DISH Network to Add HDNet, HDNet Movies; DISH Network Unveils New SuperDish Technolog

[Gregg Lengling]

Entertainment Editors/Business Editors

    ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 1, 2003--EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) and its DISH Network(TM), a leading provider of satellite television entertainment services, announced today an agreement to offer customers this summer two new high definition TV networks, HDNet and HDNet Movies.
    EchoStar Chairman and CEO Charles Ergen and HDNet Co-founder and President Mark Cuban are making the announcement at DISH Network's annual Team Summit satellite TV retailer conference here where more than 3,000 attendees gathered for seminars and workshops about new DISH Network products and services.
    HDNet and HDNet Movies will be available to customers using DISH Network's new SuperDish, unveiled to satellite TV retailers today. The SuperDish, an elliptical 66-centimeter dish, is capable of offering customers access to hundreds of popular DISH Network channels, local channels in new markets, HDTV channels and international programming. The SuperDish is capable of receiving satellite signals from three orbital locations.
    "DISH Network is enriching the home theater experience everywhere by delivering more HD sports, movies and special events like those offered by HDNet," said Ergen. "By developing the capability for SuperDish to provide up to 50 HD channels, DISH Network will offer consumers a more superior alternative to the dominant cable companies."
    DISH Network will announce pricing and packaging for HDNet and HDNet Movies when they are made available to DISH Network customers this summer.
    "With HDNet and HDNet Movies, DISH Network customers will be able to enjoy great original programming, sports, award-winning movies, timely news, features and documentaries, all in 1080i -- the highest possible resolution," said Cuban. "HDNet offers more original programming produced in 1080i HD than any other network, and we are pleased to be working with EchoStar and its new SuperDish to bring a new level of entertainment to DISH Network subscribers 24 hours a day, seven days a week."
    HDNet features a variety of HDTV programming, including live sports, sitcoms, dramas, action series, documentaries, travel programs, music concerts and shows, special events, and news features including the popular HDNet World Report.
    HDNet Movies delivers full-length feature films transferred from 35mm to high-definition, including titles from an extensive library of Warner Bros. films and more than 250 blockbuster theatrical hits from Sony Pictures Television. HDNet Movies features a mix of theatrical releases, made-for-TV movies, independent films and shorts.
    HDNet and HDNet Movies will be added to DISH Network's existing HDTV lineup of Discovery Theater HD, HBO, Showtime, CBS and a pay-per-view movie channel.
    For more information on DISH Network, visit //www.dishnetwork.com, call 800/333-DISH (3474) or contact your local DISH Network retailer.

    EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) and its DISH Network is a U.S. leader in offering satellite television entertainment services to 8.18 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, sports and international programming, professional installation and 24-hour customer service.