The Dish Network News Blog

The addition of HD icons and Mapdown of HD channels will make it easier to identify and locate HD channels. Similar to local channels, HD channels will be mapped down in the electronic program guide to a location adjacent to the equivalent SD channel. An “HD” icon will now appear in the EPG and other locations to help identify HD channels. HD Channel Mapdown Overview
• The HD version of the channel will have the same channel number as the corresponding SD channel.
• New Timer options to record either HD or SD versions of a channel.
• A new HD icon appears for HD channels in the Program Guide, View Banner, Browse Banner, and channel lists.
• HD Mapdown is a default feature that can be disabled by the customer if desired.
• Over-the-air local channels will continue to display at the local station’s channel number. HD Channel Mapdown Supported Receivers:
• DISH 411
• DISH ViP211
• DISH ViP222
• ViP622 DVR™
• Future upgrade to ViP612 DVR*

General Facts and Features of HD Channel Mapdown:
• The new HD icon will appear next to all HD satellite channels in the electronic Program Guide and other channel lists and displays.
• When both SD and HD channels are available, entering a channel number on the remote control automatically selects the HD channel.
• Channeling up or down with the remote control will allow you to choose between the HD and SD versions of a channel.
• Although programming may differ between corresponding HD and SD channels, the channel number will be the same for both when the Mapdown feature is enabled.

Channel Display Options of HD Channel Mapdown:
•To select an option described below, access the Local Channels screen by pressing MENU on the remote control, select System Setup, Local Channels, then Chan Display.
•DishHD channels, if subscribed to, will appear in the Program Guide at the SD channel number when Enable is selected from DishHD Channels option. The Disable option will list DishHD channels only in the 4-digit channel range.
•There are also four different options for how local channels are displayed in the Program Guide and other channel lists.
−HD Priority: Only HD versions of the local channel appear below channel 100 unless an HD local channel is not available; if not, the SD channel is listed.
−SD Only: Only SD local channels appear below channel 100 at the local station’s channel number. HD Channels appear in the 4-digit channel range.
−HD and SD (default): HD and SD local channels appear below channel 100 at the local station’s channel number.
− Disable: Both HD and SD local channels are only listed in the four-digit channel range.

DISHPass of HD Channel Mapdown:
•DishPASS timers include a new menu choice under Options—Set Resolution—allowing the customer to choose the recording resolution:
−HD Preference (Default): Records HD programs matching the DishPASS search term, if programs are available. If a matching program is not available in HD, the SD version will be recorded.
−HD Only: Records only HD programs matching the DishPASS search term.
−SD Only: Records only SD programs matching the DishPASS search term.

•Local channel Mapdown is independent of DishHD channel Mapdown with separate display setting options.
•If the customer changes the Mapdown preference for satellite local channels or DishHD channels, timers on those channels may be lost. A pop-up will appear to alert the customer when changing the preference.
•Locks will still need to be created separately for HD and corresponding SD channels.
•The HD icon will not display next to over-the-air channels that are listed in the Program Guide, even though they may provide high-definition quality programming.
•The HD Mapdown feature can be disabled by choosing Disable for local channels and Disable for DishHD channels from the Channel Display Preferences screen.
•The Mapdown feature will not apply to customers who do not subscribe to the DishHD package.
•The Sat Locals button on the Local Channels screen will be renamed Chan Display in a future software release.
•While local channels are in HD Only mode, a DishPASS timer created for a local channel will record only HD local channels.
•While local channels are in SD Only mode, a DishPASS timer created for a local channel will record only SD local channels.
•A DishPASS timer will not record an HD program if a duplicate SD program has already been recorded. To record the HD program, manually restore the HD program from the “skipped” listing in the Daily Schedule.

Dish Network Provides Great “How-To” Documents on the customer Tech Portal
Please visit the DISH Network Customer Tech Portal

Dish Network receivers have a new timer feature, called Record Link, is being added to many DISH Network receivers. This timer option, shown as “EXT”, sends data to compatible devices using the video signals, eliminating the need for IR blasters or emitters. The data included in the video signal can be additional programming information or control commands for setting up recordings.

Overview of Record Link
Record Link uses information included in the programming content sent from the satellite, which can then be sent from the receiver via the analog video connections to the PocketDISH, which can be controlled with the EXT timer type.This data contains the name of the event, the program description, and other information about programs. Record Link allows the timer information to be sent from the DISH Network receiver to compatible devices, allowing them to begin recording on their hard drive. The PocketDISH can use the information to initiate recording using its analog audio/video inputs.After the show has been recorded to the PocketDISH’s hard drive, the recorded event will contain program information, such as the name and channel. This timer information is sent to the PocketDISH by either the RCA-type video connection or the S-video connection.

How to Use EXT Timers
To use Record Link with the PocketDISH AV500E or AV700E as an external recording device: Connect the PocketDISH docking station to a Record Link-enabled receiver using the RCA or S-Video cable with the RCA audio cables. The PocketDISH docking station must be connected to power. On the 322, 411, and ViP211, Record Link must be enabled by going to MENU, 6, 1, 7 (VCR Setup). Select EXT Setup and select the Enable option. On the 522, 625, 942, and ViP622 DVR, enable Record Link by going to MENU, 8, 6 (Record Plus). Select EXT Setup and select the Enable option. EXT Setup Screen:. Other receivers supporting Record Link automatically display the timer option in the Create Timer menu. Choose a future event you would like to record to your PocketDISH’s hard drive. Select the Auto/Ext or EXT timer option in the Create Timer menus. The EXT timer will automatically tune the receiver to the pre-selected channel, and command the PocketDISH to start and stop recording at the pre-selected times. The PocketDISH must be connected to the receiver when the timer fires and during the event to record the event.

Dish Network Receivers That Support RECORD LINK:
• Model 4900
• DISH 111
• DISH 301
• DISH 311
• DISH 322
• DISH 351
• DISH 411
• DISH Player-DVR 522
• DISH Player-DVR 625
• DISH 811
•DISH Player-DVR 921
• DISH Player-DVR 942
• ViP211™
• ViP622 DVR™
• Future receivers when enabled by a software upgrade

Dish Network Provides Great “How-To” Documents on the customer Tech Portal
Please visit the DISH Network Customer Tech Portal

ENGLEWOOD, Colo., May 21, 2007 (PrimeNewswire via COMTEX News Network) — EchoStar Communications Corporation (Nasdaq:DISH) issued the following statement regarding recent developments in the Forgent Networks, Inc. lawsuit:

“A Texas jury today returned a verdict in favor of EchoStar, finding invalid the patent Forgent accused EchoStar of violating. Forgent had asked for over $200 million in damages.

‘While others had settled, we always believed Forgent’s patent was invalid, and we appreciate the efforts of Judge Davis and of the jury vindicating our position,’ said David Moskowitz, Executive Vice President and General Counsel, EchoStar.”

About EchoStar Communications Corporation

EchoStar Communications Corporation (Nasdaq:DISH) has been a leader for more than 26 years in satellite TV equipment sales and support worldwide. The Company’s DISH Network(tm) is the fastest-growing pay-TV provider in the country since 2000 and currently serves more than 13.4 million satellite TV customers. DISH Network offers a premier line of industry-leading Digital Video Recorders (DVRs) and hundreds of video and audio channels as well as the most national HD and International channels in the U.S., Interactive TV, Latino and sports programming. DISH Network also provides a variety of package and price options including the lowest all-digital price in America and the DishDVR Advantage Package. EchoStar is included in the Nasdaq-100 Index (NDX) and is a Fortune 300 company. Visit www.echostar.com or call 1-800-333-DISH (3474) for more information.

The EchoStar logo is available at http://www.primenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=3707

This news release was distributed by PrimeNewswire, www.primenewswire.com

DISH On Demand is DISH Network’s Video on Demand service. Movies On Demand, part of DISH On Demand, lets you rent the movie of your choice for 24 hours. Pause, Rewind and Fast- Forward your movies.
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Dish Networks Dish On Demand: Supported Receivers:
• DISH 508
• DISH Player-DVR 510
• DISH Player-DVR 625
• ViP622 DVR™
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Dish On Demand Overview:
DISH On Demand, DISH Network’s Video On Demand service, currently features Movies On Demand, which allows you to watch a variety of movies whenever you want.Movies On Demand programs can be accessed within the DISH On Demand screen by choosing Movies & More. Use the receiver’s menus, the Entertainment option in DishHOME(Channel 100) or press the DVR button on the remote control to get to the DISH On Demand screen.Choose a movie from Featured Movies, which shows the newest movies available, or Now Showing, which lists all titles on the hard drive available for rent. Movies can be rented for a 24 hour period, with prices varying
by movie. Select a movie to go to Event Info, which provides expanded
details about the movie, including a short free preview. Play List displays the current rentals along with their rating, run time and rental time remaining.
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Dish On Demand Notes:
• A phone line is required to rent movies using a remote control.
• It takes a minimum of 24 hours for DISH On Demand content to appear on a new satellite receiver. Movies are sent via satellite to the receiver as often as each week. Older movies will be removed from the list as newer movies become available.
• The receiver must be turned off to receive the downloaded movies. For dual-tuner receivers, both of the receiver’s tuners must be turned off.
• You can watch the movie as often as you want, from TV1 (and TV2, if applicable),
during the 24 hour rental period. Use your DVR features (Pause, Fast Forward and Rewind) if desired.
• If ratings locks are set on the receiver, the password is required to view events within DISH On Demand.
• Movies On Demand events can not be recorded onto the My Recordings section of the
hard drive.
• Your monthly bill statement will show your DISH On Demand purchases. It may take up to 60 days to appear on your statement.
• The Purchase History screen (within the System Setup menu) will list the events rented over the past 30 to 60 days.

Dish Network Provides Great “How-To” Documents on the customer Tech Portal
Please visit the DISH Network Customer Tech Portal

DishCOMM is a technology that allows compatible DISH Network satellite receivers to send and receive data via the home power lines.
• DishCOMM is based upon HomePlug 1.0 technology, but adds capabilities and features specific to DISH Network receivers.
• The first implementation of DishCOMM will allow compatible receivers to share the phone line.
• DishCOMM is designed to be a very robust network, and works in a variety of home installations and with common household equipment. DishCOMM Supported Receivers:
• ViP622 DVR
• DISH 411
• ViP211
• ViP222
• All future modelsDish Network’s DishCOMM overview:
•DishCOMM technology sends and receives data over the home power lines, providing communication between DishCOMM-compatible receivers and equipment, such as the DishCOMM Modem.
• Initial implementations of DishCOMM will allow one or more receivers to “share” another receiver’s phone connection, or to use the DishCOMM Modem which eliminates the need for a physical phone connection to the receiver.
• Future implementations of DishCOMM Technology will include a HomePlug to Ethernet adapter to support DishONLINE downloads over the home network without an Ethernet connection.Creating a Dish Network DishCOMM Network:
To enable communication between DishCOMMcompatible receivers and equipment, you must create a DishCOMM Network. The DishCOMM Network uses the home power lines to send
data. Create a DishCOMM Network by “adding” compatible receivers and equipment. Use a single receiver to enter the receiver (and modem) IDs on the DishCOMM Setup screen.1. Access the DishCOMM Setup screen (MENU, System Setup, Installation, DishCOMM Setup).
2. Select Add to go to the Add Device screen, where you enter the ID number and Type for the equipment you are setting up. For receivers, enter the Receiver ID number from the System Info
screen.
3. After you have added all the equipment to the DishCOMM Network and return to the DishCOMM Setup screen, select Test to test the network, or Done to save your changes.
4. Sharing a modem:
• If one DishCOMMcompatible receiver has a physical phone line connection, the receiver’s modem can be shared with other DishCOMM-compatible receivers in the home.
• If no receivers in the house have a phone jack located close enough for a physical connection, the DishCOMM Modem can be shared among multiple DishCOMM-compatible receivers.
a) To share a receiver’s modem:1. Connect a phone line to one receiver.2. Create the DishCOMM Network (see instructions, above).
3. Using the receiver that is connected to the phone line, go to the Phone System menu (MENU, System Setup, Installation, Phone System). Ensure that under Modem Type “Local” is selected.
4. On the other receivers, access the Phone System menu, and ensure that “Remote” is selected.
b) To share a DishCOMM Modem:1. Connect a phone line to the modem.
2. Create the DishCOMM Network (see instructions, above).
3. Ensure that all receivers have “Remote” selected on the Phone System menu.

Dish Network DishCOMM Installation Considerations:
• If using a surge protector, one that is approved for use with HomePlug devices must be used, and the receiver(s) and/or modem must be plugged into the HomePlug outlet of the surge protector.
• DishCOMM equipment should not be plugged into switched outlets.
• Dimmers for home lighting can interfere with DishCOMM. It is not recommended to use dimmers on the same circuit as DishCOMM equipment.
• Avoid plugging DishCOMM devices into GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) outlets as they may interfere with the communications.
• When sharing a receiver’s modem, Caller ID must be enabled on both receivers to receive Caller ID information on the receiver that is not connected to the phone line.
• Do not use non-HomePlug powerline networking equipment, such as Phonex wireless extenders, in installations where DishCOMM is used.
• A DishCOMM option is available on the “Attention 587” message, allowing you to create a DishCOMM Network during the initial receiver installation.Dish Network Provides Great “How-To” Documents on the customer Tech Portal
Please visit the DISH Network Customer Tech Portal