Audio Video News

We talk a lot about DTV and HDTV.  If you've bought an HDTV, you probably know if your set is 1080p or 720p, but if you don't normally watch Blu-ray, you don't have much 1080p programming to view. DISH is changing that.

DISH just announced that they'll be offering  a few shows in 1080p. The first will be A&E's The Beast, starring Patrick Swayze.  They won't be aired live that way -- they'll be available on DISH's IP-VOD service.  To receive the show, you must have an MPEG-4 HD DVR and a broadband Internet connection. The show will be available on VOD the day after the episode airs on the usual satellite avenue.

Keep reading for the complete release from DISH.

DISH Network Corporation (Nasdaq: DISH), the nation's third largest pay-TV provider and the digital transition leader, along with A&E Network, today emerged as the first pay-TV provider to offer a television series in 1080p resolution quality comparable to Blu-Ray disc(TM).

A&E's new drama series The Beast is now available to DISH Network subscribers via its Internet Protocol Video On Demand (IP-VOD) platform in 1080p the day after a new episode premieres. DISH Network(R) subscribers with an MPEG-4 HD DVR receiver, a high definition television that is 1080p compatible, and a broadband connection will be able to access, download and watch The Beast.

"We are thrilled to work with A&E in pioneering these efforts by taking television to the next level using 1080p format," said Jessica Insalaco, Chief Marketing Officer for DISH Network. "As the first pay-TV provider to first offer VOD movies and now offer a TV series in 1080p, DISH Network continues to lead the industry when it comes to delivering the best quality programming options, DVR technology and overall value for our customers."

"We are excited to work with DISH Network to present The Beast on their innovative IP-VOD platform," said Mark Garner, VP Distribution, Marketing and Business Development of AETN. "The Beast represents the best-in-class drama programming viewers have come to expect from A&E and was the ideal choice to be the first series presented in stunning 1080p."

In The Beast, an unorthodox but effective FBI veteran Charles Barker (Patrick Swayze) trains a rookie partner (Travis Fimmel) in his own hard-edged and psychologically intense style while being investigated by a secret Internal Affairs team. Set on the gritty streets of Chicago, Barker hazes his new partner as they work undercover, brilliantly manipulating situations, constantly testing him, and pushing him to delve deeper into his "roles."

To access the DISH Network's 1080p IP-VOD content, customers with an MPEG-4 HD DVR receiver need to select the "DVR" button on their DISH Network remote control and chose the DishONLINE feature. They can also access the IP-VOD service by selecting "Menu" on their remote, followed by DISH On Demand and DishONLINE. Subscribers will see a variety of content and must select movies with 1080p after the titles in order to get the comparable to Blu-Ray disc(TM) quality films.

DISH Network's advanced HD DVRs lead the industry, winning more Editors' Choice Awards than any other receiver. DISH Network's ViP(R)722 HD DVR operates two televisions in separate rooms and has up to 500 hours of DVR storage capacity. Additional storage space is available by connecting an external hard drive via the ViP722's USB ports.

Consumers can sign up for the best high definition programming and service in the industry with DISH Network's TurboHD programming packages, the only all-HD packages on the market, starting at $24.99 per month. TurboHD is available in three separate tiers and includes special "turbo-charged" features and benefits such as the best quality HD available including 1080p resolution where available and the most-watched HD channels that may be viewed on any TV - analog, digital or high definition.

Current DISH Network customers looking to add the industry's best high definition experience can get a "turbo-charged" HD package for as little as $10 more per month.

For more information about DISH Network's 1080p programming, new HD channels and TurboHD system and packages, visit www.dishnetwork.com or call 1-800-333-DISH (3474).

Let's hope Swayze stays healthy and continues to shoot what looks like an exciting new show. —Leslie Shapiro

DISH