October 28, 2009 04:00 ET

Cyfrowy Polsat Develops High-Def With EchoStar Europe

Cyfrowy Polsat, the Leading Polish Satellite Operator and One of the Largest Digital TV Operators in Europe, Launches Two New Products Supplied by EchoStar Europe to Further Develop Its High Definition and Digital Video Recording Services

STEETON, UK--(Marketwire - October 28, 2009) - EchoStar Europe (www.echostar-europe.com), the leading supplier of added-value, connected device solutions to the digital TV industry, announced today that it has commenced supply of two new products to Cyfrowy Polsat (www.cyfrowypolsat.pl), the leading Polish DTH operator, for the development of its high definition (HD) service. The DSB-7200 HD set-top box (STB) has already been made available to Polish consumers and the DVR-7400 HD digital video recorder (DVR) has now been launched on the Cyfrowy Polsat service, providing consumers with the benefit of a personalised digital TV experience, coupled with high quality HD pictures.

"As the leading satellite operator in Poland, it is important that we are able to deliver an advanced portfolio of services to enable us to attract new customers and satisfy existing subscribers -- we see HD and DVR as being instrumental to this goal", commented Dominik Libicki, CEO of Cyfrowy Polsat. "We have been working with EchoStar Europe for a number of years and they continue to support us with high quality, cost effective products to enable us to launch new services and stay ahead of the competition".

The DSB-7200 HD is the latest solution from EchoStar Europe and has been specifically developed for digital satellite TV operators who wish to offer a platform that is optimised for future service development. The STB enables the reception of both standard definition and HD services, broadcast in MPEG-2 and MPEG-4/advanced video coding (AVC) formats. It includes an electronic program guide (EPG), parental lock and a user friendly 'channel search and sort' function to simplify cataloguing of chosen events.

Added-value features of the new platform include a USB and an Ethernet port to support future high-bandwidth two-way services. The flexible on-board tuner is compatible with DVB-S, DVB-S2, MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 video standards and operates with the DiSEqC™ protocol. This latest product is equipped with an optical digital audio output enabling the transmission of surround sound and provides a secure connection to an audio amplifier. The unit is being supplied through Cyfrowy Polsat's network of retailers for lease.

In addition, Cyfrowy Polsat is now offering its customers the benefits of a fully integrated HD-DVR, the DVR-7400 HD. This state-of the art unit is enriched with a second HD tuner and a 320GB hard drive. In addition to having access to channels in high quality HD, consumers will also be able to record programmes, pause live television and watch one programme whilst recording another, to create a convenient and personalised television experience.

"We are delighted to expand our cooperation with Cyfrowy Polsat in supplying them with two new high definition products", commented Rick Smith, VP Sales and Marketing, EchoStar Europe. "As with any other market, high definition offers the consumer the opportunity to get the most out of their television viewing experience and the addition of digital video recording creates the ultimate in convenience. We feel that this is an exciting time for Polish consumers and strongly believe that this new service will be highly successful".

EchoStar's SlingLoaded™ 900 Series DVR won 'Best Consumer Premises Technology' in Cable and Satellite International's Product of the Year Awards 2009.

About EchoStar Europe

EchoStar Europe (www.echostar-europe.com) is dedicated to enabling cable, IPTV, satellite and terrestrial operators to optimise network revenues by delivering added-value connected device solutions, services and applications. Through a comprehensive product range, including STBs, DVRs, home networking and place-shifting technology, our solutions enable the provision of state-of-the-art and cost effective entertainment services.

The company combines best-in-class engineering, VIP account management, supply chain, manufacturing and customer service into one dedicated and experienced team, to provide customers with innovative technology solutions that enable new revenue opportunities and reduce operational costs.

EchoStar Europe is headquartered in Steeton, UK with European based operations in Almelo, Holland, Kharkov, Ukraine and Madrid, Spain. EchoStar Europe is a business unit of EchoStar Technologies L.L.C. (www.echostar.com), an operating entity of the publicly traded EchoStar Corporation (NASDAQ: SATS).

EchoStar has shipped over 70m+ connected devices to digital TV operators around the world and secured a number of industry awards and market firsts for its technology.

Go beyond the box.

About Cyfrowy Polsat

Cyfrowy Polsat is the largest, per subscriber number, paid DTH satellite platform in Poland. As at the end of June 2009 Cyfrowy Polsat had a total of 2.8 m subscribers, i.e. about 24% more than in the corresponding period of 2008.

Cyfrowy Polsat enables its subscribers to view 76 Polish language channels, including HD channels -- Polsat HD, Polsat Sport HD, HBO HD, Eurosport HD, MTVNHD and Discovery HD.

Cyfrowy Polsat was the first satellite digital TV provider to offer a hard disc enabled set-top boxes with pausing and recording capabilities. In November 2007 it launched its own production of digital set-top boxes. Utilizing a strong brand and large subscriber base, on 8 September 2008, the platform began providing telecommunication services as a MVNO.

Since 6 May 2008, the company has been listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange. Polaris Finance is the largest shareholder in Cyfrowy Polsat holding 60.73% of shares. The Company has significantly improved its financial results. In 2008, the consolidated revenues were PLN 1,134 m, or 42% more compared to the corresponding period of the previous year. The EBITDA (operating profit increased by depreciation) increased by 110% to PLN 348m in the period, and the net profit totaled PLN 269m, or about 137% more than in the previous year.

More information available at: www.cyfrowypolsat.pl