EchoStar To Launch New Interactive TV Features For DISH Network Satellite TV Customers

27-Feb-02

EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) and its DISH Networkô announced at the 2002 International Consumer Electronics Show the introduction of ""dish home,"" an interactive gateway that will begin offering DISH Network customers in 2002 four new interactive services via a satellite download. By entering through the new ""dish home,"" customers can enjoy movie reviews from Zap2itô Entertainment Features, games from Playin'TV, Horoscope, and DISH Network Customer Support, offering instant information and entertainment enjoyment to enhance the satellite television experience. These services will be available as an upgrade delivered via satellite to existing DISH Network customers with OpenTV-enabled hardware models 4900, 3900, DishPro 301 and DishPVR 501 or 508 through 2002. All of these channels can be operated by simply using the remote control. The interactive services initially launching will include the following: - ""dish home"" -- located at channel 100, the ""dish home"" portal acts as the entry point for all interactive channels. ""dish home"" allows consumers to select and navigate to various categories such News & Weather, Games, Lifestyles, Entertainment, and Customer Support. - Zap2it Entertainment Features -- a product of Tribune Media Services (TMS), the Zap2it entertainment channel provides DISH Network customers on-demand TV and movie information, including movie reviews, program descriptions, and ""Best Bets"" recommendations. Local theatre information with show times and locations is also available within the 36 cities served by DISH Network with local TV channels. - Playin'TV -- offered by Visiware, Playin'TV will provide subscription-based multiple arcade, action, and children's games per month that can be played on the TV using a remote control. The initial games will include Solitaire, Bowling, 3 Pointer basketball, Golf, and Carrot Mania. In the future, customers will be able to network and compete with other players and win prizes. Playin'TV will offer subscribers five games rotated on a weekly basis for $4.99 per month. Customers who choose not to subscribe will receive access to one free game per month and the opportunity to play for free a portion of each of the other four games available that month. - DISH Network Customer Support -- the Customer Support interactive channel is a service designed to provide customers with easy access to personalized programming and account information, the capability to upgrade programming on-demand, the ability to electronically make DISH Network subscription payments using a remote control, and the opportunity to gain further information about DISH Network through Frequently Asked Questions. - Horoscope -- DISH Network subscribers will receive daily horoscope readings based on the 12 signs of the zodiac for their personal enjoyment. - DISH Instant Weather -- first offered in 2000, DISH Instant Weather allows DISH Network subscribers to receive current and five-day weather forecasts for over 900 U.S. cities, national parks, ski resorts and destination locations. The weather data is provided by Accuweather. ""EchoStar's new interactive features will make an attractive addition to the hundreds of digital satellite TV channels offered by DISH Network,"" said Michael Schwimmer, Vice President of Programming at EchoStar. ""As a leader in interactive television, we are providing millions of consumers with an enriched television experience and information they can use in their everyday lives."" 

For more information, visit www.dishnetwork.com.

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