TERRESTRIAL DTV TUNER.(EchoStar digital television tuner cartridge)(Brief Article)

Broadcasting & Cable, December, 2000 by DICKSON, GLEN

EchoStar has launched its longawaited 8-VSB digital television tuner cartridge, which will allow customers with DISH Network Model 6000 satellite receivers to receive off-air DTV broadcasts as well as the HDTV programming that EchoStar delivers via its OBS service. The 8-VSB tuner cartridge, which uses demodulation technology from chip manufacturer NxtWave Communications, is available at DISH retailers for an introductory price of $100; after Jan.

1, it will sell for $149. The Model 6000 set-top, already capable of receiving four channels of HDTV programming from EchoStar, sells for $499 (without the 8-VSB cartridge). EchoStar currently offers HBO-HD, Showtime-HD, DISH-On-Demand pay-per-view HD movies, and a 24-hour HDTV demonstration channel.