Next up is Q1 2009 Promotions... this is going to be the hot topic.. I can feel it in my blood.
New packages, new rates new receiver names...
We start with the new receiver names... (Who's dumb ass idea was this?) ALL current receivers are changing their names. (See the second slide below)
They mention that the new receiver names will go into effect on February 1st when the price changes happen. (I don't know if I were wanting a 722k as it offers dual off air tuning with the tuner cartridge and all I can order is a "Enhanced HD Duo DVR Receiver" and I just got a standard 722 I would be pissed.
)
These new names will also make it hard for SatelliteGuys members to search for support on their equipment, as HD Duo Receiver is likely to get you a lot more hits (and garbage) then if you just typed in 222k receiver. Who ever thought of this amazing idea should be taken out behind the woodshed and... well you get the idea.
Next up is another amazing harebrained idea. renaming all the SD packages... (see slide 3 below)
For example, Americas Top 100 will now be known as "Classic Bronze 100", Americas Everything Pack will become the "Classic Americas Everything Pack."
Man its going to get busy behind that woodshed.
Now we go into price changes (i can feel another Woodshed comment coming up from your truly!)
They say these changes are nominal as programming becomes more expensive each year, and as margins get squeezed they make some nominal changes to the pricing of programming packages. (I think I hate the word Nominal)
Turbo HD is going UP
Turbo HD Bronze is going up $5 a month
Turbo HD Silver is going up $7 a month
Turbo HD Gold i s going up $10 a month
(No I am not kidding...) Jim says more HD services are coming which will make the price increase worth it.
There is NO CHANGE in the HD add on package which remains at $10 a month extra.
AT 100 going up $2
AT 200 going up $3
AT 250 going up $3
Americas Everything Pack going up $3
But get this... many of the Dish Latino packages with locals are going DOWN in price. (Dish Latino without locals however are going UP in price (see the slide below) essentially Locals will be included in the Dish Latino package for no extra charge...
Dish Latino Bonus pack remains the same.
Some big increases to the Dish DVR Advantage packages... anywhere from a $2 a month increase up to a $10 a month increase! (ouch!)
Note that starting on February 1st on your first dual tuner receiver there is no additional $5 a month fee if the box is not hooked up to a phone line or broadband, however the fee remains on all other dual tuners in the house if they are not hooked to a phoneline or broadband.
On Premium channels HBO and Playboy are going up $1 a month.
Some international programming packages are going up as well.
Additional Receiver fees are going down if you have DishDVR advantage (a savings of 98 cents a month)
The HD enabling fee is going down $2 a month from $7 to $5 a month.
And that's it for price changes.
