Just two months after its debut, DISH Network has become the first service to offer the new OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network in HiDef.
The satellite service, which launched OWN in standard def at its debut on January 1, announced today that a HiDef version will be introduced tomorrow (Thursday) on Ch. 189 to DISH Network customers who subscribe to the America’s Top 200 programming package or above.
DISH Net announced last year that it would provide its customers free HiDef for life, meaning no additional charges for HiDef channels.
“…DISH Network is proud to be the first to offer OWN – one of the most anticipated channels launched this year – nationwide in crystal clear high definition,” said Dave Shull, senior vice president of Programming for DISH Network.
“We are thrilled that DISH Network is making OWN available in HD,” said Allan Singer, EVP, distribution & strategy, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network. “Many viewers have contacted us eager to watch OWN in HD, and now with the help of DISH Network, we are able to fulfill their request and continue serving our audience.”
A couple of the network’s original series, including “Oprah’s All-Stars,” featuring Dr. Phil and Suze Orman, and “Your OWN Show,” featuring contestants vying to have their own original series produced for the network, have already ended their brief launch runs. “Our America with Lisa Ling” recently launched to join ongoing series such as “Oprah Presents Master Class,” a profile of celebrities such as Diane Sawyer and Simon Cowell hosted by Winfrey, and “Season 25: Oprah Behind The Scenes,” as well as “The Gayle King Show.” Later this year the network will introduce four original two-hour documentaries with Julia Roberts, Forest Whitaker, Gabriel Byrne and Mariel Hemingway.
OWN also schedules movies such as “Precious” and the original documentary “Becoming Chaz” with Chaz Bono.
— By Scott Hettrick