Dish Network® Unveils Biggest High Definition Upgrade In Tv History

[Hvnsent309]

DISH NETWORK® UNVEILS BIGGEST HIGH DEFINITION UPGRADE IN TV HISTORY

Includes Industry's First High Definition Programming Offered in 1080p and Up To 150 National HD Channels


ENGLEWOOD, Colo. - July 31, 2008 - DISH Network Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) today set the bar for the next-generation HD standard by becoming the first in the pay-TV industry to offer high definition programming in 1080p, the highest and best HD resolution available.
This new functionality is part of DISH Network's latest and unprecedented expansion in HD services, which includes the rollout of TurboHD, the industry's first 100 percent, all-HD suite of programming packages. As previously announced, DISH Network will also launch 17 more national HD channels tomorrow, surpassing its goal of reaching 100 national HD channels five months ahead of schedule. DISH Network now plans to nearly double its national HD channel count in less than one year and offer up to 150 national HD channels by the end of 2008, made possible by the recent launch of Echo XI, the most powerful satellite in the company's fleet.

"Over the years, DISH Network has maintained a very competitive HD offering in the marketplace, providing customers with a premium HD product including the best technology, signal and experience - at the best value - that no other pay-TV provider can come close to matching," said Charlie Ergen, Chairman, CEO and President of DISH Network. "Our latest system upgrade coupled with the introduction of TurboHD further strengthens our position as the leader in digital television and high definition television, platforms we look forward to enhancing even more with mobile and portable options."

DISH Network's new HD services are supported by a proprietary "turbo-charged" system upgrade that, starting August 1, is being rolled out to all MPEG-4 HD and HD DVR receivers. The upgrade activates a unique feature of the set-top boxes, improving the current standard of HD delivery used by pay-TV providers such as the ability to output 1080p programming. By early August, all DISH Network customers with MPEG-4 HD and HD DVR receivers will have the only set-top boxes in the nation enabled to display 1080p content, allowing them to maximize the full potential of their 1080p-compatible HDTV sets.

To celebrate this new era in the HD viewing experience, DISH Network is offering subscribers a special deal in August to enjoy the unparalleled picture and sound of 1080p HD programming. Starting August 1, the recent blockbuster "I Am Legend" starring Will Smith will be available in Blu-ray™ disc quality 1080p resolution, only on DISH Network's VOD service, DISH On Demand, at a discounted price. Subscribers may order the movie on DISH Network Channel 501. This marks the first time in history a pay-TV provider offers movies in 1080p, the highest resolution format available for HD video enthusiasts.

Consumers can sign up for the best HD programming and service in the industry with DISH Network's new TurboHD programming packages, the only all-HD packages on the market, starting at $24.99 per month. TurboHD is available in three separate tiers and includes DISH Network's award-winning and industry-leading HD technology, advanced equipment enabled to display 1080p programming, and the most-watched HD channels that may be viewed on any TV - analog, digital or HD.

Current DISH Network customers with MPEG-4 HD and HD DVR receivers are being automatically upgraded and will have their systems "turbo-charged" by early August with all the features and benefits of TurboHD. DISH Network customers looking to add the industry's best HD experience can get a "turbo-charged" HD package for as little as $10 more per month.

The latest national HD channels added to DISH Network's programming line-up are: ActionMax HD (DISH Network Ch. 313), CBS College Sports HD (Ch. 152), Lifetime HD (Ch. 108), Lifetime Movie Network HD (Ch. 109), Planet Green HD (Ch. 194), Encore HD (Ch. 340), HBO 2 HD (Ch. 301), HBO Comedy HD (Ch. 307), HBO Family HD (Ch. 305), HBO Latino HD (Ch. 309), HBO Signature HD (Ch. 302), HBO West HD (Ch. 303), HBO Zone HD (Ch. 308), Starz Comedy HD (Ch. 354), Starz Edge HD (Ch. 352), Starz Kids & Family HD (Ch. 356), Starz West HD (Ch. 351).

For more information about DISH Network's 1080p programming, new HD channels and TurboHD system and packages, visit www.dishnetwork.com or call 1-800-333-DISH (3474

[tcarcio]

Wow, this is fantastic. I didn't even expect more HD channels until the end of august. SWEEEEEEET!!!!

[Loves2Watch]

One of the reasons I like Dish.

[Joe Las Vegas]

WOW is all I can say, I wasn't expecting that, I can't wait to get turbo charged in early august, I have the 722 HD DVR so I should get it automatically as they mentioned, this is awesome news indead.
That should put a dent in the new DTV HD upgrade they were planning in mid-august. http://www.highdefforum.com/showthre...176#post663176

[themallrat]

Hey all, I don't know if anyone can answer these for me so I don't have to call Dish:

1) Will the 622 HD DVR automatically accept this upgrade and be able to output in 1080p or will I need to get a 722?

2) I just switched to "HD Absolute" only, will I have to pay more to take advantage of 1080p? Will 1080p only be available in the new "Turbo" packages?

Thanks guys

Rich

[daleb]

Originally Posted by themallrat

Hey all, I don't know if anyone can answer these for me so I don't have to call Dish:

1) Will the 622 HD DVR automatically accept this upgrade and be able to output in 1080p or will I need to get a 722?

2) I just switched to "HD Absolute" only, will I have to pay more to take advantage of 1080p? Will 1080p only be available in the new "Turbo" packages?

Thanks guys

Rich

I would imagine any mpeg4 capable Dish receiver or DVR will be part of the upgrade. That includes the 622, etc.

If that's the case, it also answers your second question. We would still have the option to choose lower resoutions, for sure, as we always have to best match our specific displays, etc.


That should sell a few more subscriptions not to mention 1080p displays.

Having a 'technical edge' has it's rewards, as does the patience waiting for them.

[delyan]

How do they turn 1080i into 1080p???

[theshadow1234]

This is impossible. There's no way they can broadcast 1080p "Picture Quality "over sattellite technology.. To me, this is another way to either keep customers from discontiuing thier service or getting new customers to sign up. When i read the part "Will offer I am Legend in Blu-Ray Disc quality, i simply laughed...

Here's why...
While both satellite broadcasts and Blu-ray movies can display 1080p video, the similarities end there. In order to conserve broadcast space, companies like DishNetwork and DirecTV will limit video bitrate to less than half of what a typical Blu-ray title requires for perfect video reproduction. This often results in pixelation during scenes with a lot of movement, which is definitely not a characteristic of Blu-ray.

Video aside, audio is something that can't even compare. Even the best satellite broadcasts only use 5.1 Dolby Digital for audio soundtracks. These tracks are easily trumped by PCM, Dolby TrueHD, and DTS-HD Master Audio often found on Blu-ray discs.

The fact remains, neither satellite, cable, fiber-optic, nor any other broadcast medium can compare to the high definition experience of Blu-ray. The bogus statement made by DishNetwork only adds to consumer confusion about high definition offerings and is a desperate attempt to ride on Blu-ray's coattails. Much the same as claims of "high definition" digital downloads must be heavily scrutinized, so should claims by television broadcasters attempting to pull off the same trick.

DishNetwork did not respond to requests for clarification on their statement.


There we go ladies and gents....I wouldn't get excited about this.

[Smabbage]

I just want them to move the HD local channels to the new satellite. I'm none to happy that they want to milk me for an additional $60 to add a wing dish to pick up satellite 61.5.

[TDK1044]

Originally Posted by Smabbage

I just want them to move the HD local channels to the new satellite. I'm none to happy that they want to milk me for an additional $60 to add a wing dish to pick up satellite 61.5.

I have line of site to 61.5, 110 and 119. My HDs come in on 61.5. Pic quality is great about 95 percent of the time, but because of the number of trees in my area, the 61.5 signal can get interrupted with moderate wind or rain and I have to view the same channels in SD on 110 or 119. Where will this new satellite be in the sky? If it's near 110 or 119 I'm great, but if it's near 61.5 or 129 I'm screwed.

[themallrat]

I do agree that Dish dropped the ball by using the phrase "Blu-Ray quality" but I am still very much looking forward to viewing my HD channels in 1080p. I think the 5.1 audio from the satellite is adequate, but you are right, it is nowhere near TrueHD etc etc

Rich

[Joe Las Vegas]

1080p will be for VOD: http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/07/31...vod-in-august/

[Joe Las Vegas]

I've been TURBO CHARGED, they confirmed the software upgrade, the 150 HD channels by the end of the year and the 1080p VOD movies, and I got 4 more HD channels, WOOHOO!

[Hvnsent309]

Ive been TURBOCHARGED too!!!

[Brisbane]

me likey