by , 12:00 AM EDT, October 12th, 2005

EchoStar Communications Corp.'s DISH Network has introduced PocketDISH, a line-up of three devices that enable users to download programming from the company's own digital video recorders (DVRs) or other sources, including PCs and Macs.

All three include a rechargeable Lithium Ion battery, stereo headphones, a USB cable, an adapter cable, A/V cables, a power adapter and a carrying case. EchoStar noted that the devices download data the fastest when hooked up to the company's own DVR units, with an hour of programming transferred in about five minutes.

The low-end PocketDISH features a 2.2-inch LCD screen, with a 4:3 aspect ratio, and 20GB of storage. While it can't record video, it can record audio. Pricing is US$329.

The middle- and upper-tier PocketDISH devices can both record video and feature LCDs with 16:9 aspect ratios. The mid-range model has a four-inch display and a 30GB hard drive while the upper end one has a seven-inch screen and 40GB of storage. They sell for $499 and $599, respectively.