Correct they "may include". A few of those channels don't have HD versions yet, and some of those channels they dont have signed contracts for, but negotiations are almost complete for them.
I guess they can't announce channels officially until they are launched which is why press releases about new channels come out after the channel launches.
They can announce anything they want, whenever they want.
You guys seem to be forgetting that Discovery HD, TLC HD, Animal Planet HD, and Science HD were announced by Dish with a start date MORE THAN A MONTH before they went on the air. And History Channel HD was announced more than six weeks before it debuted. And weren't VS/Golf and MHD and National Geographic "pre-announced" as well? Ahhh, the good old days.
In many of those cases, the channels did not exist. But they announced it anyway. So there is precedent for it. I am sure there are other examples.
They also announced Big Ten Network before it was uplinked, but only a few days before it was uplinked.
This "May" and "Might" stuff gets tiring. Think about how much more interesting the Charlie Chat would be if they actually announced anything!
A pretty good source of mine says that Dish is contractually obligated to being broadcasting Disney, ESPN News, ABC Family, etc., when they debut March 31 or whenever. That's no guarantee that they will be uplinked and available, but his understanding is that there are financial consequences for Dish if it does not carry those channels in HD (He thought that there is a short term rate discount on ESPN and ESPN2 or some such).
So let's see if that happens. But IF they are obligated and IF they have allocated the space, then WHY THE HELL DON'T THEY JUST ANNOUNCE IT NOW? Directv already has.
It's stupid not to announce stuff like this. It does not make business sense. Take my case. I have been holding off on a 612 until I know more. And I will continue to hold off until I see more. And I would like to see it fast, as in SPEED.
chickens counted, eggs not yet hatched.
