Hathway goes HD in Bangalore??

[gopichandpai]

 

[gopichandpai]

Free preview of HBO channels start on August 15

 

[rahulxy]

Free preview? But we in Bangalore dont pay separately for channels.

 

[gopichandpai]

It means they will start charging for these channels after few days. Just like Ten Golf, we need to pay separately for these channels after the free preview period is complete.

 

[rahulxy]

I was thinking this is what they were planning to do.

 

[gopichandpai]

Free preview is between 15th August to 5th September

 

[rahulxy]

A little short... I was hoping atleast the SD channels would be available without separate pricing.

 

[Rgn1]

A little short... I was hoping atleast the SD channels would be available without separate pricing.

The combine pack is priced at Rs 49 and Rs 69 for the SD and HD versions respectively.

HBO Hits - HBO Premium Pack

Its is quite steep, Rs 70 for 2 HD channels. I know it would make sense to the folks who hate the advertising on the movie channels. But they would occupy bandwidth of 2 HD channels, which otherwise could have been used for other non subscription type HD channels. :sad:

 

[rahulxy]

Yeah that is quite high.

I believe there are 2 factors determining the fate of these channels. One is the positive aspect that its HD and ad free, so great for movie buffs. On the other hand, the easy availability of high quality movies online, if you know what I mean we wonder who would actually opt for such channels.

 

[gopichandpai]

SD versions of HBO Defined and HBO Hits are now available on 141 and 142.

 

[rahulxy]

HD versions of HBO Defined and HBO Hits has been added on channel nos. 356 and 357.

Both look great in HD and are ad-free. Although, there are promos of other HBO shows/movies in the gap between movies. I havent seen a break during the run time of a movie, but I've only seen the channels for about 20 mins so far...

 

[appuchan]

I see the "This service is blocked (4)" sign for HD channels 356 and 357. Any idea what is happening ? I can see all other HD channels as usual and the new HBO SD channels as well. Btw, HBO Hits has its audio track is in Hindi for the SD channel. It also shows a logo "Dual Language". Maybe we can choose audio language in HD.

 

[rahulxy]

The HD channels arent blocked for me and the SD feed is hindi, like you said. I suppose after Sept 1, the channel will be blocked for all non-subscribers.

The 2 channels feel very similar to me and 2 premium channels seems like overkill. It would have been great if they had one HD channel (like Star Movies/Movies Now) and one premium ad-free channel.

Let see how these 2 channels (and Ten Golf) progress in post-digitized India.

 

[ajopaul]

For my SD box in Banglaore I can only See HBO Hits in Hindi.

 

[dino29]

Hathway people forgot to add English Audio feed of these 2 chs just like they have not added many lang feeds of others multilingual chs

 

[rahulxy]

How do we change the audio channel anyway? I've never found the option on my HD box...

 

[dino29]

There is an option/button called language on ur remote, press that and then through left/right arrow choose language and press OK

 

[rahulxy]

I have the LANG button on the remote and pressing it brings a small box on the bottom-left corner showing Language as "English" and Subtitle as "No info"

Both these options are not changeable i.e. they dont change when left/right arrows are pressed. Ru using the HD box?

 

[dino29]

language option can only be changed once a channel or dth provider or digital cable tv provider gives multi-language option to choose from in any channel. Like HBO Defined and Hits has English and Hindi Language feeds but Hathway has only added Hindi Audio feed so any movie which will have dual language run from HBO will come in Hindi feed on Hathway and we r left with no option to watch it in English , all thanks to Hathway

 

[Rgn1]

I am getting both the HD channels with English language, and no Hindi option in the language menu.
I have not yet checked out the SD channels though.
The channels are advert free, and no breaks in moves. Watched the Dark knight rises completely, hence can confirm.
Agree with Rahul, one premium would have been enough.

I am still facing pixellation issues with some of the Nat Geo HD channels. I have not contacted the LCO yet. Other HD channels are going great!

Cheers!