Dish Network 2008 CES Press Conference Live Coverage

[HokieEngineer]

Clip and Sling is part of the website sling.com.

lets friends see a piece of television they are watching, take a clip of it, and send to friends and family to show them what they are watching.

- Hope to use as a new way for content providers to get the word out about their shows and programming.

 

[Scott Greczkowski]

More from Sling

 

[HokieEngineer]

When you send a clip to someone, they have the option of adding that show as a recording on their own DVR, or sends them to the content provider site so they can download the full version of the program.

 

[HokieEngineer]

Next up is Charlie Ergen.

Starts off by talking about being amazed at how all the technology works with satellites, encodings, uplinks, but they cant get a simple computer and projector to work right (talking about the issues they had at the start of the press conference).

 

[HokieEngineer]

Now he is taking questions:

1st question: Strategy of the triple play.

A: Will computer turn into the main tv set? Spun off EHC, because the STB is the core of the triple play service. Seemless operation. Current VIP (Video IP products) connect via satellite or broadband. Talks about new sling products. Charlies main partner is AT&T, with bellsouth. He doesnt care how consumer gets their broadband connection, they have the hardware ready.

Talking about HD now, thinks satellite will be the main distribution format of HD signals.

 

[Scott Greczkowski]

Here comes Charlie...

 

[HokieEngineer]

Swan asks about HD expansion plans.

A: 4 sats scheduled for 2008 launch. 2 were supposed to launch in 2007. 1 for china, other 3 for the US. 1 sat launch per quarter. Will allow Dish to goto 100 HD nationals and 100 local HD markets.

 

[HokieEngineer]

Q: As a STB maker, what does Charlie think about STB replacements (Xbox360, wii)?

A: Yes, they could replace the STB, but what they cant do is process a lot of bits at once. (Point to multipoint) IE satellite downlink CONUS).

 

[HokieEngineer]

Q: Lots of stuff going on at one time at Echostar. What are the top three things?

A: For Dish. Primary is taking care of 14M customers. From Echostar, develop products that will seamlessly put together everything on the tv. Dish buys lots of product from Echostar, ExpressVu buys products. Wants to expand to international other providers.

Q: Took big price increase last year, but added lots of promos, this year no price increase but no promos, is the consumer weaker this year?

A. There is a price increase this year on the main packages, DishDVR has no increase. Charlie doesnt like the discounting business. Wants to simplify and just offer a price and thats it. Thinks its too confusing when promo ends and prices change, angry customers... Wants to build trust, on simple and reliable prices.

 

[HokieEngineer]

Q: Clearwire and wildblue and 700MHz auctions

A: We have reseller agreements with both, we've sold a lot and filled a lot of their beams. As far as 700MHz auction, Dish has applied. If they want to participate, they can. They will look at it in the future and if it make sense for them.

 

[HokieEngineer]

Q: Poor sub growth in 3q

A: Charlie expressed disappointment in the company. Talking about the economy slowing down, sub growth slowing. Says the company needs to operate more effciently. 800# calls need to be answered within 30 seconds, with a person that can speak english and that can answer your problem. He doesnt think they are doing that very well right now and wants to improve it.

Q: from Scott. Asking about the new mpeg4 only service.

A: We'll have more about that later, but they are going to do it, everything will be broadcast in mpeg4, sats got delayed, but when the new sats go up, the plan will emerge.

 

[HokieEngineer]

Q: about integrating IP for VOD

A: Charlie says everyone is starting to offer some type of product (MS, etc). All ViPs can handle downloads, but need to have content provider agreements ($$$$) to distribute the content. Partnership with ATT will help things

 

[HokieEngineer]

Q: Goaliebob asks when will mpeg2 hd get converted to mpeg4

A: All HD product will be in mpeg4 in 2008, when new sats are launched. Need to give consumers a time period to transition.

 

[HokieEngineer]

Q: About the ATSC OTA tuners, how will this product be sold, and can you make money off it?

A: Charlie says no company has really stepped up. Says Echostar has stepped up and offered these two products. Will not cost the consumer a dime with the coupon. They will lose money on the product cuz of manf. costs, but says it is offset since we are freeing up the spectrum, and hopes the echostar branding will influence consumers.

 

[HokieEngineer]

ATSC OTA tuners will be available online and at retailers.

 

[HokieEngineer]

Last question:

Tom Robertson of dbstalk: TR-50, is that certified for the coupon?

A: No, its not. But write your congressman. If you do anything more than the basic, you dont qualify for the coupon. Charlie thinks some portion of the broadcast only viewers will want a DVR.