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13. Related Party Transactions
DISH Network
Following the Spin-off, we and DISH Network have operated as separate public companies and DISH Network has no ownership interest in us. However, a substantial majority of the voting power of the shares of both companies is owned beneficially by Charles W. Ergen, our Chairman, or by certain trusts established by Mr. Ergen for the benefit of his family.
In connection with the Spin-off and subsequent to the Spin-off, we and DISH Network have entered into certain agreements pursuant to which we obtain certain products, services and rights from DISH Network, DISH Network obtains certain products, services and rights from us, and we and DISH Network have indemnified each other against certain liabilities arising from our respective businesses. We also may enter into additional agreements with DISH Network in the future.
We expect that DISH Network will remain our principal customer. However, the agreements pursuant to which DISH Network purchases digital set-top boxes and digital broadcast operation services from us expire on January 1, 2012. We expect to enter into agreements pursuant to which DISH Network will continue to purchase digital set-top boxes from us and we will continue to provide digital broadcast operations to DISH Network after January 1, 2012. However, if we are unable to extend these contracts on similar terms with DISH Network, or if we are otherwise unable to obtain similar contracts from third parties before that date, there could be a significant adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial position.
Generally, the prices charged for products and services provided under the agreements entered into in connection with the Spin-off are based on our cost plus a fixed margin (unless noted differently below), which varies depending on the nature of the products and services provided.
The following is a summary of the terms of the principal agreements that we have entered into with DISH Network that may have an impact on our financial position and results of operations.
“Equipment revenue — DISH Network”
Receiver Agreement. In connection with the Spin-off, we entered into a receiver agreement pursuant to which DISH Network has the right but not the obligation to purchase digital set-top boxes and related components, and other equipment from us for a period ending January 1, 2012. The receiver agreement allows DISH Network to purchase digital set-top boxes, related components and other equipment from us at cost plus a fixed margin, which varies depending on the nature of the equipment purchased. Additionally, we provide DISH Network with standard manufacturer warranties for the goods sold under the receiver agreement. DISH Network may terminate the receiver agreement for any reason upon at least 60 days notice to us. We may terminate the receiver agreement if certain entities were to acquire DISH Network. The receiver agreement also includes an indemnification provision, whereby the parties indemnify each other for certain intellectual property matters. We expect to enter into an agreement pursuant to which DISH Network will continue to purchase digital set-top boxes and related components from us after January 1, 2012.
“Services and other revenue — DISH Network”
Broadcast Agreement. In connection with the Spin-off, we and DISH Network entered into a broadcast agreement pursuant to which we provide certain broadcast services to DISH Network, including teleport services such as transmission and downlinking, channel origination services, and channel management services for a period ending on January 1, 2012. DISH Network may terminate channel origination services and channel management services for any reason and without any liability upon at least 60 days notice to us. If DISH Network terminates teleport services for a reason other than our breach, DISH Network is obligated to pay us the aggregate amount of the remainder of the expected cost of providing the teleport services. The fees for services provided under the broadcast agreement are calculated at cost plus a fixed margin, which varies depending on the nature of the products and services provided. We expect to enter into an agreement pursuant to which we will continue to provide certain broadcast services to DISH Network after January 1, 2012.
Broadcast Agreement for Certain Sports Related Programming. During May 2010, we and DISH Network entered into a broadcast agreement pursuant to which we provide certain broadcast services to DISH Network in connection with its carriage of certain sports related programming. The term of this agreement is ten years. If DISH Network terminates this agreement for a reason other than our breach, DISH Network is generally obligated to reimburse us for any direct costs we incur related to any such termination that we cannot reasonably mitigate. The fees for the broadcast services provided under this agreement depend, among other things, upon the cost to develop and provide such services.
Satellite Capacity Agreements. In connection with the Spin-off and subsequent to the Spin-off, we entered into certain satellite capacity agreements pursuant to which DISH Network leases satellite capacity on certain satellites owned or leased by us. The fees for the services provided under these satellite capacity agreements depend, among other things, upon the orbital location of the applicable satellite and the length of the lease. The term of each of the leases is set forth below:
EchoStar III, VI, VIII and XII. DISH Network leases certain satellite capacity from us on EchoStar VI, VIII and XII. The leases generally terminate upon the earlier of: (i) the end of life or replacement of the satellite (unless DISH Network determines to renew on a year-to-year basis); (ii) the date the satellite fails; (iii) the date the transponder on which service is being provided fails; or (iv) a certain date, which depends upon, among other things, the estimated useful life of the satellite, whether the replacement satellite fails at launch or in orbit prior to being placed into service, and the exercise of certain renewal options. DISH Network generally has the option to renew each lease on a year-to-year basis through the end of the respective satellite’s life. There can be no assurance that any options to renew such agreements will be exercised. In August 2010, DISH Network’s lease of EchoStar III terminated when it was replaced by EchoStar XV, which is owned by DISH Network.
EchoStar IX. DISH Network leases certain satellite capacity from us on EchoStar IX. Subject to availability, DISH Network generally has the right to continue to lease satellite capacity from us on EchoStar IX on a month-to-month basis.
EchoStar XVI. DISH Network will lease certain satellite capacity from us on EchoStar XVI after its service commencement date, and this lease generally terminates upon the earlier of: (i) the end of life or replacement of the satellite; (ii) the date the satellite fails; (iii) the date the transponder(s) on which service is being provided under the agreement fails; or (iv) ten years following the actual service commencement date. Upon expiration of the initial term, DISH Network has the option to renew on a year-to-year basis through the end of life of the satellite. There can be no assurance that any options to renew this agreement will be exercised. EchoStar XVI is expected to be launched during the second half of 2012.
EchoStar XV. EchoStar XV is owned by DISH Network and is operated at the 61.5 degree orbital location. The FCC has granted us an authorization to operate the satellite at the 61.5 degree orbital location. For as long as EchoStar XV remains in service at the 61.5 degree orbital location, DISH Network is obligated to pay us a fee for the use of the orbital slot which varies depending on the number of frequencies being used by EchoStar XV.
Nimiq 5 Agreement. During September 2009, we entered into a fifteen-year satellite service agreement with Telesat Canada (“Telesat”) to receive service on all 32 DBS transponders on the Nimiq 5 satellite at the 72.7 degree orbital location (the “Telesat Transponder Agreement”). During September 2009, DISH Network also entered into a satellite service agreement (the “DISH Telesat Agreement”) with us, pursuant to which they will receive service from us on all 32 of the DBS transponders covered by the Telesat Transponder Agreement. We and DISH Network are currently receiving service on 29 of these DBS transponders and will receive service on the remaining three DBS transponders on January 1, 2012.
Under the terms of the DISH Telesat Agreement, DISH Network makes certain monthly payments to us that commenced in October 2009 when the Nimiq 5 satellite was placed into service and continue through the service term. Unless earlier terminated under the terms and conditions of the DISH Telesat Agreement, the service term will expire ten years following the date it was placed into service. Upon expiration of the initial term, DISH Network has the option to renew the DISH Telesat Agreement on a year-to-year basis through the end of life of the Nimiq 5 satellite. Upon in-orbit failure or end of life of the Nimiq 5 satellite, and in certain other circumstances, DISH Network has certain rights to receive service from us on a replacement satellite. There can be no assurance that any options to renew this agreement will be exercised or that DISH Network will exercise its option to receive service on a replacement satellite.
QuetzSat-1 Agreement. During 2008, we entered into a ten-year satellite service agreement with SES, which provides, among other things, for the provision by SES to us of service on 32 DBS transponders on the QuetzSat-1 satellite. This satellite was launched on September 29, 2011 and is expected to be placed into service during the fourth quarter of 2011. During 2008, we also entered into a transponder service agreement (“QuetzSat-1 Transponder Agreement”) with DISH Network pursuant to which they will receive service from us on 24 of the DBS transponders on QuetzSat-1, which will replace certain other transponders leased from us.
Under the terms of the QuetzSat-1 Transponder Agreement, DISH Network will make certain monthly payments to us commencing when the QuetzSat-1 satellite is placed into service at the 77 degree orbital location and continuing through the service term. However, we are currently evaluating alternative uses for the QuetzSat-1 satellite. Unless earlier terminated under the terms and conditions of the QuetzSat-1 Transponder Agreement, the service term will expire ten years following the actual service commencement date. Upon expiration of the initial term, DISH Network has the option to renew the QuetzSat-1 Transponder Agreement on a year-to-year basis through the end of life of the QuetzSat-1 satellite. Upon a launch failure, in-orbit failure or end of life of the QuetzSat-1 satellite, and in certain other circumstances, DISH Network has certain rights to receive service from us on a replacement satellite. There can be no assurance that any options to renew this agreement will be exercised or that DISH Network will exercise its option to receive service on a replacement satellite.
TT&C Agreement. In connection with the Spin-off, we entered into a telemetry, tracking and control (“TT&C”) agreement pursuant to which we provide TT&C services to DISH Network and its subsidiaries for a period ending on January 1, 2012. The fees for services provided under the TT&C agreement are calculated at cost plus a fixed margin. DISH Network may terminate the TT&C agreement for any reason upon at least 60 days notice. We expect to enter into an agreement pursuant to which we will continue to provide certain TT&C services to DISH Network after January 1, 2012.
Real Estate Lease Agreements. We have entered into lease agreements pursuant to which DISH Network leases certain real estate from us. The rent on a per square foot basis for each of the leases is comparable to per square foot rental rates of similar commercial property in the same geographic area, and DISH Network is responsible for a portion of the taxes, insurance, utilities and maintenance of the premises. The term of each of the leases is set forth below:
Inverness Lease Agreement. In November 2011, we and DISH Network extended the lease for certain space at 90 Inverness Circle East in Englewood, Colorado for a period ending on December 31, 2016. This agreement can be terminated by either party upon six months prior notice.
Meridian Lease Agreement. The lease for all of 9601 S. Meridian Blvd. in Englewood, Colorado is for a period ending on December 31, 2016.
Santa Fe Lease Agreement. In November 2011, we and DISH Network extended the lease for all of 5701 S. Santa Fe Dr. in Littleton, Colorado for a period ending on December 31, 2016 with a renewal option for one additional year.
EchoStar Data Networks Sublease Agreement. The sublease for certain space at 211 Perimeter Center in Atlanta, Georgia is for a period ending on October 31, 2016.
Gilbert Lease Agreement. The lease for certain space at 801 N. DISH Dr. in Gilbert, Arizona is a month to month lease and can be terminated by either party upon 30 days prior notice.
Product Support Agreement. In connection with the Spin-off, we entered into a product support agreement pursuant to which DISH Network has the right, but not the obligation, to receive product support (including certain engineering and technical support services) for all set-top boxes and related components that our subsidiaries have previously sold and in the future may sell to DISH Network. The fees for the services provided under the product support agreement are calculated at cost plus a fixed margin, which varies depending on the nature of the services provided. The term of the product support agreement is the economic life of such receivers and related components, unless terminated earlier. DISH Network may terminate the product support agreement for any reason upon at least 60 days notice. In the event of an early termination of this agreement, DISH Network shall be entitled to a refund of any unearned fees paid to us for the services.
DISHOnline.com Services Agreement. Effective January 1, 2010, DISH Network entered into a two-year agreement with us pursuant to which DISH Network will receive certain services associated with an online video portal. The fees for the services provided under this services agreement depend, among other things, upon the cost to develop and operate such services. DISH Network has the option to renew this agreement for three successive one year terms and the agreement may be terminated for any reason upon at least 120 days notice to us. In November 2011, DISH Network exercised its right to renew this agreement for an additional year.
DISH Remote Access Services Agreement. Effective February 23, 2010, DISH Network entered into an agreement with us pursuant to which DISH Network will receive, among other things, certain remote DVR management services. The fees for the services provided under this services agreement depend, among other things, upon the cost to develop and operate such services. This agreement has a term of five years with automatic renewal for successive one year terms and may be terminated for any reason upon at least 120 days notice to us.
SlingService Services Agreement. Effective February 23, 2010, DISH Network entered into an agreement with us pursuant to which DISH Network will receive certain place-shifting services. The fees for the services provided under this services agreement depend, among other things, upon the cost to develop and operate such services. This agreement has a term of five years with automatic renewal for successive one year terms and may be terminated for any reason upon at least 120 days notice to us.
International Programming Rights Agreement. DISH Network purchased certain international rights for sporting events from us included in “Services and other revenue — DISH Network” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss), of which we only retain a certain portion.
“General and administrative expenses — DISH Network”
Management Services Agreement. In connection with the Spin-off, we entered into a management services agreement with DISH Network pursuant to which DISH Network makes certain of its officers available to provide services (which are primarily legal and accounting services) to us. Specifically, R. Stanton Dodge and Paul W. Orban remain employed by DISH Network, but also serve as our Executive Vice President and General Counsel, and Senior Vice President and Controller, respectively. We make payments to DISH Network based upon an allocable portion of the personnel costs and expenses incurred by DISH Network with respect to such DISH Network officers (taking into account wages and fringe benefits). These allocations are based upon the estimated percentages of time to be spent by the DISH Network executive officers performing services for us under the management services agreement. We also reimburse DISH Network for direct out-of-pocket costs incurred by DISH Network for management services provided to us. We and DISH Network evaluate all charges for reasonableness at least annually and make any adjustments to these charges as we and DISH Network mutually agree upon.
The management services agreement automatically renewed on January 1, 2011 for an additional one-year period until January 1, 2012 and renews automatically for successive one-year periods thereafter, unless terminated earlier: (i) by us at any time upon at least 30 days notice; (ii) by DISH Network at the end of any renewal term, upon at least 180 days notice; or (iii) by DISH Network upon notice to us, following certain changes in control.
Real Estate Lease Agreement. During 2008, we entered into a sublease for space at 185 Varick Street, New York, New York from DISH Network for a period of approximately seven years. The rent on a per square foot basis for this sublease was comparable to per square foot rental rates of similar commercial property in the same geographic area at the time of the sublease, and we are responsible for our portion of the taxes, insurance, utilities and maintenance of the premises.
Professional Services Agreement. Prior to 2010, in connection with the Spin-off, we entered into various agreements with DISH Network including the Transition Services Agreement, Satellite Procurement Agreement and Services Agreement, which all expired on January 1, 2010 and were replaced by the Professional Services Agreement. During 2009, we and DISH Network agreed that we shall continue to have the right, but not the obligation, to receive from DISH Network the following services, among others, certain of which were previously provided under the transition services agreement: information technology, travel and event coordination, internal audit, legal, accounting and tax, benefits administration, program acquisition services and other support services. Additionally, we and DISH Network agreed that DISH Network shall continue to have the right, but not the obligation, to engage us to manage the process of procuring new satellite capacity for DISH Network (as discussed above, previously provided under the satellite procurement agreement) and receive logistics, procurement and quality assurance services from us (as discussed above, previously provided under the services agreement). The professional services agreement expires on January 1, 2012, but renews automatically for successive one-year periods thereafter, unless terminated earlier by either party upon at least 60 days notice. However, either party may terminate the services it receives with respect to a particular service for any reason upon at least 30 days notice.
Other Agreements — DISH Network
Satellite Capacity Leased from DISH Network. During 2009, we entered into a satellite capacity agreement pursuant to which we lease certain satellite capacity from DISH Network on EchoStar I. The fee for the services provided under this satellite capacity agreement depends, among other things, upon the orbital location of the satellite and the length of the lease. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 the amount of those fees included in “Cost of sales — services and other” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) was approximately $6 million and $17 million, respectively. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, the amount of those fees included in “Cost of sales — services and other” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) was approximately $5 million and $13 million, respectively. The lease generally terminates upon the earlier of: (i) the end of life or replacement of the satellite (unless we determine to renew on a year-to-year basis); (ii) the date the satellite fails; (iii) the date the transponder on which service is being provided fails; or (iv) a certain date, which depends, among other things, upon the estimated useful life of the satellite, whether the replacement satellite fails at launch or in orbit prior to being placed into service, and the exercise of certain renewal options. We generally have the option to renew this lease on a year-to-year basis through the end of the satellite’s life. There can be no assurance that any options to renew this agreement will be exercised.
Remanufactured Receiver Agreement. In connection with the Spin-off, we entered into a remanufactured receiver agreement with DISH Network pursuant to which we have the right, but not the obligation, to purchase remanufactured receivers and accessories from DISH Network at cost plus a fixed margin, which varies depending on the nature of the equipment purchased. This agreement expires on January 1, 2012. In November 2011, we and EchoStar extended this agreement until December 31, 2012. We may terminate the remanufactured receiver agreement for any reason upon at least 60 days notice to DISH Network. DISH Network may also terminate this agreement if certain entities acquire it. During the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, we purchased remanufactured receivers and accessories from DISH Network for an aggregate amount of less than $1 million and $1 million, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, we purchased remanufactured receivers and accessories from DISH Network for an aggregate amount of less than $1 million and $3 million, respectively.
Tax Sharing Agreement. In connection with the Spin-off, we entered into a tax sharing agreement with DISH Network which governs our respective rights, responsibilities and obligations after the Spin-off with respect to taxes for the periods ending on or before the Spin-off. Generally, all pre-Spin-off taxes, including any taxes that are incurred as a result of restructuring activities undertaken to implement the Spin-off, are borne by DISH Network, and DISH Network will indemnify us for such taxes. However, DISH Network is not liable for and will not indemnify us for any taxes that are incurred as a result of the Spin-off or certain related transactions failing to qualify as tax-free distributions pursuant to any provision of Section 355 or Section 361 of the Code because of: (i) a direct or indirect acquisition of any of our stock, stock options or assets; (ii) any action that we take or fail to take; or (iii) any action that we take that is inconsistent with the information and representations furnished to the IRS in connection with the request for the private letter ruling, or to counsel in connection with any opinion being delivered by counsel with respect to the Spin-off or certain related transactions. In such case, we will be solely liable for, and will indemnify DISH Network for, any resulting taxes, as well as any losses, claims and expenses. The tax sharing agreement will only terminate after the later of the full period of all applicable statutes of limitations, including extensions, or once all rights and obligations are fully effectuated or performed.
TiVo. On April 29, 2011, we and DISH Network entered into a settlement agreement with TiVo Inc. See Note 11 for further discussion.
Launch Service. During 2009, we assigned certain of our rights under a launch contract to DISH Network for its fair value of $103 million. We recorded the assignment of these rights at our net book value of $89 million and recorded the $14 million difference between our net book value and DISH Network’s purchase price as a capital transaction with DISH Network. The $103 million was received in the first quarter 2010.
Weather Related Programming Agreement. During May 2010, we and DISH Network entered into an agreement pursuant to which, among other things, we agreed to develop certain weather related programming and DISH Network received the right to distribute such programming. This agreement was terminated during June 2010. In July 2010, we sold our interest in the entity that was developing such weather related programming to DISH Network for $5 million.
Acquisition of Alta Wireless, Inc. and Sale of South.com, L.L.C. During October 2010, we purchased an additional equity interest in Alta Wireless, Inc. from another party for $2.8 million. This transaction increased our ownership in Alta Wireless, Inc. from 49.9% to 95%. Alta Wireless Inc. holds certain authorizations for local multipoint distribution service spectrum in the United States. Additionally, during October 2010, we and the same counterparty sold our respective interests in South.com, L.L.C. to DISH Network for $2 million and $3 million, respectively. South.com, L.L.C. holds certain authorizations for multichannel video and data distribution service spectrum in the United States.
Blockbuster. On April 26, 2011, DISH Network acquired substantially all of the assets of Blockbuster, Inc. (“Blockbuster”). Hughes Communications provides broadband products and services to Blockbuster. For each of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, we recognized less than $1 million and $1 million of revenue from Blockbuster, respectively. As of September 30, 2011, we had a receivable balance of less than $1 million due from Blockbuster.
Additionally, on August 5, 2011, we entered into a letter agreement with Blockbuster LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of DISH Network, pursuant to which certain assets used to support Blockbuster’s website were transferred to us and we agreed to provide certain technical and infrastructure support for the Blockbuster website. The fees for the services provided under the letter agreement are calculated at cost plus a fixed margin, which varies depending upon the nature of the services provided. The letter agreement provides that it shall continue in effect until the completion of a definitive agreement between DISH Network and us setting forth the terms of our support of the Blockbuster website.
Other Agreements
In November 2009, Mr. Roger Lynch became employed by both us and DISH Network as Executive Vice President. Mr. Lynch is responsible for the development and implementation of advanced technologies that are of potential utility and importance to both us and DISH Network. Mr. Lynch’s compensation consists of cash and equity compensation and is borne by both DISH Network and us.
Hughes Systique Corporation (“Hughes Systique”)
We contract with Hughes Systique for software development services. In addition to our 45% ownership in Hughes Systique, Pradman Kaul, the CEO and President of Hughes Communications, Inc. and a member of our Board of Directors and his brother, who is the CEO and President of Hughes Systique, in the aggregate, owned approximately 26%, on an undiluted basis, of Hughes Systique’s outstanding shares as of September 30, 2011. Furthermore, Mr. Pradman Kaul serves on the board of directors of Hughes Systique. We are considered the “primary beneficiary” of Hughes Systique and as a result, we are required to consolidate Hughes Systique’s results of operations in our operating results.
NagraStar L.L.C.
We own 50% of NagraStar L.L.C. (“NagraStar”), a joint venture that is our primary provider of encryption and related security technology used in our set-top boxes. Although we do not consolidate NagraStar, we have the ability to significantly influence its operating policies; therefore, we account for our investment in NagraStar under the equity method of accounting.
The table below summarizes our transactions with NagraStar.
|
|
|
For the Three Months |
|
For the Nine Months |
|
|
|
|
Ended September 30, |
|
Ended September 30, |
|
|
|
|
2011 |
|
2010 |
|
2011 |
|
2010 |
|
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
|
Purchases from NagraStar |
|
$ |
3,092 |
|
$ |
7,272 |
|
$ |
9,364 |
|
$ |
15,481 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
September 30, |
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2011 |
|
2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts payable to NagraStar |
|
$ |
345 |
|
$ |
799 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commitments to purchase from NagraStar |
|
$ |
3,969 |
|
$ |
4,934 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dish Mexico
During 2008, we entered into a joint venture for a direct-to-home (“DTH”) satellite service in Mexico known as Dish Mexico. Pursuant to these arrangements, we provide certain broadcast services and satellite capacity and sell hardware such as digital set-top boxes and related equipment to Dish Mexico.
The following table summarizes our transactions with Dish Mexico.
|
|
|
For the Three Months |
|
For the Nine Months |
|
|
|
|
Ended September 30, |
|
Ended September 30, |
|
|
|
|
2011 |
|
2010 |
|
2011 |
|
2010 |
|
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
|
Sales not related to the original contribution commitment associated with our investment: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Digital set-top boxes and related accessories |
|
$ |
12,499 |
|
$ |
19,498 |
|
$ |
39,044 |
|
$ |
67,030 |
|
|
Sales of satellite services |
|
$ |
2,130 |
|
$ |
2,130 |
|
$ |
6,390 |
|
$ |
6,390 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
September 30, |
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2011 |
|
2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts receivable from Dish Mexico |
|
$ |
5,719 |
|
$ |
2,296 |
|
|
|
|
|
Joint Venture in Taiwan
During December 2009, we entered into a joint venture to provide a DTH satellite service in Taiwan and certain other targeted regions in Asia. We own 50% and have joint control of the joint venture. Pursuant to these arrangements, we sell hardware such as digital set-top boxes and provide certain technical support services to the joint venture. We have provided $18 million of cash to the joint venture, and an $18 million line of credit that the joint venture may only use to purchase set-top boxes from us. This investment is subject to an evaluation for other-than-temporary impairment on a quarterly basis. This quarterly evaluation consists of reviewing, among other things, company business plans and current financial statements, if available, for factors that may indicate an impairment of our investment. During 2010, we recorded a $14 million charge to fully impair this investment. As of September 30, 2011, the remaining amount available under the line of credit is $10 million and if advanced would be subject to our evaluation for other-than-temporary impairment. |