It's Official - VOOM ON DISH NETWORK!

[MasterFX1]

DISH Network Expands High-Definition Package with Addition of VOOM Programming
Friday April 29, 8:07 am ET
Lineup Will Include 10 Original VOOM HD Channels

ENGLEWOOD, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 29, 2005--EchoStar Communications Corporation (Nasdaq: DISH - News) announced that its DISH Network(TM) satellite TV service will expand its high-definition television (HDTV) package by adding 10 original VOOM HD networks, expected to be available May 1, 2005. With the addition of these originals to its current slate of HD programming, DISH Network further establishes itself as the leader in high-definition TV.

The 10 VOOM HD networks will include RUSH HD, Gallery HD, Rave HD, Ultra HD, Equator HD, Monsters HD, Animania HD, Majestic HD, HD News and Guy TV HD. These networks will give viewers a high-def experience in such entertainment categories as science fiction, fashion, travel, music concerts and more.

"The addition of these original channels makes the DISH Network high definition package the best in the pay-TV industry," said Eric Sahl, vice president of programming for EchoStar. "With programming offering the finest clarity and resolution, customers enjoy a better TV watching experience."

Customers can sign a one-year agreement and receive six free months of HD programming with high-definition receivers in up to two rooms at no charge. For a limited time, those who sign up can also receive more than 180 standard definition channels for only $19.99 a month for the first three months, plus a free DVR upgrade, with next-day installation.

For more information on DISH Network, visit www.dishnetwork.com , call 1-800-333-DISH (3474), or contact your local DISH Network retailer. For downloadable, print quality images of DISH Network equipment, installations or the DISH Network logo, visit www.dishnetwork.com/content/aboutus/presskit/print/index.shtml .

About EchoStar

EchoStar Communications Corporation (NasdaqISH - News) 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).

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Contact:
EchoStar Communications Corporation
Mark Cicero, 720-514-5065
[e-mail]

[dkennedy]

I just spoke to a Dish Network Rep and the Voom channels will be added to the HD Tier at no extra cost. The current HD tier is $9.99 a month which makes this a very attractive HD package!

[dkennedy]

Note: The VOOM channels will be on the 61.5 satellite location (east coast) and there is no information from Dish if the channels will be mirrowed on the 148 satellite location (west coast).

Note: If Dish Network stays the course and adds the Voom 21 channels to the 61.5 satellite location, many will have to add a 2nd dish (Dish 300 61.5/148) if they don't already have one because the SuperDish for locals (119/110/121/105) and the Dish 500 (119/110) don't receive the 61.5 satellite location signal.

[dkennedy]

I'm getting conflicting reports from Dish Reps that the Voom channels will be a separate package (Voom Original $5) from the current Dish HD Tier ($9.99).

[MasterFX1]

They are offered as two seperate packages because they are on different satellite locations. To receive the VOOM Pak, most existing DISH customers will need a second dish. If you subscribe to foreign network packages via DISH you may already have the 2nd Dish.

[Darco]

For anyone interested in HD only on Dishnetwork, I have purchased a HD 811 on Ebay along with 2 legacy 18" dishes and a Sw21x switch. This only apply to self installers.
Called Dishnetwork and activated a HD only package, 10 original Voom channels on the 61.5 sat and 5 HD channels on the 110 sat.
Monthly sub. is $ 19.95.

Darco