DISH Network's EchoStar XI successfully reaches orbit

It's official: the AMC-14 debacle can be pushed aside from the rear of your mind, as DISH Network's most recent launch went off without a hitch. Sea Launch has announced this morning that EchoStar XI, which lifted off late last night, has successfully reached orbit. Shortly after cruising was complete, operators at the Gnangara ground station in Perth, Australia "acquired the spacecraft's first signals from orbit." It's noted that "all systems performed nominally throughout the mission," and it looks as if we should have 15 years of uninterrupted service from this one just as soon as it goes into action... which will hopefully happen sooner rather than later.

[Via Reuters]

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 16th 2008 11:54AM]

WIll this allow me to get DISH service with HD on ONE Dish or will I still need two Dished hanging off the side of my house? The two dish part is whats keeping me form going back to them.

[loganjw Posted Jul 16th 2008 12:15PM]

I only have one dish and get HD.

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 16th 2008 12:29PM]

No mention that one of DISH's sats went bye-bye the day before???

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 16th 2008 2:18PM]

You only need two satellite dishes if you want to receive local HD programming through them, or if you subscribe to special channels (such as foreign TV).

Everything on the HD list on their website can be received with one satellite dish.

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 16th 2008 2:19PM]

Correction: I think the 2nd satellite dish requirement for local channels depends on your location

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 17th 2008 2:06AM]

I have the HD only package and receive local channels and I use one dish. I live in Flagstaff, AZ.

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 17th 2008 2:07AM]

I have the HD only package and receive local channels and I use one
dish. I live in Flagstaff, AZ.