DISH may buy VOOM HD content

[Gregg Lengling]

EchoStar CEO Charles Ergen said during his monthly "Charlie Chat" with consumers that the company is exploring an "opportunity" to obtain some of VOOM's HD programming. EchoStar is looking to MPEG 4 technology to help expand its high-def slate. Once MPEG 4 is rolled out, DISH Network will look at obtaining additional HD programming, Ergen said.

Cablevision operates VOOM, but will shut down the operation April 30 due to lackluster consumer response and the cost of running the satellite TV platform. EchoStar and Cablevision signed a $200 million deal in January that will give EchoStar VOOM's only satellite - Rainbow 1 - and other related assets.