Includes Industry's First High Definition Programming Offered in 1080p and
Up To 150 National HD Channels
ENGLEWOOD, Colo., July 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- DISH Network
Corporation (Nasdaq: DISH) today set the bar for the next-generation HD
standard by becoming the first in the industry to offer high definition
programming in 1080p, the highest and best HD resolution available.
This new functionality is part of DISH Network's latest and
unprecedented expansion in high definition services, which includes the
rollout of TurboHD, the industry's first 100 percent, all-HD suite of
programming packages. As previously announced, DISH Network will also
launch 17 new national HD channels tomorrow, surpassing its goal of
reaching 100 national HD channels five months ahead of schedule. DISH
Network now offers up to 114 national HD channels and plans to expand that
line-up to 150 channels by the end of 2008, made possible by the recent
launch of Echo XI, the most powerful satellite in the company's fleet.
"Over the years, DISH Network has maintained a very competitive high
definition offering in the marketplace, providing customers with a premium
HD product including the best technology, signal and experience -- at the
best value -- that no other pay-TV provider can come close to matching. Our
latest system upgrade coupled with the introduction of TurboHD further
strengthens our position as the leader in digital television and high
definition television," said Charlie Ergen, Chairman, CEO and President of
DISH Network. "We know that once consumers start watching their favorite TV
shows in high definition, their viewing habits change and their preference
switches to all-HD programming. Only DISH Network gives them that option,
all for an industry-low price of $24.99 per month."
DISH Network's new high definition services are supported by a
proprietary system upgrade that, starting August 1, is being rolled out to
all MPEG-4 HD DVR receivers. The upgrade activates a unique feature of the
set-top boxes, improving the current standard of HD delivery used by pay-TV
providers such as the ability to output 1080p programming. By early August,
all DISH Network customers with MPEG-4 HD DVR receivers will have the only
set-top boxes in the nation enabled to display 1080p content, allowing them
to maximize the full potential of their 1080p-compatible HDTV sets.
To celebrate this new era in the high definition viewing experience,
DISH Network is offering subscribers a special deal in August to enjoy the
unparalleled picture and sound of 1080p high definition programming.
Starting August 1, Warner Bros. Pictures' blockbuster "I Am Legend"
starring Will Smith will be available in 1080p resolution -- same as
Blu-ray(R) Disc quality -- on DISH Network's VOD service, DISH On Demand,
at a discounted price. Subscribers with MPEG-4 HD DVRs may order the movie
on DISH Network Channel 501.
Consumers can sign up for the best high definition programming and
service in the industry with DISH Network's new TurboHD programming
packages, the only all-HD packages on the market, starting at $24.99 per
month. TurboHD is available in three separate tiers and includes special
"turbo-charged" features and benefits such as DISH Network's award-winning
and industry-leading technology, the highest quality HD available including
1080p where applicable, and the most-watched HD channels that may be viewed
on any TV -- analog, digital or high definition.
Current DISH Network customers looking to add the industry's best high
definition experience can get a "turbo-charged" HD package for as little as
$10 more per month.
The latest national HD channels added to DISH Network's programming
line-up are: ActionMax HD (DISH Network Ch. 313), CBS College Sports HD
(Ch. 152), Lifetime HD (Ch. 108), Lifetime Movie Network HD (Ch. 109),
Planet Green HD (Ch. 194), Encore HD (Ch. 340), HBO 2 HD (Ch. 301), HBO
Comedy HD (Ch. 307), HBO Family HD (Ch. 305), HBO Latino HD (Ch. 309), HBO
Signature HD (Ch. 302), HBO West HD (Ch. 303), HBO Zone HD (Ch. 308), Starz
Comedy HD (Ch. 354), Starz Edge HD (Ch. 352), Starz Kids & Family HD (Ch.
356), and Starz West HD (Ch. 351).
For more information about DISH Network's 1080p programming, new HD
channels and TurboHD system and packages, visit http://www.dishnetwork.com
or call 1-800-333-DISH (3474).
DISH Network Corporation
DISH Network Corporation (Nasdaq: DISH), the nation's third largest
pay-TV provider and the leader in digital television, provides more than
13.815 million satellite TV customers with industry-leading customer
satisfaction which has surpassed major cable TV providers for eight
consecutive years. DISH Network also provides customers with award-winning
HD and DVR technology including the ViP722(TM) HD DVR, which received the
Editors' Choice awards from both CNET and PC Magazine. In addition,
subscribers enjoy access to hundreds of video and audio channels, the most
International channels in the U.S., industry-leading Interactive TV
applications, Latino programming, and the best sports and movies in HD.
DISH Network offers a variety of package and price options including the
lowest all-digital price in America, the DishDVR Advantage Package,
high-speed Internet service, and a free upgrade to the best HD DVR in the
industry. DISH Network is included in the Nasdaq-100 Index (NDX) and is a
Fortune 300 company. Visit http://www.dishnetwork.com/aboutus or call
1-800-333-DISH (3474) for more information.
SOURCE DISH Network Corporation
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Related links:
http://www.dishnetwork.com/
CONTACT:
Francie Bauer, +1-720-514-5839,
press@echostar.com, for DISH Network Corporation
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