EchoStar: We Have 70 HDTV Channels!
The satcaster makes a case for being the HD leader.
By Swanni
While DIRECTV is generating headlines with its planned high-def expansion, the satcaster's rival says it's delivering HD in volume now.
EchoStar this week added the Big Ten Network HD to its lineup, giving it 39 national HD channels, more than any other TV provider.
“EchoStar is proud to solidify its leadership in HD by continuing to offer the most national HD channels in the country," EchoStar spokeswoman Francie Bauer said today.
DIRECTV says it will offer 70 HD channels by month's end and 100 high-def channels by the end of the year. The satcaster launched a new satellite in July to expand its HD capacity and is scheduled to launch another one next year to expand it further.
But
counting regional sports channels and PPV channels, EchoStar says it has 70 HD channels now. The satellite service yesterday added eight HD PPV channels which offer new movies in high-def for $4.99 each.
EchoStar's list of 70 HD channels includes 39 national HD channels, 18 regional sports channels (most pro sports broadcasts can only be seen in the subscriber's local market), nine HD PPV channels and four local network channels (not available in all markets.)
The company's rivals are likely to discount EchoStar's claim of 70 HD channels, noting the regional sports channel's limitations and the fact that some EchoStar markets can't get the local channels in HD. In addition, a PPV channel is usually not defined as a full channel in the industry.
Click to see a list of EchoStar's 70 HD channel lineup:
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