Echostar’s HD channel count now 128

Echostar’s DISH Network has added another cluster of “national” (as distinct from local-into-local) HD channels to its portfolio – and promises more for this Spring.

On March 12 Dish launched HD feeds of Showtime Showcase HD, SHO2 HD, The Movie Channel HD and BET J, expanding its national HD count to 128 channels. In addition, DISH Network also announced that it will add BET, Comedy Central, CMT, MTV, Nickelodeon, Spike TV and VH-1 in HD this spring.

"We are excited to add new national HD channels to our growing programming line-up," said Dave Shull, SVP of programming for DISH Network. "Our subscribers are asking us for more HD, and we're responding by continuing to launch new local HD markets and new national HD channels, making DISH Network the best value in the pay-TV industry."

Showtime Showcase HD, SHO2 HD and The Movie Channel HD are located in the Showtime Unlimited package, available for just $12.99 per month. BET J is part of PlatinumHD, which can be added to any programming package for $10 per month. Existing DISH Network subscribers who upgrade to HD programming will receive PlatinumHD free for the first three months.