MTV on DISH Network is channel 160 for the standard definition feed and channel 1160 for the HD version. After using DISH for over three years, I can confirm these channel numbers have stayed consistent through every package update. If you’re searching for MTV or trying to figure out which plan carries it, this guide covers channels, packages, DVR recording, and streaming options.
- MTV sits on DISH channel 160 (SD) and 1160 (HD) with both feeds included in every America’s Top package starting at $84.99/month
- The Hopper 3 DVR records 16 shows simultaneously and stores 500 hours of HD content for watching MTV on your own schedule
- DISH Anywhere streams MTV live on phones and tablets at no extra cost using your existing DISH subscription within the US
- DISH satellite reaches 99% of US households including rural areas where cable providers like Spectrum and Xfinity have no coverage
- MTV2 is on channel 161 and included in most America’s Top packages alongside the main MTV channel
#MTV Channel Numbers on DISH
MTV has two channel assignments on DISH Network. Channel 160 carries the standard definition feed, and channel 1160 broadcasts the same programming in 1080i HD. Both air the East Coast schedule, so program times follow Eastern Time.
On my Hopper 3, switching between 160 and 1160 takes about two seconds. The HD version at 1160 looks sharper during live events like the VMAs, where stage lighting and camera movement expose the resolution gap. I bookmarked 1160 in my favorites list after the first week because the remote defaults to the lower number when you type “160” on the keypad.
MTV2 is one channel up at 161. It airs older reality content and music programming that rarely overlaps with the main feed.
#Which DISH Package Includes MTV?
Every America’s Top tier carries MTV. No add-ons needed.
America’s Top 120 is the base plan at $84.99/month with 190+ channels. MTV, VH1, and BET all come standard.
America’s Top 200 costs $104.99/month and adds 50+ channels beyond the 120 tier, though MTV access is identical across both. America’s Top 250 at $114.99/month adds premium movie channels, international programming, and Starz, but the MTV channel numbers and on-demand library stay the same regardless of which tier you pick.
Dish and Paramount Global (MTV’s parent company) renegotiate carriage agreements every few years. A 2023 dispute pulled MTV from DISH for several weeks before a new deal restored the channels. Dish confirms that subscribers receive advance notice and bill credits during blackout periods. Current lineup details are on the Dish packages page.
#How Do You Record MTV on the Hopper 3?
The Hopper 3 handles MTV recordings without any special configuration, recording up to 16 programs simultaneously with 500 hours of HD storage.
Press the red record button once during a live MTV show for a single episode. Press it twice to create a series recording that captures every new episode automatically. After watching The Challenge through series recordings for two full seasons on my setup, I haven’t missed a single episode. The series timer checks DISH’s guide data daily and queues new airings without any manual intervention.
Commercials? Skip them. The 30-second skip button jumps past ad breaks in about 3 seconds. DISH’s AutoHop feature strips ads automatically on certain primetime network recordings, but MTV doesn’t always qualify for AutoHop, so manual skipping is your main option here.
For scheduling conflicts, the DVR drops the lowest-priority recording when 17 shows overlap and only 16 tuners are available. According to DISH’s support documentation, you can reorder priorities through Settings > Timers > Manage Priorities to protect your MTV recordings from getting bumped by lower-priority channels.
#Streaming MTV With DISH Anywhere
DISH Anywhere is the free companion app for subscribers. It streams MTV live and plays DVR recordings on iOS, Android, and web browsers.
The live feed mirrors channel 160/1160 with a 10-15 second delay compared to the satellite signal. That delay is standard across all TV Everywhere apps. Quality auto-adjusts based on connection speed, and DISH states that a stable 10 Mbps connection delivers near-HD video without buffering.
Transferring Hopper recordings to a phone or tablet for offline playback takes 5-10 minutes per hour of content over your home Wi-Fi. Useful for flights.
Having trouble with your TV provider login? Check MTV sign-in with TV provider not working for fixes. DISH Anywhere also runs on Roku.
#Current MTV Programming Schedule
MTV’s 2025 lineup runs almost entirely on reality TV and competition formats, with music videos pushed to early morning blocks between 3-6 AM ET. If you’re tuning in between 8 AM and midnight, expect unscripted content across the board. Here’s what’s currently airing on DISH channel 160/1160.
Competition and Reality:
- Ridiculousness (Rob Dyrdek, daily marathon blocks filling 6-8 hours)
- The Challenge: Season 40+ with rotating spin-offs
- Wild ‘N Out (Nick Cannon’s improv comedy battles)
- Catfish: The TV Show
Drama and Docuseries:
- Teen Mom: The Next Chapter
- Jersey Shore: Family Vacation
- True Life Crime
MTV also broadcasts the Video Music Awards (VMAs) in August/September, the Movie & TV Awards in spring, and periodic MTV Unplugged specials with major artists. These live events are the highest-rated broadcasts on the channel each year.
Ridiculousness fills most of the daily schedule. The MTV shows page recommends checking on-demand for specific episodes of less-aired programs, since they rarely repeat in the regular rotation.
#DISH vs Other Providers for MTV
DISH isn’t the only path to MTV, but satellite has specific advantages based on where you live.
Cable carries MTV too. Spectrum and Verizon Fios both include it in their standard tiers, but cable requires physical wiring to your address. DISH’s satellite reaches 99% of US households, covering rural locations where cable infrastructure doesn’t exist.
Streaming is the budget path. Philo at $28/month is the cheapest live TV service with MTV. Sling TV Orange + Blue runs $55/month and bundles in sports channels. YouTube TV ($72.99/month) and Hulu + Live TV ($82.99/month) carry MTV at higher price points, but according to their support pages, both offer unlimited cloud DVR hours.
The real question is DVR reliability. The Hopper 3’s 16 tuners and 500 hours of local storage work independently of your internet connection, so recordings survive broadband outages and router resets without interruption. Cloud DVR depends on your broadband staying stable during both recording and playback.
For watching MTV on a Fire TV Stick, authenticate with your DISH credentials through the MTV app. The MTV app on Samsung Smart TVs uses the same TV Everywhere login process.
For background context, see Wikipedia’s smart TV entry.
#Bottom Line
MTV on DISH Network is channel 160 (SD) and 1160 (HD), included in every America’s Top package from $84.99/month. The Hopper 3 records 16 shows with 500 hours of storage, and DISH Anywhere adds mobile access at no extra charge. Satellite reaches nearly every US address, making Dish the strongest option for rural viewers.
If monthly cost matters more than DVR hardware, Philo ($28/month) or Sling TV ($55/month) deliver MTV for less.
#Frequently Asked Questions
#What channel number is MTV on DISH Network?
MTV is on channel 160 for standard definition and channel 1160 for HD. Both channels carry identical programming on the East Coast feed with times in Eastern Time. The HD channel broadcasts in 1080i resolution.
#Do I need a special package to get MTV on DISH?
No. Every America’s Top package includes MTV, starting with the 120 tier at $84.99/month. You don’t need a premium add-on, sports tier, or separate subscription to access channels 160 and 1160.
#Can I watch MTV on my phone with a DISH subscription?
The DISH Anywhere app streams MTV live and plays back Hopper DVR recordings on your phone, tablet, or laptop. It runs on iOS and Android at no extra cost for DISH subscribers. You can also transfer recordings to your device for offline viewing during flights or in areas with poor cell reception, and the transfer process takes 5-10 minutes per hour of video over your home Wi-Fi network.
#Does DISH carry MTV2 or MTV Classic?
DISH carries MTV2 on channel 161 in most America’s Top packages. MTV Classic availability varies by tier. Check your remote’s guide search for “MTV Classic” to see if it’s in your lineup.
#How much does DISH cost if I just want MTV?
America’s Top 120 at $84.99/month is the cheapest DISH plan with MTV. If satellite hardware isn’t worth it for one channel, Philo streams MTV for $28/month with no contract.
#What happens to MTV on DISH during carriage disputes?
Dish and Paramount Global renegotiate agreements periodically, and temporary blackouts happen during stalled negotiations. The 2023 dispute removed MTV from DISH for several weeks before a new deal restored the channels. Dish notifies subscribers in advance and issues bill credits for the downtime period. These disputes typically resolve within 30-60 days based on past patterns.
#Can I record MTV shows on the Hopper 3 DVR?
The Hopper 3 records up to 16 programs at the same time and holds 500 hours of HD content. Press the record button once for a single episode or twice for a series recording that captures every new airing. Playback supports commercial skipping with the 30-second skip button on the DISH remote.