DISH Eyeing VOOM HD Content?
At least one platform is apparently looking at obtaining some of VOOM's original high-def content, and the service involved may not come as much of a surprise.
EchoStar CEO Charles Ergen said during his monthly "Charlie Chat" with consumers Monday night that the company is exploring an "opportunity" to obtain some of VOOM's HD programming. He wouldn't commit one way or the other on whether the company's DISH Network service will get the HD content, but said that adding any extra HD channels won't happen until the technology is there to deliver the goods.
In fact, EchoStar is looking to MPEG 4 technology to help expand its high-def slate. Once MPEG 4 is rolled out, DISH Network will look at obtaining additional HD programming, Ergen said.
Cablevision operates VOOM, and has plans to shut down the operation April 30 due to lackluster consumer response and the cost of running the satellite TV platform. EchoStar and Cablevision signed a $200 million deal in January that will give EchoStar VOOM's only satellite - Rainbow 1 - and other related assets.
