Package for Coming HD channels...

[keithw1975]

We have had DirecTV since back in '95 and haven't changed our package that I am aware of. We have/had Total Choice Silver if remember right then added on the HD channels last year. My question is will I get the new HD channels when they go live, such as Sci-Fi and History, or will I need to pay more for them?

Keith

[cb7214]

We have had DirecTV since back in '95 and haven't changed our package that I am aware of. We have/had Total Choice Silver if remember right then added on the HD channels last year. My question is will I get the new HD channels when they go live, such as Sci-Fi and History, or will I need to pay more for them?

Keith

They don't plan to increase prices for the HD channels at this time, if you pay the $9.99 for the HD package you will receive the HD versions of any channel you receive now if they are offered, so for example if you receive the Sci-Fi channel you would receive the HD version when it is offered, and same with HBO or Starz if you subscribe to them you will get the HD version if you don't, you don't

[Capmeister]

I would be seriously annoyed if they raised the HD rate at this point (or any time soon). HD is becoming the standard, not special, and I've been paying $10 a month for just a few channels for some time. :)

[FlyBono24]

I would be seriously annoyed if they raised the HD rate at this point (or any time soon). HD is becoming the standard, not special, and I've been paying $10 a month for just a few channels for some time. :)

I know, that would seriously piss me off if they raised it again. We're already paying $10 more for like 8 HD channels, 10 if you have Showtime and HBO.... I don't have HBO or Showtime, and out of those HD channels I only watch ESPN and Discovery HD Theater... I obviously don't count local HD's because you can get those without paying.

[JFHughes08088]

I'm not sure HD is the "Standard" yet. We have what, 300+ channels? Only 10 are HD now? NBC, CBS, ABC (prime time mostly), HDNet, Discovery HD Premiums like HBO, etc) and a few others?

A few years from now everything will be HD - Customer demand continues to drive it.

[antennahead]

I would be seriously annoyed if they raised the HD rate at this point (or any time soon). HD is becoming the standard, not special, and I've been paying $10 a month for just a few channels for some time. :)

I have been a DTV subscriber since 1994 I believe. This "extra" charge for HD bothers me also. I agree, it is becoming the standard, kinda like color tv in the
'60's and stereo tv in the '70's. At what point do you stop charging extra. I think they provide a great product, but they have become all about profit in the last few years versus taking care of their long term customers IMO. I have a long story I won't repeat in detail about DTV offering to "give" me a HR20 if I wouldn't cancel my NFL Sunday ticket last year. This was just as they were begining to be released after the test markets. When I finally took them up on the offer, and the first bill comes in, there is a "lease" charge on the bill. After much talk the supervisor agrees that they initially "shouldn't" have offered to "give" me the box, but said basically I was SOL, you'll pay the monthly lease fee or else.

John

[JFHughes08088]

That would pi** me off. I expect companies I do business with to live up to their word. I expect nothing more and will accept nothing less.

It's getting to the point where we have to record our conversations with them (which is quite easy to do, legality aside). Hey, if the Gvt. can tap a line without me knowing and for no legitimate reason other than suspicion, then I should keep an accurate record if my discussions with D*. Hmmmmmm

[Thaedron]

D* has stated publically and in their quarterly reports to Wall Street, et. al. that they will NOT be raising rates for their HD package "when the new HD channels go live this fall".

This does not prohibit them from raising the rate by some small margin as they seem to do every year or two, typically in the spring.

[Hoxxx]

I would be seriously annoyed if they raised the HD rate at this point (or any time soon). HD is becoming the standard, not special, and I've been paying $10 a month for just a few channels for some time. :)

I remember the day when I was paying 8.00 a month just for Discovery HD theater. I totally agree no price increase is due us.

[Capmeister]

I'm not sure HD is the "Standard" yet.

That's why I said it is BECOMING the standard. :)

[islesfan]

I have been a DTV subscriber since 1994 I believe. This "extra" charge for HD bothers me also. I agree, it is becoming the standard, kinda like color tv in the
'60's and stereo tv in the '70's.

John

Stereo started with Miami Vice in the early 80's. That was the first show broadcast in stereo.

[Mixer]

They have to charge for the HD. If they don't then all of the customers that dont yet have HD will whine and say they should not have to pay for it.

However I suspect that someday there will not be an Add on package for HD and the price will be burried in each package with a rate increase.

[VegasDen]

I, too, hope there is no rate increase for HD. If that comes to pass (as others have suggested) why not an HD package?

Stereo started with Miami Vice in the early 80's. That was the first show broadcast in stereo.

Stereo TV started long before 1984. It was a different means of broadcast (simulcasting with radio stations) but still stereo. Also, Tonight show did a stereo broadcast in 1982 with the present broadcast standard. Miami Vice, I believe, was the first series to be 100% stereo. FYI, The Movie Channel was the first stereo "cable" channel.