with which we're all familiar.

With today's launch of the new HD channels, I noticed that the only new channel I was receiving was Smithsonian. Both WeatherHD and ScienceHD gave me 721 "channel not subscribed" messages.

...

I'm in the same boat -- family package plus old HD tier. I think it's a great bargain and I'll probably stay in this package at least for now. It's about $45 per month including HD and DVR fees for all the old HD channels (72-79) plus all my kids' and wife's favorite channels (in SD).

Thanks for the tip about Smithsonian -- I'll check and will be glad to see if I get that. I had thought I wasn't going to receive any of the new channels without having to pay a lot of extra $$$.

FWIW, Smithsonian (and maybe NFL HD) sounds like the only really interesting new non-premium HD channel. The others, including the Weather channel seem to have limited or no real HD content? Check other threads on this.

[clayface1000]

Powerswitch, I'll probably upgrade to Choice when the next wave of channels are added. As you said, the Family Pack + HD + HD-PVR are quite a bargain at $45. Going to Choice will bump it up to around $70, so I think I'll wait until the next wave of channels to arrive before upgrading.

At any rate, I would think the days of any subscriber being able to keep the original seven HD channels are probably short lived.

[powerswitch]

Powerswitch, I'll probably upgrade to Choice when the next wave of channels are added. As you said, the Family Pack + HD + HD-PVR are quite a bargain at $45. Going to Choice will bump it up to around $70, so I think I'll wait until the next wave of channels to arrive before upgrading.

At any rate, I would think the days of any subscriber being able to keep the original seven HD channels are probably short lived.

Actually I think we could be in luck. Did you notice that we now get Smithsonian HD/267?

I think this means we're basically getting what's being called the "HD Extras" pack -- something like UHD, HDNet, HDNet Movies, and Smithsonian so far. I've read they're splitting HD access into a $10 extra package to get the HD equivalents of channels included in your base package, plus $4.99 extra to get the "HD Extras" that are HD only. Since our old "HD Tier" already included several of these "extra" channels and since we're grandfathered-in, I think we'll get to keep our old channels and any new "HD Extra" channels. I don't think they'll start charging us for UHD/HDNet/etc. since those channels are included in our grandfathered package.

I think though we won't get any of the new HD equivalents of channels in our base package, such as Weather, Science, Food, HGTV, etc. Make sense? I'm just speculating based on the (IMO surprising) fact that we get channel 267 now.

[mluntz]

I am already a Premiere package subscriber with HD access, and have been for some time. As I understand it, I will be grandfathered after 12/15, and should not have to pay additional fees for all HD channels, correct?

[SoCool]

I am already a Premiere package subscriber with HD access, and have been for some time. As I understand it, I will be grandfathered after 12/15, and should not have to pay additional fees for all HD channels, correct?

I'd like to hear the answer to this question also. I have the same programming.

[dbhsatx]

It's just a rumor, and it's not grandfathering. Grandfathering doesn't last 2 months…. it lasts a lifetime or at a minimum, many years. The rumor is that we will get a free preview for a few months, and then have to pay extra for them, but some people started calling that free preview "grandfathering for 2 months" because DirecTV has stated in the past (and still does to this day in the HD FAQ at directv.com) that the price of HD access will remain at $9.99, and that subscribers to the Premier package and HD Access will get all the HD channels, so some people started calling it grandfathering in an attempt to rationalize why there might be an additional charge for some of the HD channels when DirecTV clearly still states in their HD FAQ that the $9.99 HD Access charge will cover everything.

This is what the current HD faq states

"HD Access will remain $9.99 per month. And don't forget that the Plus HD DVR package includes HD Access. A new premium service of unique HD networks, DIRECTV HD Extra Pack, is available for just $4.99/month. All programming and pricing subject to change at any time".

[mikeny]

It's just a rumor, and it's not grandfathering. Grandfathering doesn't last 2 months…. it lasts a lifetime or at a minimum, many years. The rumor is that we will get a free preview for a few months, and then have to pay extra for them, but some people started calling that free preview "grandfathering for 2 months" because DirecTV has stated in the past (and still does to this day in the HD FAQ at directv.com) that the price of HD access will remain at $9.99, and that subscribers to the Premier package and HD Access will get all the HD channels, so some people started calling it grandfathering in an attempt to rationalize why there might be an additional charge for some of the HD channels when DirecTV clearly still states in their HD FAQ that the $9.99 HD Access charge will cover everything.Yeah, I would call it a grace period.

[leww37334]

If DirecTv was giving us a grace period of 12/15 to check out MGMHD and MHD before they move these to a new tier...where are the channels?


MGM HD and MHD will be available on 12/16. !rolling !rolling !rolling

[alwayscool]

D* has got to be out of their mind if they think I'm going to pay an additional $4.99 on top of $9.99 for HD. My bill is already at $130.00 a month. $4.99 for 6 channels WTF?:nono2:

[axl]

It also says this in the FAQ now..

Will the new HD channels added throughout the year be available with the $9.99/month HD Access?

The number of HD simulcast channels that are available is based on your base package. These networks are available with the HD Access fee. To see all of the new channels, you must have the newest HD receivers (Model H20, HR20, H21 or HR21) and HD Access and subscribe to PREMIER package and the DIRECTV HD Extra Pack. In addition, professional and collegiate sports subscriptions may offer HD programming for an additional charge. HD PPV events and movies are also available separately.

[shendley]

This is relatively new. I checked the FAQ a week or so ago when the rumors of the HD Extra pack began to circulate and saw nothing at all about it. This leads me to think that probably the rumors about having to pay after 12/15 are also true.

This is what the current HD faq states

"HD Access will remain $9.99 per month. And don't forget that the Plus HD DVR package includes HD Access. A new premium service of unique HD networks, DIRECTV HD Extra Pack, is available for just $4.99/month. All programming and pricing subject to change at any time".

[btalbott]

This is getting stupid (IMO). Technology is getting more complex, it costs money to put satellites into orbit-I understand this fact.

But why penalize someone for receiving more HD content? This seems like a way to get more money (not a duplicate SD channel available).

How about charging everyone an extra dollar. When services are upgraded everyone should shoulder the charge. Hey if they relocate the sewage plant, since you have 3 toilets in your house should you pay an extra $9 while someone with 2 gets charged $6.

Let my go find my rotary phone...No need for my cordless high tech touch tone phone (I might get charged extra).

Yeah I know I'm a little off the deep end here......

And I'll pay the extra charge if I HAVE to. The mere fact that Direct is neither confirming or denying it leads me to believe that they will be charging.

[Doug Brott]

But why penalize someone for receiving more HD content? This seems like a way to get more money (not a duplicate SD channel available).

I think this (pricing, not penalize) is one of the 4 P's of marketing. As the right to distribute a channel increase, so does the cost. Hopefully DIRECTV is looking for creative ways to keep the cost of the other new HD channels to a minimum so that we don't see huge price increases for access. Up until recently we were all paying $9.99 for only "up to" 14 channels. I don't have HBO or Showtime, so I wasn't even getting the full schedule of HD programming.

[JLucPicard]

I guess I always looked at this "channel split" as positioning for future/ongoing pricing structure. If you have the HD Access package, you get the HD version of the channels in your particular package. [sales pitch mode] 'We (D*) also have some HD channels that do not have SD counterparts. You can recieve a package of those channels for $4.99.' [/sales pitch mode] (and in my thinking, the number of "stand-alone" HD channels will likely increase over time).

What to do with people who have been receiving/paying for these channels all along? Grandfather those channels in with their current programming until they make some kind of change that would warrant ending that grandfathered status (i.e. dropping HD, changing to a package that does not include HD Access already - not just adding or dropping premium channels or something like that).

Will that "grandfathered" relationship continue beyond December 15th? That's the $4.99 question right now. I've seen speculation both ways, but that's what it is - speculation - until definitive word comes out.

If grandathering continues beyond Dec 15th, well, that's what I'm hoping for at this point. If not, then I need to decide if those extra channels are worth it to me. Comes right down to it, if they get Fx, SciFi and the like in HD, I may not make time to look at the other channels anyway. I have no crystal ball to know at this pioint.

[cartrivision]

This is what the current HD faq states

"HD Access will remain $9.99 per month. And don't forget that the Plus HD DVR package includes HD Access. A new premium service of unique HD networks, DIRECTV HD Extra Pack, is available for just $4.99/month. All programming and pricing subject to change at any time".

So the FAQ has finally been updated to confirm the existence of the HD Extra tier and stop saying that the $9.99 HD Access would give you ALL the HD channels.