Dish Expands High Definition Package

[DNiermeyer]

ENGLEWOOD, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 29, 2005--EchoStar Communications Corporation (NasdaqISH - News) announced that its DISH Network(TM) satellite TV service will expand its high-definition television (HDTV) package by adding 10 original VOOM HD networks, expected to be available May 1, 2005. With the addition of these originals to its current slate of HD programming, DISH Network further establishes itself as the leader in high-definition TV.

The 10 VOOM HD networks will include RUSH HD, Gallery HD, Rave HD, Ultra HD, Equator HD, Monsters HD, Animania HD, Majestic HD, HD News and Guy TV HD. These networks will give viewers a high-def experience in such entertainment categories as science fiction, fashion, travel, music concerts and more.

"The addition of these original channels makes the DISH Network high definition package the best in the pay-TV industry," said Eric Sahl, vice president of programming for EchoStar. "With programming offering the finest clarity and resolution, customers enjoy a better TV watching experience."

[Scott Greczkowski]

DISH Network Expands High-Definition Package with Addition of VOOM Programming
Friday April 29, 8:07 am ET
Lineup Will Include 10 Original VOOM HD Channels


ENGLEWOOD, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 29, 2005--EchoStar Communications Corporation (Nasdaq: DISH - News) announced that its DISH Network(TM) satellite TV service will expand its high-definition television (HDTV) package by adding 10 original VOOM HD networks, expected to be available May 1, 2005. With the addition of these originals to its current slate of HD programming, DISH Network further establishes itself as the leader in high-definition TV.
The 10 VOOM HD networks will include RUSH HD, Gallery HD, Rave HD, Ultra HD, Equator HD, Monsters HD, Animania HD, Majestic HD, HD News and Guy TV HD. These networks will give viewers a high-def experience in such entertainment categories as science fiction, fashion, travel, music concerts and more.

"The addition of these original channels makes the DISH Network high definition package the best in the pay-TV industry," said Eric Sahl, vice president of programming for EchoStar. "With programming offering the finest clarity and resolution, customers enjoy a better TV watching experience."

Customers can sign a one-year agreement and receive six free months of HD programming with high-definition receivers in up to two rooms at no charge. For a limited time, those who sign up can also receive more than 180 standard definition channels for only $19.99 a month for the first three months, plus a free DVR upgrade, with next-day installation.

For more information on DISH Network, visit
www.dishnetwork.com

, call 1-800-333-DISH (3474), or contact your local DISH Network retailer. For downloadable, print quality images of DISH Network equipment, installations or the DISH Network logo, visit
www.dishnetwork.com/content/aboutus/presskit/print/index.shtml


.

About EchoStar

EchoStar Communications Corporation (NasdaqISH - News) serves more than 11 million satellite TV customers through its DISH Network(TM), the fastest growing U.S. provider of advanced digital television services in the last five years. DISH Network offers hundreds of video and audio channels, Interactive TV, HDTV, sports and international programming, together with professional installation and 24-hour customer service. DISH Network ranks No. 1 in Customer Satisfaction among Cable/Satellite TV Subscribers by J.D. Power and Associates. Visit EchoStar's DISH Network at
www.dishnetwork.com


or call 1-800-333-DISH (3474).



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contact:
EchoStar Communications Corporation
Mark Cicero, 720-514-5065
mark.cicero@echostar.com

[dmodemd]

So, I guess Charlie considers these channels "compelling content" but not Starz-HD, and others?

[mdonnelly]

Cool!

[njjeepguy]

A DEFINATE step, or should I say leap, in the rite direction!!!

[larrystotler]

Look, a duplicate thread!

Hmmm.........no price on the Voom package?

[CDH]

Huzzah!

I'm glad I'm having cable installed this morning. They should be here within the next two hours. This can be a hold-over until I can get Dish installed.

I'm sorry that some of my favorites (FilmFest, WorldCinema) are not included, but I presume this has to do with rights to the films. Perhaps some will be included in "Majestic HD" or we'll see an IFC-HD channel in the future (after all, doesn't Rainbow/CVC own IFC?).

I will get myself a 942, and whatever dish I need. I'm sure I'll find that with an HD-DVR I'll have plenty to watch.

Someone said that one of the channels they were demoing in MPeg4 was Starz HD, so maybe there is hope for some of the others too (UHD anyone?).

CDH.

[npep]

WoooHoooo...at least it is something new! Now to find out what the channels are...

[larrystotler]

Actually, WHICH SAT IS IT COMING FROM????????????

[CDH]

WoooHoooo...at least it is something new! Now to find out what the channels are...

Well, the press release says:

"The 10 VOOM HD networks will include RUSH HD, Gallery HD, Rave HD, Ultra HD, Equator HD, Monsters HD, Animania HD, Majestic HD, HD News and Guy TV HD."

That is 10.

CDH.