LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 6, 2005--EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) and its DISH Network(TM) satellite TV service announced today that for the first time it will offer a Video On Demand (VOD) service called DISH On Demand. DISH Network will roll out the VOD service by March to new customers with DISH Network's new digital video recorder (DVR), the DISH Player-DVR 625. DISH Network will demonstrate DISH On Demand at the 2005 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas Jan. 6-9. 
 

"DVR customers will be able to choose from hours of Hollywood hit movies and watch their favorite stars whenever they want using DISH On Demand," said Michael Schwimmer, executive vice president of Marketing and Programming at DISH Network. "DISH Player-DVR, with its advanced pause, reverse and fast forwarding capabilities, offers a better VOD experience than any other satellite or cable TV provider."

DISH Network's VOD service will eventually offer as many as 100 movies shown on TV for the first time, with new movies premiering every week. The DISH Player-DVR 625 will receive movies via satellite, and DISH On Demand will be accessible by pressing the DVR button on the DISH Network remote.

The DISH Player-DVR 625 enhances the TV viewing experience by allowing viewers to watch recorded programming on the DVR, as well as pause live TV for up to two hours, perform slow-motion instant replays, fast forward and fast reverse. The DISH Player-DVR 625 features 100-hour tapeless recording capabilities and gives viewers complete control of their television, to watch what they want at their convenience, including network programs, movies, sports, news or special events.

For information about DISH Network, please call 800-333-DISH (3474) or go to www.dishnetwork.com. For print-quality images go to www.dishnetwork.comand click "About Us," then "Press Room."

About EchoStar

EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) serves more than 10.4 million satellite TV customers through its DISH Network(TM), the fastest-growing U.S. provider of advanced digital television services in the last four years. DISH Network offers hundreds of video and audio channels, Interactive TV, HDTV, sports and international programming, together with professional installation and 24-hour customer service. DISH Network ranks No. 1 in Customer Satisfaction among Cable/Satellite TV Subscribers by J.D. Power and Associates. Visit EchoStar's DISH Network at www.dishnetwork.com or call 800-333-DISH (3474).