Turbo HD Programming Package

Satellite TV provider DISH Network just released new programming packages called Turbo HD. These packages are 100% hi definition, removing of the SD networks. Is this new satellite television the right for you?

It all depends on what you want from your cable or satellite television company. Some folks want every single channel that is available. They don’t care if 10 of them are shopping channels, or that five of the channels are public access. They just want all of the channels.

Other though, have grown weary of trying to wade through all of the lower tier channels on the television dial, trying to find something worthwhile to watch. For consumers who have recently purchased a new flat-screen TV, TurboHD from DISH Network might be a good solution for you.

The three different bundles with Turbo HD are the Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels. All of these packages are composed of hi def channels only. Pricing starts at around $24.99 per month for the Bronze package. That programming package does not include your local channels, which cost $5 more per month.

DISH also offers the Platinum package, which is an additional service to any of the other TurboHD levels. The Platinum level is ten bucks a month, and adds on seven more hi def channels such as NBA TV and Smithsonian HD.

One sticking point with some current DISH Network customers is they have not been allowed to switch over to the TurboHD packages, even though they are cheaper. Currently only new subscribers to DISH Network have been allowed to get the TurboHD only bundles. Current customers can get DISH TurboHD, but only as an add-on to the SD package.

A final consideration you should know about is how DISH Network is numbering the networks contained in the bundles. Take for example the TurboHD Bronze package which includes forty-four channels, of which 24 are network channels, six are pay-per-view, and 14 are VOD, (video on demand) channels. Some would consider that plenty but many are accustomed to having a lot more content to choose from. A final consideration, none of the TurboHD levels include premium movie channels like HBO or Showtime, so don’t be surprised when you have to pay an additional fee monthly for commercial free channels like that. For more detail on these packages, check out the Dish TurboHD review.