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
Francie Bauer, +1-720-514-5839, press@echostar.com, for DISH Network
Corporation
