News item says no ESPN-HD on Dish or DirecTV

[RAD]

OK, take it for what it's worth but this link:

http://www.mcall.com/business/local/all-espnmar23,0,3656251.story?coll=all%2Dbusinesslocal %2Dhed

Has the following statement in it:

Comcast Cable, the nation's largest cable provider, won't carry ESPN HD if it has to pay extra for it, Comcast President Steve Burke said last week. RCN doesn't carry any high-definition signals locally, and it won't be carried by the two satellite services, DirecTV and Dish Network.

OK Scott, when are the rest of the announcements going to be coming that will prove that statement wrong??? Thanks - Rick

[Cyclone]

I don't think that article it correct. *fingers crossed*

[juan ellitinez]

Maybe Dish would pick it up if they carried major league soccer

[Scott Greczkowski]

According to an article in this weeks Morning Call it states that ESPN-HD will NOT be available on DirecTV and Dish Network.

http://www.mcall.com/business/local/all-espnmar23,0,3656251.story?coll=all%2Dbusinesslocal %2Dhed

Comcast Cable, the nation's largest cable provider, won't carry ESPN HD if it has to pay extra for it, Comcast President Steve Burke said last week. RCN doesn't carry any high-definition signals locally, and it won't be carried by the two satellite services, DirecTV and Dish Network.

This would come as quite a surprise for me, I know with speaking to folks at ESPN and at Dish (none of whom are in the programming department) that ESPN-HD would indeed be coming to Dish (this is the reason for the 8PSK module sale) In fact one Dish Network executive mentioned to me as well at AVSforums moderator Ken H that they were having a Dish 6000 installed at their home just so they can watch the birth of ESPN-HD.

It's just days before the launch of ESPN-HD and nothing official from ANYONE on the coverage of ESPN-HD on satellite.

It's getting quite frustrating. Let's hope we hear an announcement soon.

[JohnH]

ESPN has a popup on their website today. Says 4 days to ESPN-HD. Call your provider.

[Scott Greczkowski]

It is now being reported at AVSForums that DirecTV Vice President of Programming Stephanie Campbell has been calling people who have been calling here at her posted number (310-964-5217) and has stated that DirecTV will not be carrying ESPN-HD, she has also been quoted as saying that ESPN-HD will also NOT be on Dish Network.

Interesting.

[Cyclone]

This only adds to the suspense.

Scott you should put a countdown timer on the front page. hehe. I'm sure there is a bunch of them left over from Y2K.

Still, with the 8PSK module sale and the other "hints", I'm still more inclined to think it will be there on Dish, than not.

[dmodemd]

Well, I think the problem is Charlie is trying to get Discovery HD, HDNet*3, and ESPN-HD, and others, all willing to accept $7.99/month TOTAL so he can keep $2/month.

Given Discovery HD today probably has a contract to get $5/month, it doesnt appear doable.

[Scott Greczkowski]

I have merged these two topics together which were on the same topic (Blame me I was the one who acidently posted the second one) :D

[DCSholtis]

Well with Directv and ABC Family ending their squabble officially today....there is yet hope for Directv to add it....according to the press release both sides didnt disclose what other networks were in involved....meaning this DID involve more than just ABC Family

[Scott Greczkowski]

Thats the way I read it DC!

I hope Dish is paying attention.

[Mike123abc]

I wonder if the snowstorm in CO last week set back the negotitations. I hope dish gets DTDT, HDNet and ESPN-HD all together and in a nice package for $9.99 or less. ESPN-HD really should not get away with charging too much because you are already paying for ESPN.

[DCSholtis]

:D...yes but I DIDNT mean SoapNet....Damn!!

[Jerry 42]

In the hope that Dish realizes that we want the more HD sports not just Discovery HD, I am dropping Discovery HD.

I would be hppy to pay for a HD package that included Discovery but what I really want is HD sports and they are available now if Dish gets the message and makes deals with ESPN HD etc.

I think "dmodemd" may be right regarding the current Discovery deal, but in entertainment industry deals every thing is subject to changes and revised deals. So it is possible to re-stucture the Discovery deal and make it part of a HD package. Why would Discovery agree to changes ... because Dish could say they will not renew Discovery HD if the do not.

If you want more HD on Dish I think every one needs to send the message to Charlie and Discovery by dropping Discovery HD. Nothing gets the message to companies like a loss of income.

[jeffwtux]

I know I'm beating a dead horse still, but I bet ESPN/Disney is still trying to pay for their overpaying for the NBA contract. I'll bet their still in the red on that, even after raise their rates an absurd $2/customer. Basically, all the money that ESPN gets is going into paying for their NBA contract right now. AND I HATE NBA BASKETBALL!!!!!(except for Earl Boykins and maybe Ben Wallace)

[Cyclone]

It looks like this report was correct. No ESPN-HD on Dish.

[JeffCA]

Originally posted by Jerry 42

If you want more HD on Dish I think every one needs to send the message to Charlie and Discovery by dropping Discovery HD. Nothing gets the message to companies like a loss of income.

Yes, drop any HDTV channels you have and tell Dish that you no longer want to watch HD, that'll show Dish that you truly want more HDTV... LOL Where's the logic in that? Dropping Discovery would be the worst possible thing to do actually. If you want HD, you had better support what's currently available. When Dish makes ESPN-HD available, those of you who are really into HDTV better not complain about the price, HDTV is a highend form of entertainment and you have to be willing to pay the prices.

[Jerry 42]

JeffCA could be right.

I can only say based on my years in feature & TV production and distribution that companies such as my network owned studio and Dish are well aware of the increasing interest in HD. May I note that Dish knows the number of subs asking about HD programming, 921s, 211 etc.

Yes one person dropping a channel does not make a statement but many subs dropping a channel tells them a difference story.

In my opinon the interested people here need to make a statement that gets noticed. Calls to CS generally go in the round file. That's the logic. I can tell you that COOs & CEOs get stats on issues almost everyday. They do response when a large number of its' customers make their position known.

[MikeW]

Is this really where we're going with HD? When I purchased my big screen in 2000, I was told I should purchase HD (at the time about 1500 more than the regular set). I was also told by the Circuit City salesman that if my set wasn't HD compatible, it will be a heap of scrap by 2005. 3 years later, and HD isn't even close to mainstream.

[BobMurdoch]

It's all moot for me anyway. Until the 921 comes out, I'm just stuck with standard definition.........

[Ken_F]

JeffCA is definitely right.

In deciding what and how much HDTV to offer, both DirecTV and Dish Network look at the amount/level/extent of programming received by customers with HDTV receivers. Cancellations of Discovery Theater obviously play a role in Echostar's assessment of HDTV demand, and their decision to offer future services.

Before I would cancel any service as a HDTV customer, particularly actual HDTV programming, I would send several email messages to Dish Network, including one to Charlie Ergen, and possibly one to Discovery, indicating why, in addition to telling the CSR on the phone. Just telling the CSR phone may not get your point across...as the comments they type, if any, may not accurately reflect your reasons.

[George_F]

Scott you don't owe me any apologies, I appreciate all your tips and inside scoops you post, thats one of the reasons why DBSTalk is NO.1 in my book.

[jeffwtux]

Does anybody have a list of cable systems that will actually HAVE ESPN-HD when it is launche, or will they just be broadcasting to nobody? Stuff like this just makes me want to short Disney stock bigtime. No matter what their CEO tells you, they are a poster child for bad corporate governance. They must have lost huge money on their NBA flop, and we are paying for it. Disney is skyrocketting up my most hated companies list. "They've moved up 5 'notches' to #4 with their latest hit, 'NBA TV Scam', and the hits just keep on coming...".

[Ken_F]

jeff,

ESPN will launch Sunday on Insight Communications Co. Inc., Cox Communications Inc., the National Cable Television Cooperative, Service Electric Cable TV Inc., Utilacom Networks and Comporium Communications systems. Together, affiliated cable networks with these companies represent 22 million viewers.

According to twice.com, "ESPN said it would announce additional agreements over the next several weeks."

[Brett]

I really like Service Electric's Allentown lineup over Comcast. They seem more responsive in carrying more of the networks out there and offer more HD than Comcast (except for CSN-HD) I dont think Comcast is even offering other non competing cable systems like Service Electric the CCSN HD feed. Service's cable rates are significantly lower than Comcasts rates closer to Philly. Service competes against RCN there.

[Eyedox]

Disney is greedy ... they want way too much for ESPN-HD ... and there will be MOSTLY SD programming on it the first year or two. We ALREADY pay for ESPN ... Disney can kiss my ass if they think they deserve extra for the same SD simulcast content. I am glad that Comcast, DishNetwork, and DirecTV told them to piss off for now.