ENGLEWOOD, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 5, 2006--EchoStar
Communications Corporation (Nasdaq:DISH) and ESPN announced today that
the DISH Network satellite TV service will offer ESPN2 HD, a 24-hour
high-definition simulcast service of ESPN2, as part of the newly
introduced "DishHD" programming package. DISH Network will
make ESPN2 HD available beginning Feb. 1, 2006.
"We look forward to ESPN2 HD joining ESPN HD on DISH Network's
line-up to enhance viewing for high-definition subscribers and sports
fans across the country by providing viewers with the high-quality
picture clarity and programming detail that only an HDTV signal can
provide," said Ben Pyne, president, Disney and ESPN networks
Affiliate Sales and Marketing. "DISH Network has a proven focus on
high-definition television with its offer of a robust package of
compelling high-definition content."
"ESPN2 HD, with its popular sports coverage, further complements
DISH Network's powerful line-up of HD programming," said Eric Sahl,
senior vice president of Programming for DISH Network. "DISH
Network is the nation's leader of HD programming and offers more HD
channels than any other cable or satellite provider."
Together, ESPN HD and ESPN2 HD will combine in 2006 to deliver over
600 major events -- 220 in the first three months of 2006 -- in high
definition. Event telecasts will include a variety of match-ups from
college football, the men's and women's College World Series, the Little
League World Series, Major League Baseball, men's and women's college
basketball, the National Basketball Association, Monday Night Football
from the National Football League, the Women's Final Four, the National
Finals Rodeo, the National Hot Rod Association, the NCAA Frozen Four
(hockey championships) and the FIFA World Cup from Germany.
"This is perfect timing for EchoStar to launch ESPN2 HD -- our
hearty programming line-up consisting of 150 college basketball games in
the first three months is remarkable," said Bryan Burns, vice
president, Strategic Planning and Business Development, ESPN. "With
over 6,500 hours of HD content slated for 2006 across both HD services,
ESPN2 HD has clearly become a 'must have' in our fans' eyes."
ESPN2 HD will be located on DISH Network Ch. 9425 and will be
available to customers who subscribe to a programming package starting
at $49.99. The DishHD package will include dozens of popular HD
channels. Customers can subscribe to DISH Network by going to
www.DISHNetwork.com, calling 800-333-DISH (3474) or visiting a local
DISH Network retailer.
For ESPN HD and ESPN2 HD schedule:
http://media.espn.com/MediaZone/index.jsp?content=PressKits/
HDlaunch/schedule.htm. (Due to its length, this URL may need to be
copied/pasted into your Internet browser's address field. Remove the
extra space if one exists.)
About EchoStar
EchoStar Communications Corporation (Nasdaq:DISH) serves more than 12
million satellite TV customers through its DISH Network(TM), the fastest
growing U.S. provider of advanced digital television services in the
last five years. DISH Network offers hundreds of video and audio
channels, Interactive TV, HDTV, sports and international programming,
together with professional installation and 24-hour customer service.
Visit EchoStar's DISH Network at www.dishnetwork.com or call
800-333-DISH (3474).
ESPN HD and ESPN2 HD
ESPN HD and ESPN2 HD will combine in 2006 to deliver over 600 major
events plus over 2,000 programs totaling more than 6,500 hours in high
definition featuring live programming, individual programs, movies and
series from ESPN Original Entertainment plus news and information
programming. Event telecasts will include a variety of match-ups from
college football, the men's and women's College World Series, the Little
League World Series, Major League Baseball, men's and women's college
basketball, the National Basketball Association, Monday Night Football
from the National Football League, the Women's Final Four, the National
Finals Rodeo, the National Hot Rod Association, the NCAA Frozen Four
(hockey championships) and the FIFA World Cup from Germany. ESPN
Bristol-based high-definition news and information programs include
SportsCenter, NFL Countdown, NFL PrimeTime, NFL Live, Monday Night
Countdown and Baseball Tonight.
CONTACT: DISH Network
Heather Black, 720-514-5351
press@echostar.com
or
ESPN
Catherine Sloane Brett, 860-766-4235
Catherine.s.brett@espn.com
SOURCE: EchoStar Communications Corporation
