Ok here is what I know or am hearing. It may or may not be correct but I am telling you what I know.
1) While the new contract has been signed it is not in effect yet. Dish is not paying for channels they currently do not carry. I don't know when it goes into effect.
2) I am told the new HD channels are coming into DISH via Fiber not Satellite. This is not getting a receiver and flipping a switch.
3) There is a lot of work on the backend that must be done including the installation of new encoders, routers, and miles of wires needed to all make it work. There is no clicking of a computer keyboard that will magically get them on screen. This backend work must be done.
4) While there could be some empty transponders up there, remember they must keep a few spares in case a satellite has an issue. And in some cases (as documented in the DISH SEC Filings) some satellites have transponders that don't work.
5) Dish is currently going through a technology upgrade and is swapping out old legacy receivers for new 8PSK/MPEG4 receivers. This swap was supposed to be completed last month but they did not make their deadline so they extended it until March 31st.
As of March 31, 2014 DISH will End of Life (EOL) the following receiver models: 111, 1000, 1500, 3000, 3500, 4000 & 4500. As of this date, DISH will no longer activate any EOL model. Also, any active EOL model still on an account on this date will be deactivated. The approved replacement model is the 211k.
6) There is a huge channel / transponder swap scheduled for 3/27 which will reshuffle many channels on 129, 110, 119, 72.7, 61.5 and 118.7. While not confirmed I am hearing when they move the channels they are moving them new more efficiant encoders which not only provide as good or better PQ but use less bandwidth. The compressing technology keeps improving every day and DISH is investing a lot by constantly upgrading their encoders. This will open up more space.
A lot of people seem to think that because they had the channels that they can just hit a button and make them come back on. This is not the case, nor was the space from these channels saved, after a period of time the space went to bringing you other HD channels you want.
Ultimately there is a lot more that needs to be done then just getting a satellite receiver hooked up and then sending that signal out to viewers home. I wish I could bring you all to the uplink to see how it really works. You would be shocked how much work it takes to get a channel and get it to you. As I said the amount of cable they use is amazing!
I wouldn't expect the internet logins to WatchESPN and others to work until the same day and everything will probably be turned on on the date the new contract goes into effect.
Ultimately they are coming, and we know they are coming this Spring. Remember the saying... good things come to those who wait.
