October 23, 2007

EchoStar Unveils ViP-TV

New service aimed at telco TV market launches with 50 high-def channels and "push/pull" VOD.

By Shirley Brady

Exhibiting this week at TelcoTV in Atlanta, EchoStar has unveiled ViP-TV, an initiative of its subsidiary EchoStar Fixed Satellite Services Corporation (EFSSC).

The IP-based service has the capacity to transport more than 300 TV channels in MPEG-4 via Ku-band satellite to telco, private and rural cable operators, municipalities and master planned communities.

Its launch programming lineup:

• 50 HD channels including Rainbow's Voom HD networks and Discovery

• over 165 markets' local broadcast networks including HD local channels from more than 30 markets

• ViP Premier, featuring more than 100 channels

• ViP-Movies, featuring 40 movie channels

• ViP-Music, a lineup of 50 channels from Sirius Satellite Radio

• ViP-Latino's 40 Spanish-language networks

• more than 30 international channels

• eight adult channels.

ViP-TV will also feature "push/pull" VOD content based on EchoStar's existing video on demand service to DISH Network satellite TV subscribers. "Because it is both a push and pull service, ViP-TV offers more movie and programming options than the current popular titles associated with a push-only VOD service," EchoStar stated.

The company also noted that "EFSSC offers full-service design, engineering and installation of head-end equipment together with its award-winning ViP series set top box technology and applications."

"ViP-TV is one of the most comprehensive video iP transport and distribution platforms available in the marketplace," commented Michael Kelly, EVP of EchoStar Fixed Satellite Services, in a statement.

"More than just programming, it is a premier service buoyed by industry-leading technology, service and support," he added. "With over 12 years of experience in the transport and distribution business, EchoStar can create a true end-to-end solution offering everything from set top box technology to satellite distribution to service and customer support."

While ViP-TV will compete with Comcast's HITS (Headend in the Sky) service for cable operators, it's primarily aimed at the telco IPTV market. The service will launch with "strategic telco partners" in December, ViP-TV general manager Daniel Daines tells Telecompetitor.