Dish First to Add 1080P/24, 150 National HD by Years End

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http://www.satelliteguys.us/dish-net...v-history.html

DISH NETWORK® UNVEILS BIGGEST HIGH DEFINITION UPGRADE IN TV HISTORY

Includes Industry’s First High Definition Programming Offered in 1080p and Up To 150 National HD Channels

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. – July 31, 2008 – DISH Network Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) today set the bar for the next-generation HD standard by becoming the first in the pay-TV industry to offer high definition programming in 1080p, the highest and best HD resolution available.

This new functionality is part of DISH Network’s latest and unprecedented expansion in HD services, which includes the rollout of TurboHD, the industry’s first 100 percent, all-HD suite of programming packages. As previously announced, DISH Network will also launch 17 new national HD channels tomorrow, surpassing its goal of reaching 100 national HD channels five months ahead of schedule. DISH Network now offers up to 114 national HD channels and plans to expand that line-up to 150 channels by the end of 2008, made possible by the recent launch of Echo XI, the most powerful satellite in the company’s fleet.

“Over the years, DISH Network has maintained a very competitive HD offering in the marketplace, providing customers with a premium HD product including the best technology, signal and experience – at the best value – that no other pay-TV provider can come close to matching. 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 HD, their viewing habits change and their preference switches to all-HD programming. Only DISH Network gives them that option, all for an industry-low price of $24.99 per month.”

DISH Network’s new HD services are supported by a proprietary “turbo-charged” system upgrade that, starting August 1, is being rolled out to all MPEG-4 HD DVR receivers. The upgrade activates a unique feature of the set-top boxes, improving the current standard of HD delivery used by pay-TV providers such as the ability to output 1080p programming. By early August, all DISH Network customers with MPEG-4 HD DVR receivers will have the only set-top boxes in the nation enabled to display 1080p content, allowing them to maximize the full potential of their 1080p-compatible HDTV sets.

To celebrate this new era in the HD viewing experience, DISH Network is offering subscribers a special deal in August to enjoy the unparalleled picture and sound of 1080p HD programming. Starting August 1, the recent blockbuster “I Am Legend” starring Will Smith will be available in 1080p resolution – same as Blu-Ray® Disc quality – only on DISH Network’s VOD service, DISH On Demand, at a discounted price. Subscribers may order the movie on DISH Network Channel 501. This marks the first time in history a pay-TV provider offers movies in 1080p, the highest resolution format available for HD video enthusiasts today.

Consumers can sign up for the best HD programming and service in the industry with DISH Network’s new TurboHD programming packages, the only all-HD packages on the market, starting at $24.99 per month. TurboHD is available in three separate tiers and includes DISH Network’s award-winning and industry-leading HD technology, advanced equipment enabled to display 1080p programming, and the most-watched HD channels that may be viewed on any TV – analog, digital or HD.

Current DISH Network customers with MPEG-4 HD DVR receivers are being automatically upgraded and will have their systems “turbo-charged” by early August with all the features and benefits of TurboHD. DISH Network customers looking to add the industry’s best HD experience can get a “turbo-charged” HD package for as little as $10 more per month.

The latest national HD channels added to DISH Network’s programming line-up are: ActionMax HD (DISH Network Ch. 313), CBS College Sports HD (Ch. 152), Lifetime HD (Ch. 108), Lifetime Movie Network HD (Ch. 109), Planet Green HD (Ch. 194), Encore HD (Ch. 340), HBO 2 HD (Ch. 301), HBO Comedy HD (Ch. 307), HBO Family HD (Ch. 305), HBO Latino HD (Ch. 309), HBO Signature HD (Ch. 302), HBO West HD (Ch. 303), HBO Zone HD (Ch. 308), Starz Comedy HD (Ch. 354), Starz Edge HD (Ch. 352), Starz Kids & Family HD (Ch. 356), Starz West HD (Ch. 351).
For more information about DISH Network’s 1080p programming, new HD channels and TurboHD system and packages, visit http://www.dishnetwork.com or call 1-800-333-DISH (3474).

1080p/24 has been confirmed, but only via hdmi.
most people will be able to access the 1080p content within a few weeks at most.
to see the 1080p content you need software version 610. hit menu twice to see what version you have.

After speaking with a senior TSR today, I was curious why, in set up, I hadn't seen a 1080p option?

It isn't a valid option, presently...

He explained, 1080p only applies presently to PPV/VOD that resides on your HD (High Definition) STB (Set Top Box) DVR (Digital Video Recorder).

NOTE: Those of you without HD STB DVR capabilities, are out of compliance, at present.

The content is residing on your HD STP DVR, and it is encoded to query your connection via the STB's HDMI connection. When, and only when, your STB HD DVR is MPEG-4 compliant and is connected via HDMI to your monitor, and your monitor is 1080p capable, is the only time, at present, you will see 1080p content.

PPV/VOD via HD STB DVR only...

The content is streamed, overnight, to your STB HD DVR, and resides on its HD. When you elect to purchase that film, it takes approximately 30 to 40 seconds prior to the film initiating as it checks via phone line or ethernet, and conforms connection and equipment.

Again, this is not live streamed content. It already exists on your STB HD DVR.

http://www.satelliteguys.us/dish-hd-...-hdmi-now.html

i realize its already been posted, but it seems people weren't mature enough to keep the thread open. and i want to discuss dish!