Charlie Ergen’s dream of an all MPEG4 satellite television lives!  After some doubt that the new service would lift off due to recent satellite issues for Dish Network, it was announced on Dish Networks “Retailer Chat” broadcast yesterday that Eastern Arc Lives.

The all new Eastern Arc service will be broadcast from the 61.5, 72.7 and 77 degree orbital locations. Currently all programming from Dish Network will be simulcast on the Eastern Arc with the exception of its “Dish Latino” Spanish language service, which for the time being will remain on the legacy MPEG2/MPEG4 satellite service which is now being called Dish Networks “Western Arc” service.

The Eastern Arc will make satellite television available to many on the East Coast who could never get satellite television before due to the low look angle many have on the East Coast (the satellites on the East Coast are often blocked by trees)

The new Eastern Arc service will transmit all SD and HD programming using MPEG4 technology.  The Eastern Arc service will initially be available to new subscribers only, and this is due to the fact that customers need a new satellite dish (called the Dish 1000.4) as well as new MPEG4 satellite receivers which include the next generation (3G) smart card security technology.  Dish Network will be rolling out a smart card security upgrade program which is expected to take until the end of the year. (if not longer)

It is a possibility that after the smart card update is done that customers might be able to take advantage of the Eastern Arc service, however those wishing to do this might need to buy and install the new 1000.4 satellite dish themselves.

Eastern Arc service will be rolling out starting on August 20^th in 21 DMA’s as a test.  After testing is complete the Eastern Arc service will be made available to other DMA’s.  Dish Network installers will be able to choose if a customer is installed with Eastern Arc or Western Arc service, depending on that is the easiest for them to install.

I personally interested in seeing what the standard definition channels look like in MPEG4, I would expect a picture quality difference when compared with the current MPEG2 channels offered.

Satellite Service Changes Name

Going north of the Border, Canadian DBS service “Bell ExpressVU” has shed its ExpressVu name and is now simply known as “BellTV.”

The Canadian Bell satellite service was not the only Bell service to change its name, Bell also announced that its dropping it’s “Sympatico“ internet brand name.

Happy Birthday to “The Satellite Dish”

It was one year ago today that I published my first edition of “The Satellite Dish” here at MultiChannel.COM!

I can’t believe that it has already been a year!  Writing The Satellite Dish has been a challenge at times, as I am expected to write 3 columns a week.  There are times where story ideas and news is flowing like water, and there are other times where the industry news has dried up like the desert.  When there is nothing to report on it makes things tough to write but I try my best to give you my unique view on the industry.

Over the year I have written 155 editions of The Satellite Dish!  Earlier today I went over some of the earlier editions and I do believe my grammar and spelling have improved greatly, although I admit I am not perfect yet.  I am trying and THANK YOU for reading my writings and thank you to MultiChannel News for having me here!

So here is to our first year of The Satellite Dish,  I do hope I can bring you many more!

Have a great weekend!