[Satellite Today – 3-18-08] Despite the uncertain status of the AMC-14 satellite, Dish Network Corp. said plans to enhance its high-definition (HD) programming line-up this spring remain on track, Dish announced March 18.
    A March 15 Proton launch failure left the SES Americom satellite, which is intended to provide Dish service, short of its planned orbit. SES has not yet made a decision on what to do with the spacecraft, which is stable and performing normally.
    Throughout the next two months, Dish Network still plans increase its local HD offerings by more than 60 percent.
    "Dish Network customers can be reassured that the expansion of our HD programming over the next few months will proceed as planned," Charlie Ergen, chairman, CEO and president of Dish, said in a statement. "We are fortunate to have two more satellites scheduled for launch later this year to continue our HD rollout and reach our year-end goal of 100 local HD markets and 100 national HD channels."