EchoStar says not ruling out DirecTV merger talks

[Poke]

http://yahoo.reuters.com/news/artic...1-08_19-36-38_N08381733&type=comktNews&rpc=44



LAS VEGAS, Jan 8 (Reuters) - Satellite TV operator EchoStar Communications Corp. (DISH.O: Quote, Profile , Research) has not ruled out merger talks with larger rival DirecTV, but plans to wait for Liberty Media to gain control of DirecTV, EchoStar Chief Executive Charlie Ergen said on Monday.

"There's a merger on the table; facetiously, it's not us," Ergen told the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, referring to Liberty Media Holding Corp.'s (LCAPA.O: Quote, Profile , Research) acquisition of control of the top U.S. satellite TV operator from News Corp.(NWSa.N: Quote, Profile , Research).

"It will take all of 2007 to get done. We'll see what it looks like after that," he said.


Ergen said previous attempts to merge with DirecTV Group Inc. (DTV.N: Quote, Profile , Research) had distracted EchoStar from focusing on its operations strategy.

He pointed to potential areas where the two rivals could work together, saying they could share satellites at a time when television services aim to deliver more high-definition channels to subscribers.

At a press conference, EchoStar also said it plans to offer subscribers free high-definition digital video recorders. Subscribers will need to pay an additional $20 to get access to a package of high-definition channels.

 

[bowens]

At a press conference, EchoStar also said it plans to offer subscribers free high-definition digital video recorders. Subscribers will need to pay an additional $20 to get access to a package of high-definition channels.

Free HD DVR? That would be great.

 

[Dish VIP]

Sooner or later they will have to merge. It a no-brainer IMHO.

 

[Neutron]

They could share technology, share satellites, but still be two different companies. That would be awesome competition.

 

[Poke]

Yeah would that would really put pressure on the cable companies for sure.

 

[riffjim4069]

Gotta merge at some point in order to compete against the Cable and Telco triple play...

 

[Stargazer]

This is going to be a must for them to survive in the future with what the competition has in store and IPTV. They can get customers with their HD offerings until they get their internet/tv/phone service bundling figured out. Dish is doing the right thing by offering free HD DVR to new customers as cable does not charge an upfront fee. I wonder if Dish is going to charge a $6 lease fee on the first tuner of the 622 as it would be considered the first tuner on the account.

 

[wtb955]

DirecTV surges ahead in the HD channels offering game?

According to an article on TV Predictions.com, http://www.tvpredictions.com/directvhd010807.htm, DirecTV will offer 100 HD channels such as the Sci-Fi Channel, CNN, The Weather Channel, The Food Network, The Cartoon Network, Speed, FX, TBS, USA Network, the NFL Network, and the YES Sports Network by the end of this year. Let's see how Dish Network responds to that one! Perhaps a merger would be best if they cannot keep up. Charlie may be tasting a lot of dirt and seeing big, bright tail lights if he cannot match this latest broadside from DirecTV! :

 

[navychop]

So long as Echostar dominates. I want to keep my 30 second skip ahead button.

 

[navychop]

Charlie may be tasting a lot of dirt and seeing big, bright tail lights if he cannot match this latest broadside from DirecTV! :

You mean, more empty promises from D*? Read last year's promises from them.

 

[wtb955]

You mean, more empty promises from D*? Read last year's promises from them.

I agree, but let's hope this sets a fire under Charlie's butt to improve picture quality and increase HD channels.

 

[navychop]

Now that's a fire I'd gladly pile up kindling for and provide the match!

 

[wtb955]

Now that's a fire I'd gladly pile up kindling for and provide the match!

I'll Rock/Paper/Scissors you for the privilege of lighting the fire!

 

[navychop]

:haha

 

[dodge]

fire under charlies ass

can i throw my 921 in that pile of fire

 

[Stargazer]

Smokin!