ENGLEWOOD, Colo. & ATLANTA—EchoStar
Communication Corporation's DISH Network(TM) (Nasdaq:DISH) and Turner Network
Television (TNT) are partnering to offer DISH Network satellite TV customers TNT
in high definition beginning today.
The 24-hour HDTV
presentation of TNT's East Coast feed will offer DISH Network customers a wide
range of programming in the HDTV format, including sports, movies, TNT Originals
and other high-quality shows that TNT fans have come to expect over the
years.
DISH Network now offers five channels in its high-definition
package for only $9.99 per month, including TNT in HD, ESPN HD, HDNet, HDNet
Movies and Discovery HD. TNT in high definition, including such favorites as Law
& Order and X-Files, can be seen on DISH Network's channel
9420.
"Bringing TNT to our HD line-up offers customers even more
programming in the best resolution and clarity," said Michael Schwimmer,
executive vice president of Marketing and Programming for EchoStar. "This
channel adds tremendous value to the DISH Network high definition
package."
Notably, NBA action on TNT will be in high definition
beginning with the Western Conference Finals today, and will continue with the
2004-2005 NBA regular season. TNT gave DISH Network customers a taste of the NBA
in high definition with the broadcast of the 2003 and 2004 All-Star
Games.
TNT's high-definition programming will also include The
Grid, an original, 12-hour series that explores both sides of an escalating war
on terror, starring Dylan McDermott (The Practice, Wonderland) and Julianna
Margulies (ER, Evelyn). It will premiere this summer.
All programs and
commercials on TNT in HD will be presented in high definition, 16:9 wide screen
format and will feature 5.1 surround sound.
DISH Network also
offers customers an HDTV System, which includes the choice of either a 34-inch
or a 40-inch HD monitor, plus a DISH 811 HD receiver with antenna and free
installation, for just $999. For an additional $600, customers can choose the
DISH Player-921 DVR, allowing up to 25 hours of high definition recording, as
well as the ability to pause live TV and to fast-forward through
programming.
To learn more about DISH Network's high definition
offerings, or to sign up for TNT in HD, please visit www.dishnetwork.com, call
800-333-DISH (3474), or contact your local DISH Network retailer.
