EchoStar Europe Ready to Go with New Cable Connected Device

STEETON, England, March 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

- EchoStar Europe has licensed the Conax conditional access system for use in a new range of connected device solutions. The first product to launch is a cost-effective, high definition cable set-top box with an award winning user interface.

EchoStar (NASDAQ: SATS), a leading supplier of added-value, connected device solutions to the digital TV industry, announced today that it has licensed Conax conditional access (CA) technology for integration into a new range of connected device solutions. The first product that is ready for market is the EchoStar HDC-420, an advanced, high definition (HD) set-top box (STB) that is pre-integrated with CA and embedded software for running a suite of applications including an award winning user interface (UI), electronic programme guide (EPG) and access to added value IP services. This cost-effective product solution is targeted at a wide range of cable operators throughout the European territory.

"We are delighted to announce our relationship with Conax and also the availability of a new range of off-the-shelf connected device solutions for cable operators," commented Rhod Williams, Senior Vice President and General Manager of EchoStar Europe. "We are constantly looking to broaden our technology expertise and gain access to new markets, and this latest agreement adds to our already strong portfolio of technologies that are specified by PayTV operators."

The HDC-420 is a state-of-the-art HD STB that delivers cable TV reception with the additional flexibility of access to on demand services and applications. The product is field upgradeable to digital video recording (DVR) via a user-installed USB hard disk drive. Particularly suited to markets where operators wish to combine cable television delivery with added-value IP services such as Smart TV, on demand and over-the-top (OTT) content, the HDC-420 is the ultimate 'hybrid' digital entertainment solution.

Using industry standard home networking protocols, the HDC-420 has the capability to enable content to be shared with other devices throughout the home providing consumers with the ultimate in flexibility and convenience. The product supports the industry's leading middleware, conditional access and digital rights management solutions plus ultra-low power operation for European energy efficiency requirements.