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

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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://www.dishnetwork.com/

Copyright (C) 2008 PR Newswire. All rights reserved

News Provided by COMTEX
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Looks like there will be a path for existing customers to upgrade to TurboHD.
Don't you just love competition well done Dish shows Direct can't always be the leader.
SO, how did they suddenly go from 100 channels to 114 without adding anything else than what was already announced?
liverpool said:
Don't you just love competition well done Dish shows Direct can't always be the leader.
Looks like we are getting into a phase where they will both pretty much have all the same thing.

Maybe now they can get back to competing for best rather than most.
Curtis0620 said:
SO, how did they suddenly go from 100 channels to 114 without adding anything else than what was already announced?
Reaching 100 HD channels is not saying there is only 100 HD channels. Probably have to search high and low to find all of these channels. :D
Congratulations guys!

Competition is good for everyone!
(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.)


Does this mean the 622 and 722 boxes will be able to show 1080p ?
Didn't think a software update could enable such a thing.

Murray
racermurray said:
Does this mean the 622 and 722 boxes will be able to show 1080p ?
Basically, yes.
"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. "

The key word is "activates" The hardware must have always been there they were just waiting to update the ability to send the 1080P over the Satellite.
Competition at its finest. Once DishNet and Directv match up the only thing they will be able to make better is the price. Who will offer what they have for less and in the long run we as consumers win. NFL ST really is the only that Directv has that Dish doesn't that keeps me with them. Although,1080p VOD will suck because it will take me a day or more to download one movie on my connection. The best I can get out here is 1.5 down. Hopefully Directv and Dish will offer 1080p via satellite eventually.
Curtis0620 said:
SO, how did they suddenly go from 100 channels to 114 without adding anything else than what was already announced?
And where are they suddenly getting all of the bandwidth from?
OinkinOregon said:
The key word is "activates" The hardware must have always been there they were just waiting to update the ability to send the 1080P over the Satellite.
I did not see anything in the release about 1080p being delivered via satellite. They only mention via VOD - that is via an internet connection, right?
Holy Smoke !!

My 1080i television has just become obsolete :lol:

Murray
OinkinOregon said:
The key word is "activates" The hardware must have always been there they were just waiting to update the ability to send the 1080P over the Satellite.
I did not get the impression that 1080p is being sent via sat in this press release. Sounds to me like 1080p upscaling is being done in VOD.
What's interesting about all this is that those who have 1080p displays have been watching satellite in 1080p since getting the display. The display device already does a wonderful job upconverting everything to 1080p. :)
JohnH said:
Looks like there will be a path for existing customers to upgrade to TurboHD.
I still don't think current customers can order the "HD only" TurboHD packages.

Press Release said:
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.
I take that as current customers can get "turbo-charged" BronzeHD, SilverHD or GOldHD for as little as $10 extra a month. That's how it is now.
dragonbait said:
I did not get the impression that 1080p is being sent via sat in this press release. Sounds to me like 1080p upscaling is being done in VOD.
No sir, it says Blu Ray quality.... not near Blu Ray quality. I do believe that is will be real 1080p. Even DirecTV announced they are going to launch channels in 1080p by the end of the year.

I am interested in how much bandwidth 1080p verses 1080i will eat up on the transponders.

Of course my comment is pure speculation, just as yours was.

Either way it creates progress, because Direct will have to match or beat it, the Dish will have to counter,.... this is progress and can only make things very interesting for the future. :)
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
There's more to Blu-ray Disc quality than merely having the signal run at 1080p. Video bit rate and audio bit rate are more critical issues.

I'd be willing to qualify the "Blu-ray Disc Quality" claim if the audio was Dolby TrueHD and the video was running in the 20Mb/s - 30Mb/s range, which is basically what I am Legend did on HD-DVD and Blu-ray.
Existing 722 upgrading to 1080p, soon to be feeding 1080p
to my soon to be Mitsu 65" 1080p DLP in my new, soon to
be 1080p new house! :joy:

God is Good!
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