EchoStar Communications Corporation (Nasdaq:DISH) and its DISH Network(r) satellite TV service today launched The History Channel HD(tm), making DISH Network the first major multichannel distributor to provide the network to viewers. The addition will bring DISH Network's total national HD channel lineup to 39 -- the most in the pay-TV industry.

"The History Channel HD offers consumers an unparalleled view of history with brilliant clarity and a rich perspective that they will find nowhere else on the television landscape," said David Zagin, executive vice president of distribution at AETN. "We are equally delighted to be partnering with DISH Network, one of the nation's largest multichannel TV providers, to bring their customers this new dimension in television viewing."

"DISH Network is pleased to offer The History Channel HD, which exemplifies the top-quality programming our DishHD customers enjoy," said Eric Sahl, senior vice president of programming for DISH Network. "Not only are we adding to our industry-leading HD channel lineup, but we are providing history buffs even more reason to want high definition."

The History Channel HD simulcasts The History Channel's lineup of original, non-fiction series and specials, creating a stunning new dimension for the timeless content and powerful storytelling that only The History Channel can provide. The History Channel HD features a diverse range of programming including new hit series such as Ice Road Truckers, Human Weapon and The Universe and highly-rated favorites including Cities of the Underworld, Dogfights, Lost Worlds, and Digging for the Truth. Other programs include thought-provoking specials such as the Emmy-nominated Star Wars: The Legacy Revealed, The Lost Book of Nostradamus and Stalking Jihad.

The History Channel HD is located on DISH Network Channel 9491 and is available to customers who subscribe to the DishHD programming package, now available free for six months to new DishHD customers.

For more information about DISH Network or DishHD, call 1-800-333-DISH (3474), visit www.dishnetwork.com, or visit your local DISH Network retailer.

About EchoStar Communications Corporation

EchoStar Communications Corporation (Nasdaq:DISH) has been a leader for more than 26 years in satellite TV equipment sales and support worldwide. The Company's DISH Network(tm) is the fastest-growing pay-TV provider in the country since 2000 and currently serves more than 13.585 million satellite TV customers. DISH Network offers a premier line of industry-leading Digital Video Recorders (DVRs) and hundreds of video and audio channels as well as the most national HD and International channels in the U.S., Interactive TV, Latino and sports programming. DISH Network also provides a variety of package and price options including the lowest all-digital price in America and the DishDVR Advantage Package. EchoStar is included in the Nasdaq-100 Index (NDX) and is a Fortune 300 company. Visit www.echostar.com or call 1-800-333-DISH (3474) for more information.

About The History Channel

The History Channel(r) is a leading cable television network featuring compelling original, non-fiction specials and series that bring history to life in a powerful and entertaining manner across multiple platforms. The network provides an inviting place where people experience history in new and exciting ways, enabling them to connect their lives today to the great lives and events of the past that provide a blueprint for the future. The History Channel has earned four Peabody Awards, three Primetime Emmy(r) Awards, ten News & Documentary Emmy(r) Awards and received the prestigious Governor's Award from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences for the network's Save Our History(r) campaign, dedicated to historic preservation and history education. The History Channel reaches more than 93 million Nielsen subscribers. The website is located at www.History.com.