Turner Classic Movies (TCM) is a cable television channel that constantly shows movies dating from the 1920s to the 1960s and up to date. For people who enjoy movies and have an appreciation for the classics, along with Old Hollywood, TCM offers a vast array of cherished movies from the early years of cinema. TCM fans who are probably Dish Network users must be eager to know which channel is the best to tune in to enjoy this movie channel.
This is the list of channel numbers for TCM on the Dish Network:
Specifically, Turner Classic Movies can be viewed on the Dish Network Channel 256 in standard picture quality. If you want to view it in High Definition, TCM can be found on channel 9439. So, if you wish to experience TCM in a clearer and more detailed resolution on Dish, do set your television to channel 9439. The standard definition feed on 256 is also available if you do not have an HD-compatible receiver for the above-mentioned channels.
Step-by-step guide on how to include TCM in your dish package
Everyone who subscribes to Dish Network’s America’s Top 120+ programming package and above gets TCM. If you are a subscriber of Top 120 plus packages like Top 200, 250, and 300, then TCM should be part of your pack and thus should be featured on your channel list without further addition.
So, for Dish customers in the lower America’s Top packages under 120, TCM is not available in your basic package. However, you can still make the addition by updating your core package or by subscribing to the TCM standalone channel at $6 monthly. Switching to America’s Top 120+ would provide TCM and more than thirty extra channels for viewing. However, you can retain your current base package and subscribe only to the TCM channel as an addition to it.
To add channels, here are some ways: Through the Dish account online, the Dish Anywhere mobile application, or by contacting the Dish customer care service at 1-877-471-DISH (4808). This makes it easier for the agents to assist customers in either upgrading or adding on TCM.
Learn How to Check That ‘TCM Is in Your Package’
If you're unsure whether Turner Classic Movies is currently part of your Dish lineup, there are a couple of easy ways to confirm before making any package changes:
The next practice is to turn to the Dish Channel Guide – you can find the internet version of the Dish channel lineup and type in your zip code to see the exact list of channels in your package. Go to the lower portion of the page and locate channel numbers 256 and 9439 to check if TCM SD and HD are included.
Make Sure You Are Tuned to the Correct Channel – Turn on your on-screen guide on your Dish TV box and for TCM or turn the channel knob to search for TCM manually. If you receive the channel, TCM branding will appear on the TV listings, if it is an approved list. Otherwise, you will likely receive a message that this channel is unauthorized.
Watch TONIGHT on Dish Try Tuning in to Channel 256/9439 – Just enter channel 256 to watch SD programming or channel 9439 for High Definition on your Dish remote. If TCM appears and in the next second shows a video scene, it means that the corresponding channel is included in your subscription. If not, then you have to pay for that channel, in other words, upgrade to be able to watch that channel.
As illustrated in any of the three methods mentioned above, any Dish customer can be certain whether TCM is included in their current package. From time to time, you can then start to avail yourself of all the offerings of TCM once your account has been authenticated.
Watching TCM on Dish
Once you are assured that your subscription comes with TCM in our high definition, the steps to view the channel on Dish Network involve tuning to channel 256 SD or 9439 HD. You can navigate through TCM’s listing of featured classic movies by day and you can find some of the all-time classics such as Casablanca and Singing in the Rain, and there are so many more movies yet to be discovered.
In addition to the traditional linear channel, TCM is also available to Dish users through Dish on Demand, where viewers can watch TCM movies on demand. With Dish, we have access to hundreds of TCM movies amongst the new and old stock in the comfort of our homes. The Dish set-top box will allow you to access and watch TCM On Demand movies right at your own home and box.
So, those who enjoy watching classic cinema now have a couple of amazing opportunities to watch TCM. You can directly turn to channel 256/9439 for the live channel or check an impressive list of movies available on TCM in your Dish receiver at any time.
In Summary
For Dish viewers hoping to get Turner Classic Movies, the TCM channel is on:
- SD Channel 256
- HD Channel 9439
If you want TCM, you have to subscribe to America’s Top 120 plus or any higher package from Dish TV. The TCM itself, if you do not include it in your base package, costs $6 per month. Watching the channel or looking at your account or Dish channel guides can confirm for you if you are getting the channel.
Once subscribers verify their Dish subscription, they have TCM in their homes to watch it in either standard or high definition on channel 256 or 9439. In addition, over a thousand TCM movies are on demand on compatible Dish set-top boxes at the customers’ convenience. And therefore, it is now much simpler for classic movie lovers to get connected to TCM on Dish Network.
Ready to upgrade your TV experience? Call us now at (877) 471-4808 to find the perfect Dish Network plan for you! Don’t miss out on great entertainment—our team is here to help you choose the best package and get you started today.