The problem is that the general populace is not filled with the HD-geeks like you and me. In the end E* has to try and get subscribers and we are definitely living in an age where "brand recognition" rules. I really think the DirecTV ads about the "Channels you've never heard of" hurt E* more than we know.
I blame this more on the "masses" and VOOM than anything else. Although, I blame E* for the poor way they handled the removal.
I tend to agree with the statement you made here........ I know people are upset they lost some channels that are in their viewing habits, but the fact is, DISH had to make a decision. These channels do not bring in new subs. DISH's numbers on their earnings report were down substantially. They have to make drastic changes, that includes adding channels that the majority of people percieve to be the mainstream channels. The general public want channels they know and recognize.
Let's face it, Dish is trying to increase the new subs. If a potential new sub wanted to view the HD offerings from DISH, which would they prefer to see? Keep in mind, they are probably comparing the channels to DirecTV's offerings.
NEW HD Channels added on Monday:
- CNN
- USA
- SCI-FI
- THE WEATHER CHANNEL
- BRAVO
- CARTOON NETWORK
- DISNEY
- TOON DISNEY
- ESPN NEWS
- ABC FAMILY
- BIOGRAPHY
- HALLMARK MOVIE CHANNEL
- CINEMAX-W
- CINEMAX 5-STAR
- CNBC
- SMITHSONIAN
- MGM
- WORLD FISHING NETWORK
- TRAVEL CHANNEL
- THE TENNIS CHANNEL
Plus these hopeful and eventual additions in place of the 15 removed VOOM Channels:
- MTV
- CMT
- VH-1
- COMEDY CENTRAL
- SPEED
- FUEL
- FX
- FOX NEWS
- FOX BUSINESS
- SPIKE
- NICKELODEON
- HBO-W
- SHO-TOO
- THE MOVIE CHANNEL
- STARZ-W
OR..... Would the potential new sub rather see these? (Perhaps they have never even heard of)
Former VOOM Channels on DISH:
- ANIMANIA
- EQUATOR
- GALLERY
- GAME PLAY
- RAVE
- TREASURE
- ULTRA HD
- FILM FEST
- KUNG FU
- MONSTERS
- VOOM MOVIES
- FAMILY ROOM
- RUSH
- WORLDSPORT
- HDNEWS
I think Dish is making a HARD but good decision for their long term. Who know's, maybe later the VOOM Channels will return, but for now, in the short term, they had to make a tough decision.
As far as how they followed through with their plan, I'm sure legalities played a major part in how they were removed and discussed (or not).
Also, another thing to keep in mind, HD is more mainstream now, it's no longer just for the enthusiast. Many retail stores now only sell HDTV sets. This forces a lot of other consumers into this arena that would not normally be in this market. Prices have come down as well, so it brings in a whole different type of subs and viewing audience.
The main thing DISH wants is to keep up with the HD subs, and the last couple of quarters has not been well for DISH. They obviously understand now, and are finally making moves trying to adjust.
I for one, stuck around when I and everyone felt like DISH was falling behind by not adding any HD channels, We were all complaining that they weren't doing anything. Where are the new channels? Well, I guess we have to be careful what we ask for. I stuck around during the drought, and I will stick around now. The main reason I have stuck around has always been for one main reason. The DVR. I would be PO'd if they had to remove the DVR functions because of the TIVO lawsuit, so I can empathize with those who are upset with the VOOM channels. However, I still put the blame on VOOM for this mess.
I'm just joking with you, since it sounded like you've already received a bunch, and they just shut off MonstersHD.
