More local HD channels have been added for DISH Network subscribers in 14 local markets in the U.S. New satellite launches have expanded programming capacity for the company and were probably instrumental in DISH’s ability to offer these new local HD channels.

The fourteen new markets which have new HD channels are: Augusta, GA.; Davenport, IA; Evansville, IN.; Monroe, LA.; Paducah, KY.; Rochester, MN.; San Angelo, TX; Shreveport, LA.; Wichita, KS. and Wilmington, NC.

The remaining new channels are scheduled to be launched on August 18th, when DISH Network will launch local HD programming in Bangor, ME; Macon, GA.; Rochester, NY.; and Traverse City, MI.

Dave Shull, senior vice president of Programming for DISH Network had this to say regarding the new channels: “DISH Network is proud to offer the most HD local coverage in America. We continue to expand our local HD channel service because we know how important it is to our customers to watch sports, movies and their favorite primetime shows in high definition.”

DISH Network offers local HD programming in 170 markets, accounting for 96% of U.S. households.

A number of DISH Network packages are available for every budget and include free installation.

While the war of words, and the courtrooms (more on that later) continues between the nation’s two largest satellite TV broadcasters, the smaller of the two, DISH Network has launched 9 new HD channels.

While none of these new channels are particularly exciting to me, it’s good to see that DISH is continuing to roll out new HD channels.

The new channels that have been introduced are Fox Soccer Channel HD, Sportsman HD, Hallmark Channel HD, IndiePlex HD and RetroPlex HD, truTV HD, E! HD, BBC America HD and ShowTime HD. The first five on the list are available only on DISH Network as of this writing.

On second thought, I might actually take a look at the Sportsman HD channel from time-to-time, so I guess I am not completely uninterested in these latest editions to DISH Network’s high definition offerings.

With the switch to digital TV, it seems that the ability to get local channels from your cable or satellite TV provider is more important than ever. Obviously, not everyone’s experience with digital TV compares with mine, but so far, I have found digital TV to be a bit less wonderful than all those commercials leading up to the switch-over indicated.

The main problem I have with DTV is its sporadic reliability where I live. One day I will get a beautiful clear picture and strong signal and the next day I may not be able to watch it at all due to poor signal strength. I don’t know if this is because digital television is more susceptible to interference from atmospheric or weather conditions, but that seems like a possibility.

Thankfully, DISH Network has been adding some new local channels recently, which should be quite helpful for DISH customers who have not had good luck with DTV.

The satellite broadcaster has recently added local channels in the following markets: South Bend/Elkhart, Indiana; Lima, OH; Columbus/Tupelo, MS; Springfield, MO and Alexandria, LA.

Reports indicate that the addition of these new stations mean that DISH Network is offering channels in 97% of the nation’s local markets.

A new review from PC Magazine on the new VIP722 DVR From Dish Network just reaffirms my opinion of Dish Network’s DVR’s in general. I have the VIP622 myself and I just love it.

The 722 has some advantages over the 622 but they are not worth the $200 for an existing customer like myself to upgrade. Besides, I really don’t have a need for the new features anyway.

I guess the most notable new feature is the increased hard drive capacity. The 722 will hold 350 hours of standard-definition programming and 55 hours of HD programming while my 622 only holds 200 hours of standard and 35 hours of HD programming. I don’t know about you, but for me the 622 holds more than I will ever need. I don’t watch that much TV!

I’ve been completely satisfied with my Dish Network DVR so far. I’ve had it about a year and so far the only problem I have had with it is that it has failed to feed a signal to my TV a couple of times when I turned it on. Just unplugging it and plugging it back in solves that problem — I kind of DVR “reboot” if you will.

If you want to read PC Magazine’s full review, check it out here.