DISH starts all-MPEG-4 conversion in 21 markets
Monday, August 25, 2008
By: Matt Stump
DISH Network is now offering new subscribers in 21 Eastern U.S. markets an all MPEG-4 programming service across standard definition and HD feeds.
The markets include Cleveland; Richmond, Va.; Baltimore.; Columbia, S.C.; Tampa, Fla; Green Bay, Wis.; Greensboro, N.C.; Providence, R.I.; Greenville, S.C., Knoxville, Tenn.; Raleigh, N.C.; Chicago; Detroit; Charlotte, N.C.; Dallas; Nashville, Tenn.; Minneapolis, Minn.; Philadelphia.; Washington, D.C.; New York, N.Y.; and Hartford, Conn. Other markets will be launched in the future.
The move to MPEG-4 allows DISH to more efficiently use its spectrum, and add new services such as more HD channels. All of DISH's current programming packages are now available in MEPG4. DISH will continue to support legacy MPEG-2 subscribers with legacy MPEG-2 set-tops. But new subscribers in those 21 markets will receive new MPEG-4 capable set-tops.