Dish Network's plans to expand its High-Definition lineup were stymied yesterday when its new satellite was declared a TOTAL FAILURE.
Dish had planned to leave space on the AMC-14 satellite which was launched last month by SES Americom. The satellite was the first of three that Dish hoped to use this year to expand its HD programming.
But the AMC-14 satellite failed to reach its proper orbit shortly after launch and SES yesterday officially declared that it can't be saved. Dish did not comment on the news.
In a statement, SES yesterday said efforts to reposition the satellite created "unacceptable risks and would result in a severely shortened life of the satellite. Therefore, we have no choice but to claim a total loss of the satellite with our insurers."
In contrast, DIRECTV now has 95 national HD channels and yesterday's setback is likely to impact Dish's plan to stay competitive with its satellite rival.
