rtt2
10-30-03, 02:25 PM
http://biz.yahoo.com/djus/031030/1427001595_2.html
Dow Jones Business News
Echostar's New Dish To Boost Programming Options
Thursday October 30, 2:27 pm ET
By Ellen Sheng, Of DOW JONES NEWSWIRES
NEW YORK -(Dow Jones)- Echostar (NasdaqNM:DISH - News) is preparing to introduce a new " Superdish" in mid-November that will enhance the company's ability to offer more high definition and local programming.
Speaking at SkyForum, the Satellite Broadcasting Communications Association's semi-annual gathering in Manhattan, Chief Executive Charlie Ergen said the new dish will boost high-definition capacity to 50 channels and enable local-to- local programming in 20 to 30 more markets.
The dish was originally scheduled for an earlier autumn launch, but got pushed back.
Echostar currently offers eight high-definition channels and local programming in 74 markets. The Littleton, Colo., company has plans to offer local programming in 100 markets by year end.
The Superdish is slightly larger than current dishes and elliptical in shape. The dish will capture signals from three satellites; current dishes capture signals from two.
In addition to high-definition and local programming, EchoStar is looking into more opportunities in broadband service, particularly in rural areas, CEO Ergen said......
Dow Jones Business News
Echostar's New Dish To Boost Programming Options
Thursday October 30, 2:27 pm ET
By Ellen Sheng, Of DOW JONES NEWSWIRES
NEW YORK -(Dow Jones)- Echostar (NasdaqNM:DISH - News) is preparing to introduce a new " Superdish" in mid-November that will enhance the company's ability to offer more high definition and local programming.
Speaking at SkyForum, the Satellite Broadcasting Communications Association's semi-annual gathering in Manhattan, Chief Executive Charlie Ergen said the new dish will boost high-definition capacity to 50 channels and enable local-to- local programming in 20 to 30 more markets.
The dish was originally scheduled for an earlier autumn launch, but got pushed back.
Echostar currently offers eight high-definition channels and local programming in 74 markets. The Littleton, Colo., company has plans to offer local programming in 100 markets by year end.
The Superdish is slightly larger than current dishes and elliptical in shape. The dish will capture signals from three satellites; current dishes capture signals from two.
In addition to high-definition and local programming, EchoStar is looking into more opportunities in broadband service, particularly in rural areas, CEO Ergen said......