The Sopranos(R) on A&E HD Now
Available to DISH Network Customers
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. & NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 1, 2007--EchoStar
Communications Corporation (Nasdaq: DISH) and its DISH Network(TM)
satellite TV service today announced the launch of A&E HD, a high
definition simulcast of the network's blockbuster lineup.
"The exciting addition of A&E HD helps further complement DISH
Network's industry-leading suite of high definition programming," said
Eric Sahl, senior vice president of Programming for DISH Network. "We
are pleased to be the first national provider of A&E HD, bringing our
total national HD channel offering to 31 channels - the most
comprehensive in the pay-TV industry."
"Now DISH Network subscribers can see their favorite A&E programs
such as Gene Simmons Family Jewels, The First 48, CSI: Miami and The
Sopranos in the sharp, high-resolution detail of HDTV," said David
Zagin, Executive Vice President, Distribution, AETN. "As we continue our
expansion in the digital marketplace, we are pleased to begin offering
A&E programming in HD to DISH Network customers."
January 2007 was a record-setting month for A&E, becoming the
most-watched month in network history across all key demos. Versus all
ad-supported cable networks, A&E ranked number four in adults 25-54 and
number five in adults 18-49, for the month. This marks the sixth
consecutive month in which A&E landed in the top 10 among both key
demographics.
A&E HD is located on DISH Network Channel 9419 and is available to
customers who subscribe to the DishHD programming package ($20 add-on to
the base programming package).
Also starting today, new DISH Network customers can profit from the
revolutionary DishDVR Advantage package, an all-inclusive TV package
including over 200 channels, local channels where available, a
state-of-the-art DVR serving two TVs and free standard professional
installation with no extra fees for one low price of $49.99 before
promotions. For only $20 more a month customers can customize their
DishDVR Advantage plan with DishHD. Additionally, DISH Network's highly
acclaimed two-room ViP622 HD DVR is now available for free to new
customers.
For more information about DISH Network and the DishHD programming
packages, 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 300 company. Visit EchoStar's Web site at
www.echostar.com or call 1-800-333-DISH (3474).
About A&E HD
A&E HD offers a diverse mix of high quality entertainment; ranging
from the network's signature Real-Life Series franchise, including High
Definition presentations of the hit series "Driving Force," "King of
Cars" and "Dallas SWAT," to critically acclaimed original movies,
dramatic series and the most successful justice shows on cable,
including "Cold Case Files" and "The First 48." A&E HD is the official
home to the high-profile off-network series presented in High Definition
"24," "CSI: Miami," "Crossing Jordan" and "The Sopranos." The A&E
website is located at www.aetv.com. The A&E Insider is located at
www.aetv.com/insider. For more information and photography please visit
us on the web at www.aetvpress.com.
CONTACT: EchoStar Communications Corporation
Kevin Hubbard, 720-514-5351
press@echostar.com
or
A&E Television Network
Dan Silberman, 212-210-9114
dan.silberman@aetn.com
SOURCE: EchoStar Communications Corporation
