DISH Debuts Hands-Free TV on Hopper DVR with Amazon Alexa
DISH first TV provider to offer direct compatibility with Amazon Alexa
Available today on Hopper and Wally set-tops paired with Amazon Echo, Echo Dot or Amazon Tap
With DISH’s skill for Alexa, changing the channel, pausing, rewinding and searching for content will be as simple as asking Alexa via an Echo family device. We think this is a big step forward for the television experience, and that customers will love this new voice functionality on DISH.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo.-- May 22, 2017 --(BUSINESS WIRE)--DISH is changing the way that people watch TV with Amazon Alexa. Available today, DISH customers with a Hopper or Wally and an Amazon Echo, Echo Dot or Amazon Tap can watch hands-free TV with Alexa. DISH is the first TV provider to offer direct compatibility with Amazon Alexa.

“Hopper and Alexa introduce next-level convenience that redefines the way TV fits into our lives,” said Niraj Desai, DISH vice president of product management. “Instantly, it’s easier to read player stats on your phone while flipping between basketball games; to chop ingredients in the kitchen while rewinding a TV scene you just missed; to snack on popcorn while searching for your favorite film – the list goes on.”

“Customers love the convenience of interacting with their smart homes via Alexa, and now that includes live TV on DISH,” said Rob Pulciani, Director Amazon Alexa. “With DISH’s skill for Alexa, changing the channel, pausing, rewinding and searching for content will be as simple as asking Alexa via an Echo family device. We think this is a big step forward for the television experience, and that customers will love this new voice functionality on DISH.”

Just ask Alexa for hands-free TV on DISH

Users with an internet-connected Hopper (any generation) or Wally can ask Alexa to navigate, play, pause, fast-forward, rewind and search content based on channel, title, actor or genre. Universal search functionality works across DISH’s live, recorded and on-demand titles as well as Netflix’s selection of TV shows and movies. Below are examples of spoken commands.

       
  • “Alexa, change channel to ESPN”
  • “Alexa, tune to channel 130”
  • “Alexa, go to the History Channel”
  • “Alexa, find the Big Bang Theory”
  • “Alexa, search for Game of Thrones”
  • “Alexa, show me Tom Hanks movies”
    
  • “Alexa, search for comedies”
  • “Alexa, play This is Us”
  • “Alexa, skip forward”
  • “Alexa, rewind 30 seconds”
  • “Alexa, pause”
  • “Alexa, resume”
       

How to set-up Alexa on DISH

1. Enable DISH TV in the Alexa app: Open the Alexa app on a mobile device and select Music, Video & Books → DISH TV → Enable Skill.

2. Get receiver code: Turn on internet-connected Hopper or Wally, and go to: Menu → Settings → Amazon Alexa → Get Code. Enter the generated code into the Alexa app and select Activate. Click Done in the confirmation message.

3. Pair Hopper or Wally with Echo, Echo Dot or Amazon Tap: In the Alexa app, select desired Hopper or Wally receiver from list of discoverable devices. Click Continue. Select Amazon device to be synced with chosen receiver. Click Link Devices.

For more information about Alexa on DISH’s Hopper and Wally, including possible commands and additional set-up instructions, visit www.dish.com/AmazonAlexaIntegration.

About DISH

DISH Network Corp. (NASDAQ:DISH), through its subsidiaries, provides approximately 13.528 million pay-TV subscribers, as of March 31, 2017, with the highest-quality programming and technology with the most choices at the best value. DISH offers a high definition line-up with more than 200 national HD channels, the most international channels and award-winning HD and DVR technology. DISH Network Corporation is a Fortune 200 company. Visit www.dish.com.

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Contact:

DISH Network Corp.
Chelsea Satkowiak, 303-514-6214
chelsea.satkowiak@dish.com