DIRECTV Ends 'HD Extra Pack' Preview
High-def owners must now pay $4.99 a month extra for five channels.
By Swanni
The 'HD Extra Pack,' which includes MHD, Universal HD, HDNet Movies, Smithsonian HD and MGM HD, now costs an extra $4.99 a month.
However, the first three months are free after you sign up. To order the package, you must call DIRECTV or adjust your account at DIRECTV.com.
In addition to the $4.99 fee, DIRECTV HD subscribers must pay a $9.99 monthly "HD access fee" to receive the remaining high-def channels.
However, you don't have to pay an extra fee unless you order the HD Extra Pack.
The HD Extra Pack channels have been included in the $9.99 programming tier since September when DIRECTV began expanding its high-def lineup. The satcaster said at the time that it would move the channels to the $4.99 'Extra' tier in mid-December.
DIRECTV had planned to include HDNet in the Extra Pack as well. But HDNet filed a lawsuit to block the move. The companies settled the suit this month, agreeing to move HDNet Movies to the Extra Pack but keeping HDNet in the $9.99 tier.
MGM HD and Smithsonian HD went dark this morning when DIRECTV began to end the free preview. The remaining HD Extra Pack channels are expected shortly to go dark, too, unless a subscriber orders the $4.99 package.
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