DISH Network launches SCI FI HD and USA HD!

DISH has been telling us that the unfortunate fate of AMC-14 wasn't going to get in the way of its HD plans and you know, we're starting to believe 'em. Seriously, how could you not with all the new local markets recently, then CNN HD a few days ago and now the two channels many have really been waiting for -- Battlestar Galactica in HD anyone? Now to those who subscribe to DISH's AT100 and Essentials HD (or higher) package, SCI FI HD is available on channel 122 HD and USA HD is available on 105 HD.

[Thanks, Scott!]

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 18th 2008 5:23PM]

HELL YESSS!!!!! Just in time for BSG!!! Thanks DISH!!!

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 18th 2008 5:26PM]

Anyone know when scifi hd plays Stargate SG1 or Atlantis at around 4 and 5pm everyday .. are either of them in HD? Or how about when they have a marathon of Atlantis or battlestar all day .. are they in HD? Or is it just the weekly new episodes? Preparing myself for dissapointment when scifi hd comes to Eugene Or. on May 1st.
thanks

[CharlieX Posted Apr 18th 2008 6:16PM]

I know up until recently if they had 1st or 2nd season BSG reruns on SCI-FI HD they were in standard def. I imagine the next time they have a marathon it will be all HD.

[mugatu Posted Apr 18th 2008 7:09PM]

The Atlantis episodes this afternoon were full HD. The older Star Gate was SD with side bars.

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 18th 2008 5:40PM]

ye syes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes!

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 18th 2008 5:51PM]

Was just about to call DTV to make the switch. Not sure now. Looks like Dish is trying at least.

[mugatu Posted Apr 18th 2008 7:41PM]

I used to be a skeptic, but now I have a feeling more HD channels are really on the way. I'd wait another month before switching. What do you have to lose?

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 18th 2008 6:12PM]

I hope USA does not do stretch o rama like TBS.

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 18th 2008 6:28PM]

Now, that everyone can stop complaining about USA and Sci-Fi, can I start crying about FX???

[wyldtek Posted Apr 18th 2008 7:31PM]

Welcome to the party. FX-HD is awesome, btw.

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 18th 2008 10:25PM]

yea same here, thats the one HD channel I REALLY want

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 21st 2008 6:29PM]

sooooo.. i went home Friday night so ready to watch BSG in HD, and guess what it wasn't working, the channels showed in the high range (9432 I think) but they were red like ididnt get them, after a LONG call arguing with DISH operators who had no clue that DISH had flipped these channels on, I got my precious look at Starbuck in HD.

Now while i had the guy on the phone, i said so what other channels are coming up.. (this or next month was 'what he was told')

The guy surprisingly listed off ALLOT of channels, all the ones you expect, MTV, VH1, SPIKE, etc etc, the one noted NOT on his list was FX. I too and bummed about that, but as long as I get Flavor of Love 22 in HD, I'm a happy DISH DVR!!

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 18th 2008 6:36PM]

Couldn't have happened soon enough. Just two days ago I was on here talking dish subscribers off the ledge ready to jump ship to DirecTV. Patience does pay off.

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 18th 2008 6:37PM]

No, the SG1 at 4 or so are not in HD... not sure what is, but I am happy they are both finally here.

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 18th 2008 6:43PM]

Now it's time to switch to DishTV and get a real DVR.

Seriously, I am a long time Tivo user. Currently have a Tivo Series 3 (nice, but a but slow, ugly and barely any HD channels on TWC) and DirecTV HDR21 (ugly and even slower).

I have used the Dish DVR and can tell you honestly it is better than even my Tivo. The response time is lighning fast, the interface is modern (anti-aliased even!). Can't wait to move to it. It was just SCIFI-HD that was keeping me on DirecTV.

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 18th 2008 6:44PM]

Now it's time to switch to DishTV and get a real DVR.

Seriously, I am a long time Tivo user. Currently have a Tivo Series 3 (nice, but a but slow, ugly and barely any HD channels on TWC) and DirecTV HDR21 (ugly and even slower).

I have used the Dish DVR and can tell you honestly it is better than even my Tivo. The response time is lighning fast, the interface is modern (anti-aliased even!). Can't wait to move to it. It was just SCIFI-HD that was keeping me on DirecTV.

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 18th 2008 6:45PM]

Now it's time to switch to DishTV and get a real DVR.

Seriously, I am a long time Tivo user. Currently have a Tivo Series 3 (nice, but a but slow, ugly and barely any HD channels on TWC) and DirecTV HDR21 (ugly and even slower).

I have used the Dish DVR and can tell you honestly it is better than even my Tivo. The response time is lighning fast, the interface is modern (anti-aliased even!). Can't wait to move to it. It was just SCIFI-HD that was keeping me on DirecTV.

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 18th 2008 6:52PM]

This is great news! Monk and Psych are good shows, so I'm excited I'll be able to see them in HD. Now all I want is FX-HD so I can enjoy Rescue Me and The Riches even more.

[VP Posted Apr 18th 2008 7:05PM]

About damn time. I don't really care for Scifi, but i need USA. Got to go home and check it out.

[mugatu Posted Apr 18th 2008 7:13PM]

Dear EngadgetHD,

WTF IS WRONG WITH YOUR COMMENTS SECTION?

Ever since the update, the comments are all screwed up. The count is different than those displayed, and sometimes nothing shows up at all. I'm looking at "Comments(15)" and it shows 4 comments.

Also, fix the f***ing images on the main page. They dance around the screen on mouse-overs. It makes me not want to read your site.

It's been at least a week since the update rolled out, fix it.

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 18th 2008 7:59PM]

Sci-Fi shows up on 122 (HD) and on 122 (SD)!!!??? I had to go to HD listings and click on that 122. Stargate is showing right now, but its not filling the screen - black bars on sides and top and bottom

[mugatu Posted Apr 18th 2008 8:15PM]

Yep, I see the black bars on all sides as well. That's weird. This episode of SG1 should be in HD but it is little-ized. Hopefully this will adjust itself in the days ahead as they iron out the bugs.

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 18th 2008 7:17PM]

Its on 122 (HD) and 122 (SD)?!!!?
I had to go to HD listings and select that 122. Right now Stargate is playing,
but its letterboxed with black bars all arounds (sides,top,bottom). But it does
look like a less compress signal vs 122 (SD)


CMM

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 18th 2008 7:21PM]

I'm having trouble with my password. Sorry if this show up twice.

Its on 122 (HD) and 122 (SD)?!!!?
I had to go to HD listings and select that 122. Right now Stargate is playing,
but its letterboxed with black bars all arounds (sides,top,bottom). But it does
look like a less compress signal vs 122 (SD)


CMM

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 18th 2008 8:39PM]

HD channels share the same number as their SD counterparts. You just and the HD version of that same channel number to your guide,or just display all in that guide, and you have HD.

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 18th 2008 10:09PM]

wow i cant believe I'm watching BSG in HD on dish right now... today is a good day.

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 18th 2008 10:11PM]

Ok, let me say this:

I'm sure theres SOME hd content on CNN HD, but as many times as I've checked it, i haven't SEEN it yet. Just side-bars and clear scrolling text.

BUT sci-fi and USA have come through. YES dr. who had pillar-bars, but for some reason it still seemed high-res (clearer than a pillar-bar'ed sd channel) Battlestar galactica IS true HD.

And for USA, Law and Order: SVU is true HD. Thank you, dish.

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 19th 2008 1:30PM]

Not bad. Not bad. You have slowly restored my faith in you, Charlie! Now, let's really get back on track on getting more HD channels, chap!

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 19th 2008 6:58PM]

Not sure what gives. USA seems to have shows in full HD but nothing I've seen on SciFi so far is. Dolby 5.1, but not full 16x9 HD. The picture size is the exact same as on the SD channel. Any know if this is a Dish issue or a SciFi issue??

[comptr Posted Apr 19th 2008 9:50PM]

Yes This is great news woohoo!!!!!!!

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 22nd 2008 12:19AM]

Thats not that big of a deal.

Fact: Bears beat Battlestar Galactica.

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 20th 2008 8:39PM]

Bout time Dish, just FX and Spike left and I'll be happy. Need Nip/Tuck, Dirt, and UFC in HD. WOAI in san antonio would be nice too. Greedy jerks.