DIRECTV to Offer 100 National HD Channels in 2007

DIRECTV is hailing 2007 as the ‘Year of HD’ with the planed launch of an additional 100 National High-Definition (HD) channels. With the addition of these channels, DIRECTV will offer 3 times more HD-programming than any other multi-channel distributor. Majority of these channels are planned to be launched in the third quarter of 2007.

DIRECTV has also signed agreements with over 70 major networks including:

-- A&E
-- Bravo
-- Cartoon Network
-- CNN
-- Food Network
-- FX
-- HGTV
-- MTV
-- National Geographic
-- NFL Network
-- SciFi Channel
-- Speed
-- TBS
-- The History Channel
-- The Weather Channel
-- USA Network

DIRECTV will also jump ahead in HD sports programming by offering hundreds of games and other HD programming available from Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) around the country, including YES Network, Comcast Sports Net, New England Sports Network and FOX Sports. Plus, DIRECTV will offer an expanded line-up of HD programming available from all premium movie channels.

"This is DIRECTV's break-out year for HD," said Chase Carey, president and CEO, DIRECTV, Inc. "The launch of our two new satellites will complete the largest capacity expansion in DIRECTV history, and no other video service will be able to match the sheer volume and quality of our HD programming. With HD adoption now reaching critical mass in the U.S., and 40 million homes projected to have HD-capable TVs this year, DIRECTV will be uniquely positioned as the best choice for HD programming.

DIRECTV currently offers standard-definition local channels in 142 markets, covering nearly 94 percent of television households in the country, as well as local HD broadcast channels in 49 cities, representing more than 65 percent of U.S. TV households.