Satellite : EchoStar To Show SlingLoaded Cable Box At NTCA

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EchoStar To Show SlingLoaded Cable Box At NTCA
-- TWICE, 3/30/2009 12:32:00 PM

Englewood, Colo., - EchoStar Technologies said Monday it will introduce at this week’s National Cable and Telecommunications Association trade show its EchoStar T2200S tru2way multi-tuner cable decoder with built-in DVR and Sling place-shifting technology from its Sling Media unit.

The unit, which EchoStar said is designed for sale to the cable industry, will enable cable TV subscribers to watch their home TV, including live TV, DVR and VOD content, on almost any Internet-connected device.

The “SlingLoaded” capabilities will also enable remote video diagnostics, enabling subscribers to opt-in to receive remote troubleshooting from an MSO’s tech support center. EchoStar said the later feature can help reduce the operator’s call volume and truck rolls.

EchoStar said it can also give cable multi-system operators (MSOs) the functionality of the SlingGuide software, offering an online search engine for TV programs, the ability to schedule online timers and to manage DVRs when away from home.

The T2200S incorporates a 1 terabyte hard drive for up to 1,000 hours of storage and supports external add-on storage via a USB 2.0 or optional eSATA port.

EchoStar said the unit will integrate with multiple OCAP electronic program guides and will be fully functional for tru2way-enabled cable systems, including M-Card support, embedded cable modem, DOCSIS Set-Top Gateway for two way communication, and OCAP middleware.

Other features of the T2200S include: support for MPEG-2, H.264 (MPEG-4) and VC1 video codecs, and 1GHz tuners to support expanded network bandwidth.

The T2200S will connect to in-home networks via Ethernet, WiFi (with optional WiFi adapter) or Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA) systems. It also supports Macrovision and DCS analog copy protection.

High definition video support is offered for up to 1080p/24 content. And the device will allow for individual MSO branding opportunities.

EchoStar said the T2200S will be available for testing in MSO labs in June 2009, with volume production scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter.