As DBS and cable continue waging war on which technology can deliver the most number of HD channels in the fastest amount of time, Dish Network said it would start feeding local HD broadcast channels in four additional markets: Orlando, Fla. (DMA no. 19); Austin, Texas (DMA no. 51); Flint, Mich. (DMA no. 66); and West Palm Beach, Fla. (DMA no. 38). Dish said these additions bring it total local HD markets to 39.
Dish had long promised achieving no less than 100 HD channels by the end of 2008. Competing DBS firm DirecTV currently offers several dozen HD outlets, and has the same goal for year’s end. But in March, Dish experienced what was widely perceived to be a serious setback in its HD efforts when a satellite with Dish’s name on it failed to achieve orbit after its launch from Eastern Europe.
Dish has said its space misadventure will prove to be only a minor setback.
