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1999 Consumer Electronics Show READ ALL ABOUT IT! PAGE 3 EchoStar Unveils WebStar EchoStar Communications is teaming with Microsoft’s WebTV to bring Internet service to DISH network DBS subscribers. The WebStar DBS receiver combines Internet access from the Web TV service with DBS service, giving users e-mail, electronic shopping, and Internet surfing capabilities when they subscribe to that service along with DISH Network. As with current WebTV service, users can surf the Internet through a telephone connection while video programming is also displayed on the TV. A subscription to EchoStar’s WebTV service will cost approximately $25, sources said. The receiver also includes a hard drive that allows digital storage of data and up to three hours of video programming, EchoStar sources said. The suggested retail price for the receiver will be $499. EchoStar is also slated to demonstrate a computer card to enable subscribers to view DISH Network video service on personal computers and store programming on the computer’s hard drive. The product is similar to one DirecTv has repeatedly delayed introduction of during the past two years for its DBS service. Most recently, DirecTv said it held off introduction of a computer-related product while it tries to gauge whether a Web TV-type product or a built-in computer card would be more popular. SBCA Explores MDU Segment The Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association met with more than 60 people yesterday, including Independent Cable Telecommunications Association Executive Director Bill Burhot, to explore developing an association segment for companies in the multi-dwelling unit business, according to SBCA spokeswoman Margaret Parone. SBCA President Chuck Hewitt explained what the association could bring to MDU video service providers including alliances with satellite services to offer an alternative to cable monopolies in the MDU market, according to sources who attended the meeting. Attendees also discussed the possibility of merging the Private Cable and Wireless Show with the SBCA’s National Convention, Parone said, adding that idea was well received. In another meeting, the SBCA met with C-band companies to discuss forming a C-band segment. Twelve SBCA members attended, including representatives from General Instrument, National Programming Service, and the National Football League, Parone said. The group discussed subscriber retention methods that showed promise in 1998 and could be implemented in the future to try to build market share, she added. The C-band segment will elect a chairperson and vice chairperson to represent the group on the SBCA board of directors. The SBCA DBS segment also met yesterday to discuss public policy issues, including the recent court ruling against PrimeTime 24 in Miami, Satellite Home Viewer Act reform, and other copyright issues. TURN THE PAGE OTHER ISSUES TO LOOK FOR: Friday, Jan. 8, 1999 Saturday, Jan. 9, 1999 Sunday, Jan. 10, 1999   Please direct questions about this site to general.mail@satbiznews.com q 2000 Satellite Business News Inc. All rights reserved.