DISH Network(R) Unveils Biggest High Definition Upgrade in TV History

Includes Industry's First High Definition Programming Offered in 1080p and Up To 150 National HD Channels

ENGLEWOOD, Colo., July 31, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ -- 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

http://dish.client.shareholder.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=325440

The cool news on this is that all of the existing MPEG4 DVRs will be able to show the 1080p VOD movies.

I had really thought that when news of 1080p VOD leaked out last week, that it was going to require new hardware to view the 1080p programming.

As far as channel count goes, that doesn't seem to mean as much to me anymore since they started to use funny numbers this time last year by including PPV, Sports Alternates, and other "time share" channels towards their channel count. Add to that, many of the new channels aren't on my list of interesting choices. Back when there were only 8 HD channel, then each was a gem to be cherished. But once you start reaching up over 40, there end up being HD channels that you'll never want to watch.

So my best hope now is that the channels that I do want, end up being among these new additions. Too bad Lifetime, Lifetime Movies, Planet Hippie, and CBS College arent' Speed, FX, FNC, or Outdoor2.

History International HD would be nice too. Is that one announced yet?

Dish had to do something in the face of D*'s and FIOS' announcements.

Probably sent some lackey off to figure out what they would need to count in order to be able to come up with 150 (the magic number?) "HD/national" channels by X date.

All that ends up mattering is the number people see in the Dish ads.

I am excited as heck except that no one @ Dish knows anything more than the news wire that I have supplied them with... The latest is they said to visit the chat room as they will not accept my $10 upgrade offer (in the press release) to sign me up NOW... LOL

I am wondering how my VIP722 will get the 1080p setting as the max is set @ 720 or 1080i... Will it be a firmware upgrade or magic? Further reading of the press release leads one to believe that "I am legend" will be broadcast "the same quality as BD"! How do they squeeze uncompressed audio through an MPEG-4 pipeline?? They must just be referring to video???

I will be up @ midnight to find out as I am awaiting a call back from an "engineer" now...

-MIP:D

just a press release. Where's the beef?

And for all you losers with no HDMI inputs .... nothing for you! ;) :D

Seems like a crock of **** to me. Much like that bs Fishing Channel we got instead of Voom. Screw Dish...

More significant would be Dish going all MPEG4 for HD tomorrow...

They also allegedly will claim 114 channels tomorrow using a combination of both D* AND Comcast math.

[quote]
Dish Network: We Now Have 114 HD Channels
The satcaster now claims the high-def leadership.
By Swanni

Washington, D.C. (July 31, 2008) -- Dish Network said today that it will have up to 114 High-Definition channels starting tomorrow, more than any other TV provider.

The satcaster is scheduled to add 17 national HD channels on Friday. However, until now, Dish was only counting around 80 HD channels, which would seem to put its total at 100 at best.

But in a press release issued today, Dish Network said:

"As previously announced, (we) 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 lineup to 150 channels by the end of 2008."

DIRECTV says it now has 95 national HD channels, but will increase that number to 130 on August 14.

Asked how Dish is able to reach the 114 mark, Dish spokeswoman Kathie Gonzalez said the total includes 14 Video on Demand channels, six 'HD PPV' channels and 25 regional sports channels.

Here is a list of the 114 channels that Dish Network says it will offer by tomorrow:


A&E HD

ABC Family

Cartoon Network

CNBC

CNN HD

Discovery Channel HD

Disney (E)

ESPN HD

ESPN2 HD

ESPNews

Food Network HD

HD Theater

HDNet

HGTV HD

History Channel HD, The

Lifetime

MHD

SCI FI Channel HD

TBS in HD

TLC HD

TNT HD

Travel Channel

USA HD

Weather Channel

Animal Planet HD

Big Ten Network HD 2

Bravo

CBS College Sports

Lifetime Movie Network

NFL Network HD

Toon Disney

WGN America

Biography

Encore (E)

Golf Channel/Versus HD

Hallmark Movie Channel

National Geographic Channel HD

Planet Green

Science Channel HD, The

Tennis Channel

5StarMAX HD

Cinemax HD (E)

Cinemax HD (W)

ActionMAX

HBO HD (E)

HBO HD (W)

HBO2 HD

HBO Signature HD

HBO Comedy

HBO Family

HBO Zone

HBO Latino

Showtime HD

Starz HD (E)

Starz HD (W)

Starz Comedy HD

Starz Edge HD

Starz Kids and Family HD

HDNet Movies

MGM

NBA TV

NHL Network HD

Smithsonian

Universal HD

World Fishing Network

DISH Network HD PPV – 6 Channels
Regional Sports Networks – 25 Channels
VOD – 14 Channels
Locals – 4 Channels (ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC)

TOTAL 114

The satcaster also said today it will be the first TV provider to offer high-def movies in 1080p resolution, the same resolution offered on Blu-ray high-def discs.

DIRECTV earlier this week said it would air some movies in 1080p, but did not give a launch date other than to say "later this year."

Dish said its 1080p resolution will be offered when it unveils a new subscription package next month. The company said that starting August 1, a new system upgrade will be rolled out to all MPEG-4 HD DVR receivers.

The upgrade will activate a feature in the set-top that improves the current standard of high-def delivery used by pay TV providers, such as the ability to output 1080p programming.

By early August, Dish said in a press release, all Dish customers with MPEG-4 HD DVRs will have set-tops that can display 1080p.

Dish said that starting August 1, Will Smith's movie, I Am Legend, will be available in 1080p resolution on Dish's VOD service.

DISH Chief Marketing Officer Jessica Insalaco told Reuters that the satcaster plans to start promoting more of its high-end products, such as high-def , even with the economy sagging.

"Television is still a huge part of people's lives, and with rising gas prices the whole home video experience is more important than ever," she told the wire service.

A recent study found that DIRECTV and Comcast customers spend more money per month on their TV service than Dish customers.
[quote]

I picked up I Am Legend for $10 on HD DVD at Fry's. I doubt Dish will surpass it in PQ.

You mean even the 5% of programming that actually starts out as HD?

No - probably not.

And for all you losers with no HDMI inputs .... nothing for you! ;) :D
Not true... Though I have HDMI for video, as of right now there is nothing to say that HDMI/HDCP will be required for video. Who knows... First they need to get the movies and compress the hell out of them via MPEG-4...

-MIP

So where is Fox News HD?

They're using the same math that the cablecos used - including part time HD channels into the count.

New channels are up and running.

http://www.satelliteguys.us/dish-hd-discussions/143934-its-christmas-new-hd.html

http://www.dishnetwork.com/content/our_products/dish_hd/programming/AT_turboHD/index.shtml

I would be happy if Dish just added Spike and Speed channel to the HD lineup. The new HBO channels that came today are pretty nice though.

I would be happy if Dish just added Spike and Speed channel to the HD lineup. The new HBO channels that came today are pretty nice though.
I am on chat with customer service as we speak and they say that those are included with my premium package and I will see them when I get home today. Also, i was informed that the roll-out for 1080p updates have started (@ least for my VIP722)...

-MIP

I am on chat with customer service as we speak and they say that those are included with my premium package and I will see them when I get home today. Also, i was informed that the roll-out for 1080p updates have started (@ least for my VIP722)...

-MIP

Umm what package would that be, I have had Dish since last year and recently got the top HD package and I dont have them. I have the top 200 package and at the time the top HD package and spike and speed are just SD channels for me.

Umm what package would that be, I have had Dish since last year and recently got the top HD package and I dont have them. I have the top 200 package and at the time the top HD package and spike and speed are just SD channels for me.

"Those" meant the new HBO HD channels, not Spike or Speed.

"Those" meant the new HBO HD channels, not Spike or Speed.

Ah I see, blonde moment I guess. :D

Where are folks finding "new" HBO HD channels? I can't find anything, anywhere, except the standard HBO-E feed.

what is the "discounted" price for I Am Legend in 1080p? Has anyone viewed it to look at the quality? Obviously, the audio is going to suck compared to bluray, but i'm curious about the video.

When they say turbo hd is 100% hd does it mean its better quality than the hd they were previously pumping out before today? And if so does that mean you have to request turbo hd if your an existing hd subscriber as an upgrade to recieve a better pic or 100% hd as they call it?? If that is the case then thats a bunch of bull if we already have hd and have to pay for a better quality hd signal that we should already be getting. Hopefully someone can clarify this for me.:confused:

"100% HD" isn't referring to the quality of HD. They are talking about the fact that it is an all HD (channel) package.

"100% HD" isn't referring to the quality of HD. They are talking about the fact that it is an all HD (channel) package.

Good to know and thanks for the clarification.

Where are folks finding "new" HBO HD channels? I can't find anything, anywhere, except the standard HBO-E feed.

I'm guessing you haven't looked on either the 61.5 or 129 satellites.