Dish Network recently released fresh programming bundles called TurboHD. These new programming packages are all hi def, leaving out all of the standard definition networks. Is this new satellite TV the right for you?

It all depends on what you want from your cable or satellite TV provider. Some folks want every single channel that is available. They don’t care if 20 of them are shopping channels, or that six of the channels are public access. They just want all of the channels.

On the other hand, many have grown weary of trying to wade past all of the junk on the cable dial, trying to find something worthwhile to watch. For consumers who have recently bought a new HDTV, Turbo HD by DISH Network may be the perfect solution.

There are three different choices with Turbo HD from DISH Network, the Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels. All of these packages are composed of hi-def channels only. Pricing starts at about $24.99 per month for the Bronze package. That bundle does not include your local channels, which cost $5 more per month.

DISH Network also has the Platinum level, which is an additional service to any of the other TurboHD levels. This Platinum package is $10 per month, and adds on seven additional hi definitions channels such as HDNet Movies and NHL Network.

One sticking point with some current DISH Network customers is they have not been allowed to switch over to the less expensive Turbo HD packages. At this time, just new subscribers to DISH Network have been allowed to get the TurboHD packages. Existing customers can get TurboHD, but only as an addition to the standard package they already have.

A final consideration you should know about is how DISH Network is counting the networks included in the packages. Take for example the TurboHD Bronze setup which includes forty-four channels, but of those 24 are network channels, six are PPV, and 14 are VOD, (video on demand) channels. Some would consider that plenty but others are used to having quite a bit more content to choose from. A final consideration, the Turbo HD packages do not include premium movie channels like Starz or Showtime, so expect to pay an additional fee monthly for commercial free channels like that. For more detail on these packages, check out the Turbo HD review.