DISH Network Adds CNN HD, Sci Fi HD, and USA HD

DISH Network added three national HD channels late this week, bringing their total High-Definition count to 79

The channels added include CNN HD, SCI FI HD, and USA HD. While news junkies may celebrate the addition of CNN, most DISH customers were happier about the additions of Sci Fi and USA, as these networks add movie and drama series programming to the DISH Network programming lineup.

A DISH Network press release on the additions states that the satellite television provider remains “on track” to meet their HD rollout goals. DISH has reiterated several times that they expect to have 100 national HD channels by year-end, despite a recent satellite failure.

CNN HD is a simulcast of the Cable News Network. Founded in 1980 by Ted Turner, the network reaches over 90 million U.S. subscribers, and is now owned by Time Warner. CNN HD was launched on September 1^st 2007, and was added to the DIRECTV HD lineup on September 26^th.

USA HD simulcasts the USA Network. USA also reaches over 90 million households, and offers a variety of original series, movies, and WWE Raw every Monday night. DIRECTV began broadcasting USA HD on October 3^rd 2007.

Sci Fi HD is a simulcast of the Sci Fi network, which traces back to 1992. After struggling for a few years, Sci Fi was merged into the USA Networks family in the late 90’s. From there it has taken off, and has a huge following among Battlestar Galactica and Stargate SG-1 fans. DIRECTV began broadcasting Sci Fi in HD on October 3^rd, 2007. Both the USA Network and Sci Fi are now owned by the NBC-Universal conglomeration.

Those with qualifying DISH Network packages can view the new channels here:

CNN HD: Channel 200 HD

USA HD: Channel 105 HD

Sci Fi HD: Channel 122 HD