Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Direct TV Profits Up

Direct TV continues to show that it is a true leader in satellite television. Its profits keeps rising as more and more subscribers jump on the bandwagon. Exclusive programming is surely a reason for this. If you want to get the most high-definition channels with sports packages you won't get anywhere else, DIRECT TV is really the only choice. Forget cable! It can't even begin to compete!

The satellite company says its first quarter earnings for this year have already shown a 10.4 percent increase. More subscribers are coming in from around the US and Latin America. Direct TV says it has added 200,000 new subscribers in Latin America. This totals 3.5 million people or a 24 percent increase. Venezuela and Argentina have shown to be particularly strong. Things have been even better in American with 275,000 subscribers added. This is a jump of 5.2 percent to a total of 17.1 million people. It seems more people are buying into the high-definition concept and that might have to do with the marketing push with television sales. The increased screen resolution and sound quality have pushed consumers to tell their friends and family about positive experiences.

Not only have profits increased for Direct TV satellite television, but share prices have risen as well. Shares rose $1 to $26.80 which is a whopping jump of 3.9 percent. The lowest shares have been in the last year are around $18.20, so people are making big profits by sticking with the company. Company revenue rose 17 percent to $4.59 billion from $3.91 billion making it a huge investment option.

Direct TV has also increased its profits because people are spending more money with the company. This doesn't mean their prices have gone up, it just means that people are snapping up their exclusive programming because it's awesome! The average subscriber pays $79.70 a month for everything including their equipment rental and pay-per-view sales. That is an increase of 8.6 percent from a year ago and represents a huge chunk of the satellite market.

It seems their exclusive sports programming has been a huge money-maker for the company. They offer three packages that can't be found anywhere else. This includes the NFL Sunday Ticket, NASCAR HotPass and Mega March Madness. The NFL Ticket shows an average of 14 games every single Sunday. In addition, you can get highlights downloaded every Monday morning to ensure you won't miss a single second of the action. The NASCAR HotPass puts you right in the driver's seat...literally! They have front windshield screens and access to communication between the driver and the crew. You can't get closer even if you're at the track! Finally, being at home gives you the very best seat. Mega March Madness has been snapped up by basketball fans. The feature allowing you to watch four games on the same screen has, in itself, shot up profits. It seems Direct TV knows the key to making money is with exclusive programming. In fact, it makes about half a billion dollars difference!

Monday, August 11, 2008

NFL Sunday Ticket is Here!

The wait is over. The Direct TV NFL Sunday Ticket is here. This year it pays to have satellite TV. Not only do you have access to every Sunday game, you also get the NFL Network which will air a handful of games late in the season. NFL Sunday Ticket is exclusive to Direct TV and if you don't live in your teams city, there is no other way to catch all their games this season.

Check out what some of these fan sites have to say about their team and what Direct TV is bringing to the table.

Arizona Cardinals

Atlanta Falcons
Baltimore Ravens
Carolina Panthers
Cincinnati Bengals
Denver Broncos
Green Bay Packers
Indianapolis Colts
Jacksonville Jaguars
Kansas City Chiefs
Miami Dolphins
Minnesota Vikings
New England Patriots
Philadelphia Eagles
San Francisco 49ers
St Louis Rams
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tennessee Titans
Washington Redskins

Toss on your protective gear and get ready to tackle another great season. If you have an HDTV don't forget to order your Direct TV SuperFan and get all your games in HD!

Friday, June 27, 2008

Portable DIRECTV

Each year families across the country load up their campers, RVs, and pickup trucks with tents, camping gear, and lots of marshmallows to spend a little quality time in nature enjoying the outdoors. What is a guy or gal to do after they’ve hiked for a few hours, collected a handful of nature treasures along the way, and watched the birds fly around for hours? Watch a little DIRECTV of course.

Summer camping can be fabulous but missing the game or catching it on a radio just doesn’t fit the bill. I stumbled upon a little gem while I was scheduling my DirecTV HD DVR recordings online for our camping trip and fell in love at first sight. The DIRECTV Sat-Go is a portable TV system that can easily fit into any vehicle. Whether you are packing up your teardrop camper, the truck with your tents and gear, or getting ready for a tailgate party this satellite-to-go system will be your best friend.

The Sat-Go is a receiver, antenna, and television combined into one unit. When I first saw this component my first concerned was size. I thought the unit might be too bulky to fit among my camping gear but was delightfully surprised to discover that it has a relatively small footprint. With the unit in the closed position it is 19.5” wide, 5.1” high, and has a depth of 19.5”. The unit has a built-in handle making it easy to carry and only weighs 27.2 pounds.

Image quality is not an issue with the Sat-Go. It comes complete with a 17 inch LCD monitor. Three millions cells make up the LCD Panel. Pictures can be watched in normal, zoom, or wide screen mode. This unit has component and composite A/V inputs and composite A/V out to easily hook up additional equipment on the go. Sat-Go has five preset color tones which can be selected to display pictures under certain settings. Viewers can modify contrast, brightness, sharpness, color and tint settings making this unit very customizable.

Two speakers come integrated into the Sat-Go. Users have the ability to set the television up to automatically switch audio whether the program uses Dolby Digital audio or an alternate language. Sat-go has two languages settings, English and Spanish, and comes with eight closed caption settings.

A small IR remote can be used to select channels or make menu changes. The Sat-Go makes it easy to control the content that you would like to watch including giving you the ability to select Pay-Per-View movies or programs. An added benefit of the unit is the Parental Controls. You won’t have any need to monitor your children’s viewing while you are gathered around the fire with the adults.

The unit also has the ability to easily sort through programs using the category and search functions that DirecTV subscribers are already familiar with. The Sat-Go is like taking a little piece of home with you while you are vacationing, on the beach, or at the campsite. A clear view of the southern sky is all that is needed to get good quality television from anywhere your adventures find you.

Visit DirectStarTV today for the best DIRECTV Deals and Offers

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

DIRECTV Plus HD DVR

I recently had the misfortune of sitting down at a friends home that has yet to move from DIRECTV’s HD receiver to the new DIRECTV Plus HD DVR. I left the room during what was described to me as the most incredible play in our team’s history. To my dismay the replays had already finished. I picked up their remote control expecting to hit the rewind button only to remember they don’t have the Plus HD DVR. All I can say is that my friend missed a classic and I found myself longing to watch the game back home.

The DIRECTV Plus HD DVR is an amazing receiver that makes your viewing experience incredible. This receiver can display the DIRECTV HD channels with its high-def capabilities as well as record your favorite shows with its DVR system. High-definition can be watched in mpeg-2 or mpeg-4 format and the receiver is standard definition mpeg-2 enabled.

Subscribers with this DVR can record up to 200 hours of SD and 50 of HD. The ease of use in recording a show or series is impressive. Direct TV makes it easy to setup recordings via the web, your mobile phone or while sitting at the TV so that you will never have to miss a program. I was pleasantly shocked to discover that I could use my mobile phone to setup a recording of the Boston Celtics game while I was out to dinner with friends.

Recording a series gives you tons of options with the ability to specify how many shows to save, whether to record repeats, start or stop times and how long to keep the episodes. If the network changes the time and day of my series DIRECTV handles all that for me. There is no need to change my recording information.

The DIRECTV Plus HD DVR gives me incredible control over my viewing experience. Any program that is being watched can be paused to refill the popcorn bowl or rewound to watch a scene over for up to 90 minutes of programming. I can even record two shows at once or watch a separate show from the one I am recording. There is little more that I could ask for with this DVR. I can even turn on Parental Controls to prevent the younger generation from getting to unapproved content.

Top of all the control this receiver give you over your television watching with the amazing audio and video quality and it is hard to believe that more people have not made the switch from a standard DVR to the DIRECTV Plus HD DVR. Images are sharp and crisp with brighter colors while the sound quality is superb. This receiver is even Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound capable making it a versatile component that can be easily integrated into your home theatre system.

As an added bonus this receiver allows me to share photos and music that have been stored on my PC through my HDTV. PC’s must be Intel Viv processor technology-based for this feature.

Once you get the DIRECTV Plus HD DVR you will never want to go back to a standard receiver. The gang will just have to watch the game from my large-screen HDTV so that we will not miss a single throw, catch, or score next time.

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

The Channels of DirecTV

You know that, if anything, Direct TV Satellite TV offers a variety of channels. In fact, the high number of channels that Satellite TV offers has actually influenced cable companies to increase their own offerings in order to stay competitive. If you are thinking about switching to Direct TV you may be interested to know what channels you will actually get with your new H21 HD DVR Plus Receiver. Let’s start with the basics.

Never fear, traditional network television is still here. You can still catch up on all your favorite reality shows, sitcoms lampooning variety shows and traditional dramas that criticize reality shows. In other words, all of the big networks, from CBS to FOX, to NBC and ABC are represented. The major networks are also available in high definition TV in many areas. You also get the top basic cable networks such as TNT, CNN, E!, USA, the TV Guide Network, TBS, FX, Comedy Central and the Sci-Fi Network. You can also watch the most popular cable companies like HBO, Showtime, Cinemax, The Movie Channel, Starz, Sundance, and the IFC.

What about channels for sports lovers? You already have ESPN, but that might not be enough for die-hard fans of the NFL, NHL, MLB and NBA. You can also have special channels, such as the Regional Sports Network, the NFL Network, The Tennis Channel, NBA TV, The Golf Channel and CBS College Sports. You can get a variety of other sports-related channels with the Sports Pack. If music is your preference then you can get music oriented programming from MTV, VH1, BET MHD and VH1.

Some packages include channels from XM Satellite Radio, including favorites of the 1940’s through the modern age. You can also find the Oprah and Friends Talk Channel, The Rhyme and Raw for uncensored rap and multiple Spanish stations. There are numerous channels devoted to On-Demand Programming, such as the interactive YES network, CNN, E! News, Comedy Central, AMC, A&E, Animal Planet and Nickelodeon. There are also a host of religious channels, including God TV, Trinity Broadcasting Network, National Religious Broadcasters and The Church Channel. As far as adult programming goes, there is no shortage of content with two Playboy Channels, numerous Adult Pay Per View films, TEN Clips, Real Adult, Juicy Network, Fresh, Spice and Hustler TV.

Of course, many channels that used to be available on DirecTV have since been reprogrammed. However, there are more channels to come in 2009, which will coincide with the new satellite launch that has been reported. Some confirmed channels thus far include the MLB Channel, additional HD Channels, including ABC Family HD, Disney Channel HD, ESPN News HD and Toon Disney HD. Three more confirmed channels will include the Pursuit Channel, the MTN and the Gospel Music Channel.

Satellite TV offers more original content than cable television and for less of a price. When it comes to programming, Direct TV can offer viewers unique content as well as on-demand entertainment. On-demand channels, and even live TV can be rewound or paused using the DVR (Digital Video Recorder) option. Keep an eye on the news, sports, entertainment and business world with Satellite TV!

Monday, April 7, 2008

FCC Extends DTV Transition for DirecTV and Dish Network

FCC Extends DTV Transition for DirecTV and Dish Network

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced this week that it will extend the DTV Transition date for satellite television providers, DirecTV and Dish Network, until 2013. This is a big win for the satellite television providers which have been working to get a wealth of high-definition channel options out to customers. Both companies are pleased with the FCC’s decision and the commission’s understanding of the challenges presented to satellite providers to comply with the DTV deadlines.

The digital TV (DTV) transition began back in 1996 when broadcast TV stations were authorization an additional broadcast channel by Congress. The U.S. Congress authorized this distribution so that these stations could begin a digital channel and still continue their analog broadcasts. Congress met again later on this same issue and mandated that there would be a date when these stations would stop broadcasting in analog. The date was set for February 17, 2009.

Federal regulators decision to give DirecTV and Dish Network extended time does not apply to cable providers or broadcasters. Broadcasters are required to make the switch to digital programming in February 2009. Cable companies have until February 17, 2012, to continue to deliver channels in analog. The FCC will revisit this date in 2011. At that time they may extend this date.

The DTV transition will provide a few benefits to consumers:
· Public safety groups will have more of the broadcast spectrum to use for communications.
· Broadcasters can off high-definition programming to consumers.
· These same broadcasters can use a process called multicasting to provide more than one standard-definition channel at the same time.
· Wireless broadband companies will be able to purchase through auction additional parts of the broadcast spectrum. This could provide consumers with new wireless services.

Consumers that have already purchased digital cable or satellite television services will not need to make any changes to their systems or programming to prepare for the DTV Transition. Direct TV and Dish Network subscribers are already experiencing the benefits of digital television with the tremendous programming options and picture quality these services provide.

DirecTV and Dish Network have been in a race to provide more high-definition channels to their customers by attempting to launch new satellites into space. Only one of these companies was successfully in their recent launch. DirecTV’s satellite, DIRECTV-11, made the successful launch and will increase the satellite provider’s programming capability from 90 HD channels to 150 channels. Dish Network currently carries fewer high-def channels than DirecTV. Their recent lack of success in launching their satellite puts them even further behind Direct TV.

All eyes right now are on DirecTV after the recent success of DIRECTV-11. Consumers new to high-definition television are craving the superior quality programming and forsaking standard-definition. Not only are consumers pleased with the possibility of new programming that DirecTV will be offering but they are overwhelming the impressive equipment that is being used by the company. Consumers were awed by the five-LNB satellite dish and the PLUS HD DVR allowing subscribers to record up to 50 hours of pure HD programming or 200 hours of standard-def. Dish Network has a tough road to follow with the continued technology advances of DirecTV.

As the countdown draws near for broadcasters to make the switch from analog to digital consumers may have numerous concerns and questions. All of these can be answered by visiting the Digital TV Transition webpage at http://www.dtv.gov/ . This is a great way to learn about the change and how it will affect you in the future.

Thursday, July 12, 2007

NFL Sunday Ticket only from DIRECTV is here!

NFL Sunday Ticket is finally here and DIRECTV is offering everything that they have for only $69.99/month for 4 months.

NFL Sunday Ticket offers fans the ultimate NFL experience. With the ticket you get:

  • Enhanced Games - With your DIRECTV interactive receiver you'll get detailed player and team stats, real-time scores and live updates from other games without missing any of the live action from the game you're watching.**
  • NFL SUNDAY TICKET Highlights-on-Demand - Will automatically download Monday morning highlights of NFL SUNDAY TICKET games to your DIRECTV® DVR.***
  • NFL SUNDAY SNAP - Every Sunday on channel 700 check real-time stats and scores.
  • The NFL Network - The NFL Network gives you 24 hours per day, seven days a week of original news and information shows, weekly game preview shows, coaches' shows, press conferences, fantasy football shows, memorable game replays and live games during the four-week pre-season.
  • NFL Europe League - NFL SUNDAY TICKET also brings you action from the NFL Europe League regular season. Over 230 NFL players from all 32 NFL teams play in the NFL Europe League during the 10 week season. (April through June on channel 704).
  • Pregame Coaches' Shows - View pregame coaches' shows from outside your local area at the start of the NFL SUNDAY TICKET broadcast day.
  • Player Tracker - Select your favorite players and follow their performance throughout the day. With your DIRECTV interactive receiver track up to 9 players with up to the minute alerts and stats. With Player Tracker you can:

- Pick or edit up to 9 players 24/7 during the NFL regular season

- Receive live "Big Play" Alerts for your players on all your Sunday Ticket Channels

- Real-time Cumulative Stats available at the touch of a button, whenever you want

- Alerts available on all standard-definition and high-definition Sunday Ticket game channels, Game Mix 1 & 2 and Red Zone Channel

PLUS – when you order NFL Sunday Ticket for $69.99/month, for 4 months you get DIRECTV’s top package (The Premier Package) for FREE. The Premier Package includes over 250 channels, Free DVR service, FREE HBO, SHOWTIME, CINEMAX and STARZ and a free DVR or HD receiver upgrade... you get all of this for free for 4 months when you order NFL Sunday Ticket.

DIRECTV also offers NFL SuperFan. SuperFan can be added to your NFL SUNDAY TICKET package to create the ultimate NFL viewing experience. Perfect for true fans and fantasy football players everywhere!

Links to the 2007 NFL Schedules: NFC Team Schedules; AFC Team Schedules