December 18th Dish Retailer Chat Recap

**Hall** · 12-19-2008 01:26 PM

Originally Posted by yaz96

If they let us HD Absolutes stay grandfathered, I will wait and see what channels they will offer...

We won't get any new channels. Apparently after Aug 1st, the HD Absolute package was supposed to have been locked down but we did get the same new HD channels that everyone else got. I guess if Dish adds any before the end of the year or even before Feb 1, we might get them, but safe to say the package will NOT change after that.

At this point, I expect no channels to be added to HD Absolute and I'll live with it... unless they add a number of really compelling HD channels that I don't get. I'm certain that (1) new channel, even one I'd really like, won't motivate me to change. A few might.

**kstuart** · 12-19-2008 01:28 PM

Originally Posted by jdmacor

"They mention that the new receiver names will go into effect on February 1st when the price changes happen."
"They mention that they hope the new satellite is put into use in the mid February time frame."

Basically, we show them the money, then they give us a prize! Maybe... Maybe they will add the Golf/Versus channel in addition to the individual Golf and Versus channels...

We need a Satellite Guys Remedial Reading Course, instead of Satellite Guys Chats.

The new satellite will be online and providing the existing channels during January (so they can move the old satellite). Then, they will add new channels during February.

There is no reason they cannot announce the new channels on February 1st.

**Scott Greczkowski** · 12-19-2008 01:32 PM

Originally Posted by kstuart

There is no reason they cannot announce the new channels on February 1st.

This is true, but this IS Dish Network we are talking about.

**jdmacor** · 12-19-2008 01:39 PM

Originally Posted by kstuart

There is no reason they cannot announce the new channels on February 1st.

Well, that would be concrete enough for me, but it still sounds like we will be paying for it before we see any benefits...

**ramnet** · 12-19-2008 01:41 PM

Originally Posted by jayn_j

I find this "classic" designation interesting for the TopXXX packages. "Classic" is often seen as added value. In addition, "classic" paves the way for a new package group in the near future.

I wouldn't worry too much about the funky names. These things tend to have a pretty short life, and I bet they are changed again by summer.

Dish has been using the Americas Top designation since last century - I recall clearly when I first signed up I had Americas Top 40 for 19.99 a month - those were the good ol' days

Usually Dish just changes the number after the AT branding - AT40 became AT60, which became AT100

I suspect they are doing the "classic" branding because then when they switch everything to MPEG-4 on the western arc (110,119) they can say you need to upgrade because your "classic" equipment is obsolete.

Let me delve into the minds of the DN marketing team:
1) AT package name is misleading - our HD service is more "top" than that.
2) Let's call it "classic" since it's more user-friendly than "standard definition"
3) Let's rename the receiver's to make it easy for subscribers - if you have a classic receiver, you qualify for classic programming only.
4) Let's use the bronze,silver,gold branding so we don't have to use number's - most people are scared of numbers mixed with technology. It also adds consistency and is easier to understand since most people are familiar with olympic medals - some people might not understand that 100 is less than 250.
5) Let's get rid of numbered reciever's since people who understand number's will be confused why the 211 is better than the 311, which is better than the 3700.

**jself1982** · 12-19-2008 01:46 PM

Scott, I wish you'd just make a post/topic sticky saying that new HD will be here in Feb. 09! LOL

**Mainstreet** · 12-19-2008 02:03 PM

The price increases aren't tied to how many HD channels they are/will be adding. They are going up even on SD packages. DVR Advantage SD packages are going up $5-$8. That's a 16% rate hike for AT200, and as far as I know, they aren't adding any new channels to that package.

What moron votes to increase prices in a recession? All the calls I am getting from existing customers wanting to change programming are looking to DECREASE what they are spending on TV.

**Bill1767** · 12-19-2008 02:11 PM

yeah there fu,,ing idots,there going to lose more customer,Im not pay any more for tv, you can bet on this, i dont care how many hd channels they add freaking crooks

**Arse69** · 12-19-2008 02:12 PM

If a customer has a dvr, their cost could go up 7-$10. Thats a big increase, its going to piss alot of current customers off. If a new customer knows what they are going to pay from the start, thats one thing. But to jack up a bill current customer that high is really bad in these economic time is cable tv like.

**foghorn2** · 12-19-2008 02:13 PM

Price increases, changing box names.....

I'm glad I switched to Apple TV+OTA+DVD's...so much simpler, cheaper and friendlier.

We just enjoyed Bugs Bunny episodes this morning. Season one of Bewitched for $20 from the Apple TV is going to be fun the rest of the year.

Sat TV and Cable programming is DEAD!