ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Jan. 7, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- DISH Network(r) (Nasdaq:DISH)
today announced plans to increase its national HD channel count from 76 to 100
in 2008. The company also plans to add local HD channels in 65 new markets,
bringing its HD local market total to 100.
"The addition of new HD national and local channels is a testament to DISH
Network's unwavering focus on providing the best HD offerings," said Eric Sahl,
senior vice president of Programming for DISH Network. "We at DISH Network will
continue to not only be a leader in the number of HD channels, but also in
quality in value."
DISH Network plans to launch three satellites in 2008, providing the company
additional bandwidth to maintain its reign as a top HD provider.
The company begins its HD launches with 11 local markets including: Austin, TX;
Baltimore; Cleveland; Columbia, S.C.; Flint, Mich.; Greenville, S.C.;
Huntsville, Ala.; Jackson, Miss.; Knoxville, Tenn.; Orlando, Fla.; and Richmond,
Va. The addition of these markets brings DISH Network's local HD penetration to
80 percent of U.S. TV households.
In conjunction with the launch of new HD programming, DISH Network is offering
more choices for HD customers, including HD packages as low as $10 per month for
more than 20 of the most popular HD channels. New HD packages will be available
beginning Feb. 1, 2008.
"DISH Network's HD programming packages, paired with the industry's best HD
DVRs, give TV consumers the complete TV viewing experience and another powerful
reason to switch to DISH Network -- if they haven't already," Sahl said.
For more information about DISH Network's HD offerings or DVR technology, call
1-800-333-DISH (3474), visit www.dishnetwork.com, or visit your local DISH
Network retailer.
About EchoStar Communications
EchoStar Communications Corporation (Nasdaq:DISH) has been a leader for more
than 27 years in satellite TV equipment sales and support worldwide. The
Company's DISH Network(r) provides more than 13.695 million satellite TV
customers with industry-leading customer satisfaction which has surpassed major
cable companies for seven years running. DISH Network customers also enjoy
access to a premier line of award-winning Digital Video Recorders (DVRs),
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, a free upgrade to the best HD DVR in the
industry, and six months free of DishHD. EchoStar is included in the Nasdaq-100
Index (NDX) and is a Fortune 300 company. Visit www.echostar.com or call
1-800-333-DISH (3474) for more information.
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CONTACT: EchoStar
Media Contact:
Francie Bauer
720-514-5351
press@echostar.com
