LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan.
8, 2007--EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) and its DISH
Network(TM) satellite TV service announced today from the 2007
International Consumer Electronics Show that it will launch exciting new
interactive TV (iTV) programs throughout 2007, including Racing
Interactive and 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup.
"These new offerings are a
great example of DISH Network's ability to enhance customers' set top
boxes with the latest interactive technology," stated Michael Kelly,
executive vice president of Commercial & Business Services for EchoStar.
"DISH Network's already robust platform continues to offer the most
interactive TV content over any other pay-TV provider."
Racing Interactive
Racing Interactive will showcase a state-of-the-art interactive
racing experience, providing DISH Network subscribers with updates on
their favorite drivers and the ability to compete against each other in
the Fantasy Racing game. It also offers a wealth of information at the
touch of a button, including the latest news, statistics, results,
schedules and TV listings from the world of auto racing, as well as
access to racing merchandise. Racing Interactive will be launched as a
multi-media interactive program available on the set top box via
satellite, hard drive or the broadband port as well as on the Internet
and through mobile phones.
2007 ICC Cricket World Cup
This spring, DISH Network will offer one of the world's largest and
most prestigious sporting events, the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup.
Sixteen of the top cricket teams will compete in the West Indies for the
most coveted prize in the sport.
DISH Network's interactive cricket application will provide a 24/7
enhancement to the coverage of the 2007 Cricket World Cup. The
application will consist of video switching between two match feeds,
voting, background information on teams and players, live scores from
STATS.com, as well as news and opinions. The application is being built
by Emuse and will be developed with the flexibility to provide a 24/7,
365 day cricket iTV program.
DISH Network subscribers can launch any iTV application by going to
DishHOME channel 100, choosing a category, and selecting any of the
available iTV applications.
DISH Network offers the most robust iTV services in the U.S. with an
interactive menu that includes more than 40 different virtual and
enhanced channels. DISH Network has the most iTV enabled set top boxes
with more than 12 million households.
For more information about DISH Network call 1-800-333-DISH (3474),
visit www.dishnetwork.com, or visit your local DISH Network retailer.
About EchoStar Communications Corporation
EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) serves more than
13 million satellite TV customers through its DISH Network(TM), the
fastest-growing pay-TV provider in the country since 2000. DISH
Network's services include hundreds of video and audio channels,
Interactive TV, HDTV, sports and international programming, together
with professional installation and 24-hour customer service. EchoStar
has been a leader for more than 25 years in satellite TV equipment sales
and support worldwide. EchoStar is included in the Nasdaq-100 Index
(NDX) and is a Fortune 500 company. Visit EchoStar's Web site at
www.echostar.com or call 1-800-333-DISH (3474).
CONTACT: EchoStar Communications Corporation
Francie Bauer, 720-514-5839
or
Heather Black, 720-514-5839
SOURCE: EchoStar Communications Corporation
