There have been a few changes recently in some of the local TV markets served by DISH Network. The following changes may be of interest to subscribers in Maryland, Delaware, Indiana, Illinois and Indiana.

WBOC and Fox 21 are now available on DISH Network. Those stations both serve the Delmarva Peninsula area which includes areas of both Maryland and Delaware. Viewers in the area can view WBOC on DISH Network channel 16 while Fox 21 can be viewed on channel 21.

In the Evansville, Indiana area, Fox 44 is now available on DISH Network channel 45. The station operators and DISH Network had been trying to negotiate an agreement which would allow DISH Network to carry the station but the process lasted longer than many anticipated. The two companies have reached an agreement, bringing Fox 44 to DISH Network.

DISH Network viewers in northeast Indiana now have the option of watching WISE-TV on channel 56 after the parent company of WISE-TV came to an agreement with DISH that allows their channel to be carried by the satellite broadcaster.

DISH Network seems to be adding new channels at a good pace lately. We’ve seen the company make some significant additions to its international programming lineup recently and has also added a few sports networks here and there as well.

This latest addition is probably one of the most significant additions to their sports channel offerings that they’ve made in a while where the U.S. professional sports audience is concerned.

Yesterday DISH Network brought the MLB Network to their sports offerings on channel 153 for subscribers who are signed up for the America’s Top 200 (and above), DISH Latino Dos or MultiSport packages.

The addition of MLB Network brings DISH Network a step closer to matching the sports programming offerings of DirecTV, which is considered by some to have better programming offerings for sports fans.

The MLB Network provides baseball fans with great MLB content and includes coverage for all 30 clubs on a year-round basis. The channel also broadcasts more than 80 spring training games, over 100 live regular season games as well as special programs such as the award-winning daily show “MLB Tonight” and the Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

The addition of the MLB Network to DISH Network’s sports offerings comes at an interesting time since the baseball season is starting to near the exciting end-of-season period where top teams battle for the ultimate prize: A world series victory.

“We are excited to bring MLB Network and our award-winning high definition programming to DISH Network’s customers," said Tony Petitti, president and CEO of MLB Network. "We have experienced an incredible year of growth and this partnership is in line with our goal to make MLB Network available as widely as possible.”

MLB Network is sure to influence a good number of baseball fans in favor of DISH Network if they are trying to decide which pay-TV service is right for them.

With DISH Network seemingly on a serious channel-adding mission lately, it will be interesting to see what the company will be adding to their lineup next.

Consumers wishing to sign up for DISH Network can call 866-537-9648 to order or learn more while current DISH Network subscribers can call 800-333-DISH to change programming packages or add new package options.

As I’ve mentioned numerous times in the past, DISH Network’s international programming options are the most extensive in the industry. I’ve researched the various cable and satellite services available in my area and DISH is way out in front when it comes to international programming.

DISH has recently bolstered its already-impressive international programming choices by adding five new channels from South Asian broadcaster ZEE TV. DISH has been carrying channels from ZEE TV for some time now, and with the South Asian segment of the television audience becoming one of the fastest-growing in the country, DISH is an excellent choice for viewers seeking programming from that culturally-rich and diverse part of the world.

What likely matters most to South Asian viewers is exactly what new channels have been added.

The new channels, which are currently exclusive to DISH Network, are ZEE Business, ZEE Kannada, ZEE Marathi, ZEE Smile, and Zing.

ZEE Business is a 24-hour news channel that’s main focus is business news and other programming that keeps viewers current on the latest business developments from the region. ZEE Business can be found on channel 644 for subscribers with eligible programming packages.

ZEE Kannada, as the name suggests, is broadcast in the Kannada or Canarese dialect which is spoken predominantly in the Indian state of Karnataka. The channel features a diverse collection of programming that includes reality programs, religious programs, news, non-fiction shows, dramas, movies and music programming. ZEE Kannada is on channel 643 for DISH Network customers who have subscribed to eligible programming packages.

ZEE Marathi caters to speakers of the Marathi dialect which is spoken by the Marathi people of western and central India. Programming on this new channel includes dramas, movies and reality-based programming. ZEE Marathi is currently on channel 619 and available to subscribers with eligible programming packages.

ZEE Smile is another channels with a name that’s suggestive of the programming they carry. The channel features comedy programming, some of which is rebroadcast on ZEE Smile after appearing on ZEE TV, although there is an ample supply of original programming aired as well. ZEE Smile can be dialed in on DISH Network Channel 617 for customers signed up to eligible programming packages.

Zing is a channel that has its focus directly on the South Asian entertainment and music scene. With current hit movies and popular music of the region, Zing also features behind-the-scenes programming from Bollywood, celebrity segments and fashion. Zing is a channel with its finger on the pulse of the South Asian entertainment scene. The channel has found its home on DISH Network at channel 674 for subscribers with eligible programming packages.

Offering such an extensive line-up of South Asian programing is something that is obviously important to DISH Network. Chris Kuelling, vice president of International Programming for DISH Network said: “DISH Network is proud of its history of providing the best variety of international programming in the U.S., and our extensive lineup of ZEE channels for the South Asian market is no exception. ZEE TV’s selection of channels — exclusive nationally to DISH Network — allows the South Asian population in America to connect with their home country in a way not offered by any other television provider."

I don’t have any inside information as to what other new international programming DISH may be offering in the future, but if their track record is any indication, DISH Network customers can probably expect more new programming from around the world in the not-too-distant future.

DISH Network claims to be the leading carrier of international programming and from the various comparisons of pay-TV providers in my area, that certainly appears to be the case. DISH Network’s international offerings are clearly superior to any other option available in my area.

Adding a little more muscle to their international programming dominance, DISH has recently announced the launch of the ONE World Sports Channel.

One World Sports is widely regarded as the foremost provider of Asian sports programming in the United States. Finding its home on DISH Network Channel 646, One World Sports joins other international sports channels being offered by DISH Network that give subscribers access to a diverse selection of sports programming from around the world.

Chris Kuelling, vice president of International Programming for DISH Network, who we often hear from when new international programming is announced, had this to say:

“As the nation’s largest provider of international channels, DISH Network is proud to be the first to offer ONE World Sports — a new and independent sports channel dedicated to Asian sports. We recognize that the number of international and Asian-American customers is expanding rapidly, and we are thrilled to now offer a wide variety of Asian sports to our viewers through the launch of ONE World Sports.”

Subscribers who include One World Sports as part of their programming line-up can expect to have access to sports programming such as Chinese C-League Soccer, Japanese J-League Soccer, Korean K-League Soccer, One Asia Tour Golf, as well as other exciting sports programming from Asia.

Although the Blue Ocean Network is broadcast in English, its focus is on China. The channel is said to be the first English-language channel that covers China and broadcasts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Blue Ocean Network, or BON, is now part of DISH Network’s International Basic package and features Chinese culture, travel, news, business and lifestyle. There’s little doubt that China is an increasingly important player on the world stage and BON offers a unique perspective on the once-secretive society.

Among other things, BON, which is found on DISH Network channel 678, features programming that covers a diverse set of subjects including cooking, travel tips, modern art, politics and technology.

Some of the most popular programs on BON include: Hand Made in China, Trip Tips, Exploring China, China Take, Price Watch, Trick for Learning Chinese, Making the Grade and Nancy Merrill: Minds of Millionaire.

Many Americans, especially those who are involved in business and finance are watching China closely in recent years and BON may be an additional and valuable asset.

Good news for Nebraska Cornhusker fans who also happen to be DISH Network subscribers!

Starting on September 1st, DISH Network will be broadcasting Cornhusker football games and other sporting events for subscribers in Nebraska.

An agreement between DISH and the Big Ten Network will make the coverage of these games possible. Subscribers who are signed up for America’s Top 120-Plus programming package or any other package above that level will have access to the broadcasts.

Other programming that is set to be broadcast includes Nebraska sporting events such as men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball, baseball, Olympic sports and more.

I suppose I’ve said it enough, but I’ll say it again anyway. Video on the internet is huge. Has anyone not heard of YouTube these days? There are numerous other video sites online, but YouTube seems to be the one that everyone knows about, kind of like when someone wants a tissue and asks the person nearest the box for a “Kleenex.”

That’s what you call a successful brand and in the case of YouTube, it demonstrates just how much a part of the culture video online has become.

DISH Network has been putting a lot of effort into their “TV Everywhere” initiative in recent years and consumers are getting quite accustomed to getting a significant share of their video entertainment online if the viewing habits of the young people in my household are any indication.

Beginning on August 15th, a new agreement between Fox and DISH Network will allow DISH Network subscribers to access some Fox programs online on the day following the original broadcast. Others will have to wait up to eight days to view the same Fox programs online.

DISH Network subscribers will be able to log into DishOnline.com, Fox.com and Hulu.com and use their usernames and passwords to gain next-day access to the available programming. Others who want next-day access can subscribe to Hulu Plus for $8 per month, but DISH Network subscribers will not have to pay any additional fees.

Popular Fox programs such as Glee, Family Guy, Bones, and Raising Hope will be among the programming available on a next-day basis.

U.S.-based viewers with roots in India may be interested to learn that DISH Network has added four new channels to their international offerings.

All of the new channels are from the ETV Network, a very popular satellite network in India which features family-friendly entertainment, up-to-the-minute news, reality shows and soap operas.

Mr. K. Bapineedu, vice president of Operations of the Hyderabad-based ETV Network is quoted as saying: “Our association with DISH Network will enthrall Indian viewers by giving them the opportunity to enjoy content in their own language that mirrors their region and brings them closer to their culture. DISH Network is one of the most popular and well-respected pay-TV brands in the US, particularly for its carriage of the largest number of South Asian television channels.”

ETV Telugu (DISH Network channel 585) is now being offered in the U.S. as part of the Telugu Pack. ETV Telugu features a wide variety of programming in Telugu including drama series, reality programs, music programming, movies and more.

ETV Bangla (DISH Network channel 590) is now available as part of either the Bangla Mega Pack or the Prabasi Bengali Pack. The entertainment-focused channel broadcasts drama, non-fiction, reality shows, devotional programs, films and music-related programming 24 hours a day. ETV Bangla also includes children’s programs and other special events.

ETV Marathi (DISH Network channel 670) can be seen as part of  DISH Network’s new Maha Package  – the only Marathi-language programming package available in the America. ETV Marathi offers Marathi speakers a selection of popular programs that include a variety of subjects which include reality programming, dramas, faith-based shows, movies, music and programming for kids.

ETV Kannada (DISH Network channel 905) is now included in DISH’s Mega Pack and features entertainment programming, top-rated TV series, movies, music programs, children’s shows, reality shows and informational programming.

In an effort to bolster their online programming offerings, DISH Network is now offering more than 1,800 on-demand films and original series from both HBO and Cinemax, including some programming content that is not available through online programming offered by Netflix.

In cooperation with HBO’s HBO GO and MAX GO, DISH subscribers who subscribe to premium programming from HBO or Cinemax can now watch nearly all programming offered by those premium services. Most of the online programming is available in high-definition, which will require a broadband internet connection that operates at speeds of 3 Mbps or more.

Most cable modems operate at speeds of 3 Mbps and in many cases, much higher speeds. With advancements in DSL technology in recent years, DSL connections that operate at speeds of 3 Mbps or greater are available in many areas. For example, my DSL service operates at 7 Mbps, which is more than adequate when watching online HD content.

These new offerings present a great opportunity for subscribers to catch up on favorite movies or series on their schedule rather than waiting for them to air according to the HBO or Cinemax schedules. Popular movies such as Up In The Air, The Hangover and  Avatar will be available instantly for subscribers via DISHOnline.com, HBOGO.com or MAXGO.com.

Subscribers (like me) who may have missed out on enormously popular series like The Sopranos (I know, it may be hard to believe!) now have a great opportunity to enjoy the entire series from the beginning all the way through to the conclusion at their convenience.

Other popular series available from HBO include Band of Brothers, Deadwood, and Sex and the City.

Speaking on behalf of DISH Network regarding these new offerings, said Dave Shull, senior vice president of Programming said: “DISH Network is thrilled to be working with HBO to bring this broad collection of top-billed content to our customers for instant access at DISHOnline.com. "DISH Network customers with an HBO or Cinemax subscription can also get new series titles after their premiere — plus bonus content including interviews, recaps and behind-the-scenes extras — none of which are available through Netflix’s online service.”

It’s clear that DISH Network is not resting on its laurels when it comes to staying competitive with online and on-demand offerings from their competition. I suspect the company will continue to introduce new programming options for subscribers which include both online programming and programming available through their traditional broadcasting methods.

DISH Network has significantly increased its Indian programming offerings with a new agreement that gives them the rights to broadcast the entire Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket tournament, including playoffs and finals in high definition, for the next four seasons.

The satellite broadcaster has also just completed agreements to begin carrying the NEO Cricket channel, as well as the TEN Cricket channel, giving DISH Network bragging rights as the exclusive U.S. provider offering the channel.

These agreements give DISH Network subscribers access to a total of nine cricket boards, a development that positions DISH as the carrier of the largest line-up of cricket programming in the U.S.

"DISH Network’s carriage of the IPL and the launch of our Cricket Pack will offer our customers an anticipated 300 or more days of live cricket over the next year," according to Chris Kuelling, V.P. of International Programming for DISH Network. "Nowhere else can customers access more than 75 South Asian channels, watch every heart-stopping play in the IPL, and get year round coverage of their favorite cricket teams."

In addition, DISH Network has recently added two more Indian channels to its international line-up. Both Aastha TV and Aastha Bhajan carry religious or spiritually-oriented programming, with Aastha TV being the advertised as India’s top religious network.

Aastha TV carries a diverse variety of programming including yoga with Swami Ramdev, as well as programming on subjects centered around spiritual discourse, cultural ceremonies and religious events. With a focus on the discovery of holy places of pilgrimage, education regarding traditional festivals, and vedic science, ayurveda, astrology, crystal therapy and aromatherapy, Aastha TV offers a wide range of religious content.

Aastha Bhajan is the only Hindi-language TV network that carries programming that features Asian-Indian temple music as well as spiritual and devotional songs sung by the most popular saints, seers and singers from India. The channel is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.