HDTV Package Pricing

[j21style]

Correct me if I'm wrong but why should we be paying for HD channels anyway when it's going to be standard in a few years?  Unless they're premium channels in the first place, there's no reason why we should have to pay for normal HD cable channels now appearing such as Disc HD & ESPN HD and whatever else comes in the near future.  Let me know what you think!!!  We as consumers need to stand up to this and demand it as standard packaging.  What are they going to do when 2006 comes around charge us a HD package fee for every channels?

[Gregg Lengling]

I think possibly you may be thinking that because Directv has a surcharge for their HD package...but these are some new premium channels (Discovery HD, ESPN HD, HDNET, HD movies).  From my understanding locally TWC doesn't charge for the local HD channels (4,6,10,12,58) but they do stick you with a rental charge for the HD box....of course this will end in a couple years when the new sets that are Cable HD ready hit the market.

[mhz40]

Originally posted by j21style
Correct me if I'm wrong but why should we be paying for HD channels anyway when it's going to be standard in a few years?  Unless they're premium channels in the first place, there's no reason why we should have to pay for normal HD cable channels now appearing such as Disc HD & ESPN HD and whatever else comes in the near future.  Let me know what you think!!!  We as consumers need to stand up to this and demand it as standard packaging.  What are they going to do when 2006 comes around charge us a HD package fee for every channels?

HD is not mandated by the FCC.  Broadcasters merely need to switch to digital transmission.  Therefore HD channels aren't "normal" and it is wrong to conclude that everything will be in HD by '06.