VOOM HD Network Expands, Adds Game Channel

EchoStar Communication and Rainbow Media have announced at the 2006 Consumer Electronics Show that Rainbow's VOOM HD lineup of high-definition television channels for niche audiences would expand from 10 channels to 15 beginning February 1st. The channels are available for subscribers to EchoStar's DishHD Network, and require high-definition TVs to view. Among the channels added to the VOOM lineup is Gameplay HD, which Rainbow Media describes as letting the viewer "Enter the virtual worlds of video gaming for the first time in HD." If the statistics cited by Microsoft chairman Bill Gates in his CES keynote address are accurate, the channel may be attractive to the 90% of Xbox 360 owners who either already own or intend to purchase an HDTV. Other channels in the expanded lineup are HDNews, Equator HD, Gallery HD, Rush HD, Rave HD, Ultra HD, Animania HD, Monsters HD, Treasure HD, Worldsport HD, Family Room HD, Film Fest HD, Kung Fu HD, and World Cinema HD. "With the addition of these five new VOOM HD channels, DISH Network solidifies its leadership position by providing the most HD channels and more hours of HD content than any other provider," said Dish Network senior VP Eric Sahl. "Millions of households are expected to purchase HDTV sets in 2006: With nearly twice as many channels as most other providers, DishHD will be the package of choice for new HD viewers."