EchoStar enlists JVC Company of America for expanded distribution
ORLANDO, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 14, 1997-- Echostar Communications Corp announced today its plan to enter a strategic alliance with JVC Company of America.
JVC will private label and distribute the DISH Network(sm) satellite television system through the powerful JVC national retail network. The program is scheduled to begin in May.
"We are pleased to announce this exciting relationship with one of the most respected and widely recognized brand names in the consumer electronics industry," said Jim DeFranco, Executive-Vice President of EchoStar. "JVC provides an extensive and complimentary distribution platform for the DISH Network and helps move us closer to our goal of a dish in every home."
The following three digital set-top boxes will carry the JVC brand name when distributed through the JVC national retail network:
Model TU3500SU
o Infrared Universal Remote Control
o High Speed Data Port
o On-screen Program Guide - complete program listings
o Program Browse - allows channel surfing of schedule while
watching current program
o V-chip for Parental Control of child programming access based on
ratings and content
Model TU4500DU
o UHF Universal Remote Control
o High Speed Data Port
o Event Timers
o IR blaster - controls VCR to record programmed shows
o On-screen Program Guide - complete program listings
o Program Browse - allows channel surfing of schedule while
watching current program
o V-chip for Parental Control of child programming access based on
ratings and content
Model TU5500DU
o UHF Universal Remote Control
o Seamless Off-Air channel interface (Local TV Link)
o Caller ID
o High Speed Data Port
o Event Timers
o Local link - Seamless Program Guide includes local programming
listings and effortless switching between satellite TV and local
programming
o Auxiliary input - Allows you to easily view your laserdisc or VCR
directly through your satellite TV system
Harry Elias, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of JVC Company of America, said, "We are very excited to bring this opportunity to our retail customers as the Direct Broadcast Satellite business is a good fit with JVC technology today and in the future. EchoStar's commitment to providing the consumer with the best value and choice in home entertainment made this alliance a natural one for JVC."
JVC is a global leader in the development and manufacturing of innovative audio and video hardware, as well as related software products. They are renowned for developing the VHS video format, the universal standard for home video, and continue to play a prominent role in the enhancement of video communications.
EchoStar Communications Corporation, headquartered in Englewood, Colorado, is a worldwide manufacturer and distributor of direct-to-home satellite television products and services. The company is a single, convenient source for equipment distribution, sales, installation and service; consumer financing; programming distribution; and is widely recognized for its research and development activities.
On February 24, 1997, EchoStar announced that the News Corporation will invest $1.7 billion of cash, satellites and other assets in exchange for a 49.9 percent stake in EchoStar. As a result of the investment, EchoStar's U.S. DBS service, which will operate under the trade name Sky, is expected to include seven satellites when fully built out, including more than 500 channels of digital video and audio, data services, and including retransmission of local channels in markets representing more than 75 percent of all television households in the United States. |
