It looks like the 1080p video resolution upgrade will be done by firmware update to DISH’s MPEG-4 HD-DVRs. Their on Demand VOD service will also be available to subscribers at 1080p.
With the extra amount of bandwidth needed to deliver the signal, TurboHD will use a new type of encoding to increase data transmission and frame rates.
Quote:
As of Friday August 1, 2008, DISH will add 17 new HD channels to its current lineup which totals 114 HD channels, 100 of which will be nationally available. DISH also plans to match rival DIRECTV’s plans to have 150 HD channels available by the end of 2008.
The all-HD packages using TurboHD will be available in three service tiers, Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Twenty five bucks get one 40 all-HD channels and it goes from there. DISH also says that current subscribers can add HD programming for as little as ten bucks.
Amazingly i just started reading about this turbo hd. The University of Michigan Rated Dish Network with a 65(which sounds bad, but the best right now is a 68.) Dish network seems to be making big for improvement. In this study big cable came back at the bottom of the list. I'm interested to check this out myself. Though i am currently under contract i will soon see it.
There is nothing turbo about 1080i 1080 is the standard for HDTV today where I live. The deal is if DirectTV wants to compete against the growing FIOS internet access network and the content that will be provided on the web at 1080i then they will offer 1080i. I just don't see how they are advertsing this as new when my monitor that is 2 years old and cost about $600 supports 1080i and a friend who has a 42" HDTV that supports something called QUADTV. Its something like 3800x2499 or something like that. Now that would be true turboHD. lol
On August 1st, 2008 "I Am Legend" was the first movie ever to be shown on a cable or satellite television service at 1080p resolution. It's apparently available on their VOD network which is kind of like Pay Per View. So is 1080p only available on their VOD network, or is Dish Network going to start broadcasting 1080p on their HD channels too?
Here is DishNetwork's latest HD Channels:
ActionMax HD
CBS College Sports HD
Lifetime HD
Lifetime Movie Network HD
Planet Green HD
Encore HD
HBO 2 HD
HBO Comedy HD
HBO Family HD
HBO Latino HD
HBO Signature HD
HBO West HD
HBO Zone HD
Starz Comedy HD
Starz Edge HD
Starz Kids & Family HD
Starz West HD
I won't pay for VOD. I can order blueray dvd's on my Netflix account for the same as regular DVD's until Dish gets with the program and stops trying to bilk its customers for a extra dollar or two here and there for stuff like that, they can just keep it.
Have you guys seen this "Turbo HD" DVR Unit from Dish, the VIP 622? (2) satellite television tuners, which will support two television sets in different locations.
Other specs:
DVR Record Time
standard definition - 200 hours or
high-definition - 30 hours
Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS
2 satellite tuner inputs
1 UHF Pro remote control antenna input for
included antenna
1 ATSC antenna input for off-air digital/HD broadcasts
1 telephone jack
1 USB 2.0 port (PocketDISH compatible)
It's 5 satellites. They told me the same thing. I was checking around between Dish Network, Direct TV & Comcast Cable to upgrade to HD service. Dish Network came out and said even though my current dish was on the back balcony, they would have to put their dish up in the front yard near the road. They also told me that the stations don't even broadcast 1080p, yet. This was only a month ago. Of course, maybe that was just that particular technicians opinion.