New 15-channel Offering Reinforces VOOM’s Role as the Leading Provider of Niche HD Content
Las Vegas, NV January 5, 2006 -EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) and Rainbow Media Holdings announced today that EchoStar’s DISH Network will expand its offering of Rainbow’s VOOM HD Networks from 10 to 15 channels. VOOM HD Networks provides the largest and most diverse suite of HD content in the nation, and today’s announcement reinforces its commitment to fill the HD content void and to create programming that maximizes the HD experience.
As part of its strategy to be the nation’s leading provider of HD programming, DISH Network started distributing an initial lineup of 10 VOOM HD Networks in the spring of 2005. Telecast in 1080i with Dolby 5.1 surround sound, VOOM HD Networks provide 24 hours of high-definition, commercial-free, programming. The new suite of 15 VOOM HD channels will be available to consumers on February 1, as part of DISH Network’s new DishHD package, which was also introduced today at the 2006 International Consumer Electronics Show.
“VOOM’s programming is created to maximize HD technology and to bring the power, clarity and beauty of this medium to the broadest possible audience. VOOM has become the premier television destination for high definition,” said Greg Moyer, general manager of VOOM HD Networks. Mr. Moyer added, “Growth is an important marker for any brand’s success. We are excited and encouraged by the support we are receiving, and look forward to continuing to infuse lively and original programming into the HD spectrum.”
“With the addition of these five new VOOM HD channels, DISH Network solidifies its leadership position by providing the most HD channels and more hours of HD content than any other provider,” said Eric Sahl, senior vice president of Programming at DISH Network. “Millions of households are expected to purchase HDTV sets in 2006: With nearly twice as many channels as most other providers, DishHD will be the package of choice for new HD viewers.”
Following is the VOOM HD Networks channel line-up that will be available on EchoStar’s DISH Network:
- HDNews -The only HD source for 24/7 news, sports and weather.
- Equator HD -The most extraordinary places and people on the planet.
- Gallery HD — Stunning imagery and stories from the frontline of the art world.
- Rush HD -Life on the edge with adrenaline junkies of adventure sports.
- Rave HD -Live music as a whole new experience in HD and 5.1 surround sound.
- Ultra HD -The hottest fashion, the coolest styles and insight into the ‘luxe life from around the world.
- Animania HD -Eye-popping HD animation from the groundbreaking to the classic.
- Monsters HD -The masters of movie horror in terrifying HD clarity.
- Gameplay HD -Enter the virtual worlds of video gaming for the first time in HD.
- Worldsport HD — Live sports coverage from premier arenas around the globe.
- Family Room HD — Movies and entertainment for the whole family.
- Film Fest HD — A non-stop film festival for movie fans, remastered in HD.
- Kung Fu HD — All martial arts action, all the time.
- World Cinema HD — Award-winning and top-performing movies without borders.
Treasure HD — Live auctions and original series for and about people with a passion for collecting.
Since its launch in early 2005, VOOM has gone on to produce compelling original HD content for a wide variety of consumer interests including: the largest collection of HD horror films; a live auction of one-of-a-kind memorabilia; animation for kids of all ages and action-adventure sporting events.
The five newly added VOOM HD channels will be available to DISH Network customers who obtain DISH Network’s new MPEG4 satellite receivers capable of receiving the new HD channels. Customers with MPEG2 equipment can view the current 10 VOOM HD channels as well as other previously offered DISH Network HD programming.
About EchoStar
EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) serves more than 12 million satellite TV customers through it s DISH NetworkTM, the fastest growing U.S. provider of advanced digital television services in the last six 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. Visit EchoStar’s DISH Network at www.dishnetwork.com or call 1-800-333-DISH (3474).
About VOOM HD Networks
VOOM HD Networks is the largest suite of high definition channels available anywhere, produced exclusively in high definition for distribution in the U.S. through satellite and cable operators. The VOOM HD Networks carry programming in categories as diverse as sports, movies, fashion, music and art. Today, the VOOM HD Networks are available nationally on Echostar’s DISH Network. The VOOM HD Networks were developed by Rainbow Media to meet the growing demand for quality high definition programming, building on Rainbow Media’s history of original programming innovation.
About Rainbow Media Holdings LLC
A leader in the entertainment industry, Rainbow Media Holdings LLC is a subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporation (NYSE: CVC). Rainbow creates and manages some of the country’s most compelling and dynamic programming with linear networks including national networks -AMC, fuse, IFC (The Independent Film Channel) and WE: Women’s Entertainment; its regional programming service -Rainbow Sports Networks; on-demand networks including Mag Rack and sportskool; and the largest suite of high definition channels available anywhere -the VOOM HD Networks. Rainbow’s other businesses include its film distribution, production and exhibition division -IFC Entertainment; in addition to its advertising sales division -Rainbow Advertising Sales Corporation -and its full service network programming origination and distribution company -Rainbow Network Communications.