DISH Network calls first to 100% MPEG-4

Taking a page from Usain Bolt, DISH Network has engaged in a little chest beating as it crosses the line as first in the pay TV space to transmit all HD & SD channels in MPEG-4. Those living in 21 markets in the eastern half of the U.S. (Cleveland; Richmond, Va.; Baltimore.; Columbia, S.C.; Tampa, Fla; Green Bay, Wis.; Greensboro, N.C.; Providence, R.I.; Greenville, S.C., Knoxville, Tenn.; Raleigh, N.C.; Chicago; Detroit; Charlotte, N.C.; Dallas; Nashville, Tenn.; Minneapolis, Minn.; Philadelphia.; Washington, D.C.; New York, N.Y.; and Hartford, Conn) who sign up for DISH Network HD will get the all-MPEG-4 service, not to mention access to all those HD channels and 1080p VOD on the way. Take that, DirecTV.