Dish Network still on target to expand HD channels

Dish Network still plans to continue with its HD expansion plans for 2008 despite the recent launch failure of the AMC-14 satellite. The satellite, launched this past Friday on March 14, was intended to be the first of three satellites launched this year in order to reach the intended mark of 100 HD channels and 100 HD local markets by the end of the year. The AMC-14 satellite ended up short of its planned orbit, but is said to be stable and functioning normally. A decision has not been made yet about what to do with the satellite. Despite this setback, Dish Network is confident they can remain on track with two more launches scheduled for this year.

Add HD channels for as little as $10 a month when you sign up for Dish Network from All American Dish. New customers can take advantage of a free HD DVR upgrade, free installation, and free activation. You pay $0 upfront and there are no hidden fees. Give All American Dish a call today at 1-877-444-4388.

Dish Network to expand to 100 local HD markets in 2008 also 100 HD national HD channels

It looks like Dish Network is finally standing up to defend their position as the nation's top HD programming provider. Yesterday, Dish Network announced their plans to offer 100 national HD channels and provide HD service to 100 local markets by the end of 2008. Three new satellites will be launched this year in order for Dish Network to expand their High Definition programming. The first satellite is scheduled to be launched next month, which will enable Dish Network to offer local HD channels in 10 more markets.

Those interested in signing up for Dish Network HD programming can contact All American Dish at 1-877-444-4388 or online at www.allamericandish.com. New Dish Network customers can receive 3 free months of programming, free equipment and installation, and a free HD DVR upgrade.

Free Shipping offer on High Definition Televisions and Sharp TV Sale

AllAmericanDirect.com has two great electronics deals going on right now through November 17, 2007.

FREE White Glove Delivery on Select HD TVs
Some retailers might give you free standard shipping, but AllAmericanDirect.com is giving you Free White Glove Delivery with select High Def TVs. That's a $250 value! With White Glove delivery, you'll get lift-gate service, inside delivery to the room of your choice, TV unpacking, and debris removal. Click Here to view all qualifying televisions, or visit www.AllAmericanDirect.com.

Sharp TV Sale - Save an additional $50 on all Sharp TVs
You'll find low prices on all TVs everyday at AllAmericanDirect.com, but Sharp TVs have been reduced even more! Save an additional $50 on all Sharp HD TVs, including Sharp Aquos, now through 11/17. Click Here to view all Sharp televisions, or visit www.AllAmericanDirect.com.

Special HDTV Deal from AllAmericanDirect.com - Free DVD Player

Now through October 31, 2007, get a Free Toshiba SD5000 HDMI 1080i DVD Player with the purchase of any qualifying HDTV only from AllAmericanDirect.com.

Simply visit www.AllAmericanDirect.com today to view the list of all qualifying TVs, and to find great deals on HDTVs, DVD players and recorders, and Sirius Satellite Radio. You'll also find a great selection of TV mounts and stands, as well as Monster cables and accessories to make the most of your High Def set-up.

4 New HD Regional Sports Networks Launched on DISH Network

4 New HD Regional Sports Networks Launched on DISH Network – Effective September 26, 2007

Dish Network just announced the addition of 4 new HD Regional Sports Networks, launched on September 26. With these new additions, Dish now has 22 HD Regional Sports Networks. Go Dish!

And, here they are...

CSN West HD:
Channel 359 – Teams include: Sacramento Kings

CSN Mid-Atlantic HD:
Channel 374 – Teams include: Washington Wizards, Capitals, DC United

FSN Ohio HD:
Channel 375 – Teams include: Columbus Blue Jackets, Cleveland Cavaliers

Altitude HD:
Channel 360 – Teams include: Colorado Avalanche, Denver Nuggets

DISH Network has the best in HD sports and is the leader in high definition with 70 HD channels, including 40 national HD channels – the most in the industry.

Looking for the best deal on Dish Network TV? Just visit AllAmericanDish.com to check out current Dish offers and promotions, and to sign up.

Dish Network launches Big Ten Network

Dish Network Satellite TV subscribers can catch two games in HD this weekend!

Dish Network will launch the Big Ten Network today, September 6, on Channel 439. If you're a current Dish Network subscriber, and get the AT100 package or higher, you may tune in to Channel 439 for a free preview through early 2008.

HD subscribers can catch two games this Saturday, September 8, on Channel 9467. You'll need to be able to view HD, which requires subscription to a qualifying Dish Network programming package with DishHD, along with the necessary equipment, including an HD receiver and HD TV. The anticipated launch date for the HD simulcast of the Big Ten Network is scheduled for September 12, but this Saturday you'll be able to view the Akron @ Ohio State game (12:00 pm ET) and the Syracuse @ Iowa (8:00 pm ET).

Chances are your cable provider doesn't offer the Big Ten Network. Get signed up for Dish Network today and don't miss any of the action! Just visit www.AllAmericanDish.com to sign up.

About the Big Ten Network
The Big Ten Network is dedicated to covering the Big Ten Conference and its 11 member institutions. The Big Ten Network provides unprecedented access to an extensive schedule of conference sports events and shows; original programs in academics, the arts and sciences; campus activities; and associated personalities. Sports programming includes live coverage of more major men's and women's events than ever before, along with news, highlights and analysis, all complemented by hours of university-produced campus programming.

With Dish Network Satellite TV programming, you'll get more High Definition channels than you could from any other provider, as well as additional sports coverage with qualifying packages. Just visit www.AllAmericanDish.com for more information and to sign up.

Dish Network offer to end soon

Dish Network programming offer scheduled to end August 14

If you've been debating on whether or not to sign up for Dish Network or not, you should act now. Your time is quickly running out to take advantage of their current offer.

Right now, when you sign up as a new customer, you will get $100 back on standard definition programming, or $200 back on High Definition programming. You'll also get free standard professional installation, free dish satellite equipment for up to 4 rooms, free 2-room HD/DVR receiver upgrade (a $299 value!), and free activation after credit on first month's bill. Plus, for a limited time, if you order Dish Network Satellite TV service from All American Dish you'll get a free $50 gift card after you activate your service. In addition to the great programming deal, you'll also receive free Premium movie channels for 3 months, and the Dish Home Protection Plan (DHPP) free for 18 months. Channel packages start at just $19.99 and are 100% digital. Cable TV can't beat that!

If you're looking for HD programming, Dish Network has the most HD available of anyone, including cable and other satellite tv providers. With the $200 money back offer, it's like getting DishHD FREE for 10 months. This is a great deal that can't be beat!

Just visit www.AllAmericanDish.com to sign up today!

Dish Network adds even more High Definition programming

Wow! Dish Network really does have more HD programming than anyone else out there, and with more on the way.

DISH Network Expands HD Programming
EchoStar Communications Corporation and its DISH Network(tm) satellite TV service have announced exciting enhancements to its industry-leading DishHD programming package.

On July 11, DISH Network will launch eight Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) in high definition (HD) that feature game-only baseball content, including Fox Sports Network Arizona (Ch. 365), Fox Sports Network Northwest (Ch. 376), Fox Sports Network Cincinnati (Ch. 377), Fox Sports Network Pittsburgh (Ch. 378), Fox Sports Network Detroit (Ch. 380), SportsTime Ohio (Ch. 381), Fox Sports Network North (Ch. 386), and SportsNet New York (DISH Network Ch. 388). With the launch of nine HD RSNs earlier this year, these new additions bring DISH Network's total lineup of HD RSNs to 17, with more channel launches planned for Aug. 15.

Also on Aug. 15, DISH Network will add seven national HD channels to its DishHD programming package, including MHD, featuring music programming from MTV, VH1 and CMT; Golf/Versus HD; Animal Planet HD; The Science Channel HD; TLC HD; Discovery HD, and History HD, which will debut on Sept. 1. With these additions -- plus more planned for mid-September -- DishHD subscribers will continue to have access to the largest national HD lineup in the United States.

"No one currently has more national HD channels than DISH Network, and we're committed to maintaining that edge by enhancing DishHD with channels that exemplify the top-quality programming our customers enjoy," said Eric Sahl, senior vice president of Programming for DISH Network. "When it comes to high definition, DISH Network offers not only the best programming, but the best technology and value as well, including the only free HD DVR in the industry and, starting Aug. 15, six months of DishHD programming for free."

DISH Network's DishHD currently offers customers more than 200 hours per day of HD content from the nation's top programmers and is a $20 add-on to digital definition programming packages, including the DishDVR Advantage. The HD RSNs are available to customers who subscribe to DISH Network's America's Top 100 Plus programming with DishHD.

The highly-acclaimed ViP622 DVR(tm) is the perfect complement to DISH Network's extensive lineup of HD programming -- and it's free to new customers who qualify. One of the most advanced multi-room HD DVR receivers on the market today, the ViP622 DVR boasts the only true 30-second skip feature in the industry -- allowing subscribers to watch television commercial-free.



Click here to sign up for Dish Network and get the most HD channels!

FCC fines major consumer electronics retailers

Big Box Electronics Retailers Face Hefty Fines

Recently, the FCC began issuing citations to major electronics retailers such as Best Buy, RadioShak, Comp USA, Kmart and Circuit City, for failing to post warnings near their TV sets without internal digital tuners. If you recently purchased an analog television, the notice below is what you should have seen posted near the tv. If you're a retailer, you should make sure this statement is posted near every analog tv set to ensure compliance.

Consumer Alert

This television receiver has only an analog broadcast tuner and will require a converter box after February 17, 2009, to receive over-the-air broadcasts with an antenna because of the Nation’s transition to digital broadcasting. Analog-only TVs should continue to work as before with cable and satellite TV services, gaming consoles, VCRs, DVD players, and similar products. For more information, call the Federal Communications Commission at 1-888-225-5322 (TTY: 1-888-835-5322) or visit the Commission’s digital television website at: www.dtv.org.

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To find out more about the analog to digital transition, read my previous blog entry or visit http://www.2009countdown.com/.

Find great prices on FCC compliant High Definition Televisions at http://www.allamericandirect.com/

Analog TV to Digital TV - The Digital TV Transition

The DTV Transition - Are you ready?

On February 17, 2009 analog broadcasts will cease to exist, leaving many without the ability to receive TV programs such as the news or their favorite shows.

I wish I could say there's been a lot of buzz around this particular topic, but I can't. So far, it' s been more like a dull hum instead. If you either feel as if you don't know as much information as you should about the digital transition, or don't know anything at all, don't feel bad. You're not alone. It has been proven a majority of Americans are not even aware these broadcasts are disappearing.

February 17, 2009 has been selected by Congress as the date all analog television broadcasts will stop, and stations will fully transition over to Digital Television (DTV) broadcasts. Since early 2006, most TV broadcasters have been sending both analog and digital signals. Once these analog signals are discontinued for Television viewing, they will be reused for public safety services such as emergency, fire and rescue, as well as advanced wireless services.

Unless you recently updated all your televisions, you likely are relying on an analog TV to view your programs, and receiving either free over-the-air signals with an antenna, or subscribing to pay TV services. When broadcasters stop sending analog signals, you will not be able to view over-the-air signals without obtaining a separate set-top box. These converter or set-top boxes are capable of receiving the incoming digital signals, and then converting it to display on your analog set. Without the aid of this additional equipment, you will not be able to receive free over-the-air digital broadcasts to any form of analog TV, including your small handheld TVs, or that small black and white tv in the kitchen. While these converter boxes will be relatively low cost, affording one may be difficult for some. In order to ease the burden for these consumers, the government has set up a converter box coupon program. This program allows a household up to 2 coupons valued at $40 each to use toward the purchase of up to 2 converter boxes. If you do not want a separate set-top box, your options are to either upgrade to a new TV with a built-in digital tuner or subscribe to pay TV services, such as Digital Cable or Satellite TV. Most newer TVs, especially those manufactured after March 1, 2007, have been equipped with built-in digital (ATSC) tuners to pick up over-the-air digital signals. If you currently are a Digital Cable or Satellite TV subscriber, you will be least affected by the transition. However, if you want to view Digital TV at its optimum capability, called High Definition, you will want to check with your provider to make sure you have the right equipment.

Read more about the Digital TV transition and High Definition at www.2009Countdown.com.

Dish Network Offering 7 Regional Sports Network Channels In High Definition

Dish Network Offering 7 RSN Channels In High Def

EchoStar Communications Corporation and its DISH NetworkTM satellite TV service have announced the launch of seven Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) in high definition (HD) that will strengthen DISH Network’s position as the leader in HD programming. Now avid fans in these seven markets will have access to their home team’s games in vivid HD and stunning surround sound.

“Sports fans have been driving the HD movement for quite some time now so naturally we’re excited to offer regional coverage of games and sporting events in this amazing and graphic picture quality,” said Eric Sahl, senior vice president of Programming for DISH Network. “Whether it’s baseball, basketball, football, college or professional, there’s no better way to watch all the action than in HD and DISH Network has a great sports lineup and the most national HD channels today.”

The seven HD RSNs launched today include Fox Sports Network Florida (DISH Network Ch. 373), Fox Sports Network Midwest (Ch. 368), Fox Sports Network West (Ch. 367), Fox Sports Network Prime Ticket (Ch. 361), Fox Sports Network Rocky Mountain (Ch. 364), Fox Sports Network South (Ch. 370) and Fox Sports Network Southwest (Ch. 366).

DISH Network will continue to explore carriage of additional HD RSNs throughout the year to enhance local HD programming line-ups. In addition to the seven RSNs announced today, DISH Network will begin offering Sun Sports and SportSouth this spring as well as Altitude this fall.

DISH Network offers customers an incredible value in HD sports programming including NFL Network HD, ESPN HD, ESPN2 HD, Rush HD, WorldSport HD, local HD networks in 29 markets and now these RSNs that will feature game-only content in HD. DISH Network also offers sports and HD enthusiasts a digital video recorder (DVR) to record their favorite programming and exciting sports moments, to control their own instant replay by pausing live TV and rewinding, as well as the ability to fast forward through time-outs, halftimes and commercials using a 30-second skip feature.

Subscribers who sign up now with DISH Network can get an industry-leading HD/DVR, the ViP622 DVR, at no upfront cost and can select from exciting all digital standard definition (SD) and HD programming packages.
New and existing subscribers can sign up for DISH Network’s DishDVR Advantage, an all-inclusive TV package with more than 200 all digital SD channels, local channels where available, a state-of-the-art DVR serving two TVs and free standard professional installation with no extra fees for one low price of $49.99. For only $20 more a month customers can customize their DishDVR Advantage plan with DishHD. The HD RSNs are available to customers who subscribe to DISH Network’s America’s Top 100 Plus programming with DishHD.

So long analog...

If you've been looking for a good excuse to throw your outdated analog TV out to curb, the digital television transition occurring in February 2009 would be a good one. Ok, so you don't REALLY need a brand new TV in order to receive the digital signals, just a set top box and antenna, but just think about how great the picture quality would be...

Dreams of a new TV aside, the Digital TV (DTV) transition is really important. There are a ton of people out there that either don't know anything about it or don't know much. In order to educate the general population, the FCC has set up a corny, yet informative web site for consumers regarding the switch. Just visit www.DTV.gov. You'll also find the link under my Relevant Links.

To summarize, on February 17, 2009 all television broadcasters will discontinue analog broadcasting and transition over to digital broadcasting. There are many benefits to Digital TV technology including improved picture quality, its ability to efficiently transmit more information than analog, and it can transmit multiple standard definition digital TV programs at once. Even more importantly, switching over to all digital will free up valuable analog stations currently in short supply. These stations will be used by public and safety services such as emergency, fire, and rescue services. Until the switch occurs, all broadcasters will continue to transmit in both analog and digital formats. Customers most affected by the switch will be those solely relying upon “bunny-ears” or antennas for over-the-air broadcasting. Converting these digital broadcasts into analog format will require a converter box. Cable and Satellite subscribers may simply need to update equipment.

DTV is not the same as HDTV, or High Definition Television. HDTV is a form of DTV, but is the highest quality digital broadcasting available. If you're looking to experience the full potential of digital television, you need to subscribe to High Definition programming. I'll provide more on this topic later.