Dish Network Updates For February 2007

DISH Network is kicking off the year with new promotions and promotion extensions! Packages have also been renamed to reflect the true value that customers receive.

Promotion Changes/Extensions

$100 Back Offer and $100 HD Bonus Offer extended - The $100 Back Offer and $100 HD Bonus offers have been so successful, DISH Network is continuing them through May 31, 2007!

Pick Your Premium Offer - Free for Three Months - Effective February 1, 2007 through May 31, 2007. DISH Network is also continuing the "Pick Your Premium" promotional offer! New customers activated with Showtime or Starz Movie Pack can receive up to 3 months of one of these premium movie packages. Limit of one premium movie channel per subscriber. This offer is only available to customers that qualify for the Digital Home Advantage, and subscribe to one of the following programming packages:

DishFAMILY or higher
AT100 or higher
DishLATINO or higher

Click here for all the details

Announcing DishDVR Advantage - The New All-In-One Hardware/Programming Bundle!

Customers have been asking for this package, and DISH Network has delivered! DishDVR Advantage is a simple, comprehensive bundle of DISH Network hardware, services and programming at one low price. It combines DISH Network's most popular entertainment package with their most popular dual-tuner receiver, for only $49.99 / month! That's just $39.99 / month for 10 months with the $100 rebate!

DishDVR Advantage includes:

- AT200 – Over two hundred of the best channels on satellite.
- The customer's local channel package
- Dual-tuner DVR
- Free standard professional installation
- 18 months of the Digital Home Protection Plan Pricing Guaranteed through 2009
- Best of all, the $49.99 price is guaranteed through January 31st, 2009! This is a fantastic package for customers, and provides a savings of $3.98 (that's 7%!) over regular DISH Network prices.

To qualify for DishDVR Advantage:
- Customer must qualify for local network programming
- Customer must qualify for the Digital Home Advantage promotion (not available for Free For All)
- Customer must sign up with Credit Card Autopay

DishDVR Advantage Upgrade - For customers that would like to subscribe to AT250, they can still get DishDVR Advantage! If they subscribe to AT250 and select one premium movie package, they can get DishDVR Advantage for:
$69.99 with Showtime, Starz, or Cinemax
$71.99 with HBO This reflects a minimum of a $6.97/month savings overall!

Click here for all the details

Base Package Pricing

There are lots of changes happening with the DISH Network base packages! From name changes that more accurately reflect the included value to price changes in the upper tiers, these are all changes that you will want to ensure that you are familiar with. Even with the price increases, DISH Network continues to provide customers with clear and unmatched savings over cable and other satellite providers. DISH Network is also still the largest pay-TV provider of Hispanic programming in the U.S.!

Entertainment Package Name Changes - Effective February 1, 2007 - Since DISH Network's basic packages have 40-80 more channels than what is currently indicated in their names, they are introducing new package names to more accurately reflect the number of channels in each.

America's Top 60 will now be America's Top 100
America's Top 120 will now be America's Top 200
America's Top 180 will now be America's Top 250
America's Everything Pak will still be America's Everything Pak

Entertainment Package Pricing - Effective February 1, 2007 - For years, DISH Network has been the leader in providing the lowest priced all digital programming in America while offering a variety of entertainment choices that allow subscribers to pick the package that best meets their needs. Even though DISH Network has done their best to keep costs down, they have announced that they must raise prices to offset the costs of increased television programming fees.

As a result:

AT200 and AT250 will increase by $3.00 per month.

America's Everything Pak will increase by $5.00 per month. All of these programming packages are still a fantastic value when you consider the number of channels included. For example, America's Top 250 offers over 250 channels for just over twenty cents each!

America's Top 100 Pricing Unchanged - DISH Network guaranteed last year that AT60 (will be AT100), AT60+ (will be AT100+) and DishFAMILY (which is not changing its name) will NOT increase in price. Their prices are guaranteed until February 1, 2008!


Click here for all the details

DishLATINO/DishLATINO Plus Pricing Unchanged - DISH Network does not presently plan an increase in the price of DishLATINO and DishLATINO Plus. This is the third year in a row that DishLATINO has not experienced a price increase!

DishLATINO Dos and DishLATINO Max Price Increase - DishLATINO and DishLATINO Max will increase by only $2.00 per month - this is the first DishLATINO package price increase in two years!

DishLATINO Everything Pak Phase-Out - The DishLATINO Everything Pak will no longer be available to new customers, or to existing customers as an upgrade. Existing customers who already subscribe to the DishLATINO Everything Pak may continue to do so; their monthly price will increase by $5.00 per month.

Great Wall TV Package Pricing Unchanged - DISH Network does not presently plan an increase in the price of the Chinese-language entertainment package, Great Wall TV.

DishHD Changes

DISH Network is simplifying their DishHD packaging. Rather than separate DishHD packages that correspond to the America's Top Programming packages, DISH Network has repositioned DishHD as a package add-on for those customers who wish to purchase it.

DishHD Package Pricing - DishHD will be a $20.00/month addition to any of the America's Top Programming packages, or to America's Everything Pak.

This means:

DishHD Bronze, DishHD Silver, DishHD Gold, and DishHD Platinum packages will no longer be available

DishHD is now an add-on package; customers must subscribe to AT100, AT200, AT250, or America's Everything Pak in order to subscribe to DishHD!

Premium Movie Package Changes

Individual Package Price Changes - Effective February 1, 2007 - Starting Q1 2007, Showtime, Cinemax, and Starz Movie Pack will only increase by $1.00/mo. and HBO will NOT increase at all!

Multi-Package Pricing Changes - Customers who purchase more than one premium movie package can save money. Please refer to the table below to see the savings. The more premium movie packages customers purchase, the more money they can save! The customer can receive:
2 premium packages for $22.00 (at least a $3.00 savings!)
3 Premium Packages for $31.00 (at least a $7.00 savings!)
4 Premium Packages for $31.00 (at least a $11.00 savings!)
5 Premium Packages for $31.00 (at least a $18.00 savings!)


Click here for all the details

$20.00 Movie Value Paks Discontinued - Effective February 1, 2007 - Please note that we will no longer offer the Movie Value Paks for new or existing customers as of Q1 2007.
International Programming

Sky Link Add-On Package - Sky Link Chinese Add-On Package is available to customers that subscribe to Great Wall TV Package, Chinese, Super Pack, Chinese Plus Pack, or Chinese Select Pack. Sky Link includes two popular chinese channels - Sky Link TV and Sky Link TV-2.

Sky Link TV - Mandarin-language general entertainment channel providing the hottest Chinese and Korean dramas, news from China and Taiwan, and popular variety and political talk shows.

Sky Link TV-2 - Offers top-rated drama series from Taiwan, Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Korea, in different categories, such as historical, contemporary, romance, comedy, kung fu fighting, as well as popular variety shows, music and lifestyle programs.

SETI and iCable Chinese Channels - SETI and iCable launched on December 7th, 2006.

SETI – 24/7 general entertainment channel broadcasted in both Mandarin and Taiwanese languages.

iCable – Brings the fastest and most reliable entertainment news reported in Cantonese from Hong Kong.

EuroNews - New, and Free In Select Packages! DISH Network's first-ever Pan-European channel, EuroNews offers programming content in English, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, German and French. EuroNews is the most watched International channel in Europe. This channel covers world news from the European perspective, providing live breaking news and continual updated bulletins on the half-hour and hour. EuroNews also provides a wide variety of sports, business, European affairs, current affairs and lifestyle features including space, science, art and entertainment. Euronews has been added to the following packages at no additional cost:
Arabic Elite Super Pack
TV5/3A Telesud/Trace TV
German-Language Package
Panorama Italiano
Polish Super Pack
RBTi/TV Globo/Record
SPT a la carte

EuroNews A La Carte - EuroNews can also be purchased a la carte for $1.99/mo. as long as customers are also subscribed to any basic International programming service (excluding RFI a la carte and Asian FM a la carte).


Click here for all the details

Dish Network Updates For February

New Dish Network Programming Packages



DishFAMILY: On February 1st, DISH Network is launching a brand-new family-oriented entertainment package, DishFAMILY. It will provide a variety of content for everyone in the family, including sports, news, children's programming, lifestyle, hobbies, shopping and more, for only $19.99/mo. This is not an introductory offer - this is everyday low price. And, if customers want to receive their locals, it would be only $5.00 more per month.



DishFAMILY lineup of over 30 channels comes primarily from AT120 or AT180 - so customers can receive valuable family programming at a low price point. They can get the family-friendly content they want without paying for channels they don't need.
AllSat is receiving reduced commissions from DISH Network on all DishFAMILY customers; therefore all affiliates will receive $50 commission on DishFAMILY activations. We are doing our best to offer our affiliates top dollar for their efforts and remain the premier DISH Network affiliate program in the industry while extending the most competitive offering to our customers.



Currently includes the following channels:



Animal Planet
BYUTV
Bloomberg TV
Boomerang
C-SPAN
C-SPAN-2
CNN Headline News
CSTV
Discovery Kids
Discovery Times
Do It Yourself Network
EWTN
Food Network
Fox News Channel
Great American Country
HSN
NASA
Nick Games & Sports
NickToons
Nickelodeon East
Nickelodeon West
Outdoor Channel
QVC
RFDTV
Shop at Home
ShopNBC
TBN
TV Land
The Biography Channel
The Science Channel
The Weather Channel
More to be announced soon...





More HD Choices



New DishHD Entertainment Packages: DISH Network now has a total of 25 HD channels that will be offered in 5 brand-new packages. We now offer the most HD programming on the market, with over 1,700 hours of HD programming per week - which comes to over 200 hours of HD viewing a day! Prices listed below are without locals, locals are available for $5.00/mo more:



DishHD Bronze - $49.99/mo: HD programming plus over 65 standard definition channels including ESPN, Discovery and CNN



DishHD Silver - $59.99/mo: HD programming plus over 165 standard definition channels including Regional Sports Networks, SIRIUS Music and AMC



DishHD Gold - $69.99/mo: HD programming plus over 200 standard definition channels including Encore, Multiplex, Bravo and ESPNU



DishHD Platinum - $99.99/mo: Includes DishHD Gold package plus four premium movie packages and NBA TV



Stand-Alone HD Package - $29.99/mo: Basic HD programming (22 channels). This does not qualify as a valid base programming package.



5 new VOOM Original Channels: This will bring the total number of VOOM Original Channels to 15. Please note that effective February 1, 2006, customers who currently subscribe to the 10 VOOM HD Originals for $5.00/mo. or the HD Pak of 5 channels for $9.99/mo. may continue to subscribe to them; however, these entertainment packages and price points will no longer be available for sale to new customers or as an upgrade for current DISH Network subscribers. New customers or current customers upgrading to HD are encouraged to subscribe to one of our new DishHD packages for all their HD content!



New VOOM HD Originals launching on DISH Network February 1, 2006:



Family Room HD: Movies, series and specials suitable for all ages.



GamePlay HD: Live video game tournaments and tips on playing strategies from the creators of everything from the newest games to arcade classics.



Treasure HD: The first channel dedicated to the over 70 million Americans who share a passion for collecting, it has exclusive live coverage of prominent sales from the world's preeminent auction houses.



World Cinema HD: Features award-winning movies and stars from around the globe.
WorldSport HD: Live sports coverage from around the world.
2 new HD channels: ESPN2HD and Universal HD channels will be added to DISH Network's current HD lineup, which includes Discovery HD Theater, TNT HD, HDNet, HDNet Movies and ESPN HD.



New HD Channels launching on DISH Network February 1, 2006:



ESPN2HD: A simulcast of ESPN2, ESPN2HD covers live telecasts and features college football and basketball, Major League Baseball and the National Hockey League - all originally produced and distributed in high definition television.



Universal HD: The best of NBC Universal's library in HD with unedited and uninterrupted films, award-winning series, performing arts & special events and sports programming. Don't forget that HBO HD and Showtime HD are included for free when customers subscribe to HBO and Showtime movie packages.



New HD Local Markets: DISH Network plans to roll out 50 HD markets in 2006, translating approximately to 50% of U.S. households. In Q1 2006, DISH Network plans to launch the first HD DMAs starting in Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, Minneapolis and New York! Please note that if a customer is already subscribing to a local package and paying the $5.00/mo. for locals, there is no additional charge for the HD locals. However, a customer will need new MPEG-4 equipment in order to see the HD local channels



New Channels



Fine Living: On January 12, 2006, DISH Network launched Fine Living in AT180, America's Everything Pak, and DishHD Platinum and above, located on channel 113 for no additional charge. Fine Living provides 24/7, 100% original programming dedicated to the pursuit of personal passions and the art of getting the most from every moment in life. Programs covers five lifestyle categories people are most passionate about: Adventure, Personal Space, Favorite Things, Transport and Every Day.
More Movie Options



Movie Value Pack for only $20: Now, eligible customers who subscribe to AT120 or DishHD Silver or higher can get 2 premium movie packages for only $20! This $20 Value Pack includes any 2 of these premium movie packages - HBO, Cinemax, Starz (does not include Showtime).



New Movie Package Combinations: We have enhanced our movie packages to be more flexible for our customers. Customers with AT60 or lower pay $22.99 for any two premium movie packages They can choose single movie packages, or any combination of 2, 3 or all 4 of the movie packages.



HBO $14.99/mo. Showtime $11.99/mo. Starz $11.99/mo. Cinemax $11.99/mo.
Any 2 Movie Packages $22.99 / mo.
Any 3 Movie Packages $30.99 / mo.
Any 4 Movie Packages $37.99 / mo.



Promotional Discount - Starz Movie Pack Free for 3 Months: When a DISH Network subscriber participates in the Starz Free for 3 Months offer, and subscribes to a package that includes Starz, their bill will be assessed a promotional discount for those three months. This promotional discount will equal the value of Starz within the package they are subscribed to:



Value Pack for $20: AT120 and above customers who subscribe to Starz and one of the following: HBO, Cinemax (does not include Showtime). $10.00



Any 2 Movie Packages: AT60 and lower customers who subscribe to Starz and one of the following: HBO, Showtime, Cinemax. $11.50



Any 3 Movie Packages: Starz and two of the following: HBO, Showtime, Cinemax. $10.33



Any 4 Movie Packages: Starz and three of the following: HBO, Showtime, Cinemax. $9.50



America's "Everything" Pak or Latino Everything Pak. $8.75
Special Event: 2006 Winter Olympics



DISH Network customers can experience the 2006 Winter Olympics in a new way with the NBC Showcase and Enhanced TV application.



HD viewing - Beginning February 10 through February 26, 2006, the networks of NBC will broadcast the 2006 Olympic Winter Games from Torino, Italy, with approximately 400 hours of original coverage including 200 hours of high definition simulcast on NBC HD and 100 hours of content including Hockey and Figure Skating from Universal HD.



NBC Showcase and Enhanced TV Application - DISH Network subscribers get a multiple-screen NBC Showcase with a 24/7 highlights reel and the NBC Enhanced Application - both on dish home channel 100.



NBC Showcase will allow viewers to monitor 5 NBC Universal networks on a single TV screen and select the program to view in normal full screen.



Enhanced TV Application, accessed through dish home, allows the viewer to access information such as medal counts, event schedules, athlete's biographies and more, while programming continues on ¼ screen mode. Viewers can return to full-screen mode at any time.



MSNBC is available on AT120 or higher, and Universal HD is available on DishHD Bronze or higher (as of 2/1/06). A phone line connection from the receiver may be required. Not available on all receivers. An HD capable receiver and HD monitor are required to view HD programming.



Receivers: DISH Network customers with OpenTV-enabled receiver models can view the multi-screen showcase through dish home interactive channel 100: 3900, 4900, 111, 301, 311, 811, 411, 322, and DISH DVR models 501, 508, 510, 522, 625, 942.
Pakistan Cricket Tournament All Inclusive Package (One-Day International Games and Test Matches) - January 12 through February 19, 2006 (subject to change)



Two of cricket's biggest rivalries, India and Pakistan, continue the promise of a good show as they embark on their third tour in the last two years. This cricket tournament package - all 8 games (3 Test Games and 5 One-Day International Games) - is available exclusively on DISH Network Pay-Per-View (PPV).



The package is available for purchase January 12, 2006 (Test Games begin January 12, 2006).



Price for all 8 games is $149.95.



Customers can also purchase just the 5 One-Day International Games for $109.95 (without the 3 Test Games) available now.

Dish Network 942 High Definition Satellite Receiver

The new Dish Network 942 Receiver combines the benefits of High Definition Programming and the ability to Record and play back programming on two seperate tv's. Most satellite retailers are charging a $200-250 upgrade charge over the standard 624 receiver that doesn't have High Definition capabilities.





Standard-Def (SD) & High-Def (HD) compatible
Optional Analog & Digital Off-Air Local
Component & DVI outputs
Optical Dolby Digital output



DISH 942 HD FEATURES





DISH 942 HD system delivers standard-definition (SD) & high-definition (HD) programming
Provides access to all DISH Network SD & HD channels
Includes Enhanced HD Adaptor for current & future DISH HD programming
Includes 8VSB Tuner Module:
Receive off-air analog and digital broadcasts (requires off-air antenna)
Provides seamless channel selection between off-air analog/off-air broadcasts and DISH Network standard and high definition satellite TV programming
CHECK OUT THESE AMAZING DISH VIDEO-ON-DEMAND FEATURES





Name-Based Recording


Pick any show and the DVR will find all new episodes and record them regardless of any changes in program length or broadcast schedule!
250 gigabyte hard drive, DVR
Up to 180 hours (SD) or 25 hours (HD) of 100% Digital Video Recording (DVR)
Two Satellite Tuners
Record two live programs at the same time
Record a live program while watching another live program
Record two live programs while watching another pre-recorded program
Picture-In-Picture (PIP)
Interactivity, live TV pause
Ability to pause live TV (up to 2 hours on each tuner)
Play, stop, fast forward (4 speeds)
Fast reverse (4 speeds)
Skip forward (30 seconds)
Skip back (10 seconds)
Set manual/auto record event timers and quick record
Recorded events management features to play, delete or protect a recorded event




RECEIVER FEATURES





Dual-Tuner satellite receiver


Tuner #1 supports HD or SD programming, tuner #2 is SD only.
Integrated off-air tuner for reception of local digital/HD and analog broadcasts.
480p, 720p or 1080i resolutions supported via HD outputs.
HD connectivity: DVI-HDTV/DISH DVI (DVI-D) and HD Component video outputs.
Both HD and SD content can be viewed on an HDTV using the HD video connections (SD content is up-converted).
SD connectivity: Composite audio/video and S-video outputs.
Both HD and SD content can be viewed on a SDTV using the SD video connections (HD content is down-converted).
HD and SD outputs active simultaneously.
2-day stored Electronic Program Guide (EPG) features seamless on-screen navigation between off-air digital/analog programming, and DISH Network high-definition and standard-definition programming.
DISH Home Interactive TV.
Parental control locks, program information, themes lists, favorites lists, browse, one-touch channel return, closed-caption support and alternate audio.
Caller ID capable
On-Screen DISH CD song titling
Software upgradeable via satellite


REMOTE CONTROL





Color: Silver
UHF Pro 4-component universal remote control.
Controls satellite receiver up to 200 feet through walls and other obstructions, and can be programmed to operate up to three additional components, such as TVs, VCRs and DVD players (via infrared).



FRONT PANEL FEATURES





Buttons


Cursor Up, Down, Left, Right and Select for menu/EPG navigation
Power, Info, Menu, Sys Info, Cancel
Satellite/off-air mode lights
IR sensor/IR blast emitter
IR Blast/Receive
To control the start of a VCR program recording
Smart Card receptacle and door



REAR PANEL FEATURES





1 satellite tuner input
1 DVI-HDTV/DISH DVI (DVI-D) output
1 set HD Component (Y Pb Pr) video outputs
1 S-video output
2 sets of RCA-type audio/video outputs
1 optical digital output for Dolby® Digital and PCM digital audio
2 sets RCA-type audio/video inputs
1 ATSC antenna input for off-air analog/digital broadcasts
1 UHF Pro remote antenna input
1 telephone jack
3-prong power cord



RECEIVER SPECIFICATIONS





Dimensions (approx): H: 2.625" W: 16” D: 13"
Color: Silver
Weight (approx): 7.5 lbs.



DISH ANTENNA AND LNBF





Outdoor unit
Compact, unobtrusive 20" dish antenna
DISH 500 for a multi-receiver, multi-satellite household
Advanced low noise block converter with integrated feed (LNBF) for reliable, high-quality digital signals

Karaoke Coming To Dish Network!

Press Release Source: OpenTV Corp.




DISH Network Partners With Sound Choice to Offer First Nationwide Interactive Karaoke TV Channel
Thursday April 28, 11:34 am ET




ENGLEWOOD, Colo., April 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- EchoStar Communications Corporation (Nasdaq: DISH - News) and its DISH Network(TM) satellite TV service announced today that it has partnered with Sound Choice to bring the nation's first interactive karaoke TV channel to DISH Network's interactive TV line-up. Viewers can mimic the idols of their choice by singing along to more than 20 songs from two different music genres.



The Karaoke Channel by Sound Choice brings one of the most popular hobbies to the most comfortable place you can think of, your living room," said Susan Arnold, vice president of Programming at DISH Network. "With the addition of karaoke, DISH Network is the largest U.S. provider of ITV programs, with more than 25 interactive channels, and the world leader in the number of ITV-enabled homes serving over 10 million customers."



The Karaoke Channel by Sound Choice allows viewers to choose from two different play-lists consisting of 10 songs each. The songs range from country to hip-hop and rotate bi-weekly. Viewers are given a free preview of the channel before being prompted to subscribe to the service.



Customers can subscribe to The Karaoke Channel by Sound Choice for $4.99 a month through "DISH Home's" Ch. 100, via the web at www.dishnetwork.com, or by calling 1-800-333-DISH. Customers can purchase karaoke equipment to enhance their experience at www.dishkaraoke.com.



The Karaoke Channel by Sound Choice application was developed by OpenTV Corp. (Nasdaq: OPTV - News) utilizing its ITV middleware technology. DISH Network customers with the following OpenTV-enabled receivers can use their remote controls to access interactive TV programs: Model 3900, Model 4900, DISH 111, DISH 311 and 301, DISH 501, 508, 510 and DISH 811.



For more information call 1-800-333 DISH (3474) or go to www.dishnetwork.com. For print quality images go to www.dishnetwork.com and click "about us."



About Sound Choice



Sound Choice believes that you don't have to be a star to enjoy singing. Everyone is born with an innate desire to sing and regardless of ability level it should be encouraged, not suppressed. Sound Choice is proud to provide the music for individuals of any age to express themselves through this personal form of interactive entertainment. http://www.soundchoice.com .



About OpenTV



OpenTV Corp. is one of the world's leading interactive television companies. Deployed in approximately 50 million digital set-top-boxes in 96 countries, the company's software enables a wide array of functionality, including enhanced television, interactive shopping, interactive and addressable advertising, games and gaming, personal video recording, and a variety of consumer care and communication applications. For more information, please visit www.opentv.com.



About EchoStar



EchoStar Communications Corporation serves more than 11 million satellite TV customers through its DISH Network(TM), the fastest growing U.S. provider of advanced digital television services in the last five years. DISH Network offers hundreds of video and audio channels, Interactive TV, HDTV, sports and international programming, together with professional installation and 24-hour customer service. DISH Network ranks No. 1 in Customer Satisfaction among Cable/Satellite TV Subscribers by J.D. Power and Associates. Visit EchoStar's DISH Network at www.dishnetwork.com or call 1-800-333-DISH (3474).






------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Source: OpenTV Corp.

In-Flight Satellite TV on Virgin Blue Flights

Someday satellite tv will be common place on all airline flights, but for now it's limited to only a few airlines. JetBlue is leading the charge with it's LiveTV division.




"NEW YORK, April 25, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- LiveTV, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of JetBlue Airways Corporation (NasdaqNM:JBLU - News), today announced that it has entered into an agreement with Virgin Blue Airlines to provide in-flight satellite television on the Australian low-fare carrier's fleet. This new service will be broadcast live via satellite to the aircraft and displayed on individual seatback screens. This is the first time in-flight satellite TV has ever been available in Australia, following JetBlue's U.S. debut of the system in 2000."



LiveTV's In-Flight Satellite TV Heads Down Under On Virgin Blue:

Russian Rocket Lifts U.S. TV Satellite

MOSCOW - A Russian rocket blasted off from a floating Pacific Ocean platform Tuesday, carrying a DirecTV satellite into orbit, Sea Launch Co. said.




A Zenit-3SL rocket carrying the Spaceway F1 communications satellite, manufactured by Boeing Co., blasted into space at 11:31 a.m. Moscow time (3:31 a.m. EDT). The satellite entered its designated orbit 30 minutes later, the company said.




Sea Launch said the satellite weighed 13,376 pounds, making it the heaviest commercial satellite it had launched.




Sea Launch is a multinational venture owned by Boeing Co., RSC-Energia of Russia, Anglo-Norwegian Kvaerner Group of Norway and SDO Yuzhnoye/PO Yuzhmash of Ukraine.




DirecTV is a subsidiary of Rupert Murdoch's News Corp.

And next, TV over your home phone line

The Bells are already in one of the most competitive businesses on the planet and now they are entering into another highly competitive market.



"Cincinnati Bell is on the verge of getting into the video business, riding a national trend that has traditional telephone companies competing with cable or satellite TV.



By October, the downtown-based regional telecommunications company plans to begin test-marketing Internet Protocol television, or IPTV, a technology that uses high-speed phone lines to transmit video with digital quality and even high-definition video and audio to individual customers.



If the test is successful, Bell could start rolling it out to the region by the beginning of next year, says company president and chief executive officer Jack Cassidy"





And next, TV over your home phone line

Satellite TV Growing At Cable TV's Expense

"The heated competition works in the consumer's favor because it means they will continue getting more and paying less as providers continue striving to attract new subscribers and retain their current ones, said Jimmy Schaeffler, a senior multichannel television analyst with The Carmel Group.



It doesn't mean consumers are always going to get a great product and great service, he said.



'There are going to continue to be ripoffs because that's the nature of the business,' Schaeffler said. 'Let's just say the more competition there is in this universe, the less likely it is that people can get away with that on a longterm basis.' "



East Valley Tribune | Daily Arizona news for Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, Mesa, Scottsdale

EchoStar Settles Satellite Insurance Claim

DENVER - EchoStar Communications Corp. has agreed to settle a 5 1/2-year-old insurance claim over a malfunctioning satellite that could net up to $240 million.



The nation's No. 2 satellite television provider, which operates The Dish Network, said Wednesday it has reached agreement with insurance carriers representing 83 percent of the full amount.



EchoStar, based in suburban Englewood, filed a $219.3 million claim against numerous carriers in 1998 when one of its satellites missed its orbit after launch and failed to operate properly.



Full Story Below:



Yahoo! News - EchoStar Settles Satellite Insurance Claim

Cablevision Shuts Down Voom Satellite Service

By Seth Sutel, The Associated Press



NEW YORK -- Cablevision Systems Corp., a New York-area cable television provider, is shutting down its high-definition satellite television service called Voom after failing to reach an agreement with its own chairman, who wanted to buy the remaining assets of the business.



The announcement from the Bethpage, N.Y.-based company late Monday came amid a fractious battle among members of the Dolan family, which runs Cablevision. Charles Dolan, the company's chairman and founder, had championed the service, while his son James, who is CEO, opposed it.



Last week Cablevision said it would take $354.9 million in charges as it exited the satellite business. Investors had long been skeptical of the plan, which would have put Cablevision in a high-stakes showdown against two entrenched and well-funded competitors, EchoStar Communications Corp., owner of the DISH satellite TV service, and The DirecTV Group Inc.



In December Cablevision said it would sell Voom's satellite to EchoStar for $200 million in cash, and then in February Charles Dolan and his son Tom entered a tentative agreement to acquire the rest of Voom's assets. However, they failed to consummate a deal by a Feb. 28 deadline.



Voom failed to find an audience with consumers since being launched in the fall of 2003. Voom posted an operating loss of $661.4 million on revenues of $14.9 million for all of 2004, including the $354.9 million in write-downs.



In its most recent quarterly regulatory filing, Cablevision disclosed last fall that the Voom service had only 26,000 customers. In its statement late Monday, Cablevision said it would continue providing service to its current Voom customers for at least 30 days. A Cablevision spokesman declined to comment beyond the statement.



Despite the apparently definitive decision from Cablevision to shut down the Voom service, Tom and Charles Dolan released a separate statement through an entity they control saying they were still interested in completing the acquisition of Voom's assets and funding the venture on their own.



The announcement signaled that the family feud surrounding the Voom venture had not yet been settled, which could fuel more speculation that the elder Dolan might sell some of his holdings of Cablevision stock in order finance Voom.



Cablevision also owns New York's Madison Square Garden as well as the sports teams that play there, including the New York Knicks and the NHL's Rangers. Cablevision is in the midst of a public showdown with New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg over Bloomberg's plans to build a stadium on Manhattan's West side, which would compete with the Garden.



Cablevision shares fell 69 cents, or 2.2 percent, to close at $30.37 in trading Tuesday on the New York Stock Exchange. The shares have risen steadily over the past seven months, nearly doubling from their 52-week low of $16.13 reached last August, on expectations that the company would get rid of Voom and possibly be put up for sale. Its underlying cable TV business has also been growing strongly thanks to rapid growth of premium services like high-speed data and voice-over-Internet phone offerings.