Wednesday, August 30, 2006

New Column of Cinematic Discovery in ON DIRECTV Magazine by Legendary Film Maker Martin Scorsese

Martin Scorsese is talented to say the least. He graduated from NYU as a film major in 1964 and since has become a legendary director and has written, edited, acted and produced a plethora of films ranging from Shark Tale, Cape Fear and Casino to his most recent film – The Departed.

SOURCE: DIRECTV, Inc.; August 30, 2006

‘Legendary Film Maker Martin Scorsese to Take DIRECTV Subscribers on a Journey of Cinematic Discovery with New Column in ON DIRECTV Magazine.
Mr. Scorsese Provides Detailed and Intimate Insight Into Select Films In New Monthly Column to Debut in September Issue, Exclusively For DIRECTV Subscribers

EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 30, 2006--DIRECTV, Inc., the nation's leading digital television service provider, is proud to announce that acclaimed film maker Martin Scorsese will take subscribers on a journey of cinematic discovery starting in September when he begins writing a monthly column exclusively for ON DIRECTV, the monthly magazine and program guide for DIRECTV customers. Only DIRECTV customers will have access to this unique offering and enjoy the benefit of Mr. Scorsese's detailed and intimate insight as he highlights, critiques and explores selected films that shaped the face of modern cinema as well as those that had an impact on his trademark style and vision.

Each month, Mr. Scorsese will get an advance look at DIRECTV's comprehensive offering of films and select those he feels are overlooked, underappreciated or simply in need of a fresh perspective. He will then provide detailed insight as to why these movies hold an important place in film history.

The idea for the monthly column came about when Mr. Scorsese wrote DIRECTV earlier this year, recommending enhancements to the movie review system so that viewers could get a better idea of the full range of choices available to them when looking for interesting films to watch. As there seemed to be no better person to take on that task than Mr. Scorsese himself, he was offered the opportunity to write the monthly column.

"As an early and enthusiastic supporter of DIRECTV, I'm very excited to be working with them on this column for ON DIRECTV," said Mr. Scorsese. "No one can know or even guess what movie will inspire a budding film director, writer, actor, novelist or painter. They have to find it for themselves. But they also have to know roughly what to look for and where to look for it. Through DIRECTV, we're fortunate to have a vast range of choices when it comes to watching films on television, from all places and time."

"We're honored that Mr. Scorsese is a long-time DIRECTV customer and consider it a distinct pleasure and an incredible thrill that he is providing this unique and special service exclusively to our subscribers," said David Hill, DIRECTV's president of Entertainment. "Our customers now have one of film's finest craftsmen helping them unearth hidden gems and overlooked films they might not otherwise have chosen to experience. No other television provider or magazine can offer its viewers this insider's look at the way films are made."

About ON DIRECTV and DIRECTV, Inc.

ON DIRECTV is DIRECTV's monthly magazine, published by Meredith Corporation and available only to DIRECTV customers. The magazine features in-depth interviews with today's hottest stars, television and movie reviews, as well as a detailed list of all the programs available on DIRECTV.’

Wednesday, August 23, 2006

DIRECTV Gives Channels to Motorists on the Open Road

SOURCE: DIRECTV, Inc., Wednesday August 23, 2006

DIRECTV Delivers Live Local Channels to Motorists on the Open Road for the First Time; KVH TracVision A7 Enables Mobile DIRECTV Customers to Receive Live Local News, Traffic, Weather and Sports.

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Aug 23, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Recognizing the growing interest among American motorists who want the same DIRECTV entertainment experience in their cars that they have in their homes, DIRECTV is now delivering to car video screens live local news, weather, traffic, sports and other local entertainment programming.

Local broadcast channels via DIRECTV are now available to mobile customers on the open road within the continental United States to vehicles that have been equipped with a TracVision A7 mobile satellite TV system, launched today by KVH Industries, Inc. DIRECTV will provide mobile customers their local broadcast channels within the designated market areas where it already offers them to home viewers. Local channels availability may vary by market. DIRECTV delivers local programming in 142 markets, representing 94 percent of U.S. television households.

DIRECTV's TOTAL CHOICE(R) Mobile with local channels package, created exclusively for mobile customers with a low-profile automotive TracVision system, is available for $44.99, and offers more than 185 channels. To receive local channels in their car, DIRECTV customers must purchase a new TracVision A7 satellite TV system, which includes an integrated GPS unit and new 12-volt receiver jointly developed by DIRECTV and KVH.

The mobile local channels offering is part of a larger strategy by DIRECTV to target the more than 20 million U.S. vehicles expected to have in-vehicle passenger video systems by 2011, according to the leading analyst firm Frost & Sullivan.

"We are delighted to be able to offer local broadcast programming on a DMA basis and to extend the connection that viewers have to their local broadcaster, to the mobile consumer. With consumers' growing demand to watch news and entertainment services whenever and wherever they want, the in-vehicle market has come to represent the next frontier in live digital multichannel entertainment," said Daren Benzi, vice president, Sales Development and Strategy, DIRECTV, Inc. "This new development symbolizes DIRECTV and KVH's continuing efforts to innovate and provide the best of the DIRECTV television experience to mobile consumers. With our new receiver technology and KVH's new TracVision A7 with GPS, DIRECTV is now able to offer its mobile customers the benefits of live local news, traffic, weather, sports and other important information."

In addition to giving its customers access to local news and information on the road, DIRECTV's new service offering gives local programmers greater participation in the expanding live mobile media market.

KVH's TracVision A7 is a low-profile in-motion satellite TV system designed for passenger vehicles and brings more than 185 channels of live, all-digital DIRECTV programming and commercial-free XM Radio music into automobiles. Using patented hybrid phased-array technology, KVH's TracVision systems, available to car owners since September 2003, are now offered by hundreds of retailers nationwide, as well as participating Cadillac dealerships.

DIRECTV TOTAL CHOICE(R) Mobile, the world's first dedicated in-car programming package, was launched in August 2004 in collaboration with KVH and is still the only satellite TV package created for use in automobiles. KVH has been supplying mobile antennas to bring DIRECTV service to boat and RV owners since 1995.

"More and more U.S. motorists now consider their vehicle as an extension of their living room, and, like at home, are demanding live entertainment and information over DVDs and prerecorded content," explained Ian Palmer, KVH's executive vice president for satellite sales. "That trend, combined with the phenomenal growth of in-vehicle entertainment systems -- more than 52 percent of full-size SUVs and 40 percent of luxury SUVs and minivans among 2005 and early-release 2006 models have in-vehicle video screens according to J.D. Power & Associates -- suggest that live, in-car satellite TV is the next must-have vehicle technology."

The November 2005 report by J.D. Power & Associates also concluded that more than 60 percent of SUV owners and 50 percent of minivans owners want passenger entertainment in their next vehicles.’