But then, that’s nothing new. EchoStar has been full of firsts. Each year, EchoStar and DISH Network have reaffirmed their standing by realizing new levels of service and cutting-edge technology. Partnering with communication masters such as SBC and Earthlink, DISH Network has been able to offer even greater discounts and services in form of bundled packages. Ranked No. 1 in Customer Satisfaction among Cable/Satellite TV Subscribers by J.D. Power and Associates, DISH Network reached their 10 millionth customer milestone in 2004 and boasts an impressive satellite network with capacity to provide hundreds of channels of digital video, audio and data services via DISH Network service to homes, businesses and schools throughout United States. With over 20,000 employees, EchoStar and DISH Network remain dedicated to delivery and advancement of Direct Broadcast Satellite worldwide.

DISH Network of Tomorrow

What’s on horizon for EchoStar and DISH Network?

The satellite industry continues to grow and expand, creating new opportunities and exciting, innovative technologies. High definition television and digital video recording are just two great examples of how far a little ingenuity can take you. DISH Network recognizes this unlimited potential in satellite broadcasting and continues to look ahead, exploring new services and programming choices for its customers. With passage of Satellite Home Viewer Extension and Reauthorization Act of 2004 (SHVERA), DISH Network anticipates possibility of distant high definition TV network channels within next few years.

Whatever future holds, there are two things you can be sure of: it’s bound to be exciting and EchoStar and DISH Network will continue to lead pack.

Satellite, Meet My TV

With its capabilities well established, it was only a matter of time before media industry began pondering satellite’s potential in television.

Like traditional broadcasting antennas, satellite television works with radio waves as well but with a much broader range. The older, larger dishes transmitted analog signals that rarely required decoding. Today’s smaller dish systems send digital signals, which produce a higher quality of sound and video. This digital signal is encoded into MPEG-2 format – same format as your DVD’s - and transmitted to your receiver box where it is decoded and translated into an analog signal that is then fed to your television. Why all fuss? Digital produces enhanced video and audio that you just can’t get from analog.

So how does it all work?

In order to receive satellite programming, you’ll need a broadcast satellite provider. These providers have contracted with various programming providers such as HBO, Showtime and of course, all your local channels. The programming providers send their programming to satellite providers who in turn send it back out via satellite to your dish. It is then transmitted from dish to your receiver box where it is decrypted and shown on your television.

Satellite television gives us ability to have a seemingly endless supply of programming without bulky equipment or a multitude of unique connections. And because satellite technology is wireless, you have freedom to move your entertainment system as much as you’d like.