Dish Network 2008 CES Press Conference Live Coverage

**HokieEngineer** · 01-07-2008 02:34 PM

Clip and Sling is part of the website sling.com.

lets friends see a piece of television they are watching, take a clip of it, and send to friends and family to show them what they are watching.

- Hope to use as a new way for content providers to get the word out about their shows and programming.

**Scott Greczkowski** · 01-07-2008 02:35 PM

More from Sling

**HokieEngineer** · 01-07-2008 02:36 PM

When you send a clip to someone, they have the option of adding that show as a recording on their own DVR, or sends them to the content provider site so they can download the full version of the program.

**HokieEngineer** · 01-07-2008 02:38 PM

Next up is Charlie Ergen.

Starts off by talking about being amazed at how all the technology works with satellites, encodings, uplinks, but they cant get a simple computer and projector to work right (talking about the issues they had at the start of the press conference).

**HokieEngineer** · 01-07-2008 02:41 PM

Now he is taking questions:

1st question: Strategy of the triple play.

A: Will computer turn into the main tv set? Spun off EHC, because the STB is the core of the triple play service. Seemless operation. Current VIP (Video IP products) connect via satellite or broadband. Talks about new sling products. Charlies main partner is AT&T, with bellsouth. He doesnt care how consumer gets their broadband connection, they have the hardware ready.

Talking about HD now, thinks satellite will be the main distribution format of HD signals.

**Scott Greczkowski** · 01-07-2008 02:42 PM

Here comes Charlie...

**HokieEngineer** · 01-07-2008 02:42 PM

Swan asks about HD expansion plans.

A: 4 sats scheduled for 2008 launch. 2 were supposed to launch in 2007. 1 for china, other 3 for the US. 1 sat launch per quarter. Will allow Dish to goto 100 HD nationals and 100 local HD markets.

**HokieEngineer** · 01-07-2008 02:43 PM

Q: As a STB maker, what does Charlie think about STB replacements (Xbox360, wii)?

A: Yes, they could replace the STB, but what they cant do is process a lot of bits at once. (Point to multipoint) IE satellite downlink CONUS).

**HokieEngineer** · 01-07-2008 02:48 PM

Q: Lots of stuff going on at one time at Echostar. What are the top three things?

A: For Dish. Primary is taking care of 14M customers. From Echostar, develop products that will seamlessly put together everything on the tv. Dish buys lots of product from Echostar, ExpressVu buys products. Wants to expand to international other providers.

Q: Took big price increase last year, but added lots of promos, this year no price increase but no promos, is the consumer weaker this year?

A. There is a price increase this year on the main packages, DishDVR has no increase. Charlie doesnt like the discounting business. Wants to simplify and just offer a price and thats it. Thinks its too confusing when promo ends and prices change, angry customers... Wants to build trust, on simple and reliable prices.

**HokieEngineer** · 01-07-2008 02:49 PM

Q: Clearwire and wildblue and 700MHz auctions

A: We have reseller agreements with both, we've sold a lot and filled a lot of their beams. As far as 700MHz auction, Dish has applied. If they want to participate, they can. They will look at it in the future and if it make sense for them.