EchoStar's DISH Network Introduces World's First DVD/Satellite Television Receiver - EchoStar Communications Corp - Product Development

Cambridge Telcom Report, Jan 10, 2000

EchoStar Communications Corp. announced Thursday that it will introduce DISH DVD, the world's first combination satellite television receiver with a built-in Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) player, during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES).

DISH DVD offers consumers a convenient, affordable way to watch their favorite DVD movies as well as hundreds of channels of popular DISH Network programming, such as Discovery, ESPN and Disney, foreign language services, premium movie channels and more, all with crisp pictures and crystal-clear, CD-quality surround sound, and all in a single satellite receiver component. DISH DVD will be available to consumers for $399 MSRP in the summer of 2000.

DISH DVD offers a four-device remote control, which operates the satellite TV receiver and DVD player, a TV, and two other electronic components. The DISH DVD player includes DVD-specific controls that heighten the viewer's interaction and movie experience, such as multiple language and subtitle tracks, multiple angles, title and chapter navigation, plus the ability to view special DVD content, such as interviews and commentaries. The DVD player also features four fast-forward and rewind speeds and four forward and reverse slow-motion speeds to control on-screen viewing. Dolby Digital sound is available with DVD movies and many channels of DISH Network programming.

EchoStar's DISH DVD is available with a DISH 500 satellite dish antenna, which receives signals from two different satellite positions. DISH 500 allows for up to 500 channel choices of DISH Network programming, including local networks from over a dozen U.S. cities, foreign language programming, DISH Latino and DISH-On-Demand pay-per-view channels.

"EchoStar's new DISH DVD system is the first of its kind to offer consumers a cost-effective satellite TV receiver and DVD player in one, eliminating the hassle and expense of purchasing separate components," said Mike Dugan, president of EchoStar Technologies. "By combining a DVD player with an EchoStar satellite TV system, DISH Network offers viewers innovative controls, exceptional picture quality and interactive features, along with hundreds of satellite television choices."

For more information about DISH Network call 1-800-333-DISH (3474). For media, visit www.dishnetwork.com/ces.> DISH Network is EchoStar's state-of-the-art direct broadcast satellite system that is capable of offering over 500 channels of digital video and CD-quality audio programming, fully MPEG-2/DVB compliant hardware and installation. DISH Network was also ranked number one in customer satisfaction among satellite/cable TV subscribers by the J.D. Power and Associates 1999 Cable/Satellite TV Customer Satisfaction Study. EchoStar V, EchoStar's newest high-power direct broadcast satellite, launched on a Lockheed Martin Atlas IIAS rocket on Sept. 23, 1999, to the 110 degrees W.L. orbital location. In addition to local channels, EchoStar V allows DISH Network to offer 500 channels, including Dolby Digital surround sound, Internet and high-speed interactive television and data services, all on a single dish. DISH Network, which currently serves over 3.4 million customers, is a trademark of EchoStar Communications Corporation. DISH Network is located on the Internet at www.dishnetwork.com.