Cablevision's probable VOOM HD replacement channels: they're all premiums
By Darren Murph 
posted Jan 15th 2009 4:43PM
posted Jan 15th 2009 4:43PM
Okay, so Cablevision isn't apt to come right out and say that these newcomers are the replacements for the 15 VOOM HD networks that were marked for deletion late last year, but it may as well have. Coincidentally, 15 new high-def channels are reportedly lined up to join the Cablevision EPG in short order, though every single one is a premium movie channel. Encore HD, Starz Kids & Family HD, Starz Edge HD, HBO Signature HD, HBO Family HD, HBO Comedy HD, HBO Zone HD, HBO2 HD, HBO Latino HD, Action Max HD, More Max HD, @MAX HD, Outer MAX HD and Showtime Too HD are all expected to show up starting on January 21st, with rollouts continuing across all markets until January 23rd. We know, your first reaction is probably something along the lines of "What? All movie channels?," but at least you're getting something out of the deal -- if you opt to pay up, of course. [Thanks, LI PC Tech]
For what it's worth, Voom is still on the air until the 20th. The only one that's gone already is Voom HD News. The rest are still broadcasting for a couple more days.
I am not getting anything out of the deal.
Why would I pay $15 a month to watch HBO's movies when I already pay $15 a month for Netflix?
Because these channels are in HD, only about 5%-10% on netflix are in HD if you are lucky.
I am PISSED!!!!!!!!! This is not a lateral replacement for the VOOM network. That AIN'T going to fly. They 'd better follow up with 15 standard io HD channels (as the VOOM network were) super fast or their customer service reps will be even more unhappy employees than they already are!
I actually watched FilmFest, Voom Movie Network, Monsters, Kung FU and Rave and will soredly miss them.
When are they going to get us the rest of the basic family cable channels in HD? USA, Disney, Fox Family, TVLand, E!, BET, Headline News all the shopping networks, and the best of the io digital channels like Biography, Oxygen, Fox Movie Network, Turner Classic Movies, VH1 Classics, Hallmark in HD????? Why is Cablevision moving so sloooowly on HD content???? They're charging a fortune for a lot of junk channels
We already have USA-HD, and most of those other channels don't come in HD. What would TV Land possible show in HD?
Stop whining, Cablevision already offers way more HD channels than many other cable providers. Comcast doesn't offer Food Network HD, FX HD, HGTV HD, Nick HD, Discovery Channel HD, TLC HD, and many others that you are taking for granted. Not to mention, those Voom channels suck anyway I'd much rather have more premium movie channels in HD.
Matt** I don't think it's so much about the whining as much about getting screwed over. What they are doing is the equivalent to you taking your car to a mechanic for repairs and instead of getting your car back, you get another car that looks exactly like yours. Oh, but your key can't start the car because it's a different one that you had. And if you do want to start the car, you have to pay me X amount of money every month to keep the car. It's shady and just night right.
First I work for Cablevision. I'm one of those people who help you over the phone with your cable issues. Now You are 100% correct. They removed the VOOM HD channels and so far haven't replaced them. They pulled unto a meeting and told us they were looking for comparable channels to replace them with but that was BS. It's just what they wanted us to tell our subscribers. They were blaming Dish Networks decision of dropping VOOM from their line up and forcing them to shut down those channels. Noticed how the Family package just got lighter and they still raised the price of Family from $49.95 to $52.95. The loss of the IO Family HD channels doesn't mean a whole lot them since the majority of the people who only have that package don't have HD sets. Personally I don't see the value in Cable TV in general. You are forced to pay for a crap load of channels so you can watch the hand full of channels you actually want. I only have Cable TV because it's free for me. If I had to still pay for it I'd stick to just internet access and download the crap I watch. It's a crime that they reduced the number of channels you get in that package yet they still raised the price. It's hard to make up excuses for the rate hike to tell the customers knowing full well they'd get a better value TV service from our competition.
should be "not right" at the end...not "night right". :)
Question, Has VOOM ever broadcast a single program in SD? Exactly! All of the programming was unique and in HD and not just HD channels broadcasting SD programming! Not to mention a huge portion of it being commercial free. Heck, I wouldn’t even mind if they added a few commercials between programs if it meant keeping VOOM especially in its basic HD package form. Again, VOOM isn’t just HD, the content is unique! Yea, keep doing dumb shite like this broadcast providers and keep driving youngsters to the internet/s for more and more of their entertainment cycles/hours. If you ask me, we just took a GIANT step backwards with regards to HD programming! SUCKS!!
Showtime Showcase HD will also be added.
MonstersHD [i]was[/i] on digital cable. What rock have you been under? ;) Lol.
The idiots at Cablevision who owned Voom/ MonstersHD, Animania, and other cool Voom channels shut them off tonight at 1am Eastern.
For MosntersHD, I was watching [i]Child's Play [/i] this am/late evening, and at about 1:15am the screen went blank right in the middle of the film. WTF?
What inconsiderate jerk offs Cablevision is.
What ever happened to the your choice and the a la carte supposed features of Cablevision/IO?
I would gladly pay a few extra bucks a month for Monsters HD. It was the best channel I have ever had.
Uncut, commercial free. Horror and Sci Fi in HD. HD specials and behind the scenes. What more could you ask for?
Now Cablevsision is shoving crap in it's place. No thank you.
I am going to cancel Cablevision. They don't give a crap about their subscribers.
You can tell I am pissed huh? ;)
No way in hell will I pay for any of the channels that replaced the Voom channels, mainly Monsters HD and Animania HD.
Come to think of it, HBO and any other "replacement" channel will get nothing but bad press from me and my friends.
Same goes for Crapplevision, I mean Cablevision.
Joe, I couldn't agree with you more. I also loved Monsters HD. I will miss it a lot. Granted, their programming could have been a little better and was a little repetitive but it was the only horror channel that was in full HD, I liked Monsterama a lot too! Cablevision has added another horror channel called "Chiller" but it is not in HD. It is one of the standard def channels (Channel 168 - Monmouth,NJ). Their programming includes such shows as "Freddy's Nightmares, Tales From The Crypt, Alfred Hitchcock Presents". I guess this channel wouldn't be so bad if Cablevision brought it to HD but they're not going to do that. I personally think this is gonna be the last straw for me with Cablevision. As much as I don't want to switch services I think now I'll seriously start looking into Verizon FIOS. At least they offer over 100 HD channels in their lineup and continue to add HD programming while Cablevision is doing the opposite by reducing their HD content. They are going to lose a lot of customers because of the deletion of the VOOM HD channels and replacing them with premium movie channels (HBO, Showtime etc) that are going to cost the customer more money if they want to receive these channels. Cablevision is slowly digging themselves an early grave.
I just found out by flipping to the "this channel has ceased operations" message; kind of a drag, I will miss some of that content but more HBO, Starz and Encore in HD more than makes up for it for me. Having all those SD HBO channels was kind of frustrating, who wants to watch movies in 2/3's of the screen anymore?
I'd rather have more HBO and still have Voom but honestly they showed the same dozen movies over and over on each channel, how many times can you watch Samurai Rebellion?
This is bullcrap!!!
I just called cablevision and complained about this. Even though the content was free I wanted toi let them know how unhappy I am and they may lose a long time customer.
My TV used to sit on VOOM 24/7 especially Monsters HD, Rave and Equator HD.
This is a HUGE disappointment.
BTW Mike I checked the Chiller channel and it looks like I will have to pay for this?
Rich, I was just as disgusted as you. I tuned in early this morning only to see a blue screen with the words "This channel has ceased operations" on all 15 Voom channels. I will particularly miss Monsters HD, Rave, & Equator HD. It stinks that you will have to pay for Chiller. Don't know if it's worth it being it's not even High Def? I just figured I'd mention it here just in case anyone else didn't know it was available. I just found out about it myself last week while channel surfing. I think I'm finally going to take the plunge and cancel my Cablevision Triple Play package and go with Verizon FIOS. It seems Cablevision doesn't care about their HD programming anyway. They always seemed to be way behind all their competition. FIOS is offering over 100 HD channels with phone, and internet for about the same price I'm paying now for Cablevision's triple play package. Mark my words, if Cablevision continues on this route they will be out of the business within a few years. That's even if they last that long?
I just woke up and headed into my morning routine. Brew the coffee, walk the dog, turn on the TV, tune to Gallery HD. What??!!! "This channel has ceased operations and will no longer be available. Please check your local listings for similar programming."
I am NOT happy about this!
I was afraid this might happen. The programming had become very repetitive of late and new things were no longer coming down the pipe. But to take the whole lineup of VOOM off? I'm shocked!
yeah i am extremely pissed. i found this out on my lunch break from work...i went to watch the kung-fu channel and boom GONE! no more monsters HD is horrible. those were basically the only two channels i watched. i called cablevision and was told this was no mistake they are gone and some unknown replacements will be comming soon. total crap! i want my channels back!!!!!!
If they dont replace those voom channels with channels with similar content I will switch to FIOS. I very much enjoyed the VOOM channels. The stupidity of the decision to get rid of those channels is mind numbing.
Vios has VERY LIMITED availability so it is NOT an option for me! Does VIOS have Voom?
It is disingenuous to say that those missing premium channels will replace VOOM, they will NOT! They are merely premium channels that don't yet have an HD channel!
I loved MonstersHD, Kung fu HD, Voom HD and even catching Jonny Lee Miller, Angelina Jolie et al on Hackers every other day on VHDM!!! I will miss Zatoichi the most!
IF Voom continues to broadcast the best thing to do is to COMPLAIN, DOWNGRADE, and COMPLAIN some more!!
Financial repercussions are the ONLY thing that Cablevision responds to!
How could they?!!!15 HD channel just closed! I am calling Cablevision right now! They better replace it or I am switching to other provider! Those channel were very good, and they were all HD! There is no way I am upgrading my plan and pay extra $$$ !
I just spoke to Cablevision customer service and I was told that they will provide replacement by the end of the month but they are not sure if all channels will be included in the package that I have! There is no info as of now what channel will they provide. Call customer service and put some pressure on them, maybe it will hep!! Verizon Fios...here i come!
At the present time Cablevision has the town of Brookhaven LI in its pocket and has blocked approval of Verizon Fios. This will not go on forever. When this relationship with Brookhaven township ends and Verizon compleats its cabling there will a dramatic decrease in subscriptions to Cablevision. Long Islanders are sick of the monopoly held by cablevision and the unjustified rate increases placed on them. I think its time for the state of New York to get involved and do something to protect its consumers.
If you would like to stick it to Cablevision and make them listen, cancel all premium services and subscribe to Netflix .
This sucks! My husband and I LOVED Equator HD! Hell, I was watching it yesterday - the Jazz and Blooms. It was beautiful and relaxing and informative and Cablevision had to go screw it up??
Thanks, Cablevision! You money-hungry...&%#@$^!!!
Isn't is KIND of misleading & lying by saying the channel has "CEASED OPERATIONS" When the fact is that they just dropped it from their lineup??
They almost want to make you believe that VOOM closed their doors or something..
I guess they figure with the "CEASED OPERATIONS" page they'll get less phone calls..
The bastards..
1st DISH-NETWORK drops the channels now this.
I seriously doubt Cablevision be able to replace ANY of the VOOM lineup with anything even remotely similar..
I am so utterly disappointed that Cablevision dropped the Voom Channels. I do subscribe to HBO, but I do that primarily for the original programming. I already have the various versions of HBO As part of the IO pkg, I rarely ever used it. Voom Channels, were all unique. Gone are the Auto Auctions, EQHD, RAV HD (great content), Monsters, TredHD, FilmHD and more. Just yesterday I was watching The Misfits, is HBO going to show that? Doubt it. This is a sad day in my house. Oh and did I mention that not only was this programming unique, but there were no commercials! Oh How I hate commercials. So what do I do now, Set up for Netflix downloads? For some reason, it's just not the same. It is pretty cool to just snap on the TV and get caught up with a film already in progress, which is something with an edge, or horror. Where else you you ever even think of watching Destination Inner Space. A totally hokey film but kept you glued because you wanted to see what would happen next. Do I go to Fios? Heck are they any better. In my mind it is the content, not the provider. I am asking this to the forum, Does Fios have anything like a Voom type programming? I apologize if I am rambling, I am just very unhappy about this and so not normally reply to forums.
My wife and I were advid fans of voom thus keeping me from bringing fios into the house. Guess what cablevision!
add me to the list, the only channel I and my brother regularly watched were Monster and Kungfu.
What the frak.
I just emailed Cablevision and expressed to them my displeasure with their choice to replace Voom channels with HBO.I liked the cheesy movies they played on Kung-Fu & Monster Hd When and if FIOS comes to my Brookhaven NY I will be canceling my Triple play with cablevision. After they practically begged aand harassed me to come back to them after leaving them for Dish network, now they do this.
Man do I miss the Blind Swordsman on Kung Fu HD. Long Live Zatoichi !!
Well along with everyone else here I'm flipping out that I just lost 14 (news has been gone for a while now) HD channels. What exactly happened??? From what I've read, the voom networks have ceased to exist. Or is this B.S.?? If its Cablevision that just dropped the channels, isn't there something that can be done??
http://www.paidcontent.org/entry/419-shutting-down-voom-hd-networks-will-cost-cablevision-at-least-45-millio/
Yeah we're screwed.
I watch Gameplay HD and my father watches KungFu HD regularly. I was shocked to see all these Voom channels disappear. I had to come online to find out why. This really stinks. Voom was the best thing about Cablevision's family package. I would cut back to basic cable if I wasn't a Nets and Mets fan.
One thing that no one is mentioning - these 15 new HD channels are SDV - meaning a Cablevision set top box is required. Those of us with cablecard eating TiVos and HTPCs are out of luck until Cablevision rolls out the tuning adapters!
This is BULLSH_T. I too was screwed over last night watching chucky on monsters hd, but it was late anyway so i just went to bed. Just tried the monster channel...nothing. Rush HD...nothing. So i give cablevision a call and the nice rep tells me voom has ceased to broadcast. I thank her for this info, but decide to do a little research and BAM. I see this site. There were 4-5 stations that were in my regular rotation...gone. And as others have mentioned, most were very unique content. I am extremely pissed. We do have fios in the neighborhood but I was relactant to switch. I am now one step closer. I'll give it a couple of months to see what happens but it really doesnt look good.
I JUST got HD Cablevision after years of standard crap. And there was my favorite channel. GamePlayHD.. I just left that on all damn day. My father watched MonstersHD non stop too. And the other channels always had something GOOD or interesting on. Now with this crap I wish I could cancel. But my damn sister is now a CV employee because she got a job at a Movie Thearter owned by them. So I get Free Cable and Internet so that they can f*** my family over a week later. Shame on you Cablevision.
Equater hd was my favorite channel, i am really pissed about this. they better add history channel in hd at least.
TYPICAL DOLAN BULL----
TAKE OVER TV TAKE OVER NEWSDAY
SOUNDS LIKE A COMMUNISM IS BACK
I WANT MY VOOM !!!!!!! NOW> NOW> NOW!!!!
U-P-S-E-T IS PUTTING IT MILDLY!!!
Cablevision is horrible. Rush HD was one of the greatest channels in their HD package. The quality of broadcast of the Voom HD network was awesome and always looked better than the major networks HD. Thankfully the transition to digital tv is almost hear. This move by cablevision just solidified my move back to antenna, where I will enjoy better signal reception...for free!
I'm voting with my wallet.
FiOS is available on my block in February. I spoke with a rep and learned we can replace both our cable modems (one business VoIP, one home VoIP - yes, they needed to be separate) with a single FiOS line.
Right away, that saves us the extra internet service we currently need for the biz VoIP. As for web-based access to messages, there's FiOS Digital Voice (vs. the POTS option) for the residential line:
http://www.verizon.com/fiosvoice/
My only gripe is that they don't have it for business lines. (Cablevision offers web-based access to voicemail regardless.)
On the other hand, we aim to save upwards of $1,000/yr with this new plan - no Tuning Adapter needed. Plus, if Verizon will let me lock in the rate in exchange for a multi-year commitment, so much the better.
this is unacceptable.. what happened.. hbo bought them out.. this is about money right.. thats it...Im writing a letter to Barack Obama .
Ya, Monsters HD was awsome! The repitition i did not mind. Hell I could watch Night of the Demons 3 200 times and still want more!
ahhhh im gonna miss rave hd and gallery hd...i could watch those things all day...atleast i still have food netwrok im good...
it figures, the ONLY thing i watched besides the NFL was monsters hd and both will have disappeared in less than 2 weeks, im not looking forward to this.
Cablevision SUCKS !! what balls they have. Monsters HD was a great thing, but in typical money hungry fashion these greedy fucking Dolans have to fuck everything up. They buy Newsday and a week later raise the fucking price 33% ! Bastards!!!!
I've had it with these animals, I'll have to make the switch to Verizon. Cablevision just does not give a shit about there own customers one bit. I've had cable for 30 + years, time to move on.....
to the Dolan family, FUCK YOU!
Well, I just sat down after a long day work and see all my channels are gone. I read the posts. Yes, I'm really angry too. Question for anyone...does Verizon Fios have any of these channels that just got yanked? I'm particularly interested in Monster and Rav. This sucks big time.
Does anyone know also, does Verizon carry MSG in HD? That was one I
think they didn't have before and that's an important here in my
house...to be honest, I never even knew this was going to happen.
WTF??? I feel like I am a slave or something when I pay something
like 200/mo == 2400/yr for service like this? Sheesh, and now I'm
reading up about some raised fees? WTF???
Wrong on so many levels..
DirectTV is offering their Premier channel lineup with All Local broadcasting as well as 265+ channels, including over 130 HD channels, and a ton of other crap. I just checked and with 4 HD boxes, two of which are HD-DVR the total is $72 per month for 3 months and then it jumps to $82 per month for a 12 month contract..
CABLEVISION - $UCK IT YOU PIGS!
I'd rather pay more money for channels I'll watch than to have to pay for your sorry a$$ mistakes and lame a$$ movie channels. How many FUKKING HBO channels can I possibly watch you FUKKING IDIOTS!?!?