DIRECTV to Offer More Than 40 HDTV Channels in Mid-2007

SOURCE: TVPredictions.com; Thursday November 30, 2007

‘The satcaster's entertainment president makes the disclosure to TVPredictions.com at an industry conference.By Phillip Swann

New York, NY (November 29, 2006) -- DIRECTV will offer more than 40 High-Definition TV channels by next summer, according to David Hill, the satcaster's entertainment president.

In an interview with TVPredictions.com, Hill was probed for how many high-def channels DIRECTV would provide when its two new satellites were operational in mid-2007.

Would it be 40?, Hill was asked.

"Oh, more than that," he said. However, Hill refused to give a more specific number.

DIRECTV next year is scheduled to launch two satellites designed to increase its national HDTV channel capacity to 150. The satcaster now offers fewer than 10 national high-def networks.In a keynote speech at the HD World Conference and Exposition in New York, Hill said the two satellites would be ready in "mid-2007."

In other comments during his speech:

* Hill urged cable networks to switch from analog to HDTV. DIRECTV has been lobbying non-HD networks to launch high-def channels so it can expand its lineup when the new satellites are ready. He said the non-HD networks must "go HD or get lost in the mix."

Hill said that DIRECTV research shows that 83 percent of U.S. homes will have High-Definition TVs by the year 2010, compared to 31 percent now.

"We (DIRECTV) haven't made the billion dollar investment in (new satellites) because we believe HD is a passing fad," Hill said sarcastically.

In the interview with TVPredictions.com, Hill, who is also chairman of Fox Sports, said he didn't think that 1080p would have a big impact on the high-def industry. (1080p is a new high-def programming format now available only in HDTV DVDs.) He said he didn't expect Fox to offer 1080p programming in the next five years, if then.

Instead, Hill said, the next step is high-def may be 3-D HDTV.

He added that he believes that 720p is the best high-def programming format for sports; Fox uses 720p for sports and other entertainment. But he conceded that HDNet, which uses 1080i for the National Hockey League and other sports, "always looks sensational."’

DIRECTV Launches Nationwide Offer To Assist Dish Network Customers Who are Losing Broadcast Networks

SOURCE: DIRECTV, Inc. (November 29, 2006)

‘EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 29, 2006--In an effort to assist Dish Network customers who are losing their distant network channels, DIRECTV has launched a nationwide offer that will provide affected customers with $150 cash back when they make the transition to DIRECTV(1).

The offer also includes: no equipment to buy or start-up costs; free standard professional installation for up to four rooms; 100% digital picture and sound on every channel; and free DVR or HD receiver upgrade. DIRECTV has also launched a special web site (www.directv.com/switchfromdish) where Dish Network customers can simply type in their address or zip code to learn where DIRECTV offers local channels and whether they qualify for a distant network signal. Affected customers can also call 1-800-337-4DTV.

The special offer follows a U.S. Federal Appeals Court ruling that found EchoStar, which sells the Dish Network satellite TV service, has been violating federal laws in its broadcast practices. As a result, the Court stripped EchoStar of the right to transmit distant network channels, which are NBC, ABC, CBS, and Fox broadcast channels that originate from a market outside the community in which a subscriber lives. Last month a judge issued an injunction that will prevent EchoStar from offering the distant network channels after Dec. 1.

DIRECTV has been in compliance with the law and continues to offer distant network signals to its eligible customers, as well as local broadcast network-affiliated channels in 142 markets, serving 94% of the country.

"We recognize that Dish Network's violations of the law will leave some customers looking for options. Our goal is to minimize the burden for them," said Jon Gieselman, senior vice president, Advertising and Public Relations, DIRECTV, Inc. "That's why we have developed this unique service package to make switching convenient and affordable."

Virtually all affected customers will have access to at least two video providers who can deliver the network stations: DIRECTV and their local cable operator.’

DIRECTV Video On Demand Service

SOUCRE: TVPredictions.com; November 28, 2006

‘Washington, D.C. (November 28, 2006) -- DIRECTV next year will launch a Broadband-based Video on Demand service that will offer thousands of TV shows and movies.

However, the service will not include High-Definition TV programming at launch, TVPredictions.com has learned.

The VOD service, which was originally expected late this year, is now likely to be launched nationally next spring. It will allow customers to use any high-speed Internet connection to download movies and other video programs from the Net and watch them on television.

DIRECTV will provide the VOD programming via the Broadband connection on the back of new HD DVRs (Digital Video Recorders.)

While HDTV VOD programming will not be available at launch, one source tells TVPredictions.com that the system is capable of providing high-def and will likely include it later in the year.

DIRECTV's VOD service is expected to start with about 2,000 movies and TV shows, enabling it to compete with cable on demand services for the first time.’

DIRECTV Adds Four Local HD Markets

SOURCE: SkyREPORT.com; Tuesday November 28, 2006

‘Starting today, DIRECTV will offer its subscribers high-definition programming in four new markets throughout the eastern region of the country. The country's largest satellite TV provider activated HD local channels in Green Bay, Wisc., Greensboro, N.C., Grand Rapids, Mich., and Providence, R.I.

The addition of these markets brings DIRECTV's local HD market total to 49 cities - representing more than 65 percent of U.S. TV households. The company said it also plans to launch an additional eight HD local markets before the end of the year.

DIRECTV's rollout of local HD channels is part of a nationwide expansion of HD programming that will culminate next year when the company will have the ability to deliver more than 1,500 local HD channels and more than 150 national HD channels.

The company said customers who subscribe to a programming package that includes local channels will receive both the standard and HD signals at no extra cost. Subs can receive the local HDs by purchasing an H20 HD receiver or the new HR20 DIRECTV Plus HD DVR.

Existing HD subs, DIRECTV said, can upgrade their receivers for $99; new customers can get a $100 mail-in rebate.’

DIRECTV Expands International Programming Platform To Include Premier Polish-Language Channels

SOURCE: DIRECTV, Inc.; Monday November 27, 2006

‘EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Nov 27, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- DIRECTV's international programming platform, WorldDirect(TM), is bringing Poland into living rooms across the United States with its new Polish-language programming tier PolishDirect(TM) and PolishDirect(TM) II.

These new packages offer a robust lineup of leading Polish-language video and radio programming. Beginning Nov. 29 the PolishDirect package will be available for $21.99 per month and include TV Polonia, TVP3 and Polskie Radio 1 and 3. DIRECTV customers can also subscribe to PolishDirect II, which will be available for $29.99 and include TV Polonia, TVP3, Tele5 and Polskie Radio 1 and 3.

"We understand the important role that traditional Polish culture plays in the lives of the more than 650,000 Polish-speaking Americans living in the United States," said Aaron McNally, vice president, International, DIRECTV, Inc. "We believe our new Polish-language programming packages will offer a unique and compelling lineup that will help customers maintain their Polish heritage and strengthen ties between family members of all ages. We look forward to bringing this valuable programming to our Polish-speaking customers across the country."

DIRECTV's new Polish-language programming lineup includes:

TV Polonia

TV Polonia is the premier Polish language channel broadcast by Telewizja Polska in Warsaw (Polish Public Broadcaster) for millions of Poles living abroad. It was the first 24/7 Polish television channel broadcast in America and now today, over a decade later, it still remains the most sought after Polish television channel in America. TV Polonia offers popular programming, such as the Polish news service "Wiadomosci," soap opera "M jak milosc," and popular sitcoms "Klan" and "Zlotopolscy."

TVP3

TVP3 offers programming geared toward news and current affairs. This channel delivers an array of interesting news broadcasts that highlight various regions of Poland. Its flagship program, "Kurier" (Courier), is an hourly news program that focuses on local news that is "close to the people."

Tele5 (Only available in PolishDirect II)

Tele5 is a unique Polish language channel that offers programming from different parts of the world, all in Polish. Viewers will see movies, mini-series and popular cooking shows, including "Buon Appetito," one of the best culinary programs on Polish television.
Polskie Radio 1

JEDYNKA (Polskie Radio 1) and TROJKA (Polskie Radio 3) of Polskie Radio in Warsaw are considered the "best of the best" radio channels in Poland. Both channels bring an "old country" flavor to their broadcast of news, current affairs, nationally acclaimed radio theater, and classical and contemporary Polish music. Music from Chopin and Lutoslawski, and literature and radio plays such as "W Jezioranach" and "Matysiakowie" can be found on Polskie Radio 1, while current affairs program Puls Trojki, and political talk show Zapraszamy do Trojki are available on Polskie Radio 3.

WorldDirect customers must first subscribe to DIRECTV BASIC ($9.99/mo.) or any DIRECTV base programming package ($29.99/mo. or above). For more information on how to receive PolishDirect(TM) or PolishDirect(TM) II, customers should call (800) 378-7410.

The DIRECTV WorldDirect(TM) platform has launched 46 channels that deliver a wide variety of new programming in multiple foreign-languages, including Arabic, Russian, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Gujarati, Bengali, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Korean, Italian and Ukrainian, to underserved ethnic markets throughout the United States. DIRECTV will continue to expand its international programming platform to reach more ethnic audiences.

DIRECTV customers will need to use a WorldDirect services satellite dish that is capable of receiving both international and English-language programming. In some markets, customers who subscribe to a local channels package will require a second smaller dish.’

DIRECTV Songs of Praise for Christmas

Cable Prices Set to Increase

SOURCE: TVPredictions.com; November 22, 2006

Is Comcast Raising Monthly Rates? Citing more high-def channels, the cable operator tells Washington state residents that a price hike is coming.

Washington, D.C. (November 22, 2006) -- Comcast has notified some customers in Washington state that their monthly cable bills will soon increase by an average of 6.5 percent.

In the past, Comcast has first tipped off plans to raise monthly fees nationally by revealing a price hike in a few regions. The news of the Washington state rate increase was reported today by the Daily Herald in Everett, Washington.

The newspaper reported that Comcast will increase the monthly cable TV bill there by an average of $3.09 -- about 6.5 percent -- beginning January 1

Comcast officials in Washington cited the addition of more services, including High-Definition TV, as a reason for the price hike.

"We've more than doubled the amount of viewing choices for customers who now have the most HDTV and VOD (video-on-demand) viewing options with 100 hours of HD on demand and nearly 7,000 video on demand titles each month," said Steve Kipp, a Comcast vice president of communications.

Kipp said customers would soon get notices in the mail with a breakdown of price increases for specific services.

DIRECTV's Fully Cricket Channel

SOURCE: SkyREPORT.com; Monday November 20, 2006

‘PROGRAMMING -- DIRECTV launched the first 24-hour cricket channel in the United States. Cricket Plus will air rebroadcasts and same day highlights of ICC events including the Cricket World Cup 2007, as well as cricket from the West Indies, Sri Lanka, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Zimbabwe. DIRECTV said it will continue to broadcast matches live, on a pay-per-view basis, through its CricketTicket package. The channel is being offered through an agreement with Dubai-based Taj TV and is available free to subscribers to DIRECTV's HindiDirect and HindiDirect II packages.

PERSONNEL -- The Senate confirmed Kevin Martin for a second five-year term as Chairman of the FCC. "I look forward to working with the Administration and Congress, as well as with my fellow Commissioners and staff at the FCC to ensure that all Americans share in the benefits and opportunities offered by the best communications system in the world," Martin said. "I will continue to work to provide a regulatory environment that promotes competition and drives investment and innovation while protecting consumers and promoting public safety."

PROGRAMMING -- Time Warner Cable's EVP of programming Fred Dressler said at the Sports Media and Technology summit in New York last week that the MSO is 100 percent sure that it will not come to terms with NFL Network before its Thursday/Saturday-night game package kicks off on Thanksgiving, Nov. 23. Unfortunately for the company's subscribers, they will not be able to view the Denver Broncos vs. Kansas City Chiefs game that night.

RESEARCH -- A new survey suggests that viewers with HDTV are watching more sports whether they are fans or not. The ESPN report found 22 percent of sports fans viewed events because they had HD, another 22 percent who didn't consider themselves sports fans also watched more sporting events on their HDTVs compared to their analog sets.’

DIRECTV will carry NFL Network Games in HD!

SOURCE: TVPredictions.com; Monday November 20, 2006

‘Washington, D.C. (November 20, 2006) -- DIRECTV confirmed tonight that it will carry the NFL Network's 2006 regular season games in High-Definition TV, beginning with the Thanksgiving night broadcast between Denver and Kansas City.

You will not need a subscription to DIRECTV's NFL Sunday Ticket to watch the games in high-def.

Based on two sources close to the situation, TVPredictions.com reported last month that DIRECTV would broadcast the games in HD. However, the satcaster had not publicly confirmed that until now.

For the first time, the NFL Network has the rights to broadcast eight regular season games. The channel will air seven more games after Thanksgiving night -- four on Thursday nights and three on Saturday nights.

The eight games will be shown on NFL Network HD, the channel's high-def feed, as well as its non-HD channel.

However, DIRECTV currently does not carry NFL Network HD, which left many fans wondering if the satcaster would broadcast the games in HD. But DIRECTV spokesman Robert Mercer said the games would air in high-def on channel 95, the satcaster's channel for special HD events.

EchoStar, DIRECTV's main satellite rival, added NFL Network HD to its lineup of high-def channels earlier this year.

Cable operators, including Comcast, are also expected to broadcast the NFL Network games in HD. But some cable companies are still negotiating for the rights to air the contests.’

DIRECTV Finds Hidden Gems - GemsTV

GemsTV has signed an agreement with DirecTV to carry its television programs in the United States starting late November 2006, in a deal which could enable GemsTV to reach 15 million U.S. subscribers.

SOURCE: skyREPORT.com, Thursday November 16, 2006

‘British gemstone jewelry shopping channel GemsTV will be launching for the first time in the United States exclusively on DIRECTV. Beginning on Wednesday, Nov. 29, DIRECTV subs nationwide will be able to view the U.K. jewelry network on channel 233.

According to DIRECTV, GemsTV is able to offer its prices by using "The Game, the only reverse auction method on TV in the United States." As each game proceeds the price of the product continues to drop until all pieces have been bid on. No matter what price each buyer bids throughout the game, all buyers only pay the final lowest price, the company said.

With limited quantities of each design, games last several minutes with approximately eight games per hour. DIRECTV said GemsTV and its website (http://www.gemstv.com/) will be fully integrated. GemsTV will air live reverse auctions 20 hours a day, seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 4 a.m. ET.

GemsTV specializes in offering genuine gemstone jewelry in handcrafted designs direct from the manufacturers. The shopping channel will offer more than 170 different types of precious and semi-precious gemstones that originate from more than 45 countries around the world.’

Personalized Programming Hits DIRECTV – ‘My TV Planner’

SOURCE: SkyREPORT.com (Tuesday November 14, 2006)

‘Mixed reaction to DIRECTV’s recently reported third quarter results has the satellite industry waiting to see just how the company will attempt to improve its performance. With subscriber additions growing - albeit at a slower-than-desired pace - the nation's largest satellite TV provider is launching new technology to help those subs find the programming they are looking for a little bit easier than before.

With hundreds of channels to choose from, DIRECTV has developed a feature on the company's website called My TV Planner which helps customers find movies, TV shows and other programming events that interest only them. Together with technology from Cambridge-based ChoiceStream, DIRECTV subs will soon be able to manage the company's programming.

According to reports, customers will be able to rate programming, sort programs, create personalized TV schedules and receive recommendations all through the My TV Planner feature.

ChoiceStream also supplies the technology for Yahoo's My Movies and online subscription service eMusic. The company uses ratings in genre, mood and character tension when customizing content to match preferences of like-minded users.’

DIRECTV’s Fox Sports Net (FSN) Channels Double HD Telecasts

SOURCE: Broadcastingcable.com (Thursday November 9, 2006)

Fox Sports Net (FSN) says it plans to double its schedule of high-definition telecasts of live sporting events over the next year.

FSN says its 18 regional sports networks will air nearly 1,000 games in HD, including contests from the National Basketball Association, Major League Baseball, the National Hockey League, and college football and basketball.

FSN will produce more than 2,500 of live event programming, which it says makes it the most prolific producers of HD sports programming in the country. Next fall, FSN plans on opening a new technical operations center in Houston that will improve its capacity to transmit HD programming.