THey are already active . The hd list I gave you in your other thread with another 22 hd channels would be added as well to the hd pack as well this year , except the premium movie channels( about 3) unless you sub to them in the premium movie packs they are associated with.
SO that is about 41 hd channels + 19 national hd channels= 60 national hd channels . If you have hd locals you get 4 more in hd + ota guide information for you ota locals that you can use for name based recording features other than manual timers like a vcr does.
If all you want is the hd pack then it will cost you 29.99 + 5.98 dvr fee +35.97 for about 60 hd channels by the end of 2008. NOt bad for about 36.00 bucks. THE most hd available for the lowest price. You can't get much better of a deal than that , not even with DIRECTV. THeir lowest introductory pack is the family pack at the same price and you add the dvr fee and it comes to 29.99+ 5.99 =35.98 a month and you have to add the tech fee of 9.99 to that and you pay 45.97 a month and only get about 4-6 hd channels in that pack. DISH wins in the hd pack stand alone price. THe most hd for the lowest price.
AS to the upgrade to the 722 you can get one for what ever you credit allows you. I believe that it would cost you 50.00 for a 622 to be sent to you if you install it yourself. I think it is more for the 722 and it has to be installed. Add an external hard drive ( pay 39.99 to activate the feature) and you can have as many external hard drives you want that you can archive your movies and shows to. IN the end if you want to save money only then ota would be your best value for your money. BUt no dvr yet for digital. THis July I have heard that ECHostar , the parent company of DISH , will offer a dvr with all the features of the 622 /722, guides and even external hard drive support, but no satellite. It will allow you to record two ota stations at the same time -including analog. THere is no dvr fee that we know of yet and it will cost you outright . The price isn't set yet .
