[tedb3rd]

...So what channels will we get for the $20/month HD package? (Or another way to ask: What channels will we lose if we don't get the package?)

Is the HD package basically the Voom networks or does it also add (or delete if you don't have it) the other HD channels like Discovery-HD, Natl. Geo-HD, Food-HD, HGTV-HD, HDNet, ESPNs, etc.

For example, if I subscribe to Top250 come Feb (and not the HD package) would I still get HD channels that have a SD channel equivalent included in that package--like Food Network, ESPN, ESPN2, National Geo, HGTV??? Or what about locals in HD?

I know that, with the movie channels like HBO, you get the HD version of that channel by subscribing to the SD channels of that package.

I have not been too impressed with DN's HD lineup... lots of HD channels but it's mostly crap--They could rename RUSH-HD to the "Riding Bikes or Snow Boarding 24/7 (except for when promoting other crappy channels) Channel"... And also that Fashion HD channel--can't remember the name b/c I don't even include that in the guide... The only ones, to me, that are worth it are Discovery, National Geo, HDNets, Equator (sometimes), ESPNs....

Dish should consider a $10/month HD package like DirectTV's--yeah, fewer channels, but it has the better ones.

Thanks in advance for the feedback!

 

[saltrek]

Only the package names are changing, not the content. The current HD package costs $20, so the price for HD isn't changing either.

 

[TNGTony]

Okay I see where the confusion comes in. If you have HD Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum it is EXACTLY the same as if you have AT60/100+HD Pack or AT120/200+HD Pack, AT180/250+HD Pack or AEP+HD Pack after Feb 1.

Here is the break down

If you DO NOT subscribe to the one and only HD pack starting Feb 1...

Number of HD channels with basic packs
AT100 = 2**
AT200 = 2**
AT250 = 2**
Aep = 2**
DL2 = 2**
DLMax = 2**
DL Everything (not available to new subs) = 2**
Great Wall = 2**

Premium Packs
HBO = 1*
Showtime = 1*
Starz = 1*
Cinemax = 0*

Local Package via Satellite*. See http://ekb.dbstalk.com/hdlocal.htm

*$6 HD Enabling Fee added per HD receiver without HD Pack
**Only Dish Demo and ONE of the other channels (NHL HD, PPV HD, Event HD, NBA HD) active at any one time plus $6 HD enabling fee per receiver without HD pack

The HD pack is $20 when added to any of the basic packages above or $29.99+6 HD enabling fee without a basic pack. As of this instant, the HD channels included in the HD pack are as follows:

TNT HD
Discovery HD Theater
HDNet
HDNet Movies
ESPN-HD
ESPN-2 HD
NFL HD
Universal HD
Natl Geographic HD (With AT250 or DLMax and higher ONLY)
HGTV HD
Food HD
Rave HD
Equator HD
Gallery HD
World Sport HD
Animania HD
World Cinema HD
Rush HD
Treasure HD
Ultra HD
Kung Fu HD
Film Fest HD
Monsters HD
HD News 9482
Game Play HD
Family Room HD

See ya
Tony

 

[tnsprin]

Only the package names are changing, not the content. The current HD package costs $20, so the price for HD isn't changing either.

Except for the Platinum package. Or have they made another announcement that continues offering it for $15 more than the AEP?

 

[saltrek]

No - i didn't get into the AEP price change, since the OP was talking about AT 250. I was trying to keep it simple.

 

[CABill]

Except for the Platinum package. Or have they made another announcement that continues offering it for $15 more than the AEP?

AFAIK, they haven't made the 1st announcement yet (but I didn't go looking). I largely depend on TNGTony's info but assume it is still based on Retailer Chat leakage. Has there been something "official" that says what happens to current HD Platinum subs? With AT60, I don't pay that much attention to Platinum. At least when I call DISH now, they are finally aware of the DishHD changes. I did ask about "DVR Advantage" that is supposed to go into effect with the Metallic changes, but no joy.

 

[hildred]

yes what will i get with a 200 plus local hd/hbo/showtime with dish 622/dish 1000 how much will pay one hdtv/one sd tv

 

[nataraj]

Looking interesting. I don't remember when I saw a SD channel last (excepting international) ...

If I have two HD receivers will they charge $12 extra if I don't take a basic package ? How about international ... something extra again for getting an international channel without the basic ?

 

[James Long]

All accounts are charged $6 for not having a basic package (AT, DL or Great Wall).

In addition, there is a $6 per HD receiver fee for not having a DishHD package.
People subscribing to the $29.95 "HD Only" package are so rare that no one has reported their exact billing here.

 

[restart88]

So if I say have Dish Family and pay the $6 fee could I still add the HD pak for $20?

But not with the Dish It Up promotion which requires a higher tier, right?

At this stage I'm leaning towards BHN cable because there's no committment and at $60+ tax including an HD DVR and nothing to pay up front it seems a better option in the short term. I really don't want to go to $60 either way though.

 

[James Long]

If you OWN your 622 (or 211) you MIGHT be able to buy the $29.95 HDPack, $19.95 DISHFamily, $6 fee, $5.98 DVR fee (on the 622) and $5 for locals (if you want EPG data). $66.88 plus tax.

 

[restart88]

If you OWN your 622 (or 211) you MIGHT be able to buy the $29.95 HDPack, $19.95 DISHFamily, $6 fee, $5.98 DVR fee (on the 622) and $5 for locals (if you want EPG data). $66.88 plus tax.

That's sad!

So after shelling out $400 for the receiver I'd "get to pay" $6.88 more than cable. :nono:

But to be fair I've not done a package comparison, just the raw dollars at this point. Still, it's a shame other providers have kinda fizzled like Voom and USDTV's national rollout.

 

[James Long]

If you can live with AT60 (soon to be AT100 with the addition of the 32 CD Music channels) and no regional sports you can get AT60 plus Dish HD for $49.95 per month (today they call that Bronze). 25 channels of HD (not counting the three HD movie channels, HD PPV and Nat Geo HD since you won't get them without extra cost). You still have to add $5 for locals and $5.98 for the DVR fee bringing you to $60.93 - but a decent selection of channels. If you want your local regional sports add $5. $65.93.

 

[restart88]

For me, I then have to add in a 2nd receiver fee, at least 1 movie channel, and $18 to Tivo. But even without 1 of the Tivos (kinda stuck with one for a while due to contract) and eliminating the bedroom receiver I'm still way above where I want to be at $60+++. (sigh)

Oh well.

 

[nataraj]

All accounts are charged $6 for not having a basic package (AT, DL or Great Wall).

In addition, there is a $6 per HD receiver fee for not having a DishHD package.
People subscribing to the $29.95 "HD Only" package are so rare that no one has reported their exact billing here.

I was looking into the future pricing. If I just pick the HD pack at $20 - looks like I pay $6 for not having a basic package and 2x $6 fee for the receivers (plus the dvr fee which I pay anyway now). That is $18 extra ... and I can get AT100 for $29.

BTW, if I get dish family, is that a basic package ? Or will I be charged extra ?

Also, does dish family remove any of the dish HD channels (since they are not all "family friendly") ?

 

[James Long]

I was looking into the future pricing. If I just pick the HD pack at $20 -

You can't. HD pack alone is $29.95 plus the $6 as noted (and will remain that way in February).

Also, does dish family remove any of the dish HD channels (since they are not all "family friendly") ?

E* removes all of them. You cannot get the $20 HD pack with DISHFamily. In order to qualify for the $20 DishHD you need to subscribe to "AT100" or above.

 

[harsh]

So after shelling out $400 for the receiver I'd "get to pay" $6.88 more than cable. :nono:

That's why almost everyone leases their receiver. The bright side is that you have access to a whole lot more national HD and SD content through Dish Network.

 

[eatonjb]

Premium Packs
HBO = 1*
Showtime = 1*
Starz = 1*
Cinemax = 1*

Cinemax ? are they finaly getting it?! anything fixed up with Max now?

e..b

 

[TNGTony]

That was a mistake... it should be Cinemax = 0

Sorry. I corrected the original post

See ya
Tony

 

[tedb3rd]

The reason that Dish prices are increasing is because they have to pay their guys more to figure out how to get at least $75/month out of customers no matter what they subsribe to--whether it's in programming you don't want to watch or in fees/penalties for not wanting to pay for channels you don't watch!!