I wonder who's chips these use?????????????
BW1018 JAN 08,1997 4:00 PACIFIC 07:00 EASTERN
( BW)(ECHOSTAR-COMM)(DISH) New generation of DISH Network receivers
expand consumer options
Business Editors
ENGLEWOOD, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 8, 1997--EchoStar
Communications Corporation (NASDAQ:DISH) today unveiled its new
high-end EchoStar 5000 set-top digital receiver, the third model in
the DISH Network(tm) family of receivers.
The new boxes are built with the same high-level MPEG-2/DVB
compliant technology as the earlier models and include several
consumer-friendly advancements. The new units will be available to
the general public in February with a suggested retail price of $499.
EchoStar 5000 features a unique on-screen Program Guide that lists
local programming information as well as satellite channels, giving
viewers a TV schedule through a seamless guide. To access their
local programming using this feature, consumers select one of those
channels from the on-screen Program Guide and the local channel will
appear on their TV. The receiver must be connected to an off-air
antenna or to life-line cable service to receive local signals. Also
new, is the EchoStar 5000's ability to display Caller ID messages
on-screen, to consumers who purchase Caller ID service from their
local telephone companies.
In addition, the EchoStar 5000 receivers now include RCA-type
video input jacks, giving viewers access to another signal in
addition to DISH Network programming. These could include VCR,
camcorder, digital versatile disc player, or other home entertainment
device. The new boxes are the first to include video input jacks,
thus offering DISH Network customers easy switching of audio/visual
components via the electronic Program Guide along with more video
entertainment and information options than previously available.
The EchoStar 5000 also includes a VCR event timers and the IR
Blaster for wireless control of the VCR. Event Timer features
include: VCR Record Event Timers that tune to the specified channel
at the specified time and also send a command to the user's VCR via
the IR Blaster to start and stop recording; Auto-Tune Event Timers
that tune to the specified channel at the specified time and Event
Reminders which displays a small on-screen reminder menu prior to the
event.
"Our new receiver technology integrates local programming through
a seamless guide, solving one of the biggest problems associated with
DBS systems today," said Mark Jackson, vice president, engineering,
EchoStar Communications Corporation. "This is EchoStar's first step
in giving consumers access to their local programming. Our second
step will be to provide local programming via satellite to the major
U.S. markets with the launch of the EchoStar III and EchoStar IV
satellites. The improvements in the EchoStar 5000 will enhance our
customers' video entertainment and convenience."
Other key features of the EchoStar 5000 are its digital video and
audio CD-quality channels, easy-to-operate front panel controls, high
quality (S-Video) output, a high-speed data port for future data
communications networks and information superhighway access and
easily upgradable software that uses "Flash Memory" technology via
satellite link.
DISH (Digital Sky Highway) Network, EchoStar Communications
Corporation's state-of-the-art DBS system currently offers retailers
and consumers over 120 channels of audio and video programming, fully
MPEG-2/DVB compliant hardware, installation, financing and leasing.
EchoStar Communications Corporation, headquartered in Englewood,
Colorado, is also a worldwide manufacturer and distributor of
satellite television products and the only U.S. provider of fully
MPEG-2/DVB compliant satellite television systems. The company is a
single, convenient source for equipment distribution, sales,
installation and service; consumer financing; and programming
distribution; and is widely recognized in the industry for its
research and development activities.
EchoStar III, a Lockheed Martin AX2100 satellite, is scheduled to
launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida on an Atlas IIAS launch vehicle
in the fall of 1997. EchoStar IV will be launched in First Quarter
of 1998 on a Proton rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of
Kazahkstan, Russia. EchoStar is a registered trademark of Echosphere
Corporation. DISH Network is a trademark of EchoStar Communications
Corporation. DISH Network is located on the Internet at:
dishnetwork.com
--30--MG/dx*
CONTACT: EchoStar Communications Corporation
Judianne Atencio, Communications Manager
303-799-8222 x5112
e-mail: atenjud@echostar.com
KEYWORD: COLORADO
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: COMED COMPUTERS/ELECile on the Internet
with Hyperlinks to your home page.
URL: businesswire.com |
