DISH Network Introduces DISH Earth Channel

By swen002 - 28.04.2009

The DISH Network has announced the launch of DISH Earth, a channel exclusively available to DISH Network customers, offering dramatic live views of Earth 24 hours per day, including passing views of the moon, Venus, and even unidentified flying objects.

DISH Network customers can experience the camera's live feed for free on Ch. 212 beginning this evening.

The DISH Earth channel content is supported by a camera installed on DISH Network's EchoStar 11 satellite - the world's first Earth-directed camera mounted on a commercial communications satellite.

Six years in the making, the DISH Earth camera offers a 30 degree x 22.4 degree field-of-view that includes fascinating live full-disk views of the planet from a distance of approximately 22,300 miles above Earth.

The regular night/day cycle, weather patterns, and seasonal changes in the western hemisphere are clearly visible via the 'eyes' of the camera, which observe objects in the visible spectrum, similar to the human eye, with a resolution of about 20 km per pixel.

"We are pleased to be able to offer, exclusively to our customers, footage from the world's only Earth-viewing live video camera on a commercial communications satellite," said Dave Shull, senior vice president of Programming at DISH Network.

"What's more, from time to time, the DISH Earth camera is able to capture some unique images, including an unidentified flying object last August."

The DISH Earth camera was integrated onboard the EchoStar 11 spacecraft, a high powered satellite launched in 2008 to a geo-synchronous orbit at 110 degrees west longitude, which provides video service for DISH Network customers.

In addition to the live video footage, DISH Network has also partnered with Space Services, Inc. (SSI), a Houston-based aerospace company, to offer consumers photos of the planet on a loved one's special day via its Give the World(TM) service.

The camera captures the cloud formations, storms, and the green and blue beauty of planet Earth forever in a nicely packaged photo frame to commemorate a birthday, wedding, anniversary or any memorable occasion. Regular photo pricing ranges from $29.95 to $99.95.

swen002

http://www.spacemart.com/reports/DISH_Network_Introduces_DISH_Earth_Channel_999.html

Why can't you see stars in the background? And why don't the earth lights show up on the night image? I've seen earth views from other sats, they show stars in the background and some will even show the major cities all like up.
(Posted by Ken Sheehan, January 10, 2010, 9:37 PM)

This is one of my favorite finds on Dish Network since we switched over from cable. However, given that I'm not sure exactly how I am seeing what I am seeing, it would be nice if there were a brief explanation of some of the changes. For instance, I tuned in one night last week and I saw what appeared to be a tiny sliver of light, but the bulk of the space where earth was supposed to be appeared to be the blackness of space and stars. I wasn't quite sure how the satellite would have picked up such a picture, given that earth is always in front of. It was like I was seeing right through the dark earth into space.
(Posted by Martha, October 7, 2009, 4:24 PM)

Love the pictures of earth and awsome music, but sure would love it if you would place a title bar at the bottom of the screen w/ singer, song name and date of song. Love the music. Thanks
(Posted by Bruce Bernheisel, July 5, 2009, 9:20 AM)

DISH Network Introduces DISH Earth Channel

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