Newbie HD question

I can't imagine spending the $$$'s on HDTV and not going ahead & upgrading to a Dish HD package - especially since you're already with Dish. The cost delta is not that much (compared to a big HDTV) and you get a BUNCH of HD channels to enjoy. In my case, ESPN/ESPN2/Discovery in HD are worth the whole package. Not to mention HGTV & Food HD for my wife.

In Texas, assume they'd just replace your current Dish with a Dish 1000 - but I'm no expert on this - I have to have 2 dishes (2nd one for the 61.5 Sat).

Is it worth it.... Well that is a question of opinion and I am not sure what your budget is.

In the beginning, until E* got Voom, there was not a whole heck of alot of channels, looking back I would probably state my opinion to not be worth it. After E* added the first Voom tier, for only $5 more a month, I was one of the first to get it, again after I learned how repetitive the content was, I would also state my opinion to be not worth it if one was on a tight budget. However, since they added the new tier of Vooms, and added HD Locals (For people in the major cities), my opinion has changed. Prior to getting Starz HD I did watch most of my HD from OTA. That has changed now and I see the providers adding some new content etc.... I now watch quite a bit Starz-HD, SHO-HD, etc... So if you have the budget, I say try it for yourself, you will know within a couple months if you hold any value to what you get.

Hope this helps,
Jason

The only thing is that you have to make an 18 month commitment when you upgrade or you have to pay a penalty.

I guess you bought the HDTV because you actually liked the idea of being able to watch HDTV. I bought my HDTV because my old set burned out and I didn't want to replace it with obsolete technology.

So, unless the extra expense means the family will go without dinner or that you will drive on bald tires, spend the extra money and get it.

--- CHAS

How is Dish Network for HD viewing? I am trying to decide between Dish Network and Comcast cable. I just purchased a new Samsung HPS5053 Plasma.

DAN2510 said:

How is Dish Network for HD viewing? I am trying to decide between Dish Network and Comcast cable. I just purchased a new Samsung HPS5053 Plasma.

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I can't speak to your local Comcast, but I can warn you that you want to consider both HD and SD. Bad SD on a plasma can be quite unsettling.

Dish's HD quality is among the best but you'll want to use an OTA antenna if possible for best quality and most reliable reception of HD locals.

harsh said:

I can't speak to your local Comcast, but I can warn you that you want to consider both HD and SD. Bad SD on a plasma can be quite unsettling.

Dish's HD quality is among the best but you'll want to use an OTA antenna if possible for best quality and most reliable reception of HD locals.

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I just spoke with Dish Network they said that Chicago offers HD Local Channels through the Dish, do I still need OTA Antenna?

DAN2510 said:

I just spoke with Dish Network they said that Chicago offers HD Local Channels through the Dish, do I still need OTA Antenna?

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Nope, you do not need an OTA antenna, they are already there in the 6300 channel range. Very good picture as well.

Now having said that there are some benefits to having an OTA antenna if you have the 622 receiver.... Like being able to record 3 events at the same time.

For example, with an OTA antenna, you could record WLFD OTA, WGN from Sat, and WLS from sat all simultaneously on the same receiver. You could even watch 2 different events from the DVR hard drive while these 3 shows are recording.

DAN2510 said:

How is Dish Network for HD viewing? I am trying to decide between Dish Network and Comcast cable. I just purchased a new Samsung HPS5053 Plasma.

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I have had Comcast in the past, and in my opinion there is no comparison. In my area I feel Dish looks better and Dish has many more HD channels.

My sister just switched from Comcast as well.

Jason Nipp said:

Nope, you do not need an OTA antenna, they are already there in the 6300 channel range. Very good picture as well.

Now having said that there are some benefits to having an OTA antenna if you have the 622 receiver.... Like being able to record 3 events at the same time.

For example, with an OTA antenna, you could record WLFD OTA, WGN from Sat, and WLS from sat all simultaneously on the same receiver. You could even watch 2 different events from the DVR hard drive while these 3 shows are recording.

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Im not sure of the model receiver I got its the HD-DVR one thats 199.99

DAN2510 said:

Im not sure of the model receiver I got its the HD-DVR one thats 199.99

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I would venture a guess that would be the ViP622.

To get the Chicago HD Locals you will need a Dish1000 satellite dish. You probably already have this if you have a 622.

Jason Nipp said:

I would venture a guess that would be the ViP622.

To get the Chicago HD Locals you will need a Dish1000 satellite dish. You probably already have this if you have a 622.

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LOL I'm such a newb..Not sure but I know that they're replacing my satellite and my receiver this Sunday WOOT! I'm so excited now I just need to learn how to adjust all the settings to my liking.

Congrats Dan...

If you have never had DBS before, it may take you a little bit to get used to it. No more channel surfing.... a little rain fade from time to time.... But I can without a doubt say, I could never go back to cable unless they introduced a radically new technology.


What part of the Chicago area are you in?

Jason Nipp said:

Congrats Dan...

If you have never had DBS before, it may take you a little bit to get used to it. No more channel surfing.... a little rain fade from time to time.... But I can without a doubt say, I could never go back to cable unless they introduced a radically new technology.

What part of the Chicago area are you in?

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I live in Elgin about 10 minutes from Elgin Community College. Do you know if Dish Network tech will have a HDMI cable when they come out?

DAN2510 said:

I live in Elgin about 10 minutes from Elgin Community College. Do you know if Dish Network tech will have a HDMI cable when they come out?

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Yup, know that area well. I used to work at the Emerson facility on the north side of the college.

No, HDMI cables are not supplied with the 622. They will likely hook you up via Component Video. I would go out and buy a cable if you wish to use HDMI.

DAN2510 said:

I just spoke with Dish Network they said that Chicago offers HD Local Channels through the Dish, do I still need OTA Antenna?

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Yes, you still need the OTA antenna because Dish only offers four channels, ABC,
NBC, CBS and FOX in HD. I do not think that WGN is one of those. If you want WGN, or PBS, CW or MY in HD, you need an OTA. Out of Philadelphia, CW broadcasts 42
Phillies games, home games in HD. Not available on either Dish or local cable. but
I get it on OTA. I believe WGN has baseball in HD.

JConly said:

Have have been a subscriber to Dish for many years. Just recently broke down and purchased a HD television. I'm considering upgrading to the HD package. Any thoughts on if it is worth it or not? I get 3 local OTA HD channels at the moment but that is it. Also for the upgrade, does it require a 2nd dish for the HD package or can I use my existing dish? I'm in an apt. at the moment and think location of a 2nd dish would be limited(can't point a dish in the opposite direction that the current one faces). If a 2nd dish is required does it generally point in the same direction? Appreciate the help.

J. Conly

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It is worth it if you are actually going to watch the HD channels. There is no HD
regional sports network. But ESPNHD and ESPN2HD, the NBA on TNT HD and HBO HD
are worth it to me. Also, once in a while there are HD sports on the PPV channel
for free. I sometimes watch those games. If you are not going to watch the channels
then do not get HD.

Hound said:

Yes, you still need the OTA antenna because Dish only offers four channels, ABC,
NBC, CBS and FOX in HD. I do not think that WGN is one of those. If you want WGN, or PBS, CW or MY in HD, you need an OTA. Out of Philadelphia, CW broadcasts 42
Phillies games, home games in HD. Not available on either Dish or local cable. but
I get it on OTA. I believe WGN has baseball in HD.

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Yes that is correct. I get wttw PBS and WGN, but not in HD. The channels Hound mentions if you wanted in HD you would want an OTA antenna. But don't fear really nice (compact) OTA antennas can be had at a small cost. If you look at my avatar, you will see I have a small Winegard piggybacked off my Superdish.

Hound said:

It is worth it if you are actually going to watch the HD channels. There is no HD
regional sports network. But ESPNHD and ESPN2HD, the NBA on TNT HD and HBO HD
are worth it to me. Also, once in a while there are HD sports on the PPV channel
for free. I sometimes watch those games. If you are not going to watch the channels
then do not get HD.

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Actually, per the last Charlie Chat they are planning on launching some HD regionals. However I have not heard anything about what, where, or when.