SOURCE: SkyREPORT.com (Tuesday October 17, 2006)
‘The new DIRECTV9S DBS satellite - built by Space Systems/Loral for the nation's largest satellite TV provider - successfully took flight on a day that traditionally has given people cause to worry. On Friday the 13th, DIRECTV9S utilized an Ariane 5 ECA rocket to carry it into geosynchronous transfer orbit from Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.
According to DIRECTV, expanding it's fleet of satellites with DIRECTV9S will provide the company extra flexibility to maximize services via multiple frequency bands and the ability to power local service from multiple orbital slots.
"Our work with Space Systems/Loral and the addition of DIRECTV9S will help us ensure that we have a robust and technically advanced satellite fleet to maintain that level of quality," said Phil Goswitz, VP of space and communications for DIRECTV.
The satellite, a version of SS/L's 1300 satellite platform designed for DIRECTV's payload requirements is similar to DIRECTV7S - launched in May 2004 - with the addition of two Ka-band transponders, the companies said.
Weighing approximately 5,530 kg at liftoff, DIRECTV9S will be positioned at 101 degrees West longitude and is fitted with 52 high-power Ku-band transponders and 2 Ka-band transponders. With a design life of 15 years, the satellite will provide direct broadcasts for high-quality local and national digital video service using advanced digital compression technology.’
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
DIRECTV to Deliver Local HD Programming in 67 Markets by Year End
DIRECTV names twenty five more local HD markets, now approximately 74 percent of U.S. television homes will have access to local HD channels from DIRECTVS
SOURCE– DIRECTV, Inc. (October 10, 2006)
SOURCE– DIRECTV, Inc. (October 10, 2006)
Already leading the satellite TV industry in the delivery of local HD programming, DIRECTV will offer local HD broadcast networks in 67 markets, representing approximately 74 percent of U.S. TV households, by year end when it rolls out 25 more local HD markets in the fourth quarter.
Local news, sports and popular primetime programming from ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC will be available in HD to customers who subscribe to any TOTAL CHOICE(R) programming package that offers local channels. There is no additional charge for local HD programming.
The 25 local markets to receive HD programming from DIRECTV include:
-- Albuquerque, N.M.
-- Buffalo, N.Y.
-- Des Moines, Iowa
-- Flint, Mich.
-- Ft. Meyers, Fla.
-- Grand Rapids, Mich.
-- Green Bay, Wisc.
-- Greensboro, N.C.
-- Greenville, S.C.
-- Harrisburg, Pa.
-- Jacksonville, Fla.
-- Little Rock, Ark.
-- Madison, Wisc.
-- Mobile, Ala.
-- New Orleans
-- Norfolk, Va.
-- Oklahoma City, Okla.
-- Portland, Me.
-- Providence, R.I.
-- Reno, Nev.
-- Santa Barbara, Calif.
-- Spokane, Wa.
-- Springfield, Mo.
-- Toledo, Ohio
-- Tulsa, Okla.
"With 67 markets receiving local HD channels from DIRECTV by year end, we've set the stage for our historic capacity expansion in 2007," said Dan Fawcett, executive vice president, Programming Acquisition, DIRECTV, Inc. "This will enable us to leapfrog the multichannel video industry in terms of the sheer volume of HD programming available to our customers. With more than 44 million homes projected to have HD TV sets next year, we expect to be the video provider of choice for those consumers, offering the best lineup of HD programming, including local broadcast networks, sports, special events, and national networks, as well as original and exclusive programming."
With the launch of two new satellites - DIRECTV 10 and DIRECTV 11 - in 2007, DIRECTV will have the ability to deliver more than 1,500 local HD and digital channels and 150 national HD channels, in addition to new advanced programming services for customers. DIRECTV currently offers standard-definition local channels in 142 markets, covering nearly 94 percent of television households in the country, as well as 42 HD local channel markets representing approximately 62 percent of U.S. TV households.
Customers can receive local HD channels by obtaining DIRECTV's H20 HD receiver or its new HR20 DIRECTV Plus HD DVR, which has the ability to record up to 50 hours of programming in the new MPEG4 transmission standard. DIRECTV is offering new customers who purchase a DIRECTV HD or HD DVR receiver a $100 mail-in rebate. (Limit one rebate per customer.) Existing customers are eligible for a $99 upgrade to the new H20 receiver and dish, plus $99 for each additional HD receiver.
Thursday, September 28, 2006
DIRECTV’s New Original Series Project MyWorld
DIRECTV is the first to take the incredibly popular MySpace experience and make it come alive as a television show when Project MyWorld debuts October 2 at 6 p.m. ET/ 3 p.m. PT on DIRECTV’s Channel 101.
Exclusively on DIRECTV, follow this female trio - Shaina Fewell, Renee Intlekofer and Taryn Southern as they meet up with their MySpace pals. They travel the world searching for love, adventure, music and in hopes of meeting the friends that they have met through MySpace. The show will follow three friends as they travel the world in search of love, adventure, independent bands and the real people around the world who have become their MySpace friends. DIRECTV’s fourth original series is part documentary, part international odyssey and part Internet experience come to life.
They have set out together on 3 different journeys - set out to fulfill their own personal missions. Shaina is on the hunt for the best indie band in each city, Renee is searching for international love and the feisty Taryn is looking for adventure.
In her search for the best indie band, Shaina will present her discoveries in each episode of Project MyWorld and viewers will be prompted to vote for their favorite band on MySpace. The band who gets the most votes will win production of a music video, directed by Shaina and presented as a World Premiere on CD USA, DIRECTV’s original live weekly music show which is seen in 97 countries. Additionally, music from selected bands will be featured in Project MyWorld’s soundtrack throughout the season.
Renee will take Internet dating to a whole new level by speed dating her way through various countries as she dates different men in each location the women visit. It’s a mission that many single girls would envy, getting a chance to expand the search for the perfect guy to endless global possibilities.
Taryn will scout out adventures for the three friends to engage in, whether immersing themselves in the famous La Tomatina tomato-throwing festival in Valencia, Spain; passing through Munich to celebrate Oktoberfest or visiting soldiers at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. As she looks to prove that no quest is too big or too outrageous, Taryn will also embark on her own adventures as she searches for the most unique and fascinating MySpacers across the globe.
The women will begin their journey in Los Angeles and then continue on to such exotic locales such as Croatia, Spain, Italy, Germany, France and other countries in their worldwide tour. Their adventures will be shot documentary style in High-Definition and presented to viewers in a weekly half-hour television show. Check it out on DIRECTV channel 101.
Exclusively on DIRECTV, follow this female trio - Shaina Fewell, Renee Intlekofer and Taryn Southern as they meet up with their MySpace pals. They travel the world searching for love, adventure, music and in hopes of meeting the friends that they have met through MySpace. The show will follow three friends as they travel the world in search of love, adventure, independent bands and the real people around the world who have become their MySpace friends. DIRECTV’s fourth original series is part documentary, part international odyssey and part Internet experience come to life.
They have set out together on 3 different journeys - set out to fulfill their own personal missions. Shaina is on the hunt for the best indie band in each city, Renee is searching for international love and the feisty Taryn is looking for adventure.
In her search for the best indie band, Shaina will present her discoveries in each episode of Project MyWorld and viewers will be prompted to vote for their favorite band on MySpace. The band who gets the most votes will win production of a music video, directed by Shaina and presented as a World Premiere on CD USA, DIRECTV’s original live weekly music show which is seen in 97 countries. Additionally, music from selected bands will be featured in Project MyWorld’s soundtrack throughout the season.
Renee will take Internet dating to a whole new level by speed dating her way through various countries as she dates different men in each location the women visit. It’s a mission that many single girls would envy, getting a chance to expand the search for the perfect guy to endless global possibilities.
Taryn will scout out adventures for the three friends to engage in, whether immersing themselves in the famous La Tomatina tomato-throwing festival in Valencia, Spain; passing through Munich to celebrate Oktoberfest or visiting soldiers at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. As she looks to prove that no quest is too big or too outrageous, Taryn will also embark on her own adventures as she searches for the most unique and fascinating MySpacers across the globe.
The women will begin their journey in Los Angeles and then continue on to such exotic locales such as Croatia, Spain, Italy, Germany, France and other countries in their worldwide tour. Their adventures will be shot documentary style in High-Definition and presented to viewers in a weekly half-hour television show. Check it out on DIRECTV channel 101.
Monday, September 11, 2006
DIRECTV Keeps Eye on DVRs, HDTV
SOURCE: SkyREPORT.com (Monday September 11, 2006)
‘DIRECTV continues to make progress with key products and services while at the same time focusing on quality customers.
That's the message the satellite TV company delivered to those in attendance at a Kaufman Bros. investment conference last week. The key products include DVRs and HDTV, which has helped the company keep video APRU (average revenue per unit - or subscriber) ahead of the competition.
According to the DIRECTV presentation (as reported by Kaufman Bros. analyst Todd Mitchell), DVR penetration for the satellite TV company reached 17 percent in the second quarter, up from 8 percent in second quarter 2005.
HD penetration at DIRECTV stood at 6 percent at the end of the quarter.
DIRECTV also said it's moving forward with its HD plans. By the end of the second quarter, DIRECTV had launched local HD channels in 36 markets, reaching a total of 58 percent of all TV households. During the second half of the year DIRECTV plans to launch 25 more local HD markets, reaching more than 70 percent of all TV households.
After the launch of two more satellites, DIRECTV will have the capacity to air 1,500 local HD channels and 150 national HD channels.
And DIRECTV said it continues to improve the quality of its subscriber base. Higher risk subs fell to 15 percent of gross adds in second quarter from 39 percent in first quarter 2005, stated the presentation.’
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.’
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.’
‘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.’
Friday, May 12, 2006
DIRECTV and TiVo extend Contract
SOURCE: News.com.com, Wednesday April 12, 2006
‘TiVo and DirecTV said Wednesday that they will extend their commercial agreement for three years.
The agreement will allow existing DirecTV customers using the TiVo digital video recorder to continue to receive maintenance and support from DirecTV. As part of the agreement, TiVo and DirecTV also said they wouldn't sue each other over patent rights.
TiVo, which introduced DVRs to the market, has been struggling to turn a profit. The company's 4.4 million subscribers have mostly come from its deal with DirecTV. Last year, DirecTV said it would stop marketing and selling TiVo's digital recorders to its satellite TV subscribers starting in 2007. Instead DirecTV is developing a device with NDS Group.
Since then, TiVo has been scrambling to differentiate its product and strike other distribution deals. Last year, it announced it was working with Comcast, and a new TiVo product is due later this year for Comcast subscribers.
Murray Arenson, an analyst at Ferris Baker Watts, cautioned that the DirecTV contract extension doesn't indicate that the satellite TV provider has changed its mind about the value of TiVo's product. Instead, it's an admission by DirecTV that it needs more time to transition its customers beyond the 2007 cutoff date, he said.
Ultimately, TiVo will likely end up in a worse position from this deal, since it now seems unlikely that DirecTV will license intellectual property from TiVo, he said.
TiVo is currently suing satellite TV provider EchoStar Communications for allegedly infringing on a patent that defines how digital video recorders work. A TiVo victory in the EchoStar patent case could pave the way for the company to extract royalties from other DVR makers. But because the company is already working with Comcast and has now agreed not to sue DirecTV, TiVo may have fewer options for potential licensees.
"If TiVo wins the EchoStar case, all of sudden they could have this massive addressable market for licensing their technology," Arenson said. "But at the same time they are pairing down that potential market."’
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)