Dish Network

Dish Network is a direct broadcast satellite (DBS) service that broadcasts digital satellite television and audio to households in the United States, owned by EchoStar Communications Corporation. Dish Network was launched in March 1996, and is DirecTV's primary competitor in the United States.

Related Topics:
Direct broadcast satellite - Satellite television - United States - EchoStar Communications Corporation - March - 1996 - DirecTV

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Dish Network originally used an 18-inch satellite dish called Dish 300 which allowed subscribers to receive a signal from one satellite location. Today, Dish Network uses 20-inch satellite dishes called Dish 500, which allows subscribers to receive satellite signals from two satellite locations simultaneously. Slightly larger, dishes such as the 36"×20" SuperDish and the Dish 1000 are being introduced with capability to receive satellite signals from three satellite locations simultaneously. The SuperDish receives feeds from satellites at 119°W, 110°W, and either 121°W or 105°W, and the Dish 1000 receives from satellites at 119°W, 110°W, and 129°W. Both Dish 1000 and SuperDish are becoming more common as Dish Network (as well as other DBS services) are attempting to squeeze more programming onto their growing systems, particularly local and national American television network stations, and foreign programming.

Related Topics:
Dish 300 - Dish 500 - SuperDish - Dish 1000

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In 2003, Dish Network began providing in-flight satellite TV service to the U.S. airline Song. In 2004, all selected music channels from the Sirius Satellite Radio audio pack were added to Dish Network's lineup of audio-only channels.

Related Topics:
2003 - Song - 2004 - Sirius Satellite Radio

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Dish Network is also partnered with Starband to deliver broadband satellite Internet service along with its television service. Every month, Dish Network has a show called Charlie Chat which features news about upcoming hardware, programming events, and new channels. Company CEO Charlie Ergen and Jim De Franco host the show and take questions from e-mail and live callers.

Related Topics:
Starband - Broadband - Internet - Charlie Ergen - Jim De Franco

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On May 1, 2005, EchoStar added the first 10 of the 21 original Voom channels. These channels are available at a 61.5°W orbital slot position. EchoStar plans to carry all 21 original Voom channels by next year. (more information here)

Related Topics:
May 1 - 2005 - Voom

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