Willow TV Exclusively Brings the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 to US Viewers in High-Definition

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Feb. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Willow TV, the leader in live cricket broadcasts across North America, today announced its plans for the broadcast of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 in the United States.  Willow has entered into agreements with DISH Network and DIRECTV, America’s leading satellite television platforms, who will broadcast the World Cup in high-definition.  DISH Network and DIRECTV are the only television providers in the United States that will broadcast the event. Willow will distribute the event via Internet streaming, available across a range of devices.  Willow acquired the exclusive rights to distribute cricket’s marquee competition on television, broadband and the Internet in the United States through an agreement with ESPN STAR Sports (ESS), ICC’s global broadcast and production partner.

Customers can subscribe to the pay-per-view package directly from DISH Network and DIRECTV, as well as online via Willow’s website, www.willow.tv.  The ICC Cricket World Cup will be available in high-definition for the first time ever in the United States. The first match is on February 19 between co-hosts India and Bangladesh, culminating with the Final in Mumbai on April 2.

Willow TV has recently announced support for its live streaming across a variety of devices, including an array of smartphones, tablets, leading gaming consoles, Internet-ready televisions and IP video players.

“The range of viewing options that we have made available for this event is unparalleled, and we look forward to delivering a phenomenal viewing experience to cricket fans throughout the U.S.,” said Vijay Srinivasan, CEO of Willow TV.

Manu Sawhney, Managing Director, ESPN STAR Sports, said, “We are very pleased to see the increasing popularity of the game in the U.S. and we are committed to bringing the excitement and passion of this iconic cricket tournament to fans in the most comprehensive, engaging and entertaining manner with our signature style production & presentation.”

Willow TV is the leading broadcaster of cricket in North America.  The company owns the Willow Cricket channel, America’s first 24×7 cricket channel available on DISH Network and DIRECTV and online at www.Willow.tv.  WillowTV is headquartered at Sunnyvale, CA, with offices in Bangalore, India.

SOURCE Willow TV

DISH Network to Offer the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 in High Definition

ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Feb. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- DISH Network L.L.C., the leader in international programming in the United States, today announced that it is delivering an all-access pass to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, ensuring that cricket fans across the country won't miss a second of the action. Plus for the first time, DISH Network will offer coverage of the tournament in high definition.

The ICC Cricket World Cup, held every four years, will be co-hosted in the sub-continent by Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka, and features a 14-nation pool competing for the title. The event opens with Bangladesh playing India on Feb. 19 and will conclude with the championship match in Mumbai on April 2.

DISH Network will offer the tournament in HD on Pay-Per-View for its satellite customers as well as distribute the Cricket World Cup in SD through its recently launched IPTV service, DISH World, which allows customers to access DISH Network programming without the need for a satellite dish. Matches are available on a live and delay basis, plus, customers have access to highlights of the day's matches, broadcast immediately following the full replay of the match. Customers may also record the matches with DISH Network's award-winning DVR technology. 

In addition, DISH Network customers with a broadband-connected, Sling®-enabled receiver have the ability to watch every match on compatible 3G and WiFi-enabled phones, laptops or tablets, including the iPhone® and iPod touch®, iPad™, Android™ smartphones and tablets, Windows® and Mac® Computers, and select BlackBerry® devices.

"DISH Network leads the industry with 72 South Asian channels, and we are proud to again bring the Cricket World Cup to our viewers – this year in high definition – and that our broadband-connected, Sling-enabled customers have the ability to watch it live on a variety of mobile devices," said Chris Kuelling, vice president of International Programming for DISH Network. "In addition, customers without a satellite dish can enjoy the Cricket World Cup through our DISH World IPTV service."

Now until Feb. 19, customers can order the ICC Cricket World Cup for an early bird price of $129. After Feb. 19, the event will be available for $149. To order, visit www.dishnetwork.com/cricket, call 877-DISH-PPV (347-4778), or for IPTV service visit www.dishworldiptv.com or call 877-474-4788. Commercial customers can order by calling 1-800-454-0843. DISH Network has licensed its Cricket World Cup rights from Willow TV.