Sat and ESPN HD: Still Waiting for a Deal

[Steve Mehs]

It's been a week since ESPN took the wraps off its
new high-definition network. And while ESPN has inked
agreements for delivery of ESPN HD with a number of
cable companies, the sports programmer hasn't yet won
carriage for the HDTV offering on satellite TV.

DirecTV spokesperson Robert Mercer said the satellite
TV company has held discussions with ESPN concerning
carriage of its HD feed, but the sides have not yet
reached an agreement.

Marc Lumpkin, spokesperson for EchoStar, said the
company's DISH Network hasn't recently added any new
HD channels "but we are always discussing new content
with our programming suppliers."

ESPN HD launched March 30 on cable systems operated by
Insight, Cox, the National Cable Television Cooperative,
Service Electric Cable TV, Utilacom and Comporium
Communications. Collectively, the operators serve
more than 22 million subscribers.

ESPN said on March 27 it would announce additional
agreements over the next several weeks.

From SkyReport (http://www.skyreport.com) (Used with Permission)

[JStanton]

I hope it happens today or tommorow for Womens Final Two!!!

Go UConn!!!

- Jim

[Scott Greczkowski]

Don't hold your breath Jim.

I understand Disney is playing the "If you don't pay us what we want then you are killing HDTV" game.

It's going to be awhile before we see ESPN-HD

[Ken_F]

If Dish really plans to use 121 as the location for all future HD, then I don't expect a launch before June--unless DirecTV adds it first, in which case, Dish Network may follow and add it to 61.5. The problem with new HD channels on 61.5 is that once added, it's difficult for DISH to take them away.