DISH Network details HD only TurboHD packages

Good on you, DISH Network. Rather than sitting idly by while everyone already knows that 17 new HD channels are coming in August, the satcaster has pushed out a press release making the newcomers official. 'Course, you didn't really expect DISH to push aside the opportunity to trumpet its pending leap to 100+ high-def stations, did you? Nevertheless, those 17 that we mentioned earlier today are indeed coming on August 1st, but what we didn't know was how exactly the long-rumored HD only packages would work. Also beginning on August 1st, the handful of TurboHD packages -- which will deliver only high-definition channels -- will be available with or without locals starting at $24.99 and topping out at $49.99. Check out the read link for more details. Oh, how we long for the day where HD only packages are commonplace across carriers.

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 10th 2008 9:40PM]

Still no FX in HD... Shame on you Dish Network

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 11th 2008 4:28PM]

I'm waiting on that one as well. Who knows, it may just show up unannounced? Here in Sacramento we've had HD locals for years - every network except Fox that is. Then about a month ago, it just showed up in HD. Maybe FX will too. I can hope.

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 11th 2008 6:32PM]

Me too I can't wait to get FOX

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 10th 2008 9:45PM]

I hope they add even more HD with the new EchoStar XI bird.
http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/07/10/dish-networks-echostar-xi-lifts-off-on-july-15th/

[MiggityMikeB Posted Jul 10th 2008 11:09PM]

sorry kid. round here that just makes you a loser.

[MiggityMikeB Posted Jul 10th 2008 11:09PM]

Not impressed. Also what "details"? That word doesn't mean what you think it means because there were no details. In fact Silver and Gold were exactly the same except for price... :(

[MilSF1 Posted Jul 11th 2008 11:13AM]

Well, it depends on what they mean by "core HD package". I'm guessing that is different between the packages. Now if they would only get Little Rock HD locals....

[twister Posted Jul 11th 2008 12:01AM]

Well, I AM impressed. they promised more channels and they are delivering. They did take away Voom but are making up for it now. My favorite Voom channels were the movie channels, well August 1st we get 6 new HBO HD channels, 4 new Starz HD channels, another Cinemax HD, and a few others. For a movie fan like myself I couldn't be happier, these channels run alot of movies in HD that aren't on other channels, especially the STARZ...plus they have been adding HD locals much faster than Directv, by year's end they say all markets will be covered.

Glad I remained with Dish. -)

[Mitchell Posted Jul 11th 2008 10:37AM]

i would for sure be up for the all HD packages!

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 11th 2008 3:22PM]

I'm slightly confused. I already have their HD-only package right now (the dishHD package). Does this "TurboHD" package replace what I have? Am I getting tossed to the bottom tier of this new TurboHD plan, and will have to spend more money to get back to the top where I receive all HD channels like I do now?

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 11th 2008 8:45AM]

Giving up the Voom channels for more HBO channels is like giving up chocolate pudding for more vegetables. I may get the Encore channel and I can't wait for the Lifetime channels (joking) but I don't waste time or money on those movie channels. Seeing "The Breakup" for the 98th time isn't going to be any better in HD.

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 11th 2008 9:09AM]

Where the hell are Spike and FX......

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 11th 2008 9:27AM]

Worth noting that, contrary to current advertising, Dish added UniversalHD to the basic "HD Essentials" tier a week or two ago. UHD is a combination of older cancelled network shows and movies, shown with relatively few commercial interruptions. It's fairly good.

[kcmurphy88 Posted Jul 11th 2008 12:40PM]

How do they do this with no added bandwidth? The VOOM space only brings you so much. Answer: massive compression. One more channel per transponder. Again.

[(Unverified) Posted Aug 20th 2008 11:39PM]

I am confused. The add on Dish Network's site only shows about 25 HD channels in there Bronze package and less than 50 in their Platinum package. Notably missing are FX, BBC America, Comedy Central, Fine Living, and others. See http://www.dishnetwork.com/content/our_products/dish_hd/programming/turboHD/index.shtml

Now if you go to there complete listing of channels and click on one, it will list on what packages you can get that channel. Note, clicking on FX, and the page says the channel is available on DishHD Gold and DishHD Silver. See
http://www.dishnetwork.com/content/whats_on_dish/programming_packages/channels/index.asp?NetwID=50302

So what is the deal? What are the 100+ channels you get with the packages? I guess I have to call to fine out.