Echostarís DISH Network Offers New HDTV Satellite TV

EchoStar Communications Corp. (NASDAQ: DISH, DISHP) will unveil the new DISH HD receiver, an integrated satellite television receiver with the ability to receive High Definition Television (HDTV) signals, at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. This highly anticipated satellite receiver delivers HDTV programming onto a 16:9-ratio HDTV screen and, supports both 720p and 1080i HD formats.EchoStarís DISH HD, available this spring, provides seamless switching between HDTV and Standard Definition satellite television (SDTV), with crisp pictures and crystal-clear Dolby Digital(TM) surround sound. The DISH HD receiver offers on-screen Caller ID, a UHF/IR remote control, VCR infrared blaster, closed caption support, and an upgrade port for future technologies. DISH HD will be available to consumers in the second quarter of 2000 for only $499 MSRP.""EchoStarís DISH HD offers consumers a top-of-the-line satellite receiver that is adaptable to future technological changes,"" said Mike Dugan, President of EchoStar Technologies. ""Because EchoStar has more bandwidth available than any other programming provider, DISH Network is in the best position to offer the most HDTV channels as they become available.""HDTV is an enhanced version of digital television that offers the best picture clarity available today. With its large 16-by-9 widescreen format, HDTV allows the viewer to focus more on what is occurring in the middle of the picture while the peripheral vision adds to the realism. The image fills the viewerís entire field of vision with the widescreen format and makes viewers feel almost as if theyíre part of the action!A standard analog TV signal uses a maximum of 345,600 picture elements (pixels) delivered in a 4:3 (1.33:1) aspect ratio. HDTV technology provides for a maximum of 2,073,600 pixels delivered in a 16:9 (1.78:1) aspect ratio. With more pixels, you will achieve greater resolution and a more clearly defined image.EchoStar transmits HDTV video using established ATSC industry standards and supports all digital TV formats including 1080i and 720p. DISH Networkís HDTV service is compliant with these digital TV standards to ensure compatibility with high definition televisions.DISH Network offers HDTV programs from Home Box Office (HBO), with more HDTV programming to be added soon. The HBO HDTV feeds are currently delivered in the 1080 interlaced format and will offer new theatrical motion pictures and HBO original movies in high definition.About DISH NetworkDISH Network is EchoStarís state-of-the-art direct broadcast satellite system that is capable of offering over 500 channels of digital video and CD-quality audio programming, fully MPEG-2/DVB compliant hardware and installation. DISH Network was also ranked number one in customer satisfaction among satellite/cable TV subscribers by the J.D. Power and Associates 1999 Cable/Satellite TV Customer Satisfaction Study. EchoStar V, EchoStarís newest high-power direct broadcast satellite, launched on a Lockheed Martin Atlas IIAS rocket on September 23, 1999, to the 110 degrees W.L. orbital location. In addition to local channels, EchoStar V allows DISH Network to offer 500 channels, including Dolby Digital surround sound, Internet and high-speed interactive television and data services, all on a single dish. DISH Network, which currently serves over 3.4 million customers, is a trademark of EchoStar Communications Corporation.

For more information about DISH Network phone 800-333-DISH (3474).DISH Network is located on the Internet at www.dishnetwork.com.