James Delahunty
8 Jul 2007 19:34
DirecTV's missions to dramatically "expand HD programming for millions of DirecTV customers nationwide and establish DirecTV as the industry's HD pace-setter," kicked off yesterday when DirecTV 10 satellite soared into space. After the spacecraft is maneuvered into a circular orbit at 103 degrees West longitude and tests are completed, it is expected to begin operations in early September, delivering the first of up to 100 national HD channels by year-end.
The DirecTV 10 satellite's powerful transponder payload includes spot beam capacity that will enable DirecTV to expand its local HD channel services to up to 75 markets this year. "With the successful launch of our DirecTV 10 satellite, we are, to borrow a phrase, boldly going where no TV service has gone before - a new world of up to 100 HD channels and a viewing experience unmatched in the multichannel video marketplace," said Derek Chang, executive vice president, Content Development and Strategy, DirecTV, Inc.
He added: "We congratulate the Boeing and ILS teams on a flawless launch as we begin the next countdown to September when the first of our new HD channels will be available to our customers." DirecTV has agreements in place to rollout multiple HD channels from top content providers such as Disney, Discovery Communications, A&E Television Networks, HBO, Fox, Turner, NBC Universal, Showtime Networks, Starz and Scripps Networks, among others.
Source:
Press Release