As part of DIRECTV's highly anticipated high-def expansion, the nation's largest satellite TV company has added nearly a dozen more HD channels just in time for the summer season.
Hoping to stay on track with its "100 high-definition channels by year's end" goal, the nation's largest satellite TV provider unveiled plans this week to launch four Discovery HD channels, five HD channels from Starz and CNBC and Chiller in HD.
Under terms of the agreement with Discovery, DIRECTV will launch four simulcasts - Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet and The Science Channel - and two other channels yet to be named (or launched) by Discovery sometime in the near future. The HD feeds of the four existing networks will launch in September, DIRECTV said.
Terms of the deal with Starz include the launch of three new HD movie channels: Starz Edge, Starz Comedy and Starz Kids & Family, as well as Starz's East and West coast HD feeds. The new Starz HD channels, which the company said will feature first-run movies, and the coastal HD feeds will also launch in September.
The news comes on the heels of DIRECTV's recent announcement that it will be the first to launch the History Channel HD, a new 24-hour HD network, and A&E HD later this year. DIRECTV also said it has inked a deal with Disney Channel for the exclusive rights to broadcast the premiere HD version of High School Musical 2.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
HDTV’s Most Reliable Brands
SOURCE: TvPredictions.com. 4.11.07
Washington, D.C. (April 11, 2007) -- When buying a High-Definition TV, you need to be sure that the set will not require frequent repairs. Reliability is almost as important as the picture.
With that in mind, Consumer Reports has just published a comprehensive review of the reliability of dozens of major brands, including big-screen TV makers.
Although the magazine said LCD, Plasma and some rear projection technologies are too new to draw final conclusions, it did offer some judgments based on data over the last two years.
LCD
In the LCD category, Consumer Reports said the following brands have shown "promising reliability," meaning they have needed few repairs:
JVC; Magnavox; Panasonic; Philips; Samsung; Sanyo; Sharp; Sony; and Toshiba
However, the magazine said Dell LCD sets have needed "more repairs than average."
Plasma
In the Plasma category, Consumer Reports said the following TV makers have shown "promising reliability":
Fujitsu; Hitachi; Panasonic; Pioneer; Sony; and Toshiba.
Consumer Reports said Philips and Vizio Plasma sets have needed "more repairs than average."
Microdisplay Rear Projection
In the Microdisplay Rear Projection category, the magazine said the following brands have demonstrated "promising reliability."
Panasonic and Sony
However, it said RCA (DLP) and JVC (LCoS/D-ILA) have needed 'more repairs than average."
Based on data from 2001 to 2006, Consumer Reports also rated tube TVs from 30 to 36 inches. It said JVC, Sharp, Sanyo and Toshiba needed repairs only three percent of the time.
In the 34 to 36-inch category, the magazine said Toshiba tube TVs needed repairs only four percent of the time while Sony sets needed repairs just five percent of the time.
Washington, D.C. (April 11, 2007) -- When buying a High-Definition TV, you need to be sure that the set will not require frequent repairs. Reliability is almost as important as the picture.
With that in mind, Consumer Reports has just published a comprehensive review of the reliability of dozens of major brands, including big-screen TV makers.
Although the magazine said LCD, Plasma and some rear projection technologies are too new to draw final conclusions, it did offer some judgments based on data over the last two years.
LCD
In the LCD category, Consumer Reports said the following brands have shown "promising reliability," meaning they have needed few repairs:
JVC; Magnavox; Panasonic; Philips; Samsung; Sanyo; Sharp; Sony; and Toshiba
However, the magazine said Dell LCD sets have needed "more repairs than average."
Plasma
In the Plasma category, Consumer Reports said the following TV makers have shown "promising reliability":
Fujitsu; Hitachi; Panasonic; Pioneer; Sony; and Toshiba.
Consumer Reports said Philips and Vizio Plasma sets have needed "more repairs than average."
Microdisplay Rear Projection
In the Microdisplay Rear Projection category, the magazine said the following brands have demonstrated "promising reliability."
Panasonic and Sony
However, it said RCA (DLP) and JVC (LCoS/D-ILA) have needed 'more repairs than average."
Based on data from 2001 to 2006, Consumer Reports also rated tube TVs from 30 to 36 inches. It said JVC, Sharp, Sanyo and Toshiba needed repairs only three percent of the time.
In the 34 to 36-inch category, the magazine said Toshiba tube TVs needed repairs only four percent of the time while Sony sets needed repairs just five percent of the time.
Thursday, April 5, 2007
DirecTV Rolls Out VOD
SOURCE: multichannelnews.com; 04.02.07
'El Segundo, Calif.— Looking to make up ground against cable operators and their interactive networks, DirecTV is preparing to roll out a new service that will essentially give basic-cable networks their own dedicated channels for programming delivered on-demand to viewers.
Food Network and Discovery Channel are among more than a dozen programming services that are expected to be available when the big satellite broadcaster launches its new on-demand service in July, according to DirecTV.
LEVELING THE FIELDThe service will allow DirecTV to better compete with cable operators that have been offering on-demand content for years. The biggest cable operator, Comcast, claims to have served up 3.7 billion streams of video on customers’ requests since 2004, for instance.
Now, the largest satellite operator will try to match that. DirecTV executive vice president for entertainment Eric Shanks said the satellite giant has the technological capacity to download video via a broadband connection at speeds that will allow consumers to watch the content in real time.
Shanks said the service will give individual networks complete control over their own channel, including content and marketing messages; and that DirecTV has more than a dozen networks signed up to provide on-demand content.
Scripps Networks confirmed that it will provide content from its Food Network and HGTV-owned channels. Executives close to DirecTV also said Discovery Channel will be part of the service when it debuts. Discovery executives would not comment.
DIFFERENT DEMANDSThe satellite provider’s network branded on-demand strategy differs somewhat from that of many cable operators that amass free on-demand cable-network content within such genres as kids, news and entertainment. Programming executives say such categorization prohibits networks from effectively marketing their brands and content to viewers.
DirecTV subscribers with the company’s high-definition DVR receiver and a high-speed modem connection will be able to access more than 2,000 on-demand movies — many of which will be in high-definition — as well as the cable-network content. Shanks said DirecTV will begin beta-testing the service in April and expects to roll it out to customers in July.
“It depends on your connection,” Shanks said. “A lot of times the content will download faster than real time. There’s nothing technically on our side that limits the consumer’s ability to watch it in real time.”
In other DirecTV new-media news, Shanks said the company will serve up multiple-court coverage of the French Open to support the Tennis Channel’s presentation of the Grand Slam tournament this spring. Similar to the coverage it provided for last summer’s U.S. Open, DirecTV will offer multiple live channels from the tournament, which begins in May, as well as a special “French Open Mix” channel that will feature all live feeds, according to Shanks.
Shanks said the company is also prepping several series for its The 101 original programming channel. DirecTV later this year will launch a game show dubbed Between a Rock and a Hard Place, which will pit bands against each other Family Feud style. “Half the questions will be about rock and roll, but the other half will be about pop culture,” Shanks said.
In August, the network will premiere Championship Gaming Series, a team-based video gaming league. The two shows will join other original shows such as Web user-generated series Project MyWorld and The Fizz, plus a slate of concerts featuring such acts as Beyoncé and Nine Inch Nails.
“The goal is to have your sales sheet out in front of customers at Best Buy and other retailers and to have a set of programming that no one else has that appeals to the women, males and kids in the house,” he said.
On the video-gaming front, Shanks said DirecTV has already signed up 20,000 subscribers to its month-old Game Lounge interactive gaming service without any significant promotion.
He added that poker, solitaire and the Mattel-produced Barbie games are among the service’s most popular games.
Shanks also said that 60% of customers have created their own “avatars” or personal characters with Game Lounge and are posting their high scores for the various games.
“People are really getting involved in the games,” he said.'
Thursday, March 29, 2007
DIRECTV Activates HD Local Channel Service in Four New Markets
SOURCE: DIRECTV, Inc., 03.28.07
DIRECTV Activates HD Local Channel Service in Four New Markets
ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC Now Available in HD in Greenville, S.C., Harrisburg, Pa., Jacksonville Fla., and Spokane, Wash.;
DIRECTV Now offers Local HD Channels in 53 Markets
WHAT: DIRECTV, Inc., the nation's leading satellite television service provider, is now offering local HD programming from ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC to customers in Greenville, S.C., Harrisburg, Pa., Jacksonville Fla., and Spokane, Wash. DIRECTV now offers local HD broadcast channels in 53 cities, representing more than 67 percent of U.S. TV households.
DIRECTV's local HD channel rollout is part of an aggressive nationwide expansion of HD programming that includes plans to offer local HD channels in up to 75 markets and up to 100 national channels by year end. When DIRECTV's capacity expansion is complete next year, it will offer more than 1,500 local HD channels and more than 150 national HD channels, establishing DIRECTV as the nation's leading provider of HD programming.
WHEN: Beginning today, Wednesday, March 28, 2007
HOW: Customers who subscribe to a programming package that includes local channels receive both the standard-definition and HD signals at no extra monthly charge. Customers can receive local HD channels by leasing an H20 HD receiver or the new HR20 DIRECTV Plus® HD DVR and satellite dish. Existing HD customers can upgrade their HD receiver and dish for $99 per receiver. New customers can take advantage of a $100 mail-in rebate on all DIRECTV HD and HDDVR receivers.
DIRECTV Activates HD Local Channel Service in Four New Markets
ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC Now Available in HD in Greenville, S.C., Harrisburg, Pa., Jacksonville Fla., and Spokane, Wash.;
DIRECTV Now offers Local HD Channels in 53 Markets
WHAT: DIRECTV, Inc., the nation's leading satellite television service provider, is now offering local HD programming from ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC to customers in Greenville, S.C., Harrisburg, Pa., Jacksonville Fla., and Spokane, Wash. DIRECTV now offers local HD broadcast channels in 53 cities, representing more than 67 percent of U.S. TV households.
DIRECTV's local HD channel rollout is part of an aggressive nationwide expansion of HD programming that includes plans to offer local HD channels in up to 75 markets and up to 100 national channels by year end. When DIRECTV's capacity expansion is complete next year, it will offer more than 1,500 local HD channels and more than 150 national HD channels, establishing DIRECTV as the nation's leading provider of HD programming.
WHEN: Beginning today, Wednesday, March 28, 2007
HOW: Customers who subscribe to a programming package that includes local channels receive both the standard-definition and HD signals at no extra monthly charge. Customers can receive local HD channels by leasing an H20 HD receiver or the new HR20 DIRECTV Plus® HD DVR and satellite dish. Existing HD customers can upgrade their HD receiver and dish for $99 per receiver. New customers can take advantage of a $100 mail-in rebate on all DIRECTV HD and HDDVR receivers.
Monday, March 19, 2007
DIRECTV Tops Installer Preference
SOURCE: SKYReport.com03.14.07
'A new national survey suggests that the nation's fleet of professional home theater technicians do have a preference when it comes to best picture quality: DIRECTV. The survey said that by a four-to-one margin, home theater installers chose DIRECTV as the service that provides the best video over cable.
'A new national survey suggests that the nation's fleet of professional home theater technicians do have a preference when it comes to best picture quality: DIRECTV. The survey said that by a four-to-one margin, home theater installers chose DIRECTV as the service that provides the best video over cable.
Conducted by the Alliance Consulting Group with 500 professional home theater professionals, the study also showed that many installers prefer DIRECTV in a few other categories as well.
According to the survey, installers chose DIRECTV two-to-one over cable for having the best overall television experience; three-to-one over cable for best home theater experience on a high-def system; more than two-to-one for best overall picture quality on a high-def system; and three-to-one for the best home theater experience.
No word if the study will show up as evidence in the lawsuit Time Warner Cable filed against DIRECTV over the DBS company's ads claiming high-def supremacy.'
Thursday, March 8, 2007
Top 5 HDTVs
SOURCE: AskMen.com
'Microdisplay-based rear-projection HDTVs are more popular than American Idol. These sets use LCD or DLP (digital light processing) light engines, fit into tight spaces, and cost more than regular CRT-based big screens. Only one, Hitachi's 50V500, earned CNET.com's coveted Editors' Choice award, but all five high definition televisions are worth a look.
5. Gateway 56-inch DLP HD-ready TV
The good: Relatively inexpensive; excellent connectivity; versatile PIP; bright and incredibly detailed image; robust, low-maintenance technology; wide viewing angle.
The bad: Still much pricier than similar-size CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) rear projectors; some rainbow effects; video noise and grayish blacks in darker scenes; inaccurate color.
The bottom line: Gateway's budget DLP rear projector won't win on style, but its picture is a pleasant surprise.
4. Samsung HLN467W
The good: Striking design; excellent connectivity; bright, incredibly detailed image; robust, low-maintenance technology; wide viewing angle.
The bad: Expensive; some rainbow effects; video noise and grayish blacks in darker scenes.
The bottom line: This smaller projection TV offers razor-sharp images and boatloads of features, but it also costs as much as a plasma.
3. Sony KF-50WE610
The good: Black-level performance on par with DLP TVs; slim, light and stylish design; excellent feature package.
The bad: Black-level performance is still not quite as good as that of CRT-based RPTVs (Rear-Projection TVs); lacks independent memory per input; expensive.
The bottom line: A huge leap forward in performance for LCD rear-projection TVs, the newest Grand WEGA line gives DLP a run for its money.
2. Sony KF-60WE610
The good: Black-level performance on par with DLP TVs; slim, light and stylish design; excellent feature package.
The bad: Black-level performance is still not quite as good as that of CRT-based RPTVs; lacks independent memory per input; expensive.
The bottom line: A huge leap forward in performance for LCD rear-projection TVs, the newest Grand WEGA line gives DLP a run for its money.
1. Hitachi 50V500
The good: Black-level performance on par with DLP TVs; slim and light design; custom "day & night" modes for each input; excellent feature package.
The bad: Black-level performance still less than perfect; expensive.
The bottom line: While not quite as fetching as some, this set offers the best out-of-the-box performance we've seen yet from a rear-projection LCD.'
'Microdisplay-based rear-projection HDTVs are more popular than American Idol. These sets use LCD or DLP (digital light processing) light engines, fit into tight spaces, and cost more than regular CRT-based big screens. Only one, Hitachi's 50V500, earned CNET.com's coveted Editors' Choice award, but all five high definition televisions are worth a look.
5. Gateway 56-inch DLP HD-ready TV
The good: Relatively inexpensive; excellent connectivity; versatile PIP; bright and incredibly detailed image; robust, low-maintenance technology; wide viewing angle.
The bad: Still much pricier than similar-size CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) rear projectors; some rainbow effects; video noise and grayish blacks in darker scenes; inaccurate color.
The bottom line: Gateway's budget DLP rear projector won't win on style, but its picture is a pleasant surprise.
4. Samsung HLN467W
The good: Striking design; excellent connectivity; bright, incredibly detailed image; robust, low-maintenance technology; wide viewing angle.
The bad: Expensive; some rainbow effects; video noise and grayish blacks in darker scenes.
The bottom line: This smaller projection TV offers razor-sharp images and boatloads of features, but it also costs as much as a plasma.
3. Sony KF-50WE610
The good: Black-level performance on par with DLP TVs; slim, light and stylish design; excellent feature package.
The bad: Black-level performance is still not quite as good as that of CRT-based RPTVs (Rear-Projection TVs); lacks independent memory per input; expensive.
The bottom line: A huge leap forward in performance for LCD rear-projection TVs, the newest Grand WEGA line gives DLP a run for its money.
2. Sony KF-60WE610
The good: Black-level performance on par with DLP TVs; slim, light and stylish design; excellent feature package.
The bad: Black-level performance is still not quite as good as that of CRT-based RPTVs; lacks independent memory per input; expensive.
The bottom line: A huge leap forward in performance for LCD rear-projection TVs, the newest Grand WEGA line gives DLP a run for its money.
1. Hitachi 50V500
The good: Black-level performance on par with DLP TVs; slim and light design; custom "day & night" modes for each input; excellent feature package.
The bad: Black-level performance still less than perfect; expensive.
The bottom line: While not quite as fetching as some, this set offers the best out-of-the-box performance we've seen yet from a rear-projection LCD.'
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
DIRECTV National Geographic HD
SOURCE: TVPredictions.com; 03.06.07
'Washington, D.C.(March 6, 2007) -- DIRECTV today said it has not set a launch date for National Geographic HD.
Over the weekend, the satcaster raised prospects that it would soon add the high-def channel when it posted an upcoming NG HD episode on its Interactive Programming Guide (IPG) at channel 77.
The episode, called In the Womb, finally aired this morning shortly after 2 a.m. ET.
However, DIRECTV spokesman Robert Mercer told TVPredictions.com today that the episode was a "sneak peek of marquee HD programming that we're offering customers periodically throughout the year."
DIRECTV plans later this year to offer 100 national high-def channels after it launches at least one new satellite; it now carries around 10 national HD channels due to limited satellite space.
Mercer said DIRECTV will add National Geographic HD later in the year but did not provide a launch date.
"NGC HD ranks high on everyone's favorite HD programming list so we're offering a taste to our customers," Mercer said.
It's unclear when DIRECTV will air the next NG HD episode.
"We are planning to air more NGC HD programming depending on available capacity. We are looking at more 'sneak peek' programming," Mercer said.'
'Washington, D.C.(March 6, 2007) -- DIRECTV today said it has not set a launch date for National Geographic HD.
Over the weekend, the satcaster raised prospects that it would soon add the high-def channel when it posted an upcoming NG HD episode on its Interactive Programming Guide (IPG) at channel 77.
The episode, called In the Womb, finally aired this morning shortly after 2 a.m. ET.
However, DIRECTV spokesman Robert Mercer told TVPredictions.com today that the episode was a "sneak peek of marquee HD programming that we're offering customers periodically throughout the year."
DIRECTV plans later this year to offer 100 national high-def channels after it launches at least one new satellite; it now carries around 10 national HD channels due to limited satellite space.
Mercer said DIRECTV will add National Geographic HD later in the year but did not provide a launch date.
"NGC HD ranks high on everyone's favorite HD programming list so we're offering a taste to our customers," Mercer said.
It's unclear when DIRECTV will air the next NG HD episode.
"We are planning to air more NGC HD programming depending on available capacity. We are looking at more 'sneak peek' programming," Mercer said.'
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