Which Dish Network receivers can get HDTV?
 

• Model 5000
  • Requires HDTV Adapter and an HDTV tuner (set-top or built-in to TV)
  • This combination will become obsolete as new HDTV channels are added in the Enhanced HD format. See DBSTalk.com.
    
     
• Model 6000
  • For pictures and features see: Dish Model 6000 HDTV Receiver Features
  • Optional 8VSB module for OTA reception of HDTV and NTSC channels available for $149.
  • Optional Enhanced HD (8PSK) module for Discovery HD Theater and future HD channels available for $99. Model 6000U has the module or equivalent electronics included.
    The 8PSK module is on sale for $49+S&H through 4/30/03.
  • Introductory Press Release
  • Dish Network Model 6000 web page

Will my existing receiver be upgraded for HDTV?

No. The 5000 and 6000 are the only HDTV-capable receivers. Future models include the 211 (for early Mitsubishi sets), 811 (6000 replacement), PVR921 and JVC TU-PVR9000 recorders.
 

What HDTV channels does Dish offer?
 

1. Requires the Enhanced HD module available only for Model 6000.
2. Requires subscription to Showtime after Oct 2, 2000.
3. Requires subscription to HBO after Oct 2, 2000.
4. Must qualify through DISH to buy, available to viewers in a CBS white area or within a CBS O&O market. Activation upon request, limit 1.
   CBS O&O's are NY, LA, Chicago, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Boston, Detroit, Dallas, Miami, Minneapolis, Denver, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Salt Lake City, Austin, Green Bay.

Complete Dish Channel List
HDTV channel descriptions (Dishnetwork.com)
HDTV On-line Schedule (Dishnetwork.com)
 

I have a DISH 500 system, and was wondering if I need to set up an additional dish to receive HDTV programming?

This paragraph included for historical purposes:
All HDTV channels are available only from 61.5°W. According to the October 2000 Technical Forum, there are no plans to change this for at least a year, after the spot-beam satellites are in service. Another possibility mentioned is mirroring HDTV channels at 148°W, after a satellite is moved there, to better serve the west coast. As announced on the December 2000 Charlie Chat, this second possibility should become reality in early January 2001. Per the February 2001 Charlie Chat, HDTV will not be mirrored at 148° until more programming is available.

All HDTV channels are available from 61.5°W, with all but the Demo channel mirrored at 148°W (as of Apr 13, 2001). There are no foreseeable plans to make HDTV available from the core 110/119 slots seen by a Dish500 since HDTV channels take about 6x the bandwidth of a regular channel.

So yes, if you need HDTV, you'll need another Dish with Dual LNB, and an SW64. You may not add another dish to simultaneously receive 61.5° and 148° with the 5000. This is possible on the 6000 by selecting the 129° satellite on the dish pointing screen and cascading SW64 and SW21 switches. The combination is not completely stable but seems to work.

If you have a Twin or Quad LNB or SW44, you can use an SW21 in place of the SW64. Requires 1 for each receiver, up to 2.

See: What are switches, and why do I need them?
 

Where can I learn more?

Dish Network's HDTV FAQ Page

While not specifically for Echostar users, Lee Wood's HDTV forum is a good place to get info on HDTV matters http://server2.ezboard.com/bdigitaltelevisionhdtvforum

HDTV News is updated daily at
http://pub1.ezboard.com/fdigitaltelevisionhdtvforumhdtvdigitaltelevisionnewsforum

Consumer Electronics Assn, www.ce.org

http://www.pbs.org/digitaltv/

The FCC's DTV Facts and FAQ page, http://www.fcc.gov/mb/policy/dtv/.

Advanced Television Systems Committee, http://www.atsc.org.

How Stuff Works, http://www.howstuffworks.com/hdtv.htm

Compare dimensions of regular (4:3) vs widescreen (16:9) TVs, http://www.cavecreations.com/tv2.cgi

Comparison of DTV Recorders/DTV PC Tuners (TWICE)
 

Edited by BobaBird. Contributions & corrections welcome!