Dish sends TBS HD to the plate

Are you a Dish Network subscriber frustrated that you can't watch the first round the baseball playoffs in high def? Well, fear not. As reported in a forum on Satelliteguys.us, Dish is testing TBS HD on channel 542, and it looks good. There are a few audio and video hiccups, but I am also getting those on TBS SD (and I haven't experienced them on any other channel--go figure). So it's as good as Fox or ESPN's offerings--better if you consider that you don't have to listen to Tim McCarver.

Dish had been taking a lot of heat lately from Dish subscribers for not offering TBS in HD, and some wonder if this move--even though they don't seem to be advertising it--is a concilatory move . Indeed, a customer service representative told me Friday that Dish doesn't offer TBS in HD when I called to ask about the playoffs. When I informed her that I was watching the game on Dish in HD, she backpedaled a bit to say they were "testing" it and weren't sure if they were going to be able to offer it because of negotiations with TBS. Hopefully, the test will continue through the first round of the playoffs.

Beyond that, some subscribers didn't see a lot of value to having TBS in HD and many suggested other channels they would rather see in high-def, such as CNN, Bravo, The Outdoor Channel and even the Weather Channel. But the overwhelming favorite appeared to be the Sci-Fi Channel. Would Wonder Woman's powers be magnified in high-def?

UPDATE, 6:00 p.m.: Since this blog was originally published, Dish Network has also added TBS HD at channel 139.

[sanchezino]

Dish is not the only one!

Cox Cable has also added TBS HD. I think TBS has made it available for all cable and satellite providers just in time for the playoffs.

[juicyhawg]

People actually watch MLB?

Sorry, just shocked that baseball is still relevant. I guess just seeing stadiums 1/3rd full made me wonder.....

[dclaryjr]

Baseball Attendance

You must be watching Florida Marlin games. Major League baseball continues to set attendance records--several team drew over three million this year.

And I'm one of those Dish subscribers that was hoping they would add TBS-HD--and now I'm a very happy camper!

[meh130]

Tied to changes at TBS?

October 1st, WTBS, the terrestrial broadcast station, changed to WPCH and changed format. TBS became a pure cable/satellite network.

Originally, the only HD content on TBS were Atlanta Braves MLB games. I assume since the TBS cable station has more recent television series and more movies, it will offer more HD content.

[dozier77]

Comcast

Comcast added TBSHD just in time for the playoffs, as well as NFL Network in HD!