Ok now that I got a chance to eat and find a computer with a decent Internet connection...
It appeared from that press conference that Echostar is really trying to diversify into other things besides Dish Network service. Most of what they talked about was their lineup of hardware and the convergance of media. Yes they did talk some about Dish Network, but the products announced we already knew about. I did appreciate the acknoledgement of the failures to add HD in the last part of 2007. The satellite launches have apparently put a dent in their plans regarding new HD channels.
The china satellite launch also shows to me how they are spreading out and focusing on new ventures. Not bad in the perspective of a company but I dont think great news for us as subscribers.
They did commit to new HD, the 100 channel number is just a WAG. Probably just to throw something out there to compare to Directv. Charlie caveated it by saying "if there are actually 100 HD channels actually showing HD".
The 211 as a DVR sounds interesting to me. They need to make the pricing make sense though, so people dont just go out and buy a 211 + EHD, and skip out on the 722,622,612. In that respect, I dont see what market they are after with the 612. All it adds is dual tuners to the 211+EHD. Even then, why not just ship out 622s? Are the parts savings really that great for the agile modulator?