Washington, D.C. (February 1, 2009) -- Dish Network today added the Crime & Investigation Network high-def channel, but apparently made room in its lineup by dropping Smithsonian Channel HD.
That's according to an article by Multichannel News.
Dish subscribers who tune to Smithsonian Channel HD are now greeted with an on-screen message saying the satcaster "regrets that we no longer offer this channel." Viewers are advised to consult Dish's web site for more information.
The web site, however, only shows that the Smithsonian Channel has been replaced by the Crime and Investigation HD channel in the satcaster's 'PlatinumHD' programming package.
Dish officials have hinted that they will add several more HD channels this year, but they have not said anything about dropping channels to make room.
Crime & Investigation HD offers a diverse mix of crime-related documentaries and fiction shows such as 24, Crossing Jordan and Twin Peaks.
Commentary:
On a day (Super Bowl Sunday) when many people are trying out their first high-def set, it's pathetic and embarrassing that Dish Network is effectively replacing one HD channel with another. The decision suggests that the satcaster does not have the capacity to add more high-def channels at this time -- and that speaks volumes to HD owners trying to decide which TV provider to sign up with. Dish would have been better served to keep its lineup as is.
With the launch of a new satellite, Dish is promising more HD channels later this year, but let's hope it's not another case of adding some while subtracting others.
Let's also hope that Dish offers a better explanation of why it's dropping a high-def channel at this point; referring people to the company web site where there's no solid information on the decision is lame and inexcusable.
And, finally, let's hope that Dish soon comments on rumors that it might drop some other HD channels in the near future.
Comment on this article!
That's according to an article by Multichannel News.
Dish subscribers who tune to Smithsonian Channel HD are now greeted with an on-screen message saying the satcaster "regrets that we no longer offer this channel." Viewers are advised to consult Dish's web site for more information.
The web site, however, only shows that the Smithsonian Channel has been replaced by the Crime and Investigation HD channel in the satcaster's 'PlatinumHD' programming package.
Dish officials have hinted that they will add several more HD channels this year, but they have not said anything about dropping channels to make room.
Crime & Investigation HD offers a diverse mix of crime-related documentaries and fiction shows such as 24, Crossing Jordan and Twin Peaks.
Commentary:
On a day (Super Bowl Sunday) when many people are trying out their first high-def set, it's pathetic and embarrassing that Dish Network is effectively replacing one HD channel with another. The decision suggests that the satcaster does not have the capacity to add more high-def channels at this time -- and that speaks volumes to HD owners trying to decide which TV provider to sign up with. Dish would have been better served to keep its lineup as is.
With the launch of a new satellite, Dish is promising more HD channels later this year, but let's hope it's not another case of adding some while subtracting others.
Let's also hope that Dish offers a better explanation of why it's dropping a high-def channel at this point; referring people to the company web site where there's no solid information on the decision is lame and inexcusable.
And, finally, let's hope that Dish soon comments on rumors that it might drop some other HD channels in the near future.
Comment on this article!
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