FROM CES: DISH Network to Expand HD Line-Up in 2008

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.