The Dish Network News Blog

DISH Network announced today a freeze on pricing for its most popular programming packages, including the DishDVR Advantage. In addition, new and current DISH Network customers can take advantage of several new promotions and save even more on their monthly bills.

“DISH Network offers customers the best DVRs and programming available via our DishDVR Advantage packages starting at $39.99 per month — a price we’re freezing until February 2009,” said Jessica Insalaco, senior vice president and Chief Marketing Officer for DISH Network.

DISH Network’s DishDVR Advantage packages includes the America’s Top 100 or 200 programming package including local channels, plus a free two-room DVR and standard professional installation for $39.99 or $49.99 depending on the programming package selected. Customers who subscribe to the DishDVR Advantage package with America’s Top 200 can upgrade to America’s Top 250 Bonus Pack for just an additional $10 per month.

DISH Network’s HD DVRs consistently outperform other DVRs on the market — including TiVo, as reviewed by CNET — in terms of functionality, design, image quality, and features such as a 30-second skip button. Plus, new DISH Network customers can get the industry-leading ViP722 HD DVR for free, giving them access to more than 75 national HD channels.

DISH Network’s DishFAMILY package, with 40 of the most popular family-friendly channels, will continue to be available for the same non-promotional price of $19.99 per month. In addition to DISH Network’s price freezes, the company is offering three months free programming to new customers, as well as waived activation fees and our DISH Home Protection Plan (DHPP) free for nine months.

“With the lowest all-digital price in America, plus more ways to save and top-of-the-line products, DISH Network is always looking out for our customers when it comes to quality, innovation and value,” Insalaco said.

DISH Network announced today plans to increase its national HD channel count from 76 to 100 in 2008. The company also plans to add local HD channels in 65 new markets, bringing its HD local market total to 100.

“The addition of new HD national and local channels is a testament to DISH Network’s unwavering focus on providing the best HD offerings,” said Eric Sahl, senior vice president of Programming for DISH Network. “We at DISH Network will continue to not only be a leader in the number of HD channels, but also in quality in value.”

DISH Network plans to launch three satellites in 2008, providing the company additional bandwidth to maintain its reign as a top HD provider.

The company begins its HD launches with 11 local markets including: Austin, TX; Baltimore; Cleveland; Columbia, S.C.; Flint, Mich.; Greenville, S.C.; Huntsville, Ala.; Jackson, Miss.; Knoxville, Tenn.; Orlando, Fla.; and Richmond, Va. The addition of these markets brings DISH Network’s local HD penetration to 80 percent of U.S. TV households.

In conjunction with the launch of new HD programming, DISH Network is offering more choices for HD customers, including HD packages as low as $10 per month for more than 20 of the most popular HD channels. New HD packages will be available beginning Feb. 1, 2008.

“DISH Network’s HD programming packages, paired with the industry’s best HD DVRs, give TV consumers the complete TV viewing experience and another powerful reason to switch to DISH Network — if they haven’t already,” Sahl said.