Directv HD Thoughts

[lspear76]

I just found out Directv finally launched their channels (thanks everyone) and last night proceeded to upgrade my package.

I don't watch tv much, so I was subscribed to the Family Pack, HD Access, and NFL Sunday Ticket w/ FREE SuperFAN.

I was disappointed that in order to gain access to most of the new channels, I had to upgrade my package. I was hoping they would be included as part of the $9.99 HD Access fee.

I just had to check out the new HD channels so I upgraded to the Choice Xtra (I only get the Xtra because it carries "Boomerang") as well as Starz (seems to be the best value - many HD channels) and Showtime (again, many HD channels). I also added HBO (only one HD channel, lame) to get the free Cinemax for 3 months. I'm not sure what i'll keep after test drive this HD stuff.

Overall, it's pretty impressive so far. But I only really watch the HD Channels and wish there was an HD package only. To current subs of the movie channels and packages though, the added HD channels for no additional cost must be welcome indeed.

 

[Jimbo]

I just found out Directv finally launched their channels (thanks everyone) and last night proceeded to upgrade my package.

I don't watch tv much, so I was subscribed to the Family Pack, HD Access, and NFL Sunday Ticket w/ FREE SuperFAN.

I was disappointed that in order to gain access to most of the new channels, I had to upgrade my package. I was hoping they would be included as part of the $9.99 HD Access fee.

I just had to check out the new HD channels so I upgraded to the Choice Xtra (I only get the Xtra because it carries "Boomerang") as well as Starz (seems to be the best value - many HD channels) and Showtime (again, many HD channels). I also added HBO (only one HD channel, lame) to get the free Cinemax for 3 months. I'm not sure what i'll keep after test drive this HD stuff.

Overall, it's pretty impressive so far. But I only really watch the HD Channels and wish there was an HD package only. To current subs of the movie channels and packages though, the added HD channels for no additional cost must be welcome indeed.

The reason you did not get the new HD channels is that they were not part of your regular package at the time.
Any channel you currently subbed to (before you upgraded) that had an HD channel you would have received IF you also subbed to the HD package ($ 9.99).
If you had any of the movie channels that HD were added to, you automatically get the HD channel, same goes with ANY HD channel in your package.

Jimbo

 

[GWHiZiTSPHiL]

i posted this in another thread but i think it relates here and hasn't been answered yet.




question:

i have Choice Extra + HD Access ($10/month).

i see an option available on the DirecTV website to add DirecTV HD Extra Pack for first three months free then ($5/month).


does this mean in order to view some of the content only offered in my Choice Extra that has an HD counterpart I need to add that $5 to my HD Access totaling $15/month?

 

[charper1]

Just to be clear; what channels are you referring to?

 

[mikew]

HD Access now refers to receiving the HD counterparts of all programming you recieve in your SD package.

The new HD package will be required to continue to receive HDNet, HDNet Movies, UHD, Smithsonian and another channel that I cannot recall.

 

[harshness]

The new HD package will be required to continue to receive HDNet, HDNet Movies, UHD, Smithsonian and another channel that I cannot recall.

MGM?

 

[lspear76]

So, what's everyone subscribing to? I'd like to receive every HD channel, but to carry Total Choice Xtra, HBO, Max, Starz, and Showtime, is not really cost efficient. $100/month for satellite... wow.

I'm trying it all out (except Sports Pack) for 1-3 months and then deciding. I think i'll definitely keep Starz, since it has what, 5 HD movie channels? Sweet. HBO seems to be worst so far, with only 1 HD channel... Showtime has what, 3 HD channels, with TMC in HD, but generally Showtime shows the worst films, so it's a toss up.

I can't wait for more HD Channels, especially the two Cinemax channels and more Total Choice channels.

 

[Jimbo]

So, what's everyone subscribing to? I'd like to receive every HD channel, but to carry Total Choice Xtra, HBO, Max, Starz, and Showtime, is not really cost efficient. $100/month for satellite... wow.

I'm trying it all out (except Sports Pack) for 1-3 months and then deciding. I think i'll definitely keep Starz, since it has what, 5 HD movie channels? Sweet. HBO seems to be worst so far, with only 1 HD channel... Showtime has what, 3 HD channels, with TMC in HD, but generally Showtime shows the worst films, so it's a toss up.

I can't wait for more HD Channels, especially the two Cinemax channels and more Total Choice channels.

Why is it that there are only 2-3 Cinemax channels and they charge the standard rate of $ 12.99 while others have many more channels for the same price ?

I think more HBO 's in HD will be coming .... eventually.

Jimbo

 

[lspear76]

I always found the Cinemax price ridiculous too. HBO/Cinemax should come together, like Starz/Encore and Showtime/TMC. Plus that whole $5 extra for the Family Pack thing is ridiculous. I only want the Boomerang Network, but to see it, I have to pay $5 extra. They should all be in the Total Choice $49.99 package.

 

[iceturkee]

Why is it that there are only 2-3 Cinemax channels and they charge the standard rate of $ 12.99 while others have many more channels for the same price ?

I think more HBO 's in HD will be coming .... eventually.

Jimbo

jimbo, i believe all of the hbo channels will be hd in january. but there will be another hbo hd channel added in october.....hbo west, i think.

 

[shugo77]

Why is it that there are only 2-3 Cinemax channels and they charge the standard rate of $ 12.99 while others have many more channels for the same price ?
Jimbo

The only reason I can think of for this is the fact that after 10PM or so, Cinemax pretty much turns into a soft porn channel, which makes it a popular package that people are willing to pay for. If nobody subbed to it, because of the high price, they would have to eventually lower the price or include it with HBO.