DISH Network First To Offer Free Digital Video Recorder

25-Aug-03

EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) and its DISH Networkô, a leading satellite television service, announced the introduction of the DISH Player, the DVR 510, the newest combination satellite TV receiver and digital video recorder (DVR). As a pay-TV industry first, DISH Network is offering this new DVR for free to new customers as part of its latest ""Free DISH"" promotion, including its DISH Video On Demand service for the new DVRs. The DISH Player DVR 510 features a seven-day on-screen program guide, a 120 GB hard drive capable of up to 100 hours of tapeless recording, parental locks, and more. With the new Free DISH promotion, new customers will receive a free DISH Player DVR 510, satellite dish, remote control, and free standard professional installation--a savings of $299. This promotion ends January 31, 2004. DISH Network's new DISH Video On Demand service allows viewers to skip commercials and other pre-recorded programming without videotape, as well as pause live TV, perform slow-motion instant replays, fast forward, and fast reverse. The DISH Video On Demand's tapeless recording capabilities give viewers complete control of their television to watch what they want at their convenience, including network programs, pay-per-view movies, sports, news, or special events. ""DISH Network now delivers to consumers a free DVR satellite TV system, low-priced video recording on-demand and the lowest-priced, all-digital TV package in America,"" said John Scarborough, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EchoStar. ""DISH Network's new DISH Video On Demand service lets new DVR customers record their favorite shows and skip commercials with the touch of a button. As a result, they watch more TV in less time."" The free DVR promotion requires a $49.99 activation fee, which will be credited on the customer's first bill. This promotion also requires a 12-month commitment, a minimum programming purchase of America's Top 50 or DISH Latino Spanish language package, and includes free standard professional installation. Customers who make a 24-month commitment will be able to get a free DISH 301 satellite television receiver in addition to the DVR 510, allowing them to watch different TV programs in separate rooms. There is no monthly DISH Video On Demand service fee for DVR customers who sign up for America's Everything Pak programming package. For DVR customers choosing America's Top 100 or America's Top 150 programming packages, a monthly service fee of $4.98 will apply. In addition to the features already noted, DISH Video on Demand customers can benefit from the following capabilities and features:- 30-second Skip Forward during prerecorded programming.- Four fast-forward and fast-reverse speeds.- Event timers that automatically change the TV to a different program or command the internal hard drive or external VCR to record selected programs at a designated time.- Increased channel storage in four Favorites' lists.- UHF/infrared remote control for operating the satellite receiver from a distance of up to 100 feet through walls and that is programmable for TV, VCR, and other components.- On-screen locks for pay-per-view and adult channels, plus V-chip-type technology for parental control based on channels, ratings, or content.- 14 interactive TV services powered by OpenTV, providing interactive features such as payment services, Instant Weather, horoscopes, and sports scores.Existing DISH Network customers can upgrade to the DVR 510 for $199.99 when they commit to one year of America's Top 100 channel package. For more information about DISH Network, visit www.dishnetwork.com.

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