For a long time when people would ask me if they should get a 720p or a 1080p HDTV, my response was will you watch Blu-ray movies? If not go for 720p since TV is only broadcast at 720p. Well the days of using that adage are gone now thanks to DISH Network.

The satellite TV provider announced today that it would be offering 1080p TV shows from specific networks. The first series to be broadcast via the firms IP-VOD offering is the new A&E series The Beast. DISH says that the shows will be available on VOD in 1080p the day after new episodes air.

The Beast is the series that features Patrick Swayze. To view the content customers must have a MPEG-4 HD DVR and have to be connected to a broadband Internet connection. Too bad that the shows aren't being broadcast in 1080p live, perhaps they will soon if more studios start shooting in full HD.

Via DISH Network