Charlie Chat Recap 3-09-09

**Laddyboy** · 03-09-2009 10:30 PM

Originally Posted by mstregamer

Do you think that we who have the "HD Absolute" packages will be getting the new HD being added?

I would assume no new HD for you.

**ehren** · 03-09-2009 10:32 PM

Originally Posted by perki

When Charlie was talking about MLB network he said i could watch it on my broadband enabled VIP reciver? What the hell is he talking about.

the dumbass probably meant MLB.TV

**buckchow** · 03-09-2009 10:37 PM

Considering Charlie's apparent preference for "HD" channels that air mostly 4:3 SD upscales, I'm surprised he's not begging TCM to launch an HD channel. Now THAT is a channel that airs mostly older films, and mostly in the old 1.37:1 (about 4:3) aspect ratio to ensure that all HD transfers from the oldest film is pillarboxed, his favorite kind of presentation on widescreen displays. I guess he wouldn't really want TCM HD either because TCM would be smart and air HD transfers of those 1.37:1 films, and he only really likes selling 4:3 SD content as new HD these days.

It's just such a shame. His company has huge potential, but it's almost as if every decision he makes is out of a combination of ignorance and a desire to directly oppose what subscribers have said they want. We're the stupid subscribers, and he's a genius (in his head, and only in his head). Raise prices, reduce quality, make false promises, and more! Truly amazing.

I'm beginning to wonder if he has been basing his recent decisions on clueless advisers or consultants of some kind. Something has definitely gone wrong in that company and it's starting to show in a bad way.

**dijohn76** · 03-09-2009 10:38 PM

I called twice. The first time they asked what my question was (why FxNws and FxBnws HD were not in the "stand alone" HD packages) I was put on hold then transferred to CSR "SuJay" (one guess where she was from) who told me that Fox news and Fox business news were NOT in HD, when I referenced the website and channels 9476 and 9477 then she said "oh yes" they are in HD but only in the "Classic packages" I told her I knew this and the question was why didn't us HD only subs have them and would we be getting them. She just said that she didn't know why. I then asked for a supervisor and was told none were available but she would transfer me to a voicemail. I told her not to bother, hung up, and called charlie chat back. Again on hold, then spoke with Christy who said HD only packages would get them April 1st. I guess we shall see

**Scott Greczkowski** · 03-09-2009 10:40 PM

Originally Posted by M Sparks

Pretty sure BET Jazz HD doesn't exist. Regular BET HD hasn't even launched yet. I'm betting this is SD. As usual, Charlie Chat can't get anything straight.

Dish is the first to carry this channel, and I am told that most if not all of the content is in HD.

Guess we find out on Wednesday.

**jwgreen68** · 03-09-2009 10:41 PM

I won the Nashville trip!

**KindNMean** · 03-09-2009 10:41 PM

Originally Posted by ehren

the dumbass probably meant MLB.TV

I heard that too and am an avid mlb fan but i have no idea how to access mlb network or even mlbtv-whichever he was talking about.. Can anyone walk me through this? I have a vip622 dvr connected to my broadband..Now What??? THanks!

**Scott Greczkowski** · 03-09-2009 10:41 PM

Originally Posted by perki

When Charlie was talking about MLB network he said i could watch it on my broadband enabled VIP reciver? What the hell is he talking about.

I was wondering about this one myself... I hope that Dfergie posts this audio clip so I can decode it better.

**bebop** · 03-09-2009 10:42 PM

Originally Posted by ps2baseball

Woo! You guys hear me or what?!?!?!

Sounded like they confirmed the BAIT and SWITCH!!!!

At least they took my call though.

You made me proud - too bad they didn't answer your question directly - but at least you asked it. I was beginning to think that CC was staged totally. Excellent job.

**nlk10010** · 03-09-2009 10:44 PM

Originally Posted by JEFFinINDY

Looks pretty good to me! Lots of new HD coming, and a few left out to keep us wanting more...

Hey, that's why there's more than one provider. To some, these channels will be welcome: to others (like me) they will mean next to nothing. No Rainbow, no FX-HD, no Comcast, not even RFD-HD. Really, I couldn't care less about any of the new channels.

Not blaming Charlie: he's offering new national HD. Why these particular channels? Your guess is as good as mine.

Only one thing: Charlie, when you tell us that D* carries channels that "don't have any HD content", try to do it with a straight face.