HDTV Overview

The Dish Network User's Resource

Which Dish Network receivers can get HDTV?

MPEG-2: 6000, 811, DVR921, DVR942 (call 1-888-383-3727 for MPEG-4 replacement)
MPEG-4: ViP211, 411, ViP622/ViP722 multi-room DVR; ViP612 single-room DVR; ViP222 multi-room receiver, 622HZ

Will my existing receiver be upgraded for HDTV?

No. The above models are the only HDTV-capable receivers.

Will my existing receiver be upgraded for MPEG-4?

NO! Only the 211/411, 222 and 622 have MPEG-4. No other receiver is upgradeable.

What HDTV channels does Dish offer?

HD Pak (1): TNT HD, Discovery HD Theater, HDNet, HDNet Movies, ESPN-HD
DishHD (1): A&E, ESPN-2, Universal, National Geographic (2), HGTV, Food
PPV
Premiums: Showtime HDTV, HBO HDTV (East), Starz!, Cinemax
Sports: RSNs (part-time), NFL HD, NBA HD
Local channels
HD Events

(1) Available to new subscribers only as a single package, depending on subscription level
(2) Requires AT250 or higher

What dish do I need to receive HDTV programming?

Likely a Dish 1000 (110°, 119°, 129°), with areas outside the 129° footprint getting a Dish 500 with a separate “wing” dish for 61.5°. Some in the Pacific Northwest will get a separate larger dish for 129° due to difficult reception in that region. Beginning Aug 2008, new customers in the eastern part of the US will get a Dish 1000.4 for all-MPEG-4 service from 61.5°/72.7°/77°.

HD Pak, some others: 110°
Most others: 61.5° or 129°
Locals: varies, those on 118.75° require a Plus dish (500+, 1000+)

Where can I learn more?

Links to HDTV resources, discussion boards, and news sources.

HDTV Overview

Which Dish Network receivers can get HDTV?

What HDTV channels does Dish offer?

What dish do I need to receive HDTV programming?

Where can I learn more?

Shopping tips and guides