New Eastern Arc Markets & HD Locals Coming October 22nd
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Eastern Arc DMAs launching on October 22nd fall into three categories:
· Transitioning HD Markets -- The markets listed below are Western Arc markets that will transition to an Eastern Arc designation. DISH Network already provides HD local network programming in these markets. Existing customers who reside in one of these ten DMAs should not be impacted by the switch to an Eastern Arc designation in their market, and should continue to receive applicable programming using their existing antenna configuration.
o Atlanta, GA o Birmingham, AL o Chattanooga, TN o Florence-Myrtle Beach, SC o Ft. Myers, FL o Huntsville, AL o Jackson, MS o Memphis, TN o Mobile, AL o St. Louis, MO
· New HD Markets -- The markets listed below will be designated as Eastern Arc markets. DISH Network will be launching HD local network programming in these markets for the first time on October 22, 2008. This does not necessarily mean that a particular DMA will receive all major network affiliates (ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC) in HD at that time. We will provide updates as necessary when major network affiliates are added in HD to local network programming available in these DMAs.
o Abilene, TX o Columbia-Jefferson City, MO o Des Moines, IA o Joplin, MO -- Pittsburgh, KS o Lincoln, NE o Omaha, NE o Quincy, IL o Waco, TX o Wichita Falls, TX
· Transitioning SD-Only Markets -- While the DMAs listed below will be designated as Eastern Arc, DISH Network does not currently offer HD local network programming in these areas. Additionally, please note that DISH Network will not be launching HD local network programming in these DMAs on October 22, 2008. Stay tuned for future communications regarding upcoming HD local transitions.
o Sherman, TX -- Ada, OK o South Bend-Elkhart, IN o Topeka, KS
Eastern Arc Review
As you know, DISH Network is committed to being the leader in HD programming, and Eastern Arc is part of that goal. As DISH Network's newest satellite orbital constellation (at the 61.5°, 72.7°, and 77° orbital locations), Eastern Arc makes available additional bandwidth, which will help us offer more HD channels, including HD locals.
Other benefits of Eastern Arc include better look angles in many areas of the country, and the ability for DISH Network to have a "total MPEG-4 solution" (which is intended to provide "future-proofing" for new HD customers residing in Eastern Arc DMAs because they are required to be installed with only ViP®-Series / MPEG-4 equipment).
Additionally, fewer two-antenna installations are required -- Eastern Arc customers have the ability to receive both SD and HD programming via one antenna -- the new DISH 1000.4. Currently DMAs that fall outside of the 129° footprint or that receive HD locals from 61.5° require two antennas.