Echostar IX Launch Information from Echostar

[Scott Greczkowski]

The following was sent to dealers this morning.

I say GO E* IX!
ECHO IX: Exciting news! ECHO IX will be launched via Sea Launch on August 7, 2003 at 11:31 PM Eastern Standard Time. We’ll be broadcasting the launch on channel 101 beginning at 11:10 PM Eastern Standard Time. EchoStar IX will join our current fleet of eight satellites that provide our customers with hundreds of all-digital television channels, including interactive TV services, sports programming, high definition television and international programming. The spacecraft is also equipped with one of the first commercial KA-Band spot beam payloads. The spacecraft will be located in geostationary orbit at 121 degrees west longitude.

[Bretto]

Was this a message from Echostar? If so, it says this new satellite at 121 will have HDTV. I thought HDTV would be at 105. I hope there is at least some HDTV at 121, as I don't think I can see 105 due to trees.

[Bobby94928]

Was this a message from Echostar? If so, it says this new satellite at 121 will have HDTV. I thought HDTV would be at 105. I hope there is at least some HDTV at 121, as I don't think I can see 105 due to trees.

I don't think they are saying that HD will be on 121. They are listing services they provide on their entire satellite fleet.

>>ECHO IX: Exciting news! ECHO IX will be launched via Sea Launch on August 7, 2003 at 11:31 PM Eastern Standard Time. We’ll be broadcasting the launch on channel 101 beginning at 11:10 PM Eastern Standard Time. EchoStar IX will join our current fleet of eight satellites that provide our customers with hundreds of all-digital television channels, including interactive TV services, sports programming, high definition television and international programming. The spacecraft is also equipped with one of the first commercial KA-Band spot beam payloads. The spacecraft will be located in geostationary orbit at 121 degrees west longitude.<<

[Scott Greczkowski]

Yes this was from Echostar, and the way I read it the HD mention was just an overview of services Dish Network offers, it does not say that HD will be on this bird.

[Bretto]

Yes, I agree now. I misread it. Anyway, I am looking forward to their announcement as to what channels will be at 105 and 121.

[Mike123abc]

On the last technical chat they said they would be putting internationals on 121, HDTV and locals on 105. Too bad they did not make a 4 satellite superdish (121, 199, 100, 105). This would give them a lot more flexability since they could then put what they wanted on 121/105 as needed.

[Chris Freeland]

On the last technical chat they said they would be putting internationals on 121, HDTV and locals on 105. Too bad they did not make a 4 satellite superdish (121, 199, 100, 105). This would give them a lot more flexability since they could then put what they wanted on 121/105 as needed.

I suspect that will happen eventually either by E* or after market, for the few subs that will need one. I suspect that the reason for two versions of SuperDish is to keep size down to 26", a SuperDuperDish for 105/110/119/121 would likely need to be a larger size dish, and possibly with slightly different shape as well.

[JohnH]

Don't know if this is still the case. but in the beginning it was stated that 121 would be a separate service from DISH Network.

BTW: There are local channels on 105 already.