DISH Says Satellite Failure Won't Hurt HD Plans

Multichannel News has the story of DISH Network's latest filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission in which the company says the failure of satellite AMC-14 won't hurt the company's ability to continue its aggressive HD rollout in 2008. The satellite, which was launched by SES Americom last month and insured for $150 million, is floating around space somewhere unable to be put into proper orbit, causing SES to declare it a total loss to the insurer.

DISH says it will launch two additional satellites this year that will enable the company to offer 100 national high-def channels and local HD broadcast networks in 100 U.S. markets.