Dish Network has always been proud of the swath of high-definition programming it offers its customers, but now the satellite service is upping the ante one more notch in its battle with cable, broadcast, and Internet-based video services by announcing it’s the “first in the industry” to offer high definition programming at 1080p resolution.
1080p high definition programming is part of Dish Network’s new TurboHD bundle, a collection of all-high-definition programming packages. Dish Network will also be launching 17 new high definition channels, bringing the total number of HD channels available on the service to 114. The company plans to expand the lineup to 150 HD channels by the end of 2008—aided by the recent successful launch of the company’s Echo XI satellite.
“Our latest system upgrade coupled with the introduction of TurboHD further strengthens our position as the leader in digital television and high definition television,” said Charlie Ergen, Chairman, CEO and President of DISH Network. “We know that once consumers start watching their favorite TV shows in high definition, their viewing habits change and their preference switches to all-HD programming.”
Beginning August 1, Dish Network will begin rolling out an upgrade to its MPEG 4-capable HD DVR receivers to enable them to support the new high-definition service.
Dish Network’s TurboHD package is available in three separate tiers; prices for Dish Network’s satellite services start at $24.99 a month.
