Satellite : DISH Network Premieres Interactive Television Experience

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DISH Network Premieres Interactive Television Experience for New History Series BATTLES BC

DISH Network iTV Platform Launches HISTORY Interactive Which Provides Viewers With Interactivity 24/7; Content-Synchronized Quizzes, Games & Photo Gallery to Test Audiences' Knowledge of Historical Events
ENGLEWOOD, CO and NEW YORK, NY, Mar 09, 2009 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX News Network) --

Today, DISH Network announced the launch of HISTORY™ Interactive, an enhanced 24/7 interactive television (iTV) experience. Produced exclusively by DISH Network and developed by HISTORY and Ensequence, HISTORY Interactive offers a range of features including history factoids, daily questions related to HISTORY's programming content, and the ability to set DVR timers and recorders for upcoming HISTORY shows. With help from Ensequence, the interactive experience will also be integrated into HISTORY's new TV series BATTLES BC, which premieres on Monday, March 9 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT. DISH Network subscribers must have an OpenTV-enabled receiver to use the iTV application.

BATTLES BC uses a stunning graphic style comparable to "300," the hit feature film, to show leaders from the ancient world in some of the greatest conflicts in history. The series brings to life the strategies, tactics and weapons used by commanders such as Hannibal, Moses, Alexander and David, and also exposes the truths and myths behind the ancient world of epic heroes and villains. DISH Network and HISTORY, along with Ensequence, partnered to create interactive experiences for the new BATTLES BC program. Throughout each episode, viewers' knowledge of the battle strategies that shaped ancient history will be tested. Using a DISH Network remote control, HISTORY viewers will be able to access information, review the biographies and credentials of on-camera historical experts, and view a gallery of images highlighting the production aspects of the program series. In addition, a game synchronized to the content of each episode allows viewers to play along -- testing their knowledge of strategic choices made during history's greatest battles.

"DISH Network continues to enhance its iTV platform, and the addition of HISTORY Interactive and BATTLES BC will provide new and engaging experiences for our subscribers," said Michael Kelly, executive vice president for DISH Network. "As interactive television applications and sponsorship opportunities merge, we will also find new ways to deliver more targeted results for our clients."

"The BATTLES BC and 24/7 interactive experience gives HISTORY new ways to engage audiences, and provides both the network and its sponsors unprecedented insight into consumer engagement and viewing behavior," said Mark Garner, senior vice president, distribution marketing and business development, A&E Television Networks (AETN). "As the entire media industry continues to evolve, HISTORY continues to be in the forefront of new and developing applications that will benefit both our viewers and distribution partners."

"Ensequence is proud to partner with HISTORY and DISH Network to create this unique interactive television experience," said Dalen Harrison, CEO of Ensequence. "It's exciting to see how leading programmers like HISTORY are using interactive television to transform their premiere programming into totally immersive interactive experiences that engage television viewers like never before. Television viewers expect interactivity when it comes to entertainment, and HISTORY's BATTLES BC fully delivers on that expectation."