Dish Network Unveils Video On Demand, TV’s

DISH Network will roll out the VOD service by March to new customers with DISH Network's new digital video recorder (DVR), the DISH Player-DVR 625.

“DVR customers will be able to choose from hours of Hollywood hit movies and watch their favorite stars whenever they want using DISH On Demand,” said Michael Schwimmer, executive vice president of Marketing and Programming at DISH Network. “DISH Player-DVR, with its advanced pause, reverse and fast forwarding capabilities, offers a better VOD experience than any other satellite or cable TV provider.”

DISH Network’s VOD service will eventually offer as many as 100 movies shown on TV for the first time, with new movies premiering every week. The DISH Player-DVR 625 will receive movies via satellite, and DISH On Demand will be accessible by pressing the DVR button on the DISH Network remote.

The DISH Player-DVR 625 enhances the TV viewing experience by allowing viewers to watch recorded programming on the DVR, as well as pause live TV for up to two hours, perform slow-motion instant replays, fast forward and fast reverse. The DISH Player-DVR 625 features 100-hour tapeless recording capabilities and gives viewers complete control of their television, to watch what they want at their convenience, including network programs, movies, sports, news or special events.

When subscribing to DISH Network’s Digital Home Advantage lease program, customers will have the option to purchase state-of-the-art, 30-inch or 40-inch LCD TVs for an MSRP of $1,599 and $3,999 respectively. The Digital Home Advantage lease program offers a DISH 811 high-definition satellite TV receiver and dish antenna, free delivery and free standard professional installation.

DISH Network LCD TVs include the following: stylishly and functionally thin profiles (30-inch LCD monitor is 3.3 inches deep); the ability to double as a computer monitor; flexibility of wall mounting or shelf standing; one of the fastest refresh rates, optimizing clarity for the casual viewer and home theater buff alike; and detachable speakers for placement flexibility.

“We challenge anyone to find a cable or another satellite TV company that will provide an LCD TV loaded with all the features we’re including, as well as connection to DISH Network programming, at this low price,” said Mark Jackson, president of EchoStar Technologies Corporation. “DISH Network has eliminated the time-consuming hassle of working with multiple companies to find the look and sound you want.”

DISH Network’s new thin-panel LCD TVs include many features typically found in more expensive high definition televisions. They include the following features:

— A compact, detachable media box for convenient connection of audio/video equipment such as a DISH Network satellite TV receiver, DVD player or even a computer. Set up horizontally or vertically, the box includes one digital visual interface (DVI) input, two high-definition component inputs and one video graphics array (VGA) input, as well as a full complement of standard definition input and output connections.

— Picture-in-picture and split-screen viewing.

— Attractive, black-colored face and base with silver speakers.

— 1280 x 768 resolution with widescreen aspect ratio. Accepts 1080i, 720p, 480p and 480i resolutions.

— Contrast ratio of 600:1 and brightness of 450 nits, combining to deliver a brilliant and razor-sharp picture.

— 3:2 reverse pulldown and 3-D digital comb filter for enhanced standard definition viewing.

— Vertical and horizontal optical viewing angles of 170 degrees so the entire family can have a clear view of the screen.

DISH Network customers who purchase an LCD HDTV can subscribe to DISH Network’s HD Pak for $9.99 per month. HD Pak includes five channels: ESPN HD, Discovery HD Theater, HDNet, HDNet Movies and TNT HD. Under a special promotion, DISH Network is offering new customers six months free of the HD Pak and offering existing customers half off the monthly price for the HD Pak for 12 months. DISH Network also offers HBO, Showtime, a pay-per-view channel and CBS in high definition.

The DISH 811 has a built-in, off-air tuner featuring seamless on-screen navigation between off-air digital or analog programming and DISH Network’s high-definition and standard-definition programming. Also included with the DISH 811 are a UHF four-component universal remote control, parental control locks, electronic program guide, themes lists, favorite channels lists, one-touch channel return, closed-caption support and alternate audio.