RiseStar
August 8th, 2008, 10:11 PM
Earlier this week Dish Network rolled out their new “TurboHD” service promising to become the first satellite broadcaster to transmit high definition programming in true 1080p resolution.
The current standard for normal and high action high definition channels is limited to 720p.
The upgrade will only be available to customers using the Dish Networks’ newest MPEG-4 HD receivers and will only require a user initialized software download to the receiver from the satellite to activate the feature.
The TurboHD service utilizes the new Echo XI satellite and Echostar proprietary technology (8PSK-Turbo) which allows them to increase the data transmission and frame rates in order to accommodate the 1080p signal.
The TurboHD service will require a programming package change if you wish to receive it as Dish Network has recently restructured their HD packages. Dish has announced that current HD customers can add the turbo feature to their existing package for as little as $10 per month. Current customers using older MPEG-2 high definition receivers will need to call Dish Network in order to upgrade their equipment, which makes sense anyways as Dish will eventually be phasing out the older, less efficient high definition signals.
While this is a major milestone in satellite broadcasting, current Directv high definition customers need not despair as they can likely expect some 1080p offerings sometime near the end of the year or sooner.
The current standard for normal and high action high definition channels is limited to 720p.
The upgrade will only be available to customers using the Dish Networks’ newest MPEG-4 HD receivers and will only require a user initialized software download to the receiver from the satellite to activate the feature.
The TurboHD service utilizes the new Echo XI satellite and Echostar proprietary technology (8PSK-Turbo) which allows them to increase the data transmission and frame rates in order to accommodate the 1080p signal.
The TurboHD service will require a programming package change if you wish to receive it as Dish Network has recently restructured their HD packages. Dish has announced that current HD customers can add the turbo feature to their existing package for as little as $10 per month. Current customers using older MPEG-2 high definition receivers will need to call Dish Network in order to upgrade their equipment, which makes sense anyways as Dish will eventually be phasing out the older, less efficient high definition signals.
While this is a major milestone in satellite broadcasting, current Directv high definition customers need not despair as they can likely expect some 1080p offerings sometime near the end of the year or sooner.