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EchoStar Communications Corporation will soon up the ante on its competitors. This summer, the company's DISH Network service will add two new high definition TV networks, HDNet and HDNet Movies, to its expanding roster of high-def programming.

Echostar CEO Charlie Ergen and HDNet president Mark Cuban made the joint announcement May 1 at the DISH Network’s annual "Team Summit" satellite TV retailer conference in Atlanta, where more than 3000 attendees had gathered to learn about new DISH Network products and services. The direct satellite broadcaster will also offer a new "SuperDish" technology claimed capable of delivering as many as 50 HDTV channels to subscribers, required for reception of HDNet and HDNet Movies. DISH Network's principle competitor DirecTV already offers HDNet.

The SuperDish is an elliptical 66cm dish capable of receiving satellite signals from three orbital locations, according to the EchoStar announcement. Subscribers who sign up for the SuperDish will have access to "hundreds of popular DISH Network channels, local channels in new markets, HDTV channels, and international programming." Ergen said that EchoStar developed the SuperDish to offer consumers "a superior alternative to the dominant cable companies."

HDNet's all-HDTV programming, includes live sports, sitcoms, dramas, action series, documentaries, travel programs, music concerts and shows, special events, and news features, including "HDNet World Report." HDNet Movies delivers full-length feature films transferred from 35mm to high-definition, including titles from a library of Warner Bros. And Sony Pictures Television productions, and a variety of theatrical releases, made-for-TV movies, independent films, and short subjects. HDNet programming is produced and delivered in 1080i, the "highest possible resolution," said Cuban.

DISH Network's current lineup of HD programming includes Discovery Theater HD, HBO, ShowTime, CBS, and a pay-per-view movie channel. Prices for the two new channels have not been determined, and will be announced prior to launching the service.