Dish Network will surpass its stated goal of 100 high-definition (HD) channels this year with the addition of 17 more national channels.

Most of the new channels are variants on HBO and Starz, but Dish said the 17 channels will allow it to surpass its goal of reaching 100 HD channels five months ahead of schedule.

Satellite and cable operators have been adding HD channels as the sales of HDTV sets have grown. While satellite operators claim a larger number of HD channels in their lineups, cable operators have said it’s not always a fair comparison since they don’t count regional sports channels that are not available to all of the viewers in their footprints.

Dish first stated its goal of 100 HD channels in January. For more on HD, click here.

Dish Network also announced a new "TurboHD" service, which is four separate tiers of all-HD programming. The tiers are bronze, silver, gold and platinum, with prices ranging from $25 per month to $55 per month. All TurboHD packages can include HD locals where available.

More Broadband Direct:

• Martin to propose sanctions against Comcast

• OMB rejects FCC's new leased access requirements

• Time Warner Cable sells off systems

• Concurrent providing VOD equipment for TWC in Calif.

• Dish Network announces launch of 17 more HD channels

• SMC Networks' cable modem gets MEF certification

• AT&T, AOL to also block child porn

• Connected Nation, ECA form partnership

• Broadband Briefs for 7/11/08