DISH Network adds more than 20 new HD channels

CNN in high-definition?

Yep, DISH Network subscribers can see Wolf Blitzer in more detail than ever before and can also enjoy about 20 other HD channels via satellite beginning today (that's May 12, 2008, to you and me).

Among the channels now being offered in HD are Biography, Bravo, CNBC, Sci Fi, the Travel Channel and -- anglers rejoice! -- the World Fishing Network.

Here is the complete list from DISH:

ABC Family HD (DISH Network Ch. 180)
Biography HD (Ch. 119)
Bravo HD (Ch. 129)
Cartoon HD (Ch. 176)
Cinemax 5 Star (Ch. 381)
Cinemax HD West (Ch. 380)
Comcast Sports Network Bay Area HD (Ch. 419)*
Comcast Sports Network New England HD (Ch. 435)*
CNBC HD (Ch. 208)
CNN HD (Ch. 200)
Disney HD East (Ch. 172)
ESPNews HD (Ch. 142)
Hallmark Movie Channel HD (Ch. 187)
MGM HD (Ch. 385)
Sci Fi HD (Ch. 122)
Smithsonian HD (Ch. 374)
Tennis Channel HD (Ch. 400)
Toon Disney HD (Ch. 174)
Travel Channel HD (Ch. 215)
USA HD (Ch. 105)
Weather Channel HD (Ch. 214)
World Fishing Network HD (Ch. 396)

* The two Comcast Sports channels make their HD debut on Wednesday, not today like the rest.

As part of a push for the HD service, DISH is offering new customers a free upgrade to a dishHD DVR receiver like the ViP722, which can receive two channels simultaneously and pipe those channels to two TV sets in different rooms, as well as record 55 hours of HD programming or 350 hours in standard definition.

Canned PR quote begins here:

"Our HD services include innovative packages that are aggressively priced," said Jessica Insalaco, senior vice president and chief marketing officer for DISH Network. "That, combined with our award-winning HD and DVR technology, make DISH Network the clear choice for customers seeking the best value and quality in HD today."

So what does that mean for you, the home viewer?

If you qualify -- and how could you not? -- signing up for a 24-month commitment yields three months of free programming (a $120 value), a free dishDVR like the ViP722 and free installation (a $49.99 value).

That sounds like $40 a month, and this page pegs the monthly cost of HD at $42.99 for "over 100 channels."

Not bad, I think. The pricing at DISH seems less confusing than that of its satellite competitor, DirecTV, but I'd check out both to see which is the best choice for you.