Dish HD receiver?

Question

I currently have an HDTV TV connected to Dish Network 301 box. To receive HD channels, do I need to upgrade my 301 box? Thanks

Answer 1

You'll need to subscribe to Dish's HD channel package (another $20/month I think) and you'll need a new receiver.

Remember, to get HD from your receiver, you MUST connect it to your TV using either a component video cable (a trio of red, green and blue RCA cables) or a HDMI cable.  No other cable can carry the HD signal.

Answer 2

Actually, you need the HD receiver, the HD Dish (5LNB), and an HD subscription.  I don't know about Dish, but the HDMI cable came with my Directv HD receiver - I wouldn't use component (RE: above answer).

If you've never had Directv, you can get new subscriber discounts since you need all new equipment anyway.  Also, Directv is ahead of Dish in HD channels available:

Dish: 75 HD channels, problems with HD satellites

Direct: 95 HD channels, 150 capacity by 9/08, and 200 by 2009.