The Dish Network News Blog

New 1 Terabyte High Definition DVR with Integrated Slingbox, Touchpad Remote Control and Tile-based User Interface

The DISH Network Corporation, the nation’s third largest pay-TV provider and the digital transition leader, today unveiled the world’s first SlingLoaded(TM) HD DuoDVR(TM), the award-winning ViP(R) 922. The ViP(R) 922 is the first high definition digital video recorder that incorporates placeshifting technology.

The ViP(R) 922 was built by EchoStar Technologies L.L.C., a wholly-owned subsidiary of EchoStar Corporation (Nasdaq: SATS), and developed for DISH Network as an entertainment centerpiece that - combined with the only 1080p Video on Demand and 100 percent, all-HD suite of programming packages available today - will revolutionize the way consumers watch and enjoy their favorite programming. DISH Network will offer the ViP(R) 922 to customers in Spring 2009.

“DISH Network is pleased to add another award-winning product to our suite of MPEG-4 HD DVR ViP receivers: a groundbreaking set top box that offers consumers the true experience of TV everywhere,” said DISH Network Chairman, CEO and President Charlie Ergen. “By integrating Sling Media’s Slingbox technology into our industry-leading HD DVR, DISH Network is providing even more ways for our subscribers to view their TV programming - through their television sets, their desktops at home, their laptops on the road, and their smartphones including Blackberrys, iPhones and more.”

The ViP(R) 922 allows TV enthusiasts to watch and control their favorite TV shows and sporting events from anywhere in the world via a broadband Internet connection on their laptop or mobile phone. With five video sources, including satellite, broadband and optional over-the-air tuners, viewers will never run out of shows to watch. The ViP(R) 922 also features a multi-tuner DVR with up to 1,000 hours of recording time and supports connecting external hard drives for even more storage capacity.

An innovative touchpad remote control accompanies the ViP(R) 922, which eliminates half the buttons of a standard remote control and provides cursor- like navigation on a TV screen. With a slide of the thumb, viewers experience scroll-over activation of the new user interface: on-screen widget-like tiles and pop-up menus. All features are selectable by an underside index finger trigger selection on the radio frequency-controlled remote, which offers two- way learning of codes from other AV equipment remote controls.

The ViP(R) 922 can also be controlled using SlingGuide, a new way for consumers to control their TV viewing experience over the Internet. SlingGuide features a powerful search engine for the TV along with the ability to schedule the ViP(R) 922 DVR timers remotely.

Other ViP(R) 922 features include:

– News feeds located on the home screen, giving viewers instant access to national news, weather, sports, and stock quotes.

– Ability to organize channels by channel name or number.

– 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 480i and 480p support.

– Internet-delivered DISH On Demand including 1080p content.

– Ability to move one day in the guide while browsing full screen EPG or partial EPG.

– Connections to home networks via Ethernet, HomePlug Turbo (the next generation of HomePlug that allows for faster in-home transfer of content using home power lines), or WiFi (with optional WiFi adapter).

– Powerful search capability across all available video sources, including IP, VOD, satellite or DVR.

– Intuitive timer creation and DVR management, allowing users to categorize programming by groups (video source, title, genres) or by content description (date, length, ratings and more).

– Ability to load photos, MP3s and selected Internet content.

– Future upgrades such as photo sharing, movie ticket purchases, family calendars, instant messaging, streaming audio, and the ability to transfer content within a home network.

EchoStar’s new user interface and remote control for the ViP(R) 922 were selected as CES Innovations 2009 Design and Engineering Award honorees. To order DISH Network and take advantage of this amazing new technology call 866.989.3474. Or visit Dish Systems to order online today.

Bring the stock action right in to your living room with real-time New York Stock Exchange and Standard & Poor’s Index tickers with DISH Network’s Bloomberg Interactive. And with the multi-screen format you don’t have to worry about flipping channels or waiting for the screen to switch, you have all the info you need – all day long.

You can also personalize your financial news with Dish Network – all day, every day. Bloomberg Television is the only news network with 24-hour money news, overnight coverage of foreign markets and weekend financial updates. Get over 6,000 FREE quotes, market news and graphs for DOW, NASDAQ and SPX stocks with Bloomberg Interactive. Set up a personal portfolio for ultimate convenience and up-to-the-minute investment savvy.

Instead of lying on the couch watching programs that aren’t making you money, turn to the Bloomberg Interactive channel on DISH Network. If there’s one way to stay on top of the game without being on the trading floor, it’s with Bloomberg Interactive. With today’s economy it’s never been more important to keep a close eye on your finances. And if you are new to the scene or are thinking about getting in while the market is down, here’s the perfect chance to watch, learn and grow your accounts.

Put your dish to work for you. To order DISH Network today and get in the action call 866.989.3474. Or if you prefer to order online you can visit Dish Systems and check out how to get the best deals on satellite television around.

DISH Network Corporation announced it is expanding its list of 1080p high definition programming options to include “The Dark Knight”. If there’s one movie that needs to be shown in 1080p HD it’s “The Dark Night”, available now on DISH Network until January, 24.

The Dark Knight comes from Academy Award nominated filmmaker Christopher Nolan (Batman Begins, The Prestige, Memento), and features commanding performances from Christian Bale (Batman Begins, 3:10 to Yuma, The Prestige), Academy Award(R) Winner Michael Caine (The Cider House Rules, Children of Men), Academy Award(R) Nominee Heath Ledger (Brokeback Mountain), Gary Oldman (Hannibal, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix), Aaron Eckhart (Thank You For Smoking, No Reservations), Maggie Gyllenhaal (Stranger Than Fiction, World Trade Center) and Academy Award Winner Morgan Freeman (Million Dollar Baby, Wanted).

Consumers can sign up for the best high definition programming and service in the satellite industry with DISH Network’s 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 special “turbo-charged” features and benefits. Current DISH Network customers looking to add the satellite industry’s best high definition experience can get a “turbo-charged” HD package for as little as $10 more per month.

Currently DISH Network is the only TV provider offering 1080p programming. So if you’re a fan of getting the best TV viewing experience imaginable look into getting DISH Network today by calling 866.989.3474 or visit Dish Systems online.

Golf/Versus HD Split – Now available, the Golf/Versus HD channel became two separate 24-hour channels on DISH Network! The new 24-hour Golf HD channel is now available in America’s Top 200 with SilverHD and higher, and TurboHD Silver and higher, programming packages at no additional charge. And the new 24-hour Versus HD channel is available in America’s Top 250 with GoldHD, and TurboHD Gold, programming packages at no additional charge!

Golf HD – The world’s first 24-hour network devoted entirely to golf programming. The programming schedule includes an exclusive blend of PGA TOUR, Senior PGA TOUR, NIKE TOUR, LPGA and European PGA Tour competition, instruction with world renowned instructors, a nightly golf news show, live call-in golf talk and instructional programs, and video tours of great courses throughout the world.

Versus HD – The center of competition and the only network celebrating competition in all its forms. The network provides an anytime destination for people to satisfy their need for competition with in-depth coverage of exclusive live events and original programming including the NHL, America’s Cup, Field Sports, Professional Bull Riders (PBR), Tour de France, Mountain West Conference College Football and more.

HD National Channels Currently Planned to Launch in the Future! – One of DISH Network’s main strategies is to continue improving our HD channel offerings. Here is a list of HD national channels DISH plans on launching in 2009.

o BET – The television network providing programming highlighting African-American culture.

o Comedy Central – The all-comedy network.

o CMT – The video network for young country fa o Crime & Investigation – Network dedicated to crime, investigation and mystery.

o Fashion TV – The 24/7 fashion, beauty and style TV station. nd box-office hits.

o FX – Offers a growing roster of award-winning original series a

o MTV – America’s premier music video and entertainment network for young adults

o Nickelodeon – Offers the highest quality and top-rated kids programming in a variety of genres a of all ages.

o SHOTO – Offers double the entertainment power of Showtime.

o Showtime Extreme – Dedicated to all action, all the time. Showtime in high definition provides the ultimate in home theater entertainment

o Showtime (West) HD – Showtime in high definition provide

o SPEED – The 24-hour network that is devoted to the sport of NASCAR.

o Spike TV – Addresses the modern mans lifestyle interests.

o VH1 – Where today’s upscale viewers stay connected to the music and music culture they love.

To order DISH Network visit Dish Systems or call 866.989.3474.

What better way to start the year off than with a nice increase on your cable bill. When everyone else is getting a break cable customers get a bigger bill, which is the last thing anyone needs now-a-days. The good news is Time Warner’s dispute with Viacom worked out in the customers’ favor. There was no interruption in programming so it could’ve been a lot worse. The bad news is the price of cable has gone up, in some cases it could jump as high as $11. These increases will also be seen with RoadRunner subscribers as well. For instance, RoadRunner ’Lite’ customers get a $2 increase to $26.95, equivalent to an 8 percent increase. For broadcast users — that includes just the basic TV channels like CBS, ABC and NBC — the monthly bill will jump 21 percent a month.

These hikes have a lot of people considering their options. The first response is usually to call and ask why your bill has gone up and see what you can cut back on, if anything. Sometimes by threatening to switch service providers you can get them to lower the bill but if they don’t want to cut you a break, maybe a switch is necessary. It’s definitely a smart move with so many deals out right now that could possibly cut your bill in half. Switching to a low cost satellite provider is one of the more popular options with some packages out there for under $20. Now that is the way to kick off the New Year, especially if your New Year’s resolution is to save money.

5…4…3…2…What? Why’d my TV black out? Oh it’s because Viacom and Time Warner feuding and we get to pay for it? Yep, through your wallet and through blacked out programming. Looks like it’s time to switch to satellite. Sorry Time Warner you just raised my monthly bill and now you’re letting 19 channels go black. Not good timing on your part (even if you think Viacom is in the wrong). They are not my service provider, you are. And if you want to keep your customers, you give them what they pay for – programming – even if it means YOU take an 18 cent hit a month. Sorry now you know how it feels to get a priced jacked up on you.

For Time Warner subscribers wondering what they’ll be missing out on, here’s the list: the 19 Viacom channels — Comedy Central; CMT: Pure Country; Logo; Palladia; MTV; MTV 2; MTV Hits; MTV Jams; MTV Tr3s; Nickelodeon; Noggin; Nick 2; Nicktoons; Spike; The N; TV Land; Vh1; Vh1 Classic; Vh1 Soul. But they still have a couple hours to quit their bickering and do what is right for the consumer for once.

But if they don’t come to an agreement by midnight and you’re left in the dark feel free to call Time Warner and ask them to please put the channels back on or you’ll find another TV service provider that will. Here’s the number for Time Warner 1-212-358-0900 and here’s another service provider’s number, order DISH Network at 866.989.3474. Hope everything works out for the best. Don’t let this get you down, enjoy the New Year and be thankful we have choices.

What a better time to save money then right after the holiday season. When you refer a friend you’ll get 50 dollars off of your bill. Not a bad deal for being a good friend. DISH Network customers already know they’re getting the best deals available, why not let your friends in on all the savings as well?

It’s called ClubDISH and here’s how it works:

As a DISH Network customer, you can save $50 every time you refer a friend to DISH Network. Give your friends and family ClubDISH gift certificates so they can sign up for DISH Network.

GET STARTED

All you have to do is call 866.989.3474 and tell them you want to participate in ClubDISH

WHAT YOU GET

$50 in programming credits ($5/month for 10 months)

Plus, one-time benefits:

5 FREE Pay-Per-View coupons (worth over $20)

FREE DishMOVER certificate ($99 value)

WHAT YOUR FRIEND GETS

• FREE Activation - $99.00 value $30 credit on the first bill Plus much more!

Join the Club Today by calling 866.989.347. Or order Dish Network online. 

Watch channels that you might not have, for FREE - all month long. Showing in December (12/3/08-1/7/09) Each month DISH Network offers a look in to some of its finest programming. This month on DISH, check out THE SCIENCE CHANNEL, THE BIOGRAPGHY CHANNEL, and FINE LIVING NETWORK. These channels are always available to customers subscribing to the AMERICA’S TOP 250 package. Be sure to check back next month and see what other great programming DISH Network will have available for you.

Science Channel - Ch. 193. Science Channel takes viewers on an interactive journey to the brink of the future immersing them in an optimistic quest that explores how the full spectrum of science, technology and innovation enhances their lives. The future happens here first. Catch the premiere of BRINK on November 28th at 10pm ET. BRINK is your one stop place each week to be in the know about cutting edge breakthroughs in technology, research, inventions and discoveries.

The Biography Channel - Ch. 119 At Biography Channel, we prove that the truth about people is always more entertaining than fiction. Biography Channel is about real people and their real lives: up close and personal, gritty and provocative, always unfiltered. Uncover the real drama in people stories: everyday situations with a twist; celebrities going off-script; people-centric crime stories and paranormal events. Biography Channel is the exclusive home to the Emmy-Award winning Biography® series. In addition, Biography Channel offers presentations of hit series including I Survived…, Final 24, Psychic Investigators, Crime Stores and the upcoming William Shatner hosted talk show, Shatner’s Raw Nerve.

Fine Living Network - Ch. 113 FLN is dedicated to providing topical, timely and fast-paced lifestyle-related content for success-driven individuals in the categories of home, shopping and entertainment.

If you are not a DISH Network subscriber and would like to get these and other great offers, contact Dish Systems today at 866.989.3474 or go to www.dish-systems.com and get your DISH today.

Live Saturday, December 27, 2008 at 10PM ET/7 PM PT

Standard Definition: Channels 455/472

Price: $44.95

High Definition: Channel 539

Price: $54.95

It´s the ultimate event of the year with the original Ultimate Fighter, Forrest Griffin, defending his title against “Sugar” Rashad Evans. Then the Ultimate Fighter coaches face off as Interim World Heavyweight Champion, Antonio “Minotauro” Nogueira, takes on former heavyweight champion, Frank Mir. Plus, two of the hardest hitting light heavyweights go toe-to-toe when Wanderlei “The Axe Murderer” Silva battles former light heavyweight champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson. UFC 92: The Ultimate 2008 – Saturday, December 27, live on DISH Network Pay-Per-View!

If you are not a DISH Network subscriber and would like to watch the last UFC event of the year on DISH call 866.989.3474 without delay or visit Dish Systems to order online.

Now available on DISH Network NEW: Greek-language packages, a French 3A TELESUD channel, Hindi-language packages and a new channel to our Russian Mega Pack programming package. See below for more details.

GREEK

Effective now DISH’s Greek-language Antenna Plus ERT programming package will be renamed Greek Elite Pack and they will add three audio channels. For $32.99 per month, customers can enjoy up to 10 channels of Greek-language video and audio programming. They will also offer a new Greek Value Pack which will include 7 channels of Greek-language video and audio programming. Includes 4 video channels featuring entertainment, news and music and 3 audio channels including news, talk radio, current affairs, music and sports news.

Greek Elite Pack – Includes 4 video channels featuring entertainment, news and music and 6 audio channels including news, talk radio, current affairs, music and sports news.

Customers currently subscribing to the Antenna Plus ERT package will automatically be upgraded to the new Greek Elite package at no additional cost.

FRENCH

Effective now subscribers to DISH Network’s 3A TELESUD French language channel will be able to enjoy 12 hours of daily programming from AFROTAINMENT at no additional cost. From 6 a.m. ET to 6 p.m. ET, 3A TELESUD programming will be shown on channel 751, and from 6 p.m. ET to 6 a.m. ET AFROTAINMENT programming will be shown on channel 751.

3A TELESUD – This French-language channel, broadcasting to audiences of African and West Indies descent, offers a variety of African and West Indies programming including news, talk-shows, magazines, documentaries, music videos, and live concerts. AFROTAINMENT is an English-language channel broadcasting top quality African movies and TV series from Nollywood (the Nigerian film industry) and other major African motion picture houses.

French Bouquet – This package includes TV5MONDE, 3A TELESUD, TRACE TV, Eurochannel and EuroNews. These 5 great French-language channels offer a variety of French and African programming including news, entertainment, top drama serials, musical programs, movies, documentaries, children’s programs, cultural programs, game shows, travel, classic movies, music videos and much more.

RUSSIAN

Effective now the RTR Planeta Sport channel will be added to the Russian Mega Pack at no additional cost. That’s seven channels of Russian-language news, sports, movies and more for just $32.99 per month!

RTR Planeta Sport – Is one of the best Russian-language sport channels broadcasting live the most significant Russian national sports events, such as football, ice hockey, basketball, volleyball championships and many others. In addition to Russian sports events, RTR Planeta Sport provides coverage of a wide range of major international competitions. RTR Planeta Sport also offers the latest sports news, detailed analysis by leading sports experts, and interviews with best athletes. Not a day without sports!

Russian Mega Pack – Offers a wide variety of Russian-language programming including the latest news from different perspectives, sports, game shows, documentaries, talk shows, movies, children’s entertainment and more for just $32.99 per month.

HINDI

Great news for DISH Hindi-language customers! DISH has launched a new Hindi-language programming package “Zee TV & STAR India PLUS”

Zee TV & STAR India PLUS – This new package, priced at only $24.99, will consist of two popular Hindi-languages channels – Zee TV and Star India PLUS.

• Zee TV – Broadcast 24 hours-a-day in Hindi and subtitled in English, it is the only channel to offer daily news feeds as well as other popular programs in Hindi, Punjabi, and Gujarati.

• STAR India PLUS – Is one of the most watched Hindi-based general entertainment channels in India. STAR India PLUS has a variety of Hindi television entertainment including popular family dramas, like “Baa Bahoo aur Baby,” and “Kaho Na Yaar Hai”; reality talent hunt shows like “Star Voice of India” and “Nach Baliye”; the latest Bollywood movies, news and much more.

To order DISH Network today and order your favorite international programming visit Dish Systems or call 866.989.3474.