DISH Network Satellite Television Broadcasts 2003 NBA All-Star Weekend in High Defini

[Gregg Lengling]

Business & Sports Editors/Basketball Writers & Columnists

    LITTLETON, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 6, 2003--EchoStar Communications Corporation (Nasdaq:DISH) announced today it will offer DISH Network(TM) customers who subscribe to high-definition television (HDTV) programming this weekend's 2003 NBA All-Star Game and All-Star Saturday Night Activities on HDTV from DISH Network.
    Turner Network Television (TNT) will provide the 2003 NBA All-Star Weekend to HDTV DISH Network customers on channel 9428 for free. The 2003 NBA All-Star Weekend kicks off Saturday night at 8:00 p.m. EST featuring NBA players in a sports skills challenge. The NBA All-Star Game tips off at 8:00 p.m. EST on Sunday, Feb. 9, live from Atlanta.
    DISH Network customers can receive high-definition channels using the DISH Network Model 6000/6000u receiver. A second dish may be required.
    The DISH Network Model 6000/6000u is an integrated satellite television receiver capable of receiving DISH Network's HDTV programming in addition to its full complement of standard definition digital satellite TV channels. HDTV offers the highest resolution format of digital television with the best picture clarity available. The Model 6000/6000u receiver turns home entertainment into a movie-theater-like experience with its wide-screen format and superior picture quality. The Model 6000/6000u also is capable of receiving local off-air HDTV signals through an optional off-air tuner cartridge.
    DISH Network now offers the following high-definition channels: HBO-HD, SHOWTIME-HD, CBS-HD, Discovery Theater, DISH-On-Demand pay-per-view HD movies and a 24-hour HDTV demonstration channel.

    EchoStar Communications Corporation (Nasdaq:DISH) and its DISH Network(TM) is a U.S. leader in offering satellite television entertainment services to more than 8 million customers. DISH Network provides advanced digital satellite television services to the home, including hundreds of video, audio and data channels, personal video recording, HDTV, international programming, professional installation and 24-hour customer service.


    --30--amm/dx*

    CONTACT: EchoStar Communications Corporation
             Marc Lumpkin, 303/723-2020
             marc.lumpkin@echostar.com