ENGLEWOOD, Colo., April 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- EchoStar Communications Corporation (Nasdaq: DISH) and its DISH Network(TM) satellite TV service announced today that it has partnered with Sound Choice to bring the nation's first interactive karaoke TV channel to DISH Network's interactive TV line-up. Viewers can mimic the idols of their choice by singing along to more than 20 songs from two different music genres.

"The Karaoke Channel by Sound Choice brings one of the most popular hobbies to the most comfortable place you can think of, your living room," said Susan Arnold, vice president of Programming at DISH Network. "With the addition of karaoke, DISH Network is the largest U.S. provider of ITV programs, with more than 25 interactive channels, and the world leader in the number of ITV-enabled homes serving over 10 million customers."

The Karaoke Channel by Sound Choice allows viewers to choose from two different play-lists consisting of 10 songs each. The songs range from country to hip-hop and rotate bi-weekly. Viewers are given a free preview of the channel before being prompted to subscribe to the service.

Customers can subscribe to The Karaoke Channel by Sound Choice for $4.99 a month through "DISH Home's" Ch. 100, via the web at www.dishnetwork.com, or by calling 1-800-333-DISH. Customers can purchase karaoke equipment to enhance their experience at www.dishkaraoke.com.

The Karaoke Channel by Sound Choice application was developed by OpenTV Corp. (Nasdaq: OPTV) utilizing its ITV middleware technology. DISH Network customers with the following OpenTV-enabled receivers can use their remote controls to access interactive TV programs: Model 3900, Model 4900, DISH 111, DISH 311 and 301, DISH 501, 508, 510 and DISH 811.

For more information call 1-800-333 DISH (3474) or go to www.dishnetwork.com. For print quality images go to www.dishnetwork.com and click "about us."

About Sound Choice

Sound Choice believes that you don't have to be a star to enjoy singing. Everyone is born with an innate desire to sing and regardless of ability level it should be encouraged, not suppressed. Sound Choice is proud to provide the music for individuals of any age to express themselves through this personal form of interactive entertainment. http://www.soundchoice.com .

About OpenTV

OpenTV Corp. is one of the world's leading interactive television companies. Deployed in approximately 50 million digital set-top-boxes in 96 countries, the company's software enables a wide array of functionality, including enhanced television, interactive shopping, interactive and addressable advertising, games and gaming, personal video recording, and a variety of consumer care and communication applications. For more information, please visit www.opentv.com.

About EchoStar

EchoStar Communications Corporation serves more than 11 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. DISH Network ranks No. 1 in Customer Satisfaction among Cable/Satellite TV Subscribers by J.D. Power and Associates. Visit EchoStar's DISH Network at www.dishnetwork.com or call 1-800-333-DISH (3474).

SOURCE OpenTV Corp.
04/28/2005
CONTACT: Kelley Baca of EchoStar's DISH Network, +1-303-723-2012, or kelley.baca@echostar.com; or K'Nesha Maddox of Sound Choice, +1-704-583-1616, ext. 1106, or nesham@soundchoice.com; or Marc McCarthy of OpenTV, +1-415-962-5111, or mmccarthy@opentv.com
Web site: http://www.soundchoice.com
Web site: http://www.dishnetwork.com
Web site: http://www.dishkaraoke.com
Web site: http://www.opentv.com