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.
Thursday, September 28, 2006
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."’
Sunday, January 8, 2006
DIRECTV Takes Gaming World by Storm
SOURCE: DIRECTV, Inc. Monday January 08, 2007
‘Fatal1ty Trades in Mouse for Microphone as Exclusive Commentator For DIRECTV's Internationally Televised Video Gaming League
LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 8, 2007--DIRECTV, the nation's leading satellite television service provider, announced today at the 2007 International Consumer Electronics Show that it is taking the sports entertainment world by storm with launch of the Championship Gaming Series, an international video gaming league which will broadcast to over 100 million homes worldwide starting in Spring 2007 and airing nationally on DIRECTV's The 101. The Series, which was originally announced last year, will expand to feature teams from North America, Latin America, United Kingdom, Europe, Middle East, Asia and Australia as the world's top pro gamers battle in cyber-space for the international title and over $1 million in prize money.
DIRECTV is in final discussions with global entertainment giants British Sky Broadcasting (BSkyB) and STAR Asia, among others, to build an international network and to broadcast the Championship Gaming Series. In addition to international televised distribution, the series will partner with Internet powerhouse IGN Entertainment, a unit of Fox Interactive Media, to provide online coverage, creating a multi-platform opportunity to bring gaming to the masses. Gaming legend Johnathan "Fatal1ty" Wendel will capture the action as the exclusive play-by-play commentator and global league spokesperson and advisor. With a roster of the best pro gamers in the world, unparalleled production values and best-in-class televised sports-style coverage, the series will be the dominant force in professional gaming worldwide.
The series will take the exploding phenomenon of professional gaming to the next level with high-definition televised league play using advanced technology to take viewers inside the games themselves. For the first time in the history of the sport, team members who qualify for the Championship Gaming Series will be drafted by franchises and paid salaries as full-time pro gamers. Team franchises will be led by salaried General Managers, who are established leaders in competitive gaming.
"We couldn't help but notice that gaming had actually become a sport. Not only in the way the gamers created teams to compete, but also in their conditioning and mind set and dedication while playing. So it wasn't a quantum leap to then determine if it was becoming a sport, we should cover it like a sport, said David Hill, President, DIRECTV Entertainment. "The reaction to our first production, the Championship Gaming Invitational, was little short of phenomenal, so it was a no-brainer to take this next logical step to create the series. We believe the combination of a world wide broadcast platform, coupled with forward thinking partners like Mountain Dew, will create a brand new sport which is truly universal. Championship Gaming Series has the potential to become the next soccer in terms of world wide appeal."
The series will employ industry giants to transform the game action into compelling television for both gamers and non-gamers alike. Fatal1ty, who after dominating the sport for seven years, will take on a new role as exclusive play-by-play commentator for the Series. Eleven-time Emmy Award-winner Mike Burks will control multiple high-definition cameras, as well as virtual cameras to cover all the action, both on and off the playing field. With its unparalleled production value and televised sports-style coverage, the Championship Gaming Series will set the standard for professional gaming competitions worldwide.
"DIRECTV really understands the nature of gaming and has figured out how to turn the sport I love into something that gamers and non-gamers will enjoy on television," said Johnathan "Fatal1ty" Wendel. "I can't wait to take over the microphone and play such an important role in the evolution and expansion competitive video gaming. Championship Gaming Series is going to be the best platform for aspiring gamers to realize what it takes to become an international gaming champion."
"We are excited about the Championship Gaming Series and look forward to becoming the lead gaming and broadcast partner for the Series in the UK and Ireland. Gaming fits squarely into Sky's strategy for providing an unmatched in-home entertainment experience and we look forward to moving ahead with the project," comments James Baker, Managing Director of Sky Networked Media.
Championship Gaming Series will be structurally based in five regions around the world - North America, Latin America, UK, Europe and Australia/Asia/Middle East. Each region will host online qualifiers and live tournament events to determine the teams which will represent each area. From those competitions, twelve champion teams will emerge and compete in the league's Grand Slam round. Grand Slam winners, both individuals and teams, will advance to the Championship Gaming Series World Championship, which will be hosted in the United States.
"The Championship Gaming Series has the potential to transform the professional gaming industry," said Frank Cooper, vice president, flavored soft drinks, Pepsi-Cola North America. "As a founding partner of the series, Mountain Dew sees this as a unique opportunity to redefine our role in the world of gaming, supporting a unique initiative that enables gaming enthusiasts get closer to the latest technology."
Championship Gaming Series teams will consist of squads dedicated to playing specific game genres, including racing, fighting, action/adventure/strategy and first person shooters. In the United States, the series will have six regional teams comprised of the best players in each gaming genre.
DIRECTV's first U.S. Championship Gaming Invitational (CGI), which aired in July of 2006, was held in a 16,000-square-foot airplane hanger, at the former Treasure Island Naval Base in San Francisco. Competitors faced off in games such as Electronic Arts(TM) Battlefield 2(TM), Microsoft Game Studio's(TM) Project Gotham Racing(R) 3 and Halo(R) 2, for prizes and instant money payouts. First prize winners included complexity, 20ID, Jason "FiddyownsU" Hodges, Joe "Phantom Hitman" Tackett and Emmanuel "MASTER" Rodriguez. The second CGI took place at Barker Hanger in Santa Monica, CA on December 16 and will premiere on DIRECTV's The 101 in February, 2007.
About British Sky Broadcasting
Sky is the UK's leading entertainment company and operates the most comprehensive multichannel, multi-platform television service in the UK and Ireland. Around 21 million viewers in 8.3 million households enjoy an unprecedented choice of movies, news, entertainment and sports channels and interactive services on Sky digital, the UK and Ireland's first and most popular digital television service.
Sky is committed to offering customers an unparalleled choice in content, delivered through innovative and technological advanced platforms that best serve the demands of today's viewers.
About Johnathan "Fatal1ty" Wendel:
In 1999 Johnathan 'Fatal1ty' Wendel began his journey as the world's first full time professional video gamer. Fatal1ty built his legend over the next 7 years by winning or placing top three in almost every tournament he contested. Johnathan has now turned his focus and determination to help make professional video gaming an established sport. Johnathan has joined forces with the Championship Gaming Series as exclusive commentator, global spokesperson and advisor to help take video gaming to this next step. Prior to joining the Championship Gaming Series in January 2007, Johnathan had already won 12 Major Championships, accomplished while competing in 5 different games - an unprecedented achievement. Fatal1ty has placed 1st in 65% of all the competitions he has entered and top 3 in 90% of them. To this day, having competed on six continents, Fatal1ty continues to dominate competitions worldwide.’
‘Fatal1ty Trades in Mouse for Microphone as Exclusive Commentator For DIRECTV's Internationally Televised Video Gaming League
LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 8, 2007--DIRECTV, the nation's leading satellite television service provider, announced today at the 2007 International Consumer Electronics Show that it is taking the sports entertainment world by storm with launch of the Championship Gaming Series, an international video gaming league which will broadcast to over 100 million homes worldwide starting in Spring 2007 and airing nationally on DIRECTV's The 101. The Series, which was originally announced last year, will expand to feature teams from North America, Latin America, United Kingdom, Europe, Middle East, Asia and Australia as the world's top pro gamers battle in cyber-space for the international title and over $1 million in prize money.
DIRECTV is in final discussions with global entertainment giants British Sky Broadcasting (BSkyB) and STAR Asia, among others, to build an international network and to broadcast the Championship Gaming Series. In addition to international televised distribution, the series will partner with Internet powerhouse IGN Entertainment, a unit of Fox Interactive Media, to provide online coverage, creating a multi-platform opportunity to bring gaming to the masses. Gaming legend Johnathan "Fatal1ty" Wendel will capture the action as the exclusive play-by-play commentator and global league spokesperson and advisor. With a roster of the best pro gamers in the world, unparalleled production values and best-in-class televised sports-style coverage, the series will be the dominant force in professional gaming worldwide.
The series will take the exploding phenomenon of professional gaming to the next level with high-definition televised league play using advanced technology to take viewers inside the games themselves. For the first time in the history of the sport, team members who qualify for the Championship Gaming Series will be drafted by franchises and paid salaries as full-time pro gamers. Team franchises will be led by salaried General Managers, who are established leaders in competitive gaming.
"We couldn't help but notice that gaming had actually become a sport. Not only in the way the gamers created teams to compete, but also in their conditioning and mind set and dedication while playing. So it wasn't a quantum leap to then determine if it was becoming a sport, we should cover it like a sport, said David Hill, President, DIRECTV Entertainment. "The reaction to our first production, the Championship Gaming Invitational, was little short of phenomenal, so it was a no-brainer to take this next logical step to create the series. We believe the combination of a world wide broadcast platform, coupled with forward thinking partners like Mountain Dew, will create a brand new sport which is truly universal. Championship Gaming Series has the potential to become the next soccer in terms of world wide appeal."
The series will employ industry giants to transform the game action into compelling television for both gamers and non-gamers alike. Fatal1ty, who after dominating the sport for seven years, will take on a new role as exclusive play-by-play commentator for the Series. Eleven-time Emmy Award-winner Mike Burks will control multiple high-definition cameras, as well as virtual cameras to cover all the action, both on and off the playing field. With its unparalleled production value and televised sports-style coverage, the Championship Gaming Series will set the standard for professional gaming competitions worldwide.
"DIRECTV really understands the nature of gaming and has figured out how to turn the sport I love into something that gamers and non-gamers will enjoy on television," said Johnathan "Fatal1ty" Wendel. "I can't wait to take over the microphone and play such an important role in the evolution and expansion competitive video gaming. Championship Gaming Series is going to be the best platform for aspiring gamers to realize what it takes to become an international gaming champion."
"We are excited about the Championship Gaming Series and look forward to becoming the lead gaming and broadcast partner for the Series in the UK and Ireland. Gaming fits squarely into Sky's strategy for providing an unmatched in-home entertainment experience and we look forward to moving ahead with the project," comments James Baker, Managing Director of Sky Networked Media.
Championship Gaming Series will be structurally based in five regions around the world - North America, Latin America, UK, Europe and Australia/Asia/Middle East. Each region will host online qualifiers and live tournament events to determine the teams which will represent each area. From those competitions, twelve champion teams will emerge and compete in the league's Grand Slam round. Grand Slam winners, both individuals and teams, will advance to the Championship Gaming Series World Championship, which will be hosted in the United States.
"The Championship Gaming Series has the potential to transform the professional gaming industry," said Frank Cooper, vice president, flavored soft drinks, Pepsi-Cola North America. "As a founding partner of the series, Mountain Dew sees this as a unique opportunity to redefine our role in the world of gaming, supporting a unique initiative that enables gaming enthusiasts get closer to the latest technology."
Championship Gaming Series teams will consist of squads dedicated to playing specific game genres, including racing, fighting, action/adventure/strategy and first person shooters. In the United States, the series will have six regional teams comprised of the best players in each gaming genre.
DIRECTV's first U.S. Championship Gaming Invitational (CGI), which aired in July of 2006, was held in a 16,000-square-foot airplane hanger, at the former Treasure Island Naval Base in San Francisco. Competitors faced off in games such as Electronic Arts(TM) Battlefield 2(TM), Microsoft Game Studio's(TM) Project Gotham Racing(R) 3 and Halo(R) 2, for prizes and instant money payouts. First prize winners included complexity, 20ID, Jason "FiddyownsU" Hodges, Joe "Phantom Hitman" Tackett and Emmanuel "MASTER" Rodriguez. The second CGI took place at Barker Hanger in Santa Monica, CA on December 16 and will premiere on DIRECTV's The 101 in February, 2007.
About British Sky Broadcasting
Sky is the UK's leading entertainment company and operates the most comprehensive multichannel, multi-platform television service in the UK and Ireland. Around 21 million viewers in 8.3 million households enjoy an unprecedented choice of movies, news, entertainment and sports channels and interactive services on Sky digital, the UK and Ireland's first and most popular digital television service.
Sky is committed to offering customers an unparalleled choice in content, delivered through innovative and technological advanced platforms that best serve the demands of today's viewers.
About Johnathan "Fatal1ty" Wendel:
In 1999 Johnathan 'Fatal1ty' Wendel began his journey as the world's first full time professional video gamer. Fatal1ty built his legend over the next 7 years by winning or placing top three in almost every tournament he contested. Johnathan has now turned his focus and determination to help make professional video gaming an established sport. Johnathan has joined forces with the Championship Gaming Series as exclusive commentator, global spokesperson and advisor to help take video gaming to this next step. Prior to joining the Championship Gaming Series in January 2007, Johnathan had already won 12 Major Championships, accomplished while competing in 5 different games - an unprecedented achievement. Fatal1ty has placed 1st in 65% of all the competitions he has entered and top 3 in 90% of them. To this day, having competed on six continents, Fatal1ty continues to dominate competitions worldwide.’
Friday, September 2, 2005
DIRECTV Launches Hurricane Katrina Information Channel
SOURCE: TechWeb.com, Friday September 2, 2005
‘DirecTV Inc. on Friday said it has launched a 24-hour Hurricane Katrina information channel that broadcasts a continuous stream of email messages from family and friends of hurricane victims.
Available on channel 100 of the satellite-TV service, the program also provide information on road closures throughout the Gulf region, which was heaviest hit in Monday's storm; the location and phone numbers of special needs shelters in Louisiana and shelter openings throughout the Gulf Coast.
In addition, the channel lists counties and parishes in the Gulf region that are able to assist evacuees, insurance company contact information and relief agency contact information, including phone numbers for the Red Cross, Salvation Army and Feed the Children.
DirecTV, a Los Angeles unit of News Corp., will scroll at the bottom of the TV screen text messages from family and friends separated by the hurricane and its aftermath. Emails sent to katrina@directv.com are reviewed by DirecTV staff and then posted on the channel. A text message also can be sent via cellular phone directly to text code "48433."
Bob Marsocci, spokesman for DirecTV, said the company launched the channel to help address the difficulty victims have had in contacting loved ones. DirecTV has more than 14.6 million subscribers nationwide.
"Watching the news headlines, it became clear that besides the basics of food, shelter and clothing, there was a lack of communications, so we decided to launch a dedicated channel," Marsocci said. "Communication is of vital importance with 10s of thousands of people out of their homes."
DirecTV plans to keep the channel up for "as long as necessary," Marsocci said. The company plans to install its DirecTV in shelters, based on recommendation from federal officials and the Red Cross. Service already has been installed in the Houston Astrodome, which is housing 10s of thousands of victims.
DirecTV isn't the only company trying to help Katrina victims reach loved ones. Internet service provider Earthlink Inc., based in Atlanta, said Friday it has launched a Web page for people to submit their own names and location, and search the submissions of others.’
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