AfterDawn: News

Dish Network drops all AMC channels

After months of threats, Dish Network has dropped all AMC channels from its network.

The satellite company says the channels will be replaced by HDNet Movies, Style and HDNet.



AMC consists of AMC, WE TV and IFC Films.

Saturday was the last day for the existing contract between the companies, and Dish says they did not renew due to the "high costs compared to their relatively low viewership."

AMC, for its part, claims the move is retaliation for the "entirely separate" billion dollar court case between Voom HD (now AMC) and Echostar (now Dish) that ended with Echostar losing. The cable network says their hit show "The Walking Dead" was the top scripted show available via Dish for the month of May.

Written by: Andre Yoskowitz @ 2 Jul 2012 15:12

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• 31 comments

• SoTired

  Glad I don't have Dish. The Walking Dead is one of my favorite shows.
  
  Speaking of high costs and low viewership, I hear CNN's ratings are way down . . .

  2.7.2012 16:49 #1

• hearme0

  Is it me or is Dish a problematic company? They have a shitty time negotiating/renegotiating prices and threaten all with "removal". It's no secret that cable/ISP pricing is a ripoff but it's the way the cookie crumbles so just PAY THE F'ING AMC COMPANY AND PASS ON TO YOUR CUSTOMERS!!!!!
  
  Dish is ghetto anyway. While their pricing is 'kinda' on point (more so than Comcast, ATT and all others, they are a bottom feeding, ghetto company.

  2.7.2012 16:52 #2

• Steel-Ice

  The Walking Dead is the highest rated show on Sunday.
  

  2.7.2012 17:26 #3

• ThePastor

  Yeah, that cable/Sat dish method of watching TV shows is really, really good.
  
  Hmmm, low viewership? I can imagine there are any number of other channels which have lower viewership. They are full of it.
  
  Mad Men, Walking Dead, and this month, BREAKING BAD! These are must watch shows. When a fan of these shows get's turned off, they bitch LOUDLY.
  I can't imagine what I would do if I found out I wasn't going to get to see the final season of Breaking Bad because Dish decided that AMC had "Low Viewership".
  
  Good luck with that tactic, Dish! LOL
  

  Oh, Im sorry... Did the middle of my sentence interrupt the beginning of yours?

  2.7.2012 20:41 #4

• xnonsuchx

  Dish sucks anyway compared to DirecTV and I'd be surprised if they lasted another 3-5 years. The only thing Dish has going for them is that they do offer a super cheap, extremely limited package and don't charge more for HD (if the channels are even available in HD on Dish).

  2.7.2012 23:39 #5

• olesandy (unverified)

  Originally posted by xnonsuchx: Dish sucks anyway compared to DirecTV and I'd be surprised if they lasted another 3-5 years. The only thing Dish has going for them is that they do offer a super cheap, extremely limited package and don't charge more for HD (if the channels are even available in HD on Dish). I don't see how the stay in business anyway; with their hidden charges such as,6.00 for ["free" DVR service] and 7.00 protection plan. The additional joke of pulling some of the decent programs the consumer signed up for, has prompted me to call them and cancel my service. Of course they threaten to charge me 350.00 bucks for breaking a contract they put in writing so small an elderly person can't see it. Like hell they will!

  3.7.2012 10:42 #6

• JST1946

  Yep I had them at one time and dropped them too.
  

  3.7.2012 14:01 #7

• PwrSerge

  I've been with Direct TV & Dish Network on and off for 20 years. Believe me, they both have hidden charges to drive up the bill. In my opinion, Dish Network is not as bad as DirectTV. Dish Network also has better equipment! The ability to use an external HD, and RF Remote.
  However, Direct TV is superior in quality sports channels! But they also lose battles with contracts as well. For example, they did not have NBC in Boston. This was right before the Super Bowl!
  
  I do think AMC is probably asking way more than market price. But their shows are that good. Dish Network should pay, for their loyal customers!!!

  3.7.2012 14:08 #8

• AfterDan

  That sounds like a terrible decision!
  

  3.7.2012 14:22 #9

• molsen

  Originally posted by PwrSerge: I've been with Direct TV & Dish Network on and off for 20 years. Believe me, they both have hidden charges to drive up the bill. In my opinion, Dish Network is not as bad as DirectTV. Dish Network also has better equipment! The ability to use an external HD, and RF Remote.
  However, Direct TV is superior in quality sports channels! But they also lose battles with contracts as well. For example, they did not have NBC in Boston. This was right before the Super Bowl!
  
  I do think AMC is probably asking way more than market price. But their shows are that good. Dish Network should pay, for their loyal customers!!! As a just recent Dish subscriber, I wist to correct the fact Dish will hit you with a fee for external HDD. I see both equipment and I think Direct is a little better. I finally moved and can have Directtv again. Dish loves their little fees.

  3.7.2012 16:56 #10

• PwrSerge

  You are correct about the fee for ext HD. At the time, I payed $40 for life. It can suprisingly hold up to 200 HD Movies. But thats just one thing I'm hoping Direct TV can add someday?

  3.7.2012 18:43 #11

• B2D327

  I dropped Dish network and DirecTV both because of poor customer service years ago and I probably wouldn't go back to either one unless the competition here (Verizon Fios, Optimum)were to suddenly go out of business which is highly unlikely. As a fan of both AMC and IFC the likelihood that I'd ever sign with Dish again is nonexistant
  

  your conscience doesnt absolve your guilt

  4.7.2012 22:15 #12

• dp70

  The lost channels used to be commercial free, until GE purchased Rainbow programming. With commercials, these channels are a waste of time.

  5.7.2012 04:19 #13

• dp70

  The lost channels used to be commercial free, until GE purchased Rainbow programming. With commercials, these channels are a waste of time.

  5.7.2012 04:19 #14

• SProdigy

  I do believe that you can hook up an external HDD to one of the HR-2X (21, 22, etc) receivers from DirecTV, via the USB cables on the back. Don't quote me on it, it was researched and something I read years back before I upgraded my equipment. The external takes the place of the internal drive, which I remember reading it could be replaced as well (some people were using 1TB drives.) The basic OS (which is not saved on the HDD) simply formats the new drive in their proprietary encrypted format and goes along it's merry way.

  5.7.2012 10:53 #15

• JohnnyG77

  I've had both DishTV and DirecTV and the quality of the picture on DirecTV is definitely better. I went from Dish to Direct the same day and saw the definite difference.
  
  As far as sneaky practices of contract, DishTV is the worse. I got a new receiver which I paid for of course and they extended my whole contract. That was 3 or 4 months before the end of the contract. I cancelled at the end of my original contract and they cried and moaned and offered me all kinds of movies, rebates, etc. to keep me. They also threatened me with a large contract cancellation fee but I stuck with my decision and I wasn't charged anything extra. This thing about extended my contract just because I ordered a new receiver was ridiculous as I didn't sign anything.
  
  DirecTV has been excellent to me . My original contract is almost up and they won't renegotiate, which I think is stupid, because that could drive me back to Dish but I'll see when the time comes. I like DirecTV so much though so I hate to change back.
  

  8.7.2012 10:30 #16

• polarys425

  Originally posted by JohnnyG77: I've had both DishTV and DirecTV and the quality of the picture on DirecTV is definitely better. I went from Dish to Direct the same day and saw the definite difference.
  
  As far as sneaky practices of contract, DishTV is the worse. I got a new receiver which I paid for of course and they extended my whole contract. That was 3 or 4 months before the end of the contract. I cancelled at the end of my original contract and they cried and moaned and offered me all kinds of movies, rebates, etc. to keep me. They also threatened me with a large contract cancellation fee but I stuck with my decision and I wasn't charged anything extra. This thing about extended my contract just because I ordered a new receiver was ridiculous as I didn't sign anything.
  
  DirecTV has been excellent to me . My original contract is almost up and they won't renegotiate, which I think is stupid, because that could drive me back to Dish but I'll see when the time comes. I like DirecTV so much though so I hate to change back. When and only when you actually call to cancel, that's when they usually offer you a deal. At least that's what happened to my father in law.
  
  Anyone else in the house? You could cancel yours and start in a new name... get new equipment to boot.

  8.7.2012 11:53 #17

• GernBlan

  Originally posted by PwrSerge: Dish Network also has better equipment! The ability to use an external HD, and RF Remote. I use an external hard drive on both my DirecTV DVRs, and both have an RF remote (currently sharing one DVR through the wall between my living room and master bedroom TVs). One DVR is their newest model, and the other is the oldest model they still actively support.
  
  My DirecTV service is cheaper than Comcast Cable, even though we're forced into a neighborhood Comcast bundle (TV, internet, and phone).
  
  DirecTV offers both AMC and HDNet channels.
  
  I think that pretty much says it all.

  8.7.2012 14:16 #18

• PwrSerge

  Originally posted by GernBlan: Originally posted by PwrSerge: Dish Network also has better equipment! The ability to use an external HD, and RF Remote. I use an external hard drive on both my DirecTV DVRs, and both have an RF remote (currently sharing one DVR through the wall between my living room and master bedroom TVs). One DVR is their newest model, and the other is the oldest model they still actively support.
  
  My DirecTV service is cheaper than Comcast Cable, even though we're forced into a neighborhood Comcast bundle (TV, internet, and phone).
  
  DirecTV offers both AMC and HDNet channels.
  
  I think that pretty much says it all.
  
  I called and talked with Direct TV for an hour about the external hard disk. They did not have that capability, and told me it was for future use. This was after I switched back from Dish Network that had external HD for 2 years running! Its obvious the technology of all companies are upgraded, and quite often copy each other! Which is great...otherwise Android would not be as nearly as good as IPhones!
  
  Some things are going to depend on case by case... My Direct TV bill had $20 of ridiculous fees! I pay less with Dish Network. I also believe Dish Network had the imbedded slingbox capability first. But as I said earlier...Direct TV is superior in Sports! But both will have contract issues with channels from time to time. I do hope Dish gets AMC channels though...
  

  8.7.2012 15:58 #19

• GernBlan

  Originally posted by PwrSerge: I called and talked with Direct TV for an hour about the external hard disk. They did not have that capability, and told me it was for future use. This was after I switched back from Dish Network that had external HD for 2 years running! I've had DirecTV for over 4 years now and always used external drives from day one to get around the high cost of buying my own DVR with an upgraded internal drive. I've had four different DVR's from them over the past four years, and they've all supported external drives and came with RF remotes.
  
  You probably just got an unknowlegeable tech on that call. I don't use any company's tech/sales support anymore. Simply searching the internet is the best way to get the real facts/help that you need, typically from the customers.

  8.7.2012 16:59 #20

• PwrSerge

  Originally posted by GernBlan: Originally posted by PwrSerge: I called and talked with Direct TV for an hour about the external hard disk. They did not have that capability, and told me it was for future use. This was after I switched back from Dish Network that had external HD for 2 years running! I've had DirecTV for over 4 years now and always used external drives from day one to get around the high cost of buying my own DVR with an upgraded internal drive. I've had four different DVR's from them over the past four years, and they've all supported external drives and came with RF remotes.
  
  You probably just got an unknowlegeable tech on that call. I don't use any company's tech/sales support anymore. Simply searching the internet is the best way to get the real facts/help that you need, typically from the customers.
  
  OK, just to be clear. You are saying any Direct TV (DVR)receiver has the capability to simply add external HDD through USB port? Then transfer any recordings in HD to your ext HDD?
  
  I do appreciate your comments... my friends & family with Direct TV would be pleased if they can do this. I do agree you don't always get the best technical support from Direct TV. But the Direct TV DVR manuals also did not have any info about using external HDD? And that was only 2 years ago when I switched back to Direct TV because of NFL Ticket! The Dish Network manuals did, with a $40 activation fee!!!
  

  8.7.2012 18:12 #21

• JohnnyG77

  For those of you discussing adding an external hard drive to DirecTV, here is an article from DirecTV discussing the subject and how to do it. This is an offcial DirecTV article:
  
  http://support.directv.com/app/answers/...r-dvr-or-hd-dvr
  
  It's titled: Increase Recording Capacity on Your DVR or HD DVR
  
  I'm sorry I didn't add the link properly, I was having trouble doing that but that is the link, just copy and paste should work.
  If not, search Google or DirecTV for the subject. I found it using Google.
  
  The article states that you can add a 1TB drive which adds 200 hours of HD recording.
  
  I hope this helps those who are trying to do this. My system has 3 HD DVR's so I didn't need it!
  

  8.7.2012 18:26 #22

• JohnnyG77

  I should have said "up to a 1TB drive"!
  

  8.7.2012 18:53 #23

• GernBlan

  Originally posted by PwrSerge: OK, just to be clear. You are saying any Direct TV (DVR)receiver has the capability to simply add external HDD through USB port? Then transfer any recordings in HD to your ext HDD? No, I'm talking about being able to exponentially increase the capacity of the DVRs through eSATA ports. DirecTV doesn't allow you to download individual shows like that and likely never will because of license issues. They do allow you to watch anything recorded on your DVR from a PC, tablet, etc, via a streaming app that provides close to an identical experience as being at home in front of your TV/DVR.
  
  Since they don't support Android yet (probably never will), I just use Splashtop Remote to connect my Android tablet to my desktop PC and then run the DirecTV2PC app from there. Works like a charm, and I don't have to be connected to the same router as my DVR (so I could watch a show on my tablet while on vacation out of state).
  
  Originally posted by JohnnyG77: For those of you discussing adding an external hard drive to DirecTV, here is an article from DirecTV discussing the subject and how to do it. This is an offcial DirecTV article:
  
  http://support.directv.com/app/answers/...r-dvr-or-hd-dvr
  
  The article states that you can add a 1TB drive which adds 200 hours of HD recording. Once again, DirecTV support (even in writing) doesn't seem to provide very reliable information. Both the drives I have hooked up to my two DVRs are 2TB and it sees all of them, so you're not limited to just 1TB.
  
  2TB is WAY overkill for the DVR my wife and I use, but the 2TB drive on the kids' DVR is already 50% full. Brats. ;)

  8.7.2012 21:14 #24

• drhanaba

  I say goodbye to the whole bunch. I have never watched AMC in the five years I have owned dish. I watched we a total of 10 times. The only channel I watched sorta regular was IFC. For what I really need there I can get online. Keep going Dish and get rid of the dead weight and cut our cost or give us some programming worth paying for. A few months back I suggested a bunch of junk they could remove and I suggested ala carte type offerings. Are you listening, again Disk????
  

  8.7.2012 22:33 #25

• JohnnyG77

  I would not get DishTV because they don't have AMC. I watch Mad Men, Breaking Bad, Hell on Wheels, Walking Dead at least and maybe more. I would be lost without AMC!
  
  When I had DishTV, they had AMC. Very good reason not to go back to them!
  

  8.7.2012 22:39 #26

• PwrSerge

  Originally posted by JohnnyG77:
  JohnnyG77
  
  Newbie
  
  I would not get DishTV because they don't have AMC. I watch Mad Men, Breaking Bad, Hell on Wheels, Walking Dead at least and maybe more. I would be lost without AMC!
  
  When I had DishTV, they had AMC. Very good reason not to go back to them!
  
  
  I'm sure there is still negotiations going on with AMC & Dish Network! Direct TV removed NBC in Boston area a few weeks before the Super Bowl. Thats more suprising because it's a major network! But an agreement was made prior to the SuperBowl.
  
  I only watched Breaking Bad on that channel, and it is one of the best shows I've seen. Comparable to HBO series... Which AMC show should I watch next? Is AMC shows still available on Netflix streaming?
  

  9.7.2012 00:17 #27

• SProdigy

  Very simliar situation with technical support when I called for the Whole-Home DVR (where you can link the DVRs to watch in any room.) DTV changed to their own SWIM system, but I was a beta tester under a setup that allowed you to use your home network via router and ethernet connections. I was told by one rep that it wasn't possible to turn on the "home" feature and I would need to purchase all new equipment and pay for a tech to come out and install it!
  
  The only rude person I had ever encountered in all my years with DTV. Of course, I had the forums post up on my screen and put this person in their place, as each step was outlined for what the rep needed to do on their screen. They ended up apologizing, because they had no idea this was available at all. (It was simply 3 clicks and a checkbox.) I've been using the setup for years now without a hitch.
  
  The only thing I would like is if DTV offered a Slingbox type capability. I see the one "hack" above, but does anyone else have any ideas/options for viewing while away from my home network?

  9.7.2012 11:13 #28

• IguanaC64

  If cable companies never tried to play hardball there would never be any downward pressure to your ever increasing cable bill. Just because AMC was taken off doesn't mean the negotiations are over.

  10.7.2012 15:29 #29

• ThePastor

  Yeah well, these companies have a SYMBIOTIC relationship. One cannot exist without the other.
  They need to be a bit more professional about things or they are going to end up pissing away the whole shebang!
  
  I don't know who is at fault or why or how, but there is no excuse for this type of "hardball". They are using US, the Consumers as pawns and that is unacceptable.
  
  I noticed today that DirectTV is doing the same bull-crap with Viacom.
  Negotiate a contract like ADULTS and quit putting the consumer in the middle.
  No excuse at all.
  

  Oh, Im sorry... Did the middle of my sentence interrupt the beginning of yours?

  10.7.2012 15:50 #30

• JST1946

  Some of my friends switched from cable to dish network because it was to expensive. Now they are complaining because they are paying more than they were before.
  

  20 Year U.S.Army Veteran.Vietnam 1969-1972 101st Abn.Div.

  10.7.2012 15:52 #31