DISH Network Satellite Television to Broadcast NBA TV's Telecast of Knicks vs. Laker

[Gregg Lengling]

LITTLETON, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 14, 2003--EchoStar Communications Corporation (Nasdaq:DISH) announced today it will offer DISH Network(TM) customers the NBA TV telecast of the New York Knicks at Los Angeles Lakers game in high definition television (HDTV) Sunday, Feb. 16, at 9:30 p.m. EST.
    DISH Network customers who subscribe to high-definition programming can view the game, presented by NBA TV, for free on channel 9428.
    "DISH Network HD customers will feel like they're courtside this Sunday as they watch the Knicks take on the Lakers on high-definition television," said Michael Schwimmer, senior vice president of Programming at EchoStar. "We applaud NBA TV for taking a leading role in improving HDTV programming choices for DISH Network customers."
    "We are excited to offer DISH Network customers the opportunity to experience the excitement of NBA basketball through this Sunday's NBA TV high-definition telecast," said Gregg Winik, executive vice president of Programming and Executive Producer, NBA.
    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 HD 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.