When DISH Network and EchoStar split, it really had us scratching our head, but more recently the plan has started to become apparent to us. The latest revelation is that EchoStar has signed on to produce tru2way boxes. Evidently it hopes to steal away some of the business away from Cisco and Motorola. Although many seem to really like the DISH DVR, we're not sure what additional value EchoStar intends to bring to the tru2way scene since the magic of the DISH DVR is in the software. We suppose EchoStar could be offering a package deal that includes the software as well, but really who knows. One thing that does seem apparent -- and a trend -- is that there aren't intentions to sell the box directly to customers, which to us, kinda defeats the entire purpose of the Telecommunications Act of 1996.

How's this for a silver lining to a cloud? EchoStar picked up a $41-million insurance claim for its winged bird, the AMC-14. Sure, a loss like that is always hard, but it's safe to say that with the successful EchoStar XI launch, DISH has picked itself right up again (we're sure the insurance check helps ease the pain, too). But most importantly from where we stand, the AMC-14 mishap hasn't really slowed down DISH HD rollouts. Now, if only something could be done about the company's declining subscriber rolls.

It's official: the AMC-14 debacle can be pushed aside from the rear of your mind, as DISH Network's most recent launch went off without a hitch. Sea Launch has announced this morning that EchoStar XI, which lifted off late last night, has successfully reached orbit. Shortly after cruising was complete, operators at the Gnangara ground station in Perth, Australia "acquired the spacecraft's first signals from orbit." It's noted that "all systems performed nominally throughout the mission," and it looks as if we should have 15 years of uninterrupted service from this one just as soon as it goes into action... which will hopefully happen sooner rather than later.

[Via Reuters]

We sort of figured the flames in the AT&T / EchoStar relationship were all but extinguished, but this pretty much puts the lid on things. According to a recent 8-K filing with the SEC, AT&T is demanding that DISH Network pay back a $500 million note which is due July 2010. Reportedly, the note would have eventually converted to DISH shares at $60.25, but given the current $33 stock price, it seems AT&T isn't really interested in twiddling its thumbs. Bernstein Analyst Craig Moffett mentions that the note was "first acquired in 2003 as part of AT&T's strategic resale agreement with DISH (formerly EchoStar)," and while neither party has outrightly denied a potential buyout, this kind of action seems to signify that the love connection has been terminated.

[Thanks, VANBROTHERS]

If you had a sneaking suspicion that somewhat just wasn't right when all 15 of the VOOM HD networks suddenly vanished from DISH Network's lineup, um, you were right. Apparently EchoStar (now DISH Network) and VOOM Networks had inked a 15-year deal in 2005 that would give the latter "a license fee of $3.25 a month per HD subscriber receiving VOOM." Now, VOOM has "filed an amended complaint against EchoStar, claiming it will suffer more than $1 billion in damages." More specifically, it notes that "EchoStar had no right to terminate the affiliation agreement on the basis of a trumped-up and pretextual claim of breach simply because it no longer liked the deal it struck." As expected, EchoStar is remaining mum on the subject, but its ex-partner is seeking "substantial damages in an amount to be determined at trial." This one could get real ugly, and fast.

The timeshifting DVR patent that's been at the core of TiVo's closed-but-not-quite-closed lawsuit with DISH / EchoStar is being contested yet again by the very same company. Not content just appealing to the Supreme Court regarding the Federal Circuit's ruling against a rehearing for the last case, DISH / EchoStar has started up a whole new lawsuit against TiVo, requesting a Delaware court find the new version of their DVR software does not infringe TiVo's patents -- presumably as an embittered and pre-emptive measure before TiVo could kick off its inevitable next suit. Don't worry if you're confused as all hell, so are we -- the point is, despite the fact that decisions have been made and rulings handed down, these two companies are still managing to sue, re-sue, and counter-re-sue one another.

While we patiently wait for EchoStar XV to lift off in 2010, it seems the countdown for EchoStar XI is much, much closer. Space Systems/Loral has just announced delivery of said satellite to Sea Launch's home port in Long Beach, California. The 20-kW bird will be used to "expand capacity for DISH Network," and while a definitive launch date isn't mentioned, we are told that it should blast off sometime this summer. According to Rohan Zaveri, Vice President of Space Programs for DISH Network, there is "a good deal of anticipation as it gears up for the EchoStar XI launch," and considering the fate of the AMC-14, we'd surmise a good deal of nail-biting, too.

[Image courtesy of Sea Launch]

Echostar can't seem to decide what brand to put on its upcoming DTV converter box. The device that many DTV converter box shoppers seem to believe will be the one to get, won't be available until June and although we originally heard it would be sold as the Sling Media TR-40, recently the little box has gotten 50 percent smaller and will be called the DISH Network DTVPal. A few sites are already accepting pre-orders that are expected to ship on June 16th, which won't help you very much if you signed up for your voucher on the first day like we did.

[Thanks, Josh]

It wasn't too long ago that we sat in awe as EchoStar X lifted off into outer space, and in around two years, we can all relive that moment as EchoStar XV does the same. Announced today, Space Systems/Loral was chosen to "provide a new direct broadcast satellite (DBS) for DISH Network," and the bird will be based on the outfit's "space-proven" 1300 platform. As it stands, this becomes the eighth SS/L satellite built for EchoStar, and while we're not told exactly what it's heading up to handle, we are informed that it will "support the expansion of DISH Network's programming and services." Hopefully it'll have a few less issues than the AMC-14 when it lifts off in 2010, eh?

DISH has been telling us that the unfortunate fate of AMC-14 wasn't going to get in the way of its HD plans and you know, we're starting to believe 'em. Seriously, how could you not with all the new local markets recently, then CNN HD a few days ago and now the two channels many have really been waiting for -- Battlestar Galactica in HD anyone? Now to those who subscribe to DISH's AT100 and Essentials HD (or higher) package, SCI FI HD is available on channel 122 HD and USA HD is available on 105 HD.

[Thanks, Scott!]

DISH Network hasn't taken "no" "denied" or "not yours" for an answer before in its battle against TiVo, and it's not going to start now. In a statement, the company expressed its plans to appeal the Federal Circuit's ruling against a rehearing to the Supreme Court. No matter how it ends, customers don't have to worry about jackbooted government agents (or software updates, whatever) stealing their precious DISH DVR functionality, because its "next generation" DVR software has already been downloaded to your box, and does not infringe on any patents. We'll leave this up to the lawyers to fight out (and write amusing disclaimers about), but in the meantime hit the read link to hear DISH's side of things.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Bad day for DISH Network, first its satellite is gone for good and now comes word its appeal to overturn TiVo's lawsuit has been denied. That should put an end to the legal push and pull between the companies, with TiVo firmly on top, DISH customers could have their DVRs pulled out from under them. Win in hand, TiVo has a lot more leverage against other providers to put its service on their boxes, (which might not be the worst thing if you've used some cable DVRs) and leaves the company looking a lot more lively.

[Thanks Zatz Not Funny & Thomas Hawk]

Although AT&T, Verizon and the rest of the telco gang stole the limelight (and threw down some serious coinage) at the conclusion of the recent spectrum auction, little ole DISH Network managed to get in on the action, too. Apparently the satellite provider scooped up 6MHz of bandwidth that would cover around 75-percent of the US, but analysts are still scratching their heads trying to figure out why. Its sliver would reportedly enable it to launch a mobile TV service, though most assume it wouldn't jump in with a number of providers already out there trying to stay afloat. It could also use its winnings to enable STBs to report viewing habits and utilize two-way services without being hooked up to a phone line. Nevertheless, Craig Moffett, an analyst at Sanford C. Bernstein, asserts that there are simply "more questions than answers at this point," so we reckon we'll just keep on testing our patience for now.

Just days after hearing that Verizon would be staffing its Syracuse call center with 335 new employees over the next few years, DISH Network is announcing that it too needs a few good men / women to "accommodate customer growth." Reportedly, the satellite provider is looking to hire 200 folks in its Tulsa, Oklahoma facility before June 1st of this year, primarily in the Technical Support division. Once the hires are made, the total workforce at the 78,500-square-foot center would amount to 650, but there's still room for a few more heads considering DISH's plans to "eventually employ about 1,000 people" in Tulsa.

Guess what, DirecTV subscribers? Your satellite provider isn't the only one launching a new bird into orbit next month. On March 15, the AMERICOM-14 (AMC-14) will blast off from Kazakhstan and begin its mission of providing DISH Network with "the bandwidth resources needed to increase the number of high-definition and other services offered by EchoStar nationwide." Of course, we've no idea how quickly customers will begin reaping the benefits from yet another sat in the sky, but we'll be a whole lot closer to knowing when this thing (hopefully) departs the atmosphere as planned.

[Via SatelliteGuys, thanks Joe]
[Image courtesy of LaunchPhotography]