Post by dkennedy on Sept 7, 2007 5:53:27 GMT -5
EchoStar Adds Big Ten Network HD
The satcaster will provide two games this weekend in high-def.
September 7, 2007
By Phillip Swann, tvpredictions.com
EchoStar's Dish Network is adding the Big Ten Network HD to its lineup of High-Definition channels.
The Big Ten Network, which has both standard definition and high-def channels, airs college football games as well as other live college sports.
EchoStar, which made its announcement yesterday, said it will broadcast two Big Ten Network games in high-def tomorrow on channel 9467: Akron at Ohio State at noon ET and Syracuse at Iowa at 8 p.m. ET.
The satcaster said that next week it will officially launch the 24 hour version of Big Ten Network HD. The standard definition signal will now be on channel 439.
DIRECTV, which had already added the standard definition version of the sports channel, is expected to add Big Ten Network HD later this month.
However, most cable TV systems have balked at launching either Big Ten signal due to disagreements over programming fees and package priorities. The cable operators want to include the channel in an exclusive sports tier, which would require subscribers to pay extra to watch the games. The Big Ten Network opposes that approach.
But EchoStar yesterday was happy to announce it will have the sports channel for its fans.
"DISH Network recognizes how important Big Ten games are to our customers, and we are pleased to have reached an agreement with the Big Ten Network so we may continue offering our customers the best in college and all sports," said Eric Sahl, senior vice president of programming for DISH Network. "Additionally, when we launch the HD simulcast of the Big Ten Network next week, our customers will receive even more HD programming at the best value."
The satcaster will provide two games this weekend in high-def.
September 7, 2007
By Phillip Swann, tvpredictions.com
EchoStar's Dish Network is adding the Big Ten Network HD to its lineup of High-Definition channels.
The Big Ten Network, which has both standard definition and high-def channels, airs college football games as well as other live college sports.
EchoStar, which made its announcement yesterday, said it will broadcast two Big Ten Network games in high-def tomorrow on channel 9467: Akron at Ohio State at noon ET and Syracuse at Iowa at 8 p.m. ET.
The satcaster said that next week it will officially launch the 24 hour version of Big Ten Network HD. The standard definition signal will now be on channel 439.
DIRECTV, which had already added the standard definition version of the sports channel, is expected to add Big Ten Network HD later this month.
However, most cable TV systems have balked at launching either Big Ten signal due to disagreements over programming fees and package priorities. The cable operators want to include the channel in an exclusive sports tier, which would require subscribers to pay extra to watch the games. The Big Ten Network opposes that approach.
But EchoStar yesterday was happy to announce it will have the sports channel for its fans.
"DISH Network recognizes how important Big Ten games are to our customers, and we are pleased to have reached an agreement with the Big Ten Network so we may continue offering our customers the best in college and all sports," said Eric Sahl, senior vice president of programming for DISH Network. "Additionally, when we launch the HD simulcast of the Big Ten Network next week, our customers will receive even more HD programming at the best value."