Echostar XV launches successfully, even more HD on the way
By Richard Lawler 
posted July 12th 2010 12:17PM
posted July 12th 2010 12:17PM
Looks like DISH Network's satellite program is officially back on a winning streak with this weekend's successful launch (video after the break) of Echostar XV. We don't have any more details on DISH's expansion plans for the additional capacity than we did when this bird was announced back in '08, but with two successful launches under its belt in 2010 we can all be happy the troubles of the ill-fated AMC-14 are a distant memory, right? DISH Network Launches New Satellite to Boost Industry's Largest HD Offering
ENGLEWOOD, Colo., July 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- DISH Network L.L.C., the fastest-growing pay-TV provider in America, today announced the launch of EchoStar XV, the company's second successful satellite launch this year.
When EchoStar XV begins operations later this summer, it will allow DISH Network to continue expanding the largest high definition offering in the U.S. The company currently delivers more than 200 national HD channels as well as HD locals in 156 markets.
Built by Space Systems/Loral, EchoStar XV launched on an International Launch Services Proton/Breeze M vehicle from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 2:40 p.m. EDT on Saturday, July 10. After a nine-hour, 13-minute mission, EchoStar XV was successfully released into geosynchronous transfer orbit. The satellite will ultimately reside at 61.5 degrees West Longitude at an altitude of approximately 22,000 miles.
"The launch of EchoStar XV demonstrates DISH Network's continuing commitment to delivering the most high-quality HD programming at the best value," said Tom Cullen, executive vice president. "DISH Network is the only pay-TV provider that offers 'HD Free For Life' to every customer, and we're proud that EchoStar XV will soon allow us to provide even more high definition channels for free."
For more information about DISH Network, including its HD Free For Life promotion, visit www.dish.com.
About DISH Network
DISH Network L.L.C., a subsidiary of DISH Network Corporation (Nasdaq: DISH), leads the pay-TV industry in technological breakthroughs and provides more than 14.3 million satellite TV customers, as of March 31, 2010, with the highest quality programming and technology at the best value. Customers have access to the most HD channels, the most international channels, state-of-the-art interactive TV applications, and award-winning HD and DVR technology including the ViP 922 SlingLoaded DVR, the world's only DVR with TV Everywhere functionality. DISH Network Corporation is included in the Nasdaq-100 Index (NDX) and is a Fortune 200 company. Visit www.dish.com, follow on Twitter, @dishnetwork (www.twitter.com/dishnetwork), or become a Fan on Facebook, www.facebook.com/dishnetwork.
Related Links:
DISH Network Website
DISH Network Twitter Feed
DISH Network Official Facebook Page
SOURCE DISH Network L.L.C.
Let's hope this allows them to reduce the amount of compression they now use and deliver an even higher quality picture.
Is this an Eastern Arc or Western arc setup? 1000.4 or 1000.2 dish setup?
Or is this going to require an ugly dual dish setup? Our Philly locals are on 61.5 W and all new installs are 1000.4 (EA) setups.
@cypherx - Looks like its on 61.5W:
"EchoStar XV, located at 61.5 degrees West, is poised to provide expanded services, including HD programming, for DISH Network’s more than 14 million direct-to-home television subscribers."
http://www.ilslaunch.com/news-071110
If they do like DirecTV's last satellite launch, after 6 months of "testing" the result will be 3 regular basic-cable HD channels (MSNBC, Travel, Lifetime), 15 more regional sports feeds, and 20 more pay-channel feeds. Oh and 5-6 3D channels for the 58 people who have bought into that scam.
@ggore
Dish uses a different (not necessarily better) technology than Direct. I believe Dish is looking at 45 days max (if not 30) of testing, before E-15 goes into service. Whether they'll add more HD is another matter. Satcasters adding HD isn't a matter of space but more of a matter of whether or not they want to pay content providers for the right to broadcast.