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EchoStar unveils its own IPTV transport platform: ViP-TV
After visiting Dish Network's booth at CEDIA and noticing a prominent sign boasting of a future relationship with IPTV, we can't say we're totally shocked to see this develop. Nevertheless, EchoStar unveiled today its ViP-TV MPEG-4 IPTV transport platform, which has the ability to beam out "over 300 channels of secure broadcast quality television programming via satellite to telecommunication firms, private / rural cable operators, municipalities and master planned community video providers that have obtained rights for distribution." Deemed a "turnkey solution" for wholesale content delivery, ViP-TV will also offer up locals in 165 designated market areas including 30 in HD. Interestingly, it seems that Dish doesn't much mind competing with itself so long as would-be Dish Network customers choose ViP-TV, and while it sounds mighty ambitious, ViP-TV General Manger Daniel Daines was quoted as saying that he hopes to have "paying customers on the platform in January 2008." For the full slate of down and dirty details, be sure and visit the read links below.[Via TeleCompetitor]Read - ViP-TV Press Release [PDF]Read - ViP-TV website
Sling's CEO on being acquired by EchoStar: "We are going to rock"
So now that the EchoStar acquisition is public, Sling Media's CEO, Blake Krikorian sat down with SlingCommunity's Matt Whitlock and talked about how the deal is going to affect the place-shifting upstart. In his usual candid way, Krikorian said Sling is going to stay independent, and while the company is obviously going to try and leverage Dish Network's huge install base and software library, it's not going to rule out deals with other content and delivery providers -- in fact, Sling will continue to work with EchoStar's arch-rival DirecTV on things like NFL Supercast. Sadly, there are no juicy product details, but Krikorian did say that "there's some interesting things we're going to be able to cook up." Overall, Krikorian seems incredibly stoked about the acquisition -- which probably means good things for all you place-shifting hooligans out there.[Thanks, Jeff]
Echostar might spin off back-end to separate company
Echostar wants to spin off their infrastructure and technology department into it's own company and leave the Dish Network as it is. They are hoping that this division will enable those departments to market their services and STBs to other companies. What makes this more interesting is the recent acquisition of Sling Media which we assume would be part of the new company. We're not sure if Dish's STBs are so good that other companies would want to use them, but we could see how Sling might fit in as well as other companies wanting to use Dish's satellites.
EchoStar announces Sling Media acquisition -- Sling totally "psyched"
EchoStar -- parent Co of Dish Network -- just announced intent to purchase Sling Media for a cool $380 mil. Not a total surprise given the similarities of those logos. More telling, perhaps, is the fact that EchoStar was an early investor in the people responsible for the Slingbox and SlingPlayer software. The acquisition, expected to be approved before the year is up, gives EchoStar access to more displays and more locations thanks to Sling's streaming solutions in and outside of the home. And Blake Krikorian, co-founder, chairman and boss of Sling Media, reaction to the prospects of the new union? "We are psyched to make this announcement" as it "paves the way for the development of a host of new innovative products and services for our subscribers, new digital media consumers and strategic partners." Yeah bro, totally... like the SlingCatcher, eh dude?
Dish Network unveils black ViP722 HD DVR
Hot on the heels of Dish Network's newest software update comes a brand new HD DVR, which actually doesn't differentiate itself all that much from its predecessor. The ViP722 will delight those looking for a black unit to match their eerily dark component setup, but it reportedly runs on the very same software as that found in the ViP622. Additionally, users will find a 500GB hard drive within, which offers up 55-hours of HD recording space, 350-hours of SD, or any combination of the two. As expected, newcomers to Dish can snag the ViP722 gratis, and while it's not mentioned how much existing subscribers will be forced to cough up in order to upgrade, there's not a whole lot here that can't be matched by just plugging in your own external HDD to that still-capable ViP622.[Via DBSTalk]
EchoStar CEO trivializes DirecTV's 100 HD channels
Merely days after DirecTV reassured its customer base that hordes of new HD channels were (still) on the way, EchoStar Communications CEO Charlie Ergen has reportedly downplayed the whole shebang. During a second-quarter conference call, Ergen was quoted as saying that "there's not 100 channels of HD that [he] would watch," and supposedly insinuated that he didn't think having "70 or even 100 HD channels" was all that important. 'Course, he made sure to mention that Dish Network has 50 of its own, and did state that having 100 HD offerings was "a good round number to get people excited." Sure sounds like a case of bitterness to us.
EchoStar beats Forgent's patent suit, makes chumps out of DirecTV et al.
EchoStar's just making everybody else look bad. After DirecTV and the cable companies caved to Forgent's patent demands and setteled out of court to the tune of $28 million, EchoStar (Dish Network's parent company) has bested Forgent in court, and a judge yesterday denied Forgent a new trial. EchoStar is getting $90k for its trouble. This follows a jury verdict in May which invalidated Forgent's patent, which pertained to digital video recorders.
Dish to enable external HDD use with its DVRs, use Ethernet to 'phone home'
Dish Network users (and the ones that are about to be), commence rejoicing. According to MultiChannel, the satellite television provider is readying its "USB External Storage" solution, which will dole out a software update that allows users of the ViP622 HD DVR to attach their own USB hard drive for storing content. Notably, this wonderful luxury will only require a $39.99 "enabling fee," but we've no doubt the hardcore recorders won't mind a bit. Additionally, Dish is also scheduled to finally enable the Ethernet port for users who have wanted to "phone home" via this method, you know, considering you probably ditched your landline four years ago anyway. Reportedly, this will mark the first step in launching the new DishONLINE video-on-demand service, which could be operational next month. In other sat news, the latest DirecTV bird is set to actually make a difference "on or around September 15th," but for those itching to flank their ViP622 with "up to 750GB" of their own storage, you'll be waiting 'til August 15th.
DirecTV, DISH sign up for Clearwire
Just as many analysts predicted following the two companies' failure to secure any spectrum during last year's FCC auction, both DirecTV and DISH-parent EchoStar have signed agreements with Craig McCaw's Clearwire to provide qualifying customers with high-speed wireless internet service (and by qualifying customers, we mean anyone who lives within a Clearwire coverage zone). What's more, current Clearwire subscribers will have the opportunity to sign up for satellite TV delivered right to their modems -- an American first, as far as we know. In other industry news, the Wall Street Journal is reporting that EchoStar and future DirecTV-owner Liberty Media are planning a multi-billion dollar bid for satellite-communications provider Intelsat, which would provide both firms with additional capacity and/or the capability to offer broadband from the heavens. So far all we know regarding a launch window for the Clearwire deal is that bundled packages will be available from all three parties later this year, once again making your satellite vs. cable decision a difficult one.Update: D'oh! As several of you have noted, it's entirely possible -- nay, likely -- that Clearwire will simply be offering traditional satellite TV as part of a services bundle, rather than sending DirecTV / DISH content over its network.Read - ClearwireRead - Intelsat [Warning: subscription required]
Dish Network intros ViP222 multiroom HD receiver
We know, the bulk of you eying this have no use for an HD set-top-box sans a hard drive, but for those that are interested in a simple multiroom receiver that supports HD, the ViP222 has finally arrived. While this item has been in the backroom for some time now, Dish Network has just now gone official with it. The device is an MPEG4 dual-tuner receiver "capable of delivering programming to two separate rooms, one in HD and the second in standard definition." Put simply, it's supposed to be the ViP622 minus the hard drive, or said another way, an upgrade to the ViP211. As expected, this box won't have any troubles tuning into any of Dish's HD channels or your local HD offerings, and it also includes on-screen caller ID and the ability to function with DishHOME services. Unfortunately, we've no idea how much this new box will run current or new subscribers, but it shouldn't be too tough to snag for next to nothing if you're just signing up.[Via Multichannel News]
DirecTV whines over HD survey results, sues Comcast for false advertising
You're probably familiar with the old adage that getting sued just isn't satisfying enough until you take someone else to court over the exact thing that you're being accused of, but even if you're not, DirecTV's here to refresh your memory. The satellite TV provider has apparently scrunched up its nose at a recent promotional advertising campaign in which Comcast claims that two-thirds of satellite customers felt "Comcast delivered a better HD image" when compared to DirecTV and Dish Network alternatives. Not believing that we oh-so-capable humans might be able to actually perceive the difference when an HD feed is somewhat crippled, DirecTV decided that the results mustn't be correct, and suggested that the "survey upon which Comcast relies does not provide or sufficiently substantiate the propositions for which Comcast cites the survey," and concludes by boldly proclaiming that all of the claims "are literally false." Of course, Comcast is standing strong behind its results for the time being, and while either party could most certainly have a case against the other, why are we using cash for HD channel expansion to pay legal teams?[Via TGDaily]
DirecTV testing the broadband over power line waters
While analysts have long questioned how satellite television providers would answer the challenge of cable companies offering up bundled services with such little hassle, both DirecTV and EchoStar have traditionally partnered with DSL providers to tempt users to the dish, but change may finally be on the way. Reportedly, DirecTV's CEO recently suggested that it "may test delivering high-speed internet service through power lines in a major US city within the next year," meaning that broadband over power lines could be comin' down the pike. Notably, the company fessed up and stated that it "wasn't the only one" in talks to get such a plan in action, and while prospective test areas weren't named, the firm did say that it would probably aim for a "top 50 city where you're covering at least half the city." Of course, the talk of mergers was quickly shot down, but it's hard to think that a partnership isn't at least in the cards.
Live from the EchoStar press conference
9:50am - Just minutes before the EchoStar press conference and we're waiting to see what new HD channels they launch this year, as well as new online features.10:00am PST - Do these things every start on time?10:04am PST - Kathy Gonzales takes the stage and introduces Karl Vogal the president.
Echostar injunction stayed pending outcome of appeals process
Even though its customers were the ones getting down at nationwide TiVo House Parties this past weekend, it was the company itself that woke up with a nasty hangover. In the latest development surrounding the most drawn-out patent dispute the consumer electronics industry has seen since that RIM / NTP debacle, the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has just granted DISH-parent Echostar a temporary stay on an injunction that would have shut down its DVR service and halted sales of related hardware. You probably remember that TiVo won a $74 million jury verdict in this case back in April, when the Texas panel apparently agreed with the DVR pioneer that Echostar (who also had access to an early TiVo prototype box) had violated its so-called "Time Warp" patent. After much legal posturing, the award was upped to $90 million and the satellite TV provider was given 30 days to disable the time-shifting functionality on its STBs; luckily for DISH customers, the injunction was granted a temporary stay while the merits of Echostar's appeals case were weighed. Well the court has finally ruled that Echostar does indeed have a solid case, and that the company can therefore continue offering DVR services until its appeals have been exhausted. Sounds like bad news for TiVo, until you notice a snippet of Echostar's followup press release which reads, "We also continue to work on modifications to our new DVRs, and to our DVRs in the field, intended to avoid future alleged infringement." If Echostar is so confident in its lack of culpability here, why make changes to its supposedly non-infringing devices? Stay tuned, folks, as this one's not over yet -- not by a long shot.[Via Zatz Not Funny]
Engadget Podcast 085 - 08.22.2006
What's with all the negativity, man? It's summer time and we'd think everybody'd be at the beach or drinking a beer, and yet it seems like we can't get through a week without this company or that going at another's throats -- or just laying down dead. EchoStar and TiVo have been really heating up this past week, but we really, um, exploded with the news that they are launching what amounts to be the largest consumer product recall in recent memory -- possibly in the history of consumer electronics. 4.1 million Dell batteries will make their way back to Dell at the same time Boeing kills off their in-flight internet access division, Connexion, but it's not all doom and gloom. SanDisk's latest 8GB Sansa is out, and you know we're excited about that. Plenty more on today's podcast! Get the podcast [iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3). [RSS] Add the Engadget Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically (MP3). [MP3] Download the show (MP3). [AAC] Download the enhanced show (AAC). [OGG] Download the show (OGG). Hosts: Peter Rojas and Ryan Block Producer: Trent Wolbe Music: Solvent - Instructograph (Ghostly International) Format: 37:14, 17.1 MB, MP3 Program: 0:52 - TiVo awarded $90M and permanent injunction aginst EchoStar 2:05 - Federal Court grants stay on EchoStar's TiVo injunction 8:00 - Dell recalls 4.1 million batteries 13:05 - Boeing disconnecting Connexion 21:35 - Wii for November under $250, and it "won't have hidden fees or costs" 27:13 - SanDisk unveils 8GB, expandable Sansa e280 LISTEN (MP3) LISTEN (AAC) LISTEN (OGG) Contact the podcast: 1-888-ENGADGET, Engadget (Gizmo Project) or podcast at engadget dawt com
Federal Court grants stay on EchoStar's TiVo injunction
Things are looking up for EchoStar. After getting slammed hard yesterday with $90 million in initial damages and a permanent injunction that requires them to disable all DVR functionality for users in 30 days, EchoStar has managed to get a stay on TiVo's injunction while the court battle rages on. The Federal Circuit Court of Appeals did the honors today, halting the Thursday injunction by a Texas Court, and while the current stay is temporary (they don't say for how long), EchoStar is hoping for a longer-term stay, and are fighting for an eventual overturn of the Texas decision. Doesn't seem like we're close to the finish line here yet, so we suppose DISH Network users can go on with their regularly scheduled time-shifted lives for the time being.[Via HD Beat]
Good news for TiVo investors - bad news for Dish Network DVR users - UPDATE 2
You know that huge advantage that we thought Dish Network had over DirecTV, with their 30 national HD stations and multitude of HD DVRs; well, that might come crashing down in a few weeks. TiVo won their lawsuit of patent infringement against Dish Network's parent company, Echostar. The judgment involves EchoStar paying $74.9 million to TiVo because it "willfully infringed [on] TiVo patents that allowed for the digital storage of TV programming." The most significant part of the judgment for many of our readers fails under the second part where EchoStar must basically render all but 192,708 DVR units useless. We don't know what DVRs that will be just yet, but it is safe to say that a good amount of their 12 million + subscriber base is going to be affected. The judge went one step farther too when he denied EchoStar's request that the judgment be held during the appeals processes. This doesn't look to good folks and we will keep you up-to-date with info as it comes down the Internet pipes. Read: Reuters Read: EchoStar's responseUPDATE 1: The US Federal Appeals Court of Washington DC just blocked the injunction according to an EchoStar press release. This means that they will be able to still sell and operate their DVRs -- for the moment at least. (Thanks for the heads up Jay)UPDATE 2: Zatz Not Funny has copies of the injunction if that is your type of thing.
TiVo awarded $90M and permanent injunction aginst EchoStar
Way back in April a jury agreed with TiVo that EchoStar willfully infringed upon TiVo's patent for a "multimedia time-warping system." Then crickets for the last 4 months as the two battled it out in both the court of public opinion and at a bench trial where TiVo requested a permanent injunction against the provider of the DISH Network. Well, the ruling is in and EchoStar must pay TiVo an initial award of about $90 million and must disable all infringing DVR functionality within, oh, 30 days -- we're talking switching off the DVR functionality of four million users. Ouch! Oh, and EchoStar can't sell new boxes, either. Is it just us or does little TiVo seem to be extra smiley this morning?[Thanks to everyone who sent this in, via Zatz Not Funny]Update: EchoStar is definitely going to attempt to stay the injunction (they'd be fools not to) -- more on that as it develops!Read - Reuters coverageRead - EchoStar's response
DirecTV-DISH consortium all but dead in spectrum auction
As the historic federal auction for wireless spectrum heats up and the proverbial wheat begins separating from the chaff, the first major victim of the escalating bidding war seems to be the satellite TV consortium composed of DirecTV and DISH-parent EchoStar. Combining their resources in the Advanced Wireless Services auction as a limited liability corporation known as Wireless DBS, the two companies were hoping to pick up a chunk of spectrum that they could use to offer WiMax broadband services to customers and compete directly with telcos offering so-called "triple-play" packages; currently, the two sat TV providers have only been able to offer Internet service through partnerships with established broadband carriers. Apparently the billion dollars that Wireless DBS was willing to spend ended up not being enough to cover the requisite regional licenses they would need to offer nationwide service, as the cost for such such complete coverage is now anticipated to be at least $4 billion. The next move for the satellite providers could involve either partnering up once again with a company like Clearwire, or waiting until next year to bid in the 700MHz auction -- but that auction could see even higher bids, and the resulting spectrum would be unavailable for use until 2009. Sorry guys, we know how badly you wanted this one, but when you come to a gun fight equipped with nothing but a pocketknife, well, things are bound to end pretty poorly.[Via Techdirt]
DirecTV and EchoStar talking merger again?
Nature abhors a vacuum, so now that the AMD/ATI deal has gone from rumor to reality, we're in dire need of another potential mega-merger to fill the void. Luckily for us, News Corp. owner and the real "king of all media" Rupert Murdoch recently made some tantalizing comments on the Charlie Rose Show that may indicate DirecTV's renewed interest in merging with Dish Network parent EchoStar. Although he obviously didn't come right out and say that the two companies were involved in talks of any sort, Murdoch did suggest that the television landscape has shifted enough since the last merger attempt in 2002 that "it would be much harder for the government to turn it down" this time around. However, he also cautioned that a deal would be difficult if EchoStar CEO Charlie Ergen -- whose clashes with News Corp. execs reportedly put the kibosh on merger talks all the way back in 1997 -- insisted on running the new entity as one of EchoStar's conditions. Ars Technica sums up the situation nicely by suggesting that although a merger would help both companies in their quest to offer broadband service should they succeed in picking up some spectrum at next month's FCC auction, government regulators would be unlikely to approve such a deal for the same reason as last time: there are still too many consumers out there whose only option is satellite TV, giving a combined DirecTV-Dish entity monopoly status in certain areas of the country. Long story short: there's an excellent chance that Murdoch would love a deal to go down, but chances are it ain't gonna happen.[Via Ars Technica]
