amc-14
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Dish Network successfully launches Echostar XIV while we remember a fallen soldier
Sure compressing existing channels is one way to add more HD, but sending another bird in the air to increase capacity, like Dish Network's new Echostar XIV (what happened to XV? Should we be expecting another launch this year?) is certainly a preferred option. It's probably not a coincidence that we didn't see a press release until after a successful launch was confirmed, but it's currently in "geosynchronous transfer orbit." SatelliteGuys indicates we can probably expect service around the end of May, so while we toast the new satellite (video of the launch is embedded after the break) and all the HDTV it will bring, don't forget to pour out a little liquor for AMC-14.
EchoStar nets $41-million adjustment for AMC-14
How's this for a silver lining to a cloud? EchoStar picked up a $41-million insurance claim for its winged bird, the AMC-14. Sure, a loss like that is always hard, but it's safe to say that with the successful EchoStar XI launch, DISH has picked itself right up again (we're sure the insurance check helps ease the pain, too). But most importantly from where we stand, the AMC-14 mishap hasn't really slowed down DISH HD rollouts. Now, if only something could be done about the company's declining subscriber rolls.
DISH Network reaffirms that HD plans are still "on track"
If it sounds like you've heard this same 'ole song and dance before, it's because you have. Just days after the AMC-14 was officially dubbed "a total loss," and merely hours since the satcaster underwhelmed subscribers everywhere by adding CNN HD to its national HD lineup (instead of, say, SciFi HD / USA HD), the company is trying to keep spirits high. According to a regulatory filing, DISH Network reaffirmed that it would not "incur any financial liability from [the] failed satellite launch, and its plans to offer more high-definition video programs were on track." Moreover, it stated that its intentions to boost its HD lineup this spring were a go, but no further details beyond that were given. Eh, a little less conversation and a little more action would be ideal.
DISH Network's AMC-14 satellite "a total loss"
Despite hopes to the contrary, it looks like SES AMERICOM is treating the AMC-14 satellite mishap like the time you rear-ended that bus full of nuns in your Suzuki X90. Stranded at a less than advantageous orbit after an anomaly in its second burn of the fourth stage on March 15, the company decided that trying to reposition it at this point was too risky, and would result in a severely shortened lifespan. As a result, SES is cashing in on a $150 million insurance policy, and coming out of this smelling like a rose. DISH Network has more satellites planned for later this year and claims the failure won't affect its plans, so HDTV owners shouldn't lose out badly either. The only real loser here is AMC-14 itself, destined to decades of floating around as space junk, or a quick and fiery end in Earth's atmosphere -- plans for its retirement are still being "explored".
DISH Network's spring HD rollout still on track
Surely by now you've heard about DISH Network's satellite launch issues, but don't worry, the channels planned to roll out over the next few months are still on track. Thanks to the Satelliteguys.us, we've got a list of markets still getting local HD in April and May, while the rest of the planned 100 HD channels / 100 markets strategy should be taken care of by the end of the year, thanks to the remaining two satellites still going up this year. Exactly who is -- and will be -- the "top HD provider" is still murky as ever, but despite recent SEC filings, don't count DISH out just yet.[Thanks, Scott]
DISH Network's AMC-14 satellite may not be totally lost
Just in case you haven't had your fill of satellite launch news in the past 72 hours, here's yet another spoonful. In a release posted today on SES AMERICOM's website, it not only affirms that the recently launched AMC-14 satellite didn't reach its intended orbit, but that things may not be as bad as previously expected. 'Course, the company could just be trying to paint as rosy a picture as possible here, but Martin Halliwell, President of SES ENGINEERING, is quoted as saying that the satellite "is healthy and is operating nominally in a stable orbit under the control of Lockheed Martin." Furthermore, he notes that "[company] engineers are currently exploring various options for bringing AMC-14 into its proper geostationary orbit," but does concede that regardless of what option is exercised, excess fuel will have to be utilized in order to "propel the satellite to its correct orbital position, thereby reducing its service life." Nevertheless, the outfit's CEO closed by stating that it could not "speculate on the impact of the orbit raising activities on both the in-service date and the service life of AMC-14," but at least all hope isn't lost just yet.[Thanks, Joe J.]
AMC-14 mishap apt to delay DISH Network's HD rollout
Not like it comes as any real surprise or anything, but it seems as if the unfortunate failure experienced by DISH Network's AMC-14 satellite over the weekend will leave those waiting anxiously for more HD in a world of hurt. According to an 8-K filing with the SEC, the company has stated that the "launch anomaly will result in a delay of its rollout of some high-definition channels, including some local network channels." Of course, some analysts have already pointed out the obvious -- that DirecTV now has even more time to stretch its lead in HD quantity -- but given that the launch of its DirecTV 11 was delayed today for unspecified reasons, not all is well in that camp, either. The bottom line is that DISH subscribers (or would-be customers) will now be waiting even longer for another major boost in HD, and regardless of what carrier you use, that's awful news.
DISH Network's AMC-14 satellite fails to reach orbit
Tough news, DISH Network subscribers. The AMC-14 satellite that lifted off from Kazakhstan just hours ago failed to reach orbit. Reportedly, an "anomaly occurred during the second burn of the Breeze M upper stage," causing it to never reach its final destination. As it stands, a Russian State Commission has begun an investigation to understand what caused the mishap, but unfortunately, we've no idea when a replacement will be ready for liftoff. Here's to hoping the DirecTV 11 has much better luck when it blasts off in just a couple of days.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
DISH Network's AMC-14 satellite set for March 15 launch
Guess what, DirecTV subscribers? Your satellite provider isn't the only one launching a new bird into orbit next month. On March 15, the AMERICOM-14 (AMC-14) will blast off from Kazakhstan and begin its mission of providing DISH Network with "the bandwidth resources needed to increase the number of high-definition and other services offered by EchoStar nationwide." Of course, we've no idea how quickly customers will begin reaping the benefits from yet another sat in the sky, but we'll be a whole lot closer to knowing when this thing (hopefully) departs the atmosphere as planned.[Via SatelliteGuys, thanks Joe][Image courtesy of LaunchPhotography]