EchoStar Introduces New High-Definition DVR Receiver for the HD Enthusiast

[Prize Goddess]

EchoStar Introduces New High-Definition DVR Receiver for the HD Enthusiast

ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Jan 7, 2008 (PrimeNewswire via COMTEX News Network) -- EchoStar Holding Corporation today announced the launch of a new high definition (HD) DVR receiver to complement its premier line of ViP set-top boxes. The ViP612 is an advanced MPEG-4, dual-tuner, DVR receiver with integrated digital over-the-air tuner, and offers the visual clarity and superior surround sound of HD. The receiver will be available to customers in February.



"EchoStar continues to expand its suite of award-winning high definition receivers to meet and exceed the demands of DISH Network subscribers," said Mark Jackson, president of EchoStar Holding Corporation. "With the recent holiday boom in HDTV sales, the ViP612 is the perfect solution for customers who have purchased an HDTV, and desire the ability to record HD content."

The ViP612 -- which is similar to the award-winning ViP622, but powers one TV -- can record up to 30 hours of high definition content and 200 hours of standard definition content. It also features on-screen caller ID, a nine-day electronic programming guide (EPG), seamless access to both satellite and broadband delivered content, a host of interactive services through DishHOME Interactive TV, parental locks and more. ViP612 customers also have access to the most free national HD channels in the industry with more than 75, plus local channels where available.

The ViP612 is available for lease to new and existing DISH Network customers through DISH Network's popular Digital Home Advantage (DHA) plan. For more information about DHA, DISH Network or the ViP612, call 1-800-333-DISH (3474), visit
DISH Network -- Home

, or visit your local DISH Network retailer.

[hrxtreme]

They announced this before, at Team Summit I believe... just now making it out tho... wow.

[KAB]

No mention of EHD support. Less attractive IMO.

[Neutron]

What's the point of this receiver??

[Jim S.]

What does this bring that the 622 doesn't? Unless it will do HD VOD, but VOD is a crock, and satellite VOD even more so, so the answer appears to be nothing. So why not give everyone a 622? There's no telling when someone might want to add a second TV.

[hrxtreme]

Point is that it saves DISH money. Customers who want an HD DVR but only have one TV to install on. This receiver is, I'm sure of it, probably cheaper than the 622/722. All in the cost savings....Any photos of this one yet? If I recall from earlier photos last year, I think it was black as well, with a 942ish look...

[darrencp22]

Point is that it saves DISH money. Customers who want an HD DVR but only have one TV to install on. This receiver is, I'm sure of it, probably cheaper than the 622/722. All in the cost savings....Any photos of this one yet? If I recall from earlier photos last year, I think it was black as well, with a 942ish look...

From a CONSUMER pt of view, this is pretty irrelevant. I can see how this benefits E* tho.

[obermi]

Why are they making this receiver?

[Paradox-SJ]

What's the point of this receiver??

+1

[rad]

I can see more and more where people will have only HDTV's in their homes and no need for the NTSC output. So come out with another STB that doesn't have this feature and save a few dollars in the cost of the box.