When 32 nations begin the quadrennial clash for the world soccer title Friday, Satellite TV programming customers will have midfield seats for the widest array of soccer coverage through a special world soccer Web page and a multitude of in-language, country-of-origin channels with daily news and analysis of the tournament.
News and in-depth analysis will also be available via the Satellite TV service on a number of networks including Fox Sports en Espanol, Gol TV, Ecuavisa and TyCSports. Fox Sports en Espanol will offer a variety of original and exclusive programs covering the World Cup, including Boleto a Alemania 2006, an hour-long daily program that provides in-depth analysis and features direct from Germany; Pasaporte A Alemania, which offers a Mexican perspective on world soccer; Diario Fox Sports for the latest soccer news; and Palabra del Deporte and Los Mundialistas, featuring in-depth interviews with the biggest names in soccer.
"With passions high on the eve of world soccer's premier event, we wanted to be sure our customers had access to the maximum amount of information available via our Satellite TV PARA TODOS service and our Web site," said Aaron McNally, vice president, Satellite TV International. "Our Satellite TV PARA TODOS customers will have more coverage from their point of view, in their language, no matter what their country of origin. Satellite TV PARA TODOS customers will also be able to watch the news and analysis of the day's soccer events from the No. 1-rated station in their home country."
Satellite TV will also provide all games broadcast live in Spanish on Univision (channel 402/403 and local channel affiliates where available) and local Telefutura channels where available. Same day rebroadcast of all games on TeleFutura (where available) at 8 p.m. ET and Galavision (channel 404) at 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. ET.
All games will be broadcast live in English on ESPN (channel 206), ESPN 2 (channel 209) or the local ABC affiliate (where available). All tournament matches will be simulcast in high-definition for the first time ever on ABC HD, ESPN HD and ESPN 2 HD. Fifty-six games will be broadcast live in German on Setanta Sports, which is available for $11.99 monthly on channel 615.
Satellite TV PARA TODOS offers the widest array of Spanish- and English-language programming available, at affordable prices. The service provides access to more than 55 Spanish-language channels(a) including sports, movies, music, news and educational networks and 250 English-language channels of Satellite TV programming, featuring the largest selection of pay per view choices and sports programming available.
(a) Includes English-language broadcast channels with alternate Spanish audio.
To make the switch to Satellite TV, Call Expert Satellite, Satellite TV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221
SOURCE: Satellite TV
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
DIRECTV Shows America ``What's Hot!''
DIRECTV First Programming Provider to Offer New Service to its Customers
DIRECTV, the nation's leading digital television service provider, launched "What's Hot!" this week, the first-of-its-kind interactive application that allows viewers to instantly access a list of the top ten most popular programs on DIRECTV in real time, any time of day or night. "What's Hot!" is available, starting today, on DIRECTV News Mix (Channel 102) and DIRECTV Sports Mix (Channel 104).
With the new service, DIRECTV customers will have a fun and entertaining way to access a list of the most popular programming in their area, whether it be sports, news, movies, local channels or national programming. The instant results are aggregated from a universe of fellow DIRECTV customers, who are more than 15.4 million strong and counting.
"Never again will DIRECTV viewers miss the most-talked-about shows because they will always know what they are thanks to `What's Hot!,'" said Eric Shanks, executive vice president, DIRECTV Entertainment. "No other satellite or cable provider delivers this unique service, so we're proud to be the first to offer this exclusive access to our customers."
In addition to providing a tool for viewers to see "What's Hot!," the anonymous information will also be used by DIRECTV to determine which services are most popular to its customers to help make programming choices in the future.
“To make the switch to DIRECTV, call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221.”
SOURCE: DIRECTV
DIRECTV, the nation's leading digital television service provider, launched "What's Hot!" this week, the first-of-its-kind interactive application that allows viewers to instantly access a list of the top ten most popular programs on DIRECTV in real time, any time of day or night. "What's Hot!" is available, starting today, on DIRECTV News Mix (Channel 102) and DIRECTV Sports Mix (Channel 104).
With the new service, DIRECTV customers will have a fun and entertaining way to access a list of the most popular programming in their area, whether it be sports, news, movies, local channels or national programming. The instant results are aggregated from a universe of fellow DIRECTV customers, who are more than 15.4 million strong and counting.
"Never again will DIRECTV viewers miss the most-talked-about shows because they will always know what they are thanks to `What's Hot!,'" said Eric Shanks, executive vice president, DIRECTV Entertainment. "No other satellite or cable provider delivers this unique service, so we're proud to be the first to offer this exclusive access to our customers."
In addition to providing a tool for viewers to see "What's Hot!," the anonymous information will also be used by DIRECTV to determine which services are most popular to its customers to help make programming choices in the future.
“To make the switch to DIRECTV, call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221.”
SOURCE: DIRECTV
DIRECTV Activates HD Local Channel Service in the Indianapolis
WHAT: DIRECTV, the nation's leading digital television service provider, announced today that it has begun offering local HD channels via satellite to customers in the Indianapolis DMA. The following local TV channels are available: WRTV/ABC and WXIN/FOX.
DIRECTV is in discussions with the owners of the NBC and CBS affiliates and hopes to add these stations to the DIRECTV lineup in the near future.
DIRECTV's roll-out of local HD channels in Indianapolis is part of a nationwide expansion of HD programming that will culminate in 2007, when DIRECTV will have the ability to deliver more than 1,500 local HD channels and more than 150 national HD channels, establishing DIRECTV as a leading provider of HD programming. DIRECTV customers today have access to more than 900 hours of HD programming each week, as well as hundreds of hours of special event, movie and sports coverage.
DIRECTV offers local HD broadcast channels in 26 cities with plans to launch in an additional 24 cities later this year, offering access to DIRECTV-delivered local HD channels in more than 65 percent of U.S. television households.
WHEN: Beginning today, Wednesday, May 31, 2006
HOW: Customers who subscribe to a programming package that includes local channels receive both the standard and HD signals at no extra monthly charge. Indianapolis customers can receive local HD channels by purchasing a new H20 HD receiver and satellite dish. Existing HD customers can upgrade their HD receiver and dish for $99 per receiver. New residential customers can take advantage of a $100 Advanced Product Rebate through July 1, 2006.
Eligibility for local channels is based on service address within certain designated market areas as defined by Nielsen Media Research, Inc.
“You simply cannot find a better way to begin enjoying HDTV. Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer at 800-431-1221 to make the switch to DIRECTV.”
SOURCE: DIRECTV
DIRECTV is in discussions with the owners of the NBC and CBS affiliates and hopes to add these stations to the DIRECTV lineup in the near future.
DIRECTV's roll-out of local HD channels in Indianapolis is part of a nationwide expansion of HD programming that will culminate in 2007, when DIRECTV will have the ability to deliver more than 1,500 local HD channels and more than 150 national HD channels, establishing DIRECTV as a leading provider of HD programming. DIRECTV customers today have access to more than 900 hours of HD programming each week, as well as hundreds of hours of special event, movie and sports coverage.
DIRECTV offers local HD broadcast channels in 26 cities with plans to launch in an additional 24 cities later this year, offering access to DIRECTV-delivered local HD channels in more than 65 percent of U.S. television households.
WHEN: Beginning today, Wednesday, May 31, 2006
HOW: Customers who subscribe to a programming package that includes local channels receive both the standard and HD signals at no extra monthly charge. Indianapolis customers can receive local HD channels by purchasing a new H20 HD receiver and satellite dish. Existing HD customers can upgrade their HD receiver and dish for $99 per receiver. New residential customers can take advantage of a $100 Advanced Product Rebate through July 1, 2006.
Eligibility for local channels is based on service address within certain designated market areas as defined by Nielsen Media Research, Inc.
“You simply cannot find a better way to begin enjoying HDTV. Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer at 800-431-1221 to make the switch to DIRECTV.”
SOURCE: DIRECTV
DIRECTV Activates HD Local Channel Service In the Seattle DMA
WHAT: DIRECTV the nation's leading digital television service provider, announced today that it has begun offering local HD channels via satellite to customers in the Seattle DMA. The following local TV channels are available: KING/NBC and KIRO/CBS. DIRECTV is in discussions with the owners of the ABC and FOX affiliates and hopes to add these stations to the DIRECTV lineup in the near future.
DIRECTV's roll out of local HD channels in Seattle is part of a nationwide expansion of HD programming that will culminate in 2007, when DIRECTV will have the ability to deliver more than 1,500 local HD channels and more than 150 national HD channels, establishing DIRECTV as a leading provider of HD programming. DIRECTV customers today have access to more than 900 hours of HD programming each week, as well as hundreds of hours of special event, movie and sports coverage.
DIRECTV offers local HD broadcast channels in 26 cities with plans to launch in an additional 24 cities later this year, offering access to DIRECTV-delivered local HD channels in more than 65 percent of U.S. television households.
WHEN: Beginning today, Wednesday, May 31, 2006
HOW: Customers who subscribe to a programming package that includes local channels receive both the standard and HD signals at no extra monthly charge. Seattle customers can receive local HD channels by purchasing a new H20 HD receiver and satellite dish. Existing HD customers can upgrade their HD receiver and dish for $99 per receiver. New residential customers can take advantage of a $100 Advanced Product Rebate through July 1, 2006.
“You simply cannot find a better way to begin enjoying HDTV. Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221 to make the switch to DIRECTV.”
SOURCE: DIRECTV
DIRECTV's roll out of local HD channels in Seattle is part of a nationwide expansion of HD programming that will culminate in 2007, when DIRECTV will have the ability to deliver more than 1,500 local HD channels and more than 150 national HD channels, establishing DIRECTV as a leading provider of HD programming. DIRECTV customers today have access to more than 900 hours of HD programming each week, as well as hundreds of hours of special event, movie and sports coverage.
DIRECTV offers local HD broadcast channels in 26 cities with plans to launch in an additional 24 cities later this year, offering access to DIRECTV-delivered local HD channels in more than 65 percent of U.S. television households.
WHEN: Beginning today, Wednesday, May 31, 2006
HOW: Customers who subscribe to a programming package that includes local channels receive both the standard and HD signals at no extra monthly charge. Seattle customers can receive local HD channels by purchasing a new H20 HD receiver and satellite dish. Existing HD customers can upgrade their HD receiver and dish for $99 per receiver. New residential customers can take advantage of a $100 Advanced Product Rebate through July 1, 2006.
“You simply cannot find a better way to begin enjoying HDTV. Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221 to make the switch to DIRECTV.”
SOURCE: DIRECTV
DIRECTV to Broadcast the Cricket World for the First Time Ever
Extending its lead as the nation's premier provider of international cricket programming, DIRECTV (NYSE:DTV) has reached an agreement with Global Cricket Corporation (GCC) to broadcast two International Cricket Council (ICC) events -- the ICC Champions Trophy, to be held in India in October 2006, and the ICC Cricket World Cup, to be played in the West Indies in March 2007.
"These are the most prestigious cricket events in the world, and we are proud to offer them to DIRECTV customers for the first time ever," said Aaron McNally, vice president, International, DIRECTV, Inc. "With these ICC events, and with exclusive rights to six of the ten test-playing ICC members as part of our CricketTicket(TM) package, we are cementing our position as the leading distributor of televised cricket content in the United States."
Pricing and packaging for the two events will be announced at a later date.
"Our agreement with DIRECTV is great news for cricket in the United States of America and for the ICC," said ICC President Ehsan Mani. "DIRECTV's coverage means people who might not ordinarily be exposed to cricket will get the chance to watch it. And we hope the opportunity to see the world's best players in the world's best tournament, the ICC Cricket World Cup, will lead to a significant increase in the number of people interested in the game in the United States, a country which has tremendous potential for growth in cricketing terms."
"We are extremely grateful to DIRECTV for their support and look forward to a mutually beneficial partnership with them," added Mr. Mani.
Ian Frykberg, managing director of GCC, said, "Global Cricket Corporation looks forward to working with DIRECTV at the ICC Champions Trophy 2006 later this year and at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 next year."
Television rights to the two ICC events have been acquired by DIRECTV on a non-exclusive basis. DIRECTV's acquisition of international cricket rights has been part of an effort to expand its programming services for the diverse ethnic population within the United States. Cricket is extraordinarily popular among populations from South Asia, West Indies and many other parts of the world. Since late 2004, DIRECTV has been offering customers access to cricket matches via the DIRECTV CricketTicket(TM) package, the first-ever, year-long subscription TV package for international cricket.
All other international programming is being offered through DIRECTV's WorldDirect(TM) platform, which features 39 channels that deliver a wide variety of new programming in multiple foreign languages, including Russian, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Gujarati, Bengali, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Korean, Italian and Ukrainian, to underserved ethnic markets throughout the United States.
DIRECTV customers will need to use a WorldDirect services satellite dish that is capable of receiving both international and English-language programming. In some markets, customers who subscribe to a Local Channels Package will require a second smaller dish.
“To make the switch to DIRECTV, Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221.”
SOURCE: DIRECTV
"These are the most prestigious cricket events in the world, and we are proud to offer them to DIRECTV customers for the first time ever," said Aaron McNally, vice president, International, DIRECTV, Inc. "With these ICC events, and with exclusive rights to six of the ten test-playing ICC members as part of our CricketTicket(TM) package, we are cementing our position as the leading distributor of televised cricket content in the United States."
Pricing and packaging for the two events will be announced at a later date.
"Our agreement with DIRECTV is great news for cricket in the United States of America and for the ICC," said ICC President Ehsan Mani. "DIRECTV's coverage means people who might not ordinarily be exposed to cricket will get the chance to watch it. And we hope the opportunity to see the world's best players in the world's best tournament, the ICC Cricket World Cup, will lead to a significant increase in the number of people interested in the game in the United States, a country which has tremendous potential for growth in cricketing terms."
"We are extremely grateful to DIRECTV for their support and look forward to a mutually beneficial partnership with them," added Mr. Mani.
Ian Frykberg, managing director of GCC, said, "Global Cricket Corporation looks forward to working with DIRECTV at the ICC Champions Trophy 2006 later this year and at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 next year."
Television rights to the two ICC events have been acquired by DIRECTV on a non-exclusive basis. DIRECTV's acquisition of international cricket rights has been part of an effort to expand its programming services for the diverse ethnic population within the United States. Cricket is extraordinarily popular among populations from South Asia, West Indies and many other parts of the world. Since late 2004, DIRECTV has been offering customers access to cricket matches via the DIRECTV CricketTicket(TM) package, the first-ever, year-long subscription TV package for international cricket.
All other international programming is being offered through DIRECTV's WorldDirect(TM) platform, which features 39 channels that deliver a wide variety of new programming in multiple foreign languages, including Russian, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Gujarati, Bengali, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Korean, Italian and Ukrainian, to underserved ethnic markets throughout the United States.
DIRECTV customers will need to use a WorldDirect services satellite dish that is capable of receiving both international and English-language programming. In some markets, customers who subscribe to a Local Channels Package will require a second smaller dish.
“To make the switch to DIRECTV, Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221.”
SOURCE: DIRECTV
DIRECTV Activates Four New HD Local Markets
WHAT: DIRECTV, Inc., the nation's leading digital television service provider, announced today that it has begun offering Local HD Channels via satellite to customers in four new markets: Milwaukee, Phoenix, Salt Lake and St. Louis.
DIRECTV's roll out of local HD channels is part of a nationwide expansion of HD programming that will culminate in 2007, when DIRECTV will have the ability to deliver more than 1,500 local HD channels and more than 150 national HD channels, establishing DIRECTV as a leading provider of HD programming
DIRECTV customers today have access to more than 900 hours of HD programming each week, as well as hundreds of hours of special event, movie and sports coverage.
DIRECTV offers local HD broadcast channels in 24 cities with plans to launch in an additional 26 cities later this year, offering access to DIRECTV-delivered local HD channels in more than 65 percent of U.S. television households.
WHEN: Beginning Wednesday, May 17, 2006
HOW: Customers who subscribe to a programming package that includes local channels receive both the standard and HD signals at no extra monthly charge. Customers in each of the four markets can receive local HD channels by purchasing a new H20 HD receiver and satellite dish. Existing HD customers can upgrade their HD receiver and dish for $99 per receiver. New residential customers can take advantage of a $100 Advanced Product Rebate through July 1, 2006. Receiving equipment is available at major consumer electronics retailers like Best Buy or Circuit City, and through DIRECTV.
Eligibility for local channels is based on service address within certain designated market areas as defined by Nielsen Media Research, Inc.
“To make the switch to DIRECTV, Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221.”
SOURCE: DIRECTV
DIRECTV's roll out of local HD channels is part of a nationwide expansion of HD programming that will culminate in 2007, when DIRECTV will have the ability to deliver more than 1,500 local HD channels and more than 150 national HD channels, establishing DIRECTV as a leading provider of HD programming
DIRECTV customers today have access to more than 900 hours of HD programming each week, as well as hundreds of hours of special event, movie and sports coverage.
DIRECTV offers local HD broadcast channels in 24 cities with plans to launch in an additional 26 cities later this year, offering access to DIRECTV-delivered local HD channels in more than 65 percent of U.S. television households.
WHEN: Beginning Wednesday, May 17, 2006
HOW: Customers who subscribe to a programming package that includes local channels receive both the standard and HD signals at no extra monthly charge. Customers in each of the four markets can receive local HD channels by purchasing a new H20 HD receiver and satellite dish. Existing HD customers can upgrade their HD receiver and dish for $99 per receiver. New residential customers can take advantage of a $100 Advanced Product Rebate through July 1, 2006. Receiving equipment is available at major consumer electronics retailers like Best Buy or Circuit City, and through DIRECTV.
Eligibility for local channels is based on service address within certain designated market areas as defined by Nielsen Media Research, Inc.
“To make the switch to DIRECTV, Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221.”
SOURCE: DIRECTV
DIRECTV Receives Highest Score in American Customer Satisfaction Index
DIRECTV, the nation's leading digital television service, received the highest score for customer satisfaction among satellite and cable TV companies rated by the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI). Of the satellite and cable TV companies included in the ACSI survey, DIRECTV posted a significantly higher index score (71) than any other cable or satellite company.
DIRECTV also had one of the highest scores in the overall communications sector, which includes phone and wireless providers.
The score reflects customers' overall satisfaction with the service. Customers surveyed by the ACSI in the first quarter of 2006 were asked about such issues as perceived quality, perceived value and their expectations prior to subscribing to the service. The ACSI also measures customer loyalty and retention.
"DIRECTV's top score for overall customer satisfaction in this year's ACSI survey demonstrates a continuing commitment by all DIRECTV employees to provide our 15.4 million customers with the best television entertainment experience, backed by strong service," said John Suranyi, president, DIRECTV Sales and Service. "While we scored considerably higher than our competitors and pulled up the industry average from last year, we will continue improving our service until we reach 100 percent customer satisfaction."
The ACSI is produced by the Stephen M. Ross Business School at the University of Michigan, in partnership with the American Society for Quality (ASQ) and the international consulting firm, CFI Group.
“To make the switch to DIRECTV, Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221.”
SOURCE: DIRECTV
DIRECTV also had one of the highest scores in the overall communications sector, which includes phone and wireless providers.
The score reflects customers' overall satisfaction with the service. Customers surveyed by the ACSI in the first quarter of 2006 were asked about such issues as perceived quality, perceived value and their expectations prior to subscribing to the service. The ACSI also measures customer loyalty and retention.
"DIRECTV's top score for overall customer satisfaction in this year's ACSI survey demonstrates a continuing commitment by all DIRECTV employees to provide our 15.4 million customers with the best television entertainment experience, backed by strong service," said John Suranyi, president, DIRECTV Sales and Service. "While we scored considerably higher than our competitors and pulled up the industry average from last year, we will continue improving our service until we reach 100 percent customer satisfaction."
The ACSI is produced by the Stephen M. Ross Business School at the University of Michigan, in partnership with the American Society for Quality (ASQ) and the international consulting firm, CFI Group.
“To make the switch to DIRECTV, Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221.”
SOURCE: DIRECTV
DIRECTV and BabyFirstTV Launch First-of-its-Kind Channel Dedicated to Babies and Toddlers
DIRECTV Inc., the nation's leading digital television service provider, will be the first to offer the new BabyFirstTV (www.BabyFirstTV.com) channel to its customers today. BabyFirstTV is a new premium channel in the United States dedicated to providing rich, positive content for babies, toddlers and their parents. The channel is created by leading experts in child development and education, and provides interactive opportunities for parents and baby to bond, learn and explore together. BabyFirstTV gives parents an incredible value with access to hundreds of hours of new and different programming for less than the price of a single baby-branded DVD. As part of BabyFirstTV's national rollout, DIRECTV will offer subscribers free access to the programming for the month of May in celebration of Mother's Day (a $9.99 value).
Supported by top child development experts, BabyFirstTV specifically is tailored to meet the needs of babies up to three years of age in a safe and inspiring commercial-free learning environment. The channel transforms traditional TV into a developmental interactive tool that relies on television as a means to deliver high-quality programming and an engaging experience for both parents and baby. Featuring 80 percent original content, BabyFirstTV offers parents a positive way to bond with baby and help foster learning and development.
"BabyFirstTV offers unique, interactive features and content that makes it different than any other children's programming or DVDs in the market today," said Sharon Rechter, executive vice president, Business Development and Marketing and one of BabyFirstTV's founders. "We created BabyFirstTV to provide parents with affordable and age-appropriate content -- offering new opportunities to interact with their children. The channel offers a positive, educational and engaging experience for babies during their early stages of learning, while providing high quality content when and where parents want it."
"We have seen a strong demand for high-quality programming for babies and their parents that is safe and suitable for young viewers, and content that can help them bond and interact together," said Dan Fawcett, executive vice president, DIRECTV. "DIRECTV is excited to give free subscriptions to BabyFirstTV for the month of May to express our gratitude to all the inspiring parents who are looking for new, innovative ways to bond and learn with their children."
BabyFirstTV Programming Features
BabyFirstTV offers the following programming elements to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for both parents and their children:
-- Original and Award-winning Content: BabyFirstTV features 80 percent original content customized for infants and toddlers from six months to three years old -- including more than 38 original programs such as "Rainbow Horse," "Sandman" and "I Can Sign." The channel also offers parents the popular and award-winning baby DVD brands, including Brainy Baby(TM), First Impressions(TM), So Smart(TM) and Baby Songs(TM). BabyFirstTV has an agreement with Sterling Publishing (owned by Barnes and Noble) to incorporate many children's books into their "Story Time" program.
-- Interactive Parents' Subtitles: The channel offers subtitles for parents to guide them on words and movements to use with baby during the programs -- making the experience as interactive and engaging as reading a book.
-- Color-coded Programming Guide: BabyFirstTV helps inform parents about the educational value of each segment with its unique color-coded system. The BabyFirstTV flower logo changes colors according to the specific program content. For example, blue for Numbers Parade, red for Language Playground, etc.
-- Multi-layer Content: BabyFirstTV content is adaptable to the different levels of a baby's development. Each show offers elements that can appeal to younger babies and older toddlers simultaneously, so children at various levels and age groups can focus on something different within the same program.
-- Flexible Programming: BabyFirstTV features programming, as well as video-on-demand (VOD) capabilities to offer parents access to content when and where they want it. The channel also offers content for different times of the day -- daytime programs engage and delight baby, while evening content helps soothe the baby to prepare for sleep.
-- Best Value for Money: BabyFirstTV provides hundreds of hours of high-quality programming for a fraction of the price of existing baby-DVDs. The channel's monthly fee ($9.99) is lower than the price of a single baby-DVD.
-- Programming Just for Parents (Coming Soon): By Summer 2006, BabyFirstTV will offer one hour of daily programming (extended to two hours in 2007) geared only to parents, offering tips and advice, including proper nutrition, safety, etc.
Parent and Child Co-Viewing Experience
Many babies watch television on a daily basis; in fact, 68 percent of children under two watch on-screen media every day(a). Understanding that television is a part of today's environment, BabyFirstTV provides parents with the tools to transform television into an active learning and interaction opportunity with their child. The programming features interactive subtitles and a unique color-coded system that helps inform parents about the specific value of each segment -- as the flower logo changes color, parents can identify the educational focus of the program. Starting today, parents can download a Parents' Guide on the BabyFirstTV Web site to access tips and guidance for their children's television viewing and ultimately take an active role in their overall development.
BabyFirstTV's content is supervised and supported by a worldwide Advisory Board that provides academic supervision as a key to ensuring programming quality. The board is comprised of leading child psychologists and development experts, including: Dr. Edward McCabe, M.D., Ph.D, professor and executive chair of the UCLA Dept. of Pediatrics, and physician-in-chief of the Mattel Children's Hospital at UCLA; Dr. Arthur Pober, BabyFirstTV chief educational officer; Dr. Richard Woolfson, author and child psychologist; Dr. Mary Ann LoFrumento, author, pediatrician and parenting expert; Dr. Lynne Kenney Markan, child psychologist and parenting expert; and Reveta Bowers, administrator and head of school at The Center for Early Education. The Board provides their "stamp of approval" on all BabyFirstTV programs and ensures that they offer a safe, positive learning environment with no commercials, no violence and no over-sensory stimulants.
"We're trying to redefine the way traditional television is perceived -- it's more than a box in your living room," said Dr. Edward McCabe, M.D., Ph.D, physician-in-chief, Mattel Children's Hospital at UCLA and BabyFirstTV Advisory Board member. "When used responsibly, television can be a powerful interactive medium that provides parents with unique opportunities to bond with their children. The key is the quality and interactive nature of the content, and this is what BabyFirstTV offers to parents."
Availability
BabyFirstTV is available today for the first time on DIRECTV for $9.99 a month. In celebration of Mother's Day, DIRECTV is offering subscribers free access to the channel throughout the month of May.
“To make the switch to DIRECTV, Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221.”
SOURCE: DIRECTV
Supported by top child development experts, BabyFirstTV specifically is tailored to meet the needs of babies up to three years of age in a safe and inspiring commercial-free learning environment. The channel transforms traditional TV into a developmental interactive tool that relies on television as a means to deliver high-quality programming and an engaging experience for both parents and baby. Featuring 80 percent original content, BabyFirstTV offers parents a positive way to bond with baby and help foster learning and development.
"BabyFirstTV offers unique, interactive features and content that makes it different than any other children's programming or DVDs in the market today," said Sharon Rechter, executive vice president, Business Development and Marketing and one of BabyFirstTV's founders. "We created BabyFirstTV to provide parents with affordable and age-appropriate content -- offering new opportunities to interact with their children. The channel offers a positive, educational and engaging experience for babies during their early stages of learning, while providing high quality content when and where parents want it."
"We have seen a strong demand for high-quality programming for babies and their parents that is safe and suitable for young viewers, and content that can help them bond and interact together," said Dan Fawcett, executive vice president, DIRECTV. "DIRECTV is excited to give free subscriptions to BabyFirstTV for the month of May to express our gratitude to all the inspiring parents who are looking for new, innovative ways to bond and learn with their children."
BabyFirstTV Programming Features
BabyFirstTV offers the following programming elements to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for both parents and their children:
-- Original and Award-winning Content: BabyFirstTV features 80 percent original content customized for infants and toddlers from six months to three years old -- including more than 38 original programs such as "Rainbow Horse," "Sandman" and "I Can Sign." The channel also offers parents the popular and award-winning baby DVD brands, including Brainy Baby(TM), First Impressions(TM), So Smart(TM) and Baby Songs(TM). BabyFirstTV has an agreement with Sterling Publishing (owned by Barnes and Noble) to incorporate many children's books into their "Story Time" program.
-- Interactive Parents' Subtitles: The channel offers subtitles for parents to guide them on words and movements to use with baby during the programs -- making the experience as interactive and engaging as reading a book.
-- Color-coded Programming Guide: BabyFirstTV helps inform parents about the educational value of each segment with its unique color-coded system. The BabyFirstTV flower logo changes colors according to the specific program content. For example, blue for Numbers Parade, red for Language Playground, etc.
-- Multi-layer Content: BabyFirstTV content is adaptable to the different levels of a baby's development. Each show offers elements that can appeal to younger babies and older toddlers simultaneously, so children at various levels and age groups can focus on something different within the same program.
-- Flexible Programming: BabyFirstTV features programming, as well as video-on-demand (VOD) capabilities to offer parents access to content when and where they want it. The channel also offers content for different times of the day -- daytime programs engage and delight baby, while evening content helps soothe the baby to prepare for sleep.
-- Best Value for Money: BabyFirstTV provides hundreds of hours of high-quality programming for a fraction of the price of existing baby-DVDs. The channel's monthly fee ($9.99) is lower than the price of a single baby-DVD.
-- Programming Just for Parents (Coming Soon): By Summer 2006, BabyFirstTV will offer one hour of daily programming (extended to two hours in 2007) geared only to parents, offering tips and advice, including proper nutrition, safety, etc.
Parent and Child Co-Viewing Experience
Many babies watch television on a daily basis; in fact, 68 percent of children under two watch on-screen media every day(a). Understanding that television is a part of today's environment, BabyFirstTV provides parents with the tools to transform television into an active learning and interaction opportunity with their child. The programming features interactive subtitles and a unique color-coded system that helps inform parents about the specific value of each segment -- as the flower logo changes color, parents can identify the educational focus of the program. Starting today, parents can download a Parents' Guide on the BabyFirstTV Web site to access tips and guidance for their children's television viewing and ultimately take an active role in their overall development.
BabyFirstTV's content is supervised and supported by a worldwide Advisory Board that provides academic supervision as a key to ensuring programming quality. The board is comprised of leading child psychologists and development experts, including: Dr. Edward McCabe, M.D., Ph.D, professor and executive chair of the UCLA Dept. of Pediatrics, and physician-in-chief of the Mattel Children's Hospital at UCLA; Dr. Arthur Pober, BabyFirstTV chief educational officer; Dr. Richard Woolfson, author and child psychologist; Dr. Mary Ann LoFrumento, author, pediatrician and parenting expert; Dr. Lynne Kenney Markan, child psychologist and parenting expert; and Reveta Bowers, administrator and head of school at The Center for Early Education. The Board provides their "stamp of approval" on all BabyFirstTV programs and ensures that they offer a safe, positive learning environment with no commercials, no violence and no over-sensory stimulants.
"We're trying to redefine the way traditional television is perceived -- it's more than a box in your living room," said Dr. Edward McCabe, M.D., Ph.D, physician-in-chief, Mattel Children's Hospital at UCLA and BabyFirstTV Advisory Board member. "When used responsibly, television can be a powerful interactive medium that provides parents with unique opportunities to bond with their children. The key is the quality and interactive nature of the content, and this is what BabyFirstTV offers to parents."
Availability
BabyFirstTV is available today for the first time on DIRECTV for $9.99 a month. In celebration of Mother's Day, DIRECTV is offering subscribers free access to the channel throughout the month of May.
“To make the switch to DIRECTV, Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221.”
SOURCE: DIRECTV
DIRECTV, IGN Entertainment & Key Partners to Create New Video Gaming Professional Sports League
Microsoft's Xbox, Mountain Dew, Fox and Best Buy Round-out New Consortium to Launch the Championship Gaming Series in 2007; Three Gaming Tournaments to Be Broadcast Exclusively on DIRECTV in 2006
Today, professional gaming took a giant leap forward. DIRECTV, Inc., the nation's leading digital service provider, and key partners are taking the professional gaming industry to the next level with the creation of a new video gaming professional sports league that will be the standard for the industry and redefine the consumer gaming experience.
Beginning in 2007, DIRECTV, in conjunction with IGN Entertainment, Microsoft's Xbox, Mountain Dew, Fox Interactive Media (FIM) and Best Buy, will launch The Championship Gaming Series (CGS), a new, professional video gaming league that will rollout televised league play using new technology that takes viewers inside the actual game competitions. The CGS concept is unique to the industry because it consists of an on-going series of competitions as opposed to the scattered gaming events that are currently available today. Throughout the season, teams across the country will battle each other for the coveted "Dew Cup." Details about the Dew Cup will be unveiled by DIRECTV and Mountain Dew later this year, along with information about the unprecedented prize money that will be up for grabs in CGS tournaments.
Through broadcast and online media, the CGS will be available to the gaming community 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year round. The CGS will leverage IGN Entertainment's media assets, online video game tournament technology, as well as IGN's close relationship with their more than 35 million gamers per month.
The CGS consortium will be led by DIRECTV President of Entertainment, David Hill, well-known for his broadcasting innovations at Fox Sports. The new group will also provide support for the development of the first of three DIRECTV gaming tournaments to be broadcast in July 2006, to DIRECTV's more than 15 million customers nationwide.
"Today, we are making a commitment to the world of E-Sports that will bring the phenomenon of competitive gaming to a critical mass," said Hill. "After researching the current state of E-Sports and identifying a great need for unity throughout the industry, we have gathered together an elite group of consumer, technology and media companies to create and televise the best gaming experience available in the country."
Hill and his team, including Eric Shanks, executive vice president, DIRECTV Entertainment, and Steven Roberts, vice president and general manager, DIRECTV Entertainment, will oversee the development of the CGS tournament that will place virtual cameras within the video games themselves and allow DIRECTV customers to experience video games in much the same manner as other professional sports. CGS tournaments will be broadcast nationwide exclusively on DIRECTV.
"This league will be unrivaled," added Dale Strang, executive vice president and general manager of IGN Entertainment. "In short, the CGS will treat its players in the same manner as traditional sports: huge prize money, instant payouts and massive media coverage using traditional and new media."
The three tournaments this year are considered a warm-up for the start of CGS league play in 2007, will also be covered on IGN's web site, which will offer 24/7 exposure of the events. The first tournament will take place on July 21, 2006.
“To make the switch to DIRECTV, Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221.”
SOURCE: DIRECTV
Today, professional gaming took a giant leap forward. DIRECTV, Inc., the nation's leading digital service provider, and key partners are taking the professional gaming industry to the next level with the creation of a new video gaming professional sports league that will be the standard for the industry and redefine the consumer gaming experience.
Beginning in 2007, DIRECTV, in conjunction with IGN Entertainment, Microsoft's Xbox, Mountain Dew, Fox Interactive Media (FIM) and Best Buy, will launch The Championship Gaming Series (CGS), a new, professional video gaming league that will rollout televised league play using new technology that takes viewers inside the actual game competitions. The CGS concept is unique to the industry because it consists of an on-going series of competitions as opposed to the scattered gaming events that are currently available today. Throughout the season, teams across the country will battle each other for the coveted "Dew Cup." Details about the Dew Cup will be unveiled by DIRECTV and Mountain Dew later this year, along with information about the unprecedented prize money that will be up for grabs in CGS tournaments.
Through broadcast and online media, the CGS will be available to the gaming community 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year round. The CGS will leverage IGN Entertainment's media assets, online video game tournament technology, as well as IGN's close relationship with their more than 35 million gamers per month.
The CGS consortium will be led by DIRECTV President of Entertainment, David Hill, well-known for his broadcasting innovations at Fox Sports. The new group will also provide support for the development of the first of three DIRECTV gaming tournaments to be broadcast in July 2006, to DIRECTV's more than 15 million customers nationwide.
"Today, we are making a commitment to the world of E-Sports that will bring the phenomenon of competitive gaming to a critical mass," said Hill. "After researching the current state of E-Sports and identifying a great need for unity throughout the industry, we have gathered together an elite group of consumer, technology and media companies to create and televise the best gaming experience available in the country."
Hill and his team, including Eric Shanks, executive vice president, DIRECTV Entertainment, and Steven Roberts, vice president and general manager, DIRECTV Entertainment, will oversee the development of the CGS tournament that will place virtual cameras within the video games themselves and allow DIRECTV customers to experience video games in much the same manner as other professional sports. CGS tournaments will be broadcast nationwide exclusively on DIRECTV.
"This league will be unrivaled," added Dale Strang, executive vice president and general manager of IGN Entertainment. "In short, the CGS will treat its players in the same manner as traditional sports: huge prize money, instant payouts and massive media coverage using traditional and new media."
The three tournaments this year are considered a warm-up for the start of CGS league play in 2007, will also be covered on IGN's web site, which will offer 24/7 exposure of the events. The first tournament will take place on July 21, 2006.
“To make the switch to DIRECTV, Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221.”
SOURCE: DIRECTV
DIRECTV Continues to Expand Local HD Programming
Names 14 New HD Markets; Local HD to be Available to Customers in 50 Markets, Representing More Than 65 Percent of U.S. Television Homes
Continuing its drive to lead the industry in the delivery of HDTV to consumers, DIRECTV named 14 more markets where it will offer local HD programming later this year. When the markets are added, DIRECTV will offer local HD programming in 50 major metropolitan areas, representing more than 65 percent of U.S. TV households. The rollout is scheduled to begin in the third 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 packagethat offers local channels. There is no additional charge for local HD programming.
The 14 local markets to receive HD programming from DIRECTV include:
-- Cincinnati -- Madison, Wis.
-- Austin, Texas -- Memphis, Tenn.
-- Albuquerque, N.M. -- Portland, Maine
-- Grand Rapids, Mich. -- Portland, Ore.
-- Green Bay, Wis. -- Providence, R.I.
-- Greensboro, N.C. -- Reno, Nev.
-- Las Vegas -- San Antonio
"With the rollout of each new HD market, DIRECTV continues to affirm its commitment to hold the competitive high ground in HD programming," said Dan Fawcett, executive vice president, DIRECTV, Inc. "Our local HD expansion will continue through next year when we expect to offer access to the crystal-clear picture and sound of local HD programming to nearly every household in the nation."
DIRECTV currently offers standard-definition local channels in 142 markets, covering nearly 94 percent of television households in the country, as well as 20 HD local channel markets including: Atlanta, Birmingham, Boston, Chicago, Columbus, Dallas-Fort Worth, Detroit, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Nashville, New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, Tampa and Washington, D.C. By June of this year, DIRECTV will have activated local HD programming in 16 more previously announced markets for a total of 36 markets, representing 58 percent of U.S. TV households.
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.
Customers can receive local HD channels by purchasing the new H20 HD receiver and a satellite dish that has the ability to receive programming from five different orbital locations. DIRECTV is offering new customers who purchase a DIRECTV HD receiver a $100 mail-in rebate. (Limit one rebate per customer.) Receiving equipment is available at major consumer electronics retailers like Best Buy and Circuit City, and through DIRECTV. Existing customers are eligible for a $99 upgrade to the new H20 receiver and dish, plus $99 for each additional HD receiver.
“To make the switch to DIRECTV, Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221.”
SOURCE: DIRECTV
Continuing its drive to lead the industry in the delivery of HDTV to consumers, DIRECTV named 14 more markets where it will offer local HD programming later this year. When the markets are added, DIRECTV will offer local HD programming in 50 major metropolitan areas, representing more than 65 percent of U.S. TV households. The rollout is scheduled to begin in the third 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 packagethat offers local channels. There is no additional charge for local HD programming.
The 14 local markets to receive HD programming from DIRECTV include:
-- Cincinnati -- Madison, Wis.
-- Austin, Texas -- Memphis, Tenn.
-- Albuquerque, N.M. -- Portland, Maine
-- Grand Rapids, Mich. -- Portland, Ore.
-- Green Bay, Wis. -- Providence, R.I.
-- Greensboro, N.C. -- Reno, Nev.
-- Las Vegas -- San Antonio
"With the rollout of each new HD market, DIRECTV continues to affirm its commitment to hold the competitive high ground in HD programming," said Dan Fawcett, executive vice president, DIRECTV, Inc. "Our local HD expansion will continue through next year when we expect to offer access to the crystal-clear picture and sound of local HD programming to nearly every household in the nation."
DIRECTV currently offers standard-definition local channels in 142 markets, covering nearly 94 percent of television households in the country, as well as 20 HD local channel markets including: Atlanta, Birmingham, Boston, Chicago, Columbus, Dallas-Fort Worth, Detroit, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Nashville, New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, Tampa and Washington, D.C. By June of this year, DIRECTV will have activated local HD programming in 16 more previously announced markets for a total of 36 markets, representing 58 percent of U.S. TV households.
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.
Customers can receive local HD channels by purchasing the new H20 HD receiver and a satellite dish that has the ability to receive programming from five different orbital locations. DIRECTV is offering new customers who purchase a DIRECTV HD receiver a $100 mail-in rebate. (Limit one rebate per customer.) Receiving equipment is available at major consumer electronics retailers like Best Buy and Circuit City, and through DIRECTV. Existing customers are eligible for a $99 upgrade to the new H20 receiver and dish, plus $99 for each additional HD receiver.
“To make the switch to DIRECTV, Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221.”
SOURCE: DIRECTV
Fans Speak, DIRECTV Listens
XM's Opie & Anthony Return to DIRECTV Programming Lineup
In response to numerous requests from fans of the "Opie & Anthony" show, a popular program on XM Satellite Radio's High Voltage XL channel, DIRECTV has returned the channel to its XM lineup. DIRECTV had removed the channel last week in an effort to move its XM radio service to a 100 percent commercial-free music format.
High Voltage XL is now available on XM channel 879 for customers who subscribe to the DIRECTV TOTAL CHOICE(R) PLUS or TOTAL CHOICE(R) PREMIER package.
In addition to XM's exclusive Opie & Anthony show, DIRECTV will also broadcast a new three-hour version of the Opie & Anthony show airing on CBS and simulcast uncensored on XM.
"The uproar from fans, pleading with us to put Opie & Anthony back on the air, was deafening to say the least," said Dan Fawcett, executive vice president, Programming Acquisition, DIRECTV, Inc. "And though our original intent was to focus our XM service on more music, we now understand the passionate following that Opie & Anthony have and we're happy to bring them back on board in an expanded format."
DIRECTV began offering 72 channels of XM's quality music, children's, and talk programming in November of last year, nearly doubling its audio programming lineup at no additional cost. Customers subscribing to the DIRECTV TOTAL CHOICE(R) programming package have access to 50 XM Satellite Radio's music channels and customers subscribing to the DIRECTV TOTAL CHOICE(R) Plus programming package and above will have access to more than 68 channels. DIRECTV PARA TODOS(R) customers will also have access to the same XM channels, as well as five additional Latin music channels.
With the addition of the CBS simulcast on XM starting Wednesday, April 26, DIRECTV customers will now get five hours of live Opie & Anthony every weekday on High Voltage. The simulcast will air from 6 a.m to 9 a.m. ET and the duo's exclusive XM show will air from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. ET with replays throughout the day. Hosted by Opie (Gregg Hughes) and Anthony Cumia, the show observes and comments on a wide range of topics related to American social and popular culture.
“To make the switch to DIRECTV, Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221.”
SOURCE: DIRECTV
In response to numerous requests from fans of the "Opie & Anthony" show, a popular program on XM Satellite Radio's High Voltage XL channel, DIRECTV has returned the channel to its XM lineup. DIRECTV had removed the channel last week in an effort to move its XM radio service to a 100 percent commercial-free music format.
High Voltage XL is now available on XM channel 879 for customers who subscribe to the DIRECTV TOTAL CHOICE(R) PLUS or TOTAL CHOICE(R) PREMIER package.
In addition to XM's exclusive Opie & Anthony show, DIRECTV will also broadcast a new three-hour version of the Opie & Anthony show airing on CBS and simulcast uncensored on XM.
"The uproar from fans, pleading with us to put Opie & Anthony back on the air, was deafening to say the least," said Dan Fawcett, executive vice president, Programming Acquisition, DIRECTV, Inc. "And though our original intent was to focus our XM service on more music, we now understand the passionate following that Opie & Anthony have and we're happy to bring them back on board in an expanded format."
DIRECTV began offering 72 channels of XM's quality music, children's, and talk programming in November of last year, nearly doubling its audio programming lineup at no additional cost. Customers subscribing to the DIRECTV TOTAL CHOICE(R) programming package have access to 50 XM Satellite Radio's music channels and customers subscribing to the DIRECTV TOTAL CHOICE(R) Plus programming package and above will have access to more than 68 channels. DIRECTV PARA TODOS(R) customers will also have access to the same XM channels, as well as five additional Latin music channels.
With the addition of the CBS simulcast on XM starting Wednesday, April 26, DIRECTV customers will now get five hours of live Opie & Anthony every weekday on High Voltage. The simulcast will air from 6 a.m to 9 a.m. ET and the duo's exclusive XM show will air from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. ET with replays throughout the day. Hosted by Opie (Gregg Hughes) and Anthony Cumia, the show observes and comments on a wide range of topics related to American social and popular culture.
“To make the switch to DIRECTV, Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221.”
SOURCE: DIRECTV
DIRECTV Activates HD Local Channel Service in Eight Additional Markets
WHAT: DIRECTV, Inc., the nation's leading digital television service provider, announced today that it has begun offering local HD channels via satellite to customers in the Minneapolis, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, San Diego, Nashville, Kansas City, Columbus, Ohio and Birmingham DMAs.
DIRECTV's roll out of local HD channels in eight more markets is part of a nationwide expansion of HD programming that will culminate in 2007, when DIRECTV will have the ability to deliver more than 1,500 local HD channels and more than 150 national HD channels, establishing DIRECTV as a leading provider of HD programming. DIRECTV customers today have access to more than 900 hours of HD programming each week, as well as hundreds of hours of special event, movie and sports coverage.
DIRECTV now offers local HD broadcast channels in 20 cities with plans to launch in an additional 16 cities by mid-year, offering access to DIRECTV-delivered local HD channels in more than 58 percent of U.S. television households.
WHEN: Beginning today, Wednesday, April 19, 2006
HOW: Customers who subscribe to a programming package that includes local channels will receive both the standard and HD signals at no extra monthly charge. Customers can receive local HD channels by purchasing a new H20 HD receiver and satellite dish. DIRECTV is offering a $200 mail-in rebate to new and existing non-HD customers who purchase a DIRECTV HD receiver (limit one rebate per customer). Receiving equipment is available at major consumer electronics retailers like Best Buy or Circuit City, and through DIRECTV.
Eligibility for local channels is based on service address within certain designated market areas as defined by Nielsen Media Research, Inc.
“To make the switch to DIRECTV, Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221.”
SOURCE: DIRECTV
DIRECTV's roll out of local HD channels in eight more markets is part of a nationwide expansion of HD programming that will culminate in 2007, when DIRECTV will have the ability to deliver more than 1,500 local HD channels and more than 150 national HD channels, establishing DIRECTV as a leading provider of HD programming. DIRECTV customers today have access to more than 900 hours of HD programming each week, as well as hundreds of hours of special event, movie and sports coverage.
DIRECTV now offers local HD broadcast channels in 20 cities with plans to launch in an additional 16 cities by mid-year, offering access to DIRECTV-delivered local HD channels in more than 58 percent of U.S. television households.
WHEN: Beginning today, Wednesday, April 19, 2006
HOW: Customers who subscribe to a programming package that includes local channels will receive both the standard and HD signals at no extra monthly charge. Customers can receive local HD channels by purchasing a new H20 HD receiver and satellite dish. DIRECTV is offering a $200 mail-in rebate to new and existing non-HD customers who purchase a DIRECTV HD receiver (limit one rebate per customer). Receiving equipment is available at major consumer electronics retailers like Best Buy or Circuit City, and through DIRECTV.
Eligibility for local channels is based on service address within certain designated market areas as defined by Nielsen Media Research, Inc.
“To make the switch to DIRECTV, Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221.”
SOURCE: DIRECTV
DIRECTV Expands International Programming To Include Korean-Language Package
DIRECTV Now Offers Customers the Leading Korean-Language Networks Available in the U.S. - MBC, SBS, YTN and CTS
DIRECTV is continuing to grow its international programming platform, WorldDirect, with the addition of three leading Korean-language networks - MBC, a leading 24-hour Korean network; YTN, the highest-rated 24-hour comprehensive Korean news channel; and Christian Television Systems (CTS), a Korean gospel broadcasting channel. In addition, DIRECTV also offers the Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS), a top-rated Korean network, which launched on the WorldDirect platform last year.
SBS, MBC and YTN will be available as part of the new DIRECTV KoreanDirect package, which is currently available to DIRECTV customers nationwide for $26.99 per month. CTS will be available on an a la carte basis for $4.99 per month. Customers who want to subscribe to CTS must also subscribe to the KoreanDirect package or to any TOTAL CHOICE programming package.
"DIRECTV is offering the Korean community living in the United States not only the best Korean-language programming lineup, but also the leading English-language program offering as well. We are truly a one-stop shop for the best television viewing experience available," said Aaron McNally, vice president, DIRECTV International. "By partnering with the leading networks in Korea, DIRECTV is able to provide a superior programming lineup compared to its competitors, and deliver a programming package that keeps the Korean community informed, entertained and connected to their homeland."
SBS (DIRECTV Channel 2080)
SBS, a top-rated Korean network, has designed its programming to feed the needs of all its viewers by providing content that is both informative and entertaining. The SBS network offers a variety of programming, including news, hit dramas and soaps, celebrity talk shows and sports programming.
MBC (DIRECTV Channel 2081)
MBC is a top-rated, 24-hour Korean network. "M" stands for "Munwha" in Korean, which means "culture" in English. MBC offers programs such as news, sports, cultural programs, variety shows, drama, comedy and documentaries.
YTN (DIRECTV Channel 2082)
YTN is the only 24-hour a day, comprehensive Korean news channel. Started in 1995, it's now a key information provider in Korea. YTN's network, encompassing local branches and 100-plus foreign correspondents bringing news from over 50 major cities around the world, provides Korean-Americans with up-to-the-minute news and events coverage from Korea and around the world.
CTS (DIRECTV Channel 2087)
Founded by the Korean Primary Christian Denomination, CTS is a gospel broadcasting channel serving Christian Koreans in the United States. CTS airs quality Christian programs such as sermons, lectures, documentary, talk shows, entertainment, news, health and praise/worship, with inspirational testimonies of faith that will capture the hearts of viewers around the world.
Customers who want to subscribe the KoreanDirect package must first subscribe to the DIRECTV(R) BASIC ($9.99/mo.) or DIRECTV(R) PREFERRED CHOICE(TM) ($29.99/mo.) international base packages, or to any TOTAL CHOICE(R) ($44.99/mo. or above) or DIRECTV PARA TODOS(R) ($29.99/mo. or above) base package.
The DIRECTV WorldDirect(TM) platform has launched 39 channels that deliver a wide variety of new programming in multiple foreign-languages, including Russian, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Gujarati, Bengali, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Korean, Italian and Ukrainian, to underserved ethnic markets throughout the United States. DIRECTV will continue to expand its international programming platform to reach more ethnic audiences.
DIRECTV customers will need to use a WorldDirect services satellite dish that is capable of receiving both international and English-language programming. In some markets, customers who subscribe to a local channels package will require a second smaller dish.
“To make the switch to DIRECTV, Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221.”
SOURCE: DIRECTV
DIRECTV is continuing to grow its international programming platform, WorldDirect, with the addition of three leading Korean-language networks - MBC, a leading 24-hour Korean network; YTN, the highest-rated 24-hour comprehensive Korean news channel; and Christian Television Systems (CTS), a Korean gospel broadcasting channel. In addition, DIRECTV also offers the Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS), a top-rated Korean network, which launched on the WorldDirect platform last year.
SBS, MBC and YTN will be available as part of the new DIRECTV KoreanDirect package, which is currently available to DIRECTV customers nationwide for $26.99 per month. CTS will be available on an a la carte basis for $4.99 per month. Customers who want to subscribe to CTS must also subscribe to the KoreanDirect package or to any TOTAL CHOICE programming package.
"DIRECTV is offering the Korean community living in the United States not only the best Korean-language programming lineup, but also the leading English-language program offering as well. We are truly a one-stop shop for the best television viewing experience available," said Aaron McNally, vice president, DIRECTV International. "By partnering with the leading networks in Korea, DIRECTV is able to provide a superior programming lineup compared to its competitors, and deliver a programming package that keeps the Korean community informed, entertained and connected to their homeland."
SBS (DIRECTV Channel 2080)
SBS, a top-rated Korean network, has designed its programming to feed the needs of all its viewers by providing content that is both informative and entertaining. The SBS network offers a variety of programming, including news, hit dramas and soaps, celebrity talk shows and sports programming.
MBC (DIRECTV Channel 2081)
MBC is a top-rated, 24-hour Korean network. "M" stands for "Munwha" in Korean, which means "culture" in English. MBC offers programs such as news, sports, cultural programs, variety shows, drama, comedy and documentaries.
YTN (DIRECTV Channel 2082)
YTN is the only 24-hour a day, comprehensive Korean news channel. Started in 1995, it's now a key information provider in Korea. YTN's network, encompassing local branches and 100-plus foreign correspondents bringing news from over 50 major cities around the world, provides Korean-Americans with up-to-the-minute news and events coverage from Korea and around the world.
CTS (DIRECTV Channel 2087)
Founded by the Korean Primary Christian Denomination, CTS is a gospel broadcasting channel serving Christian Koreans in the United States. CTS airs quality Christian programs such as sermons, lectures, documentary, talk shows, entertainment, news, health and praise/worship, with inspirational testimonies of faith that will capture the hearts of viewers around the world.
Customers who want to subscribe the KoreanDirect package must first subscribe to the DIRECTV(R) BASIC ($9.99/mo.) or DIRECTV(R) PREFERRED CHOICE(TM) ($29.99/mo.) international base packages, or to any TOTAL CHOICE(R) ($44.99/mo. or above) or DIRECTV PARA TODOS(R) ($29.99/mo. or above) base package.
The DIRECTV WorldDirect(TM) platform has launched 39 channels that deliver a wide variety of new programming in multiple foreign-languages, including Russian, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Gujarati, Bengali, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Korean, Italian and Ukrainian, to underserved ethnic markets throughout the United States. DIRECTV will continue to expand its international programming platform to reach more ethnic audiences.
DIRECTV customers will need to use a WorldDirect services satellite dish that is capable of receiving both international and English-language programming. In some markets, customers who subscribe to a local channels package will require a second smaller dish.
“To make the switch to DIRECTV, Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221.”
SOURCE: DIRECTV
DIRECTV's CalcioDirect(TM) - America's First Channel Package for International Soccer
New International Soccer Package Will Offer Three Channels with the Best Selection of Italian Soccer and News
DIRECTV is delivering a programming "hat trick" for Italian soccer fans with the launch of CalcioDirect(TM), America's first channel package tailored specifically for soccer fans.
Now providing the widest selection of Italian soccer and news, CalcioDirect offers GolTV, Fox Soccer Channel and SKY TG24, the premier 24x7 Italian news channel, for $19.99/month. The package is part of the DIRECTV WorldDirect(TM) umbrella of international services and is designed for Italian soccer enthusiasts.
"By bundling these channels into one package, we're providing Italian soccer fans with the best selection of Italian soccer at an exceptional value," said Aaron McNally, vice president, DIRECTV International. "With one out of 20 Americans who are of Italian ancestry, and countless more who are passionate about soccer, there is an enormous base of fans in the United States who now have a single destination for all of their favorite soccer games from Italy's Serie A and the best leagues from around the world."
Between GolTV, which offers home matches of 16 of the 20 Italian league teams - including Inter, AC Milan and Juventus - and Fox Soccer Channel's home matches for the other four Italian teams, subscribers to CalcioDirect have access to the full complement of Italian soccer, as well as more of the best soccer from around the world.
All three channels will continue to be available from DIRECTV in separate packages.
GolTV, the 24-hour all-soccer network is available with the DIRECTV PARA TODOS(R) service and the DIRECTV SPORTS PACK. It delivers more than 1,500 soccer games each year from around the world, offering live games in English and Spanish from some of the best leagues in the world with exclusive rights to games from Italy, Brazil, Spain, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Uruguay, Bolivia, El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala.
Fox Soccer Channel, also available as part of the DIRECTV SPORTS PACK, provides coverage of Italy's renowned soccer league, Serie A, featuring home matches of Serie A clubs Lazio, Lecce, Treviso and Cagliari on a live and exclusive basis in the United States. Programming also includes a weekly selection of shows from the AC Milan Channel, a network dedicated exclusively to Serie A powerhouse AC Milan. Programs include "Milan Weekly," featuring exlusive interviews and breaking team news, player profiles and more; "Milan Channel Classics," showcasing classic AC Milan matches from past seasons and English Premier League coverage.
SKY TG24, part of the WorldDirect service, is dedicated entirely to news with live news features every 30 minutes. Concentrating mainly on national and international news and reports, SKY TG24 provides an objective viewpoint on
news and events in Italy and around the world. The channel also offers in-depth features and reports, and debates with guests in studio. During the weekend, the channel dedicates a great deal of time to sports, and in particular, the Italian Football Championship.
Customers who want to subscribe to the CalcioDirect service must first subscribe to the DIRECTV(R) BASIC ($9.99 per month) or DIRECTV(R) PREFERRED CHOICE(TM) ($29.99 per month) international base package, or to any TOTAL CHOICE(R) ($41.99/mo. or above) or DIRECTV PARA TODOS(R) ($29.99/mo. or above) base package.
The DIRECTV WorldDirect(TM) platform has launched 25 channels that deliver a wide variety of new programming in multiple foreign-languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Gujarati, Bengali, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Filipino, Korean, Italian and Russian, to underserved ethnic markets throughout the United States. DIRECTV will continue to expand its international programming platform to reach more ethnic audiences.
“To make the switch to DIRECTV, Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221.”
SOURCE: DIRECTV
DIRECTV is delivering a programming "hat trick" for Italian soccer fans with the launch of CalcioDirect(TM), America's first channel package tailored specifically for soccer fans.
Now providing the widest selection of Italian soccer and news, CalcioDirect offers GolTV, Fox Soccer Channel and SKY TG24, the premier 24x7 Italian news channel, for $19.99/month. The package is part of the DIRECTV WorldDirect(TM) umbrella of international services and is designed for Italian soccer enthusiasts.
"By bundling these channels into one package, we're providing Italian soccer fans with the best selection of Italian soccer at an exceptional value," said Aaron McNally, vice president, DIRECTV International. "With one out of 20 Americans who are of Italian ancestry, and countless more who are passionate about soccer, there is an enormous base of fans in the United States who now have a single destination for all of their favorite soccer games from Italy's Serie A and the best leagues from around the world."
Between GolTV, which offers home matches of 16 of the 20 Italian league teams - including Inter, AC Milan and Juventus - and Fox Soccer Channel's home matches for the other four Italian teams, subscribers to CalcioDirect have access to the full complement of Italian soccer, as well as more of the best soccer from around the world.
All three channels will continue to be available from DIRECTV in separate packages.
GolTV, the 24-hour all-soccer network is available with the DIRECTV PARA TODOS(R) service and the DIRECTV SPORTS PACK. It delivers more than 1,500 soccer games each year from around the world, offering live games in English and Spanish from some of the best leagues in the world with exclusive rights to games from Italy, Brazil, Spain, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Uruguay, Bolivia, El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala.
Fox Soccer Channel, also available as part of the DIRECTV SPORTS PACK, provides coverage of Italy's renowned soccer league, Serie A, featuring home matches of Serie A clubs Lazio, Lecce, Treviso and Cagliari on a live and exclusive basis in the United States. Programming also includes a weekly selection of shows from the AC Milan Channel, a network dedicated exclusively to Serie A powerhouse AC Milan. Programs include "Milan Weekly," featuring exlusive interviews and breaking team news, player profiles and more; "Milan Channel Classics," showcasing classic AC Milan matches from past seasons and English Premier League coverage.
SKY TG24, part of the WorldDirect service, is dedicated entirely to news with live news features every 30 minutes. Concentrating mainly on national and international news and reports, SKY TG24 provides an objective viewpoint on
news and events in Italy and around the world. The channel also offers in-depth features and reports, and debates with guests in studio. During the weekend, the channel dedicates a great deal of time to sports, and in particular, the Italian Football Championship.
Customers who want to subscribe to the CalcioDirect service must first subscribe to the DIRECTV(R) BASIC ($9.99 per month) or DIRECTV(R) PREFERRED CHOICE(TM) ($29.99 per month) international base package, or to any TOTAL CHOICE(R) ($41.99/mo. or above) or DIRECTV PARA TODOS(R) ($29.99/mo. or above) base package.
The DIRECTV WorldDirect(TM) platform has launched 25 channels that deliver a wide variety of new programming in multiple foreign-languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Gujarati, Bengali, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Filipino, Korean, Italian and Russian, to underserved ethnic markets throughout the United States. DIRECTV will continue to expand its international programming platform to reach more ethnic audiences.
“To make the switch to DIRECTV, Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221.”
SOURCE: DIRECTV
DIRECTV's New Mandarin Programming Package Features Leading Chinese News and Entertainment Channel
The CTI ZHONG-TIAN Channel Joins Phoenix TV, Phoenix InfoNews and MTV Chi in New MandarinDirect II Programming Package
To better serve the programming needs of the growing Mandarin Chinese population in the U.S., DIRECTV has created a new Mandarin Chinese programming package featuring one of the leading 24-hour news and information channels from Taiwan.
The CTI Zhong-Tian Channel is part of DIRECTV's new Mandarin-speaking programming package, MandarinDirect II, that includes Phoenix TV, Phoenix InfoNews and MTV Chi, channels that were formerly in the MandarinDirect package. The new MandarinDirect II package is available for $15.99 per month.
"The addition of the CTI Zhong-Tian Channel aligns with our strategy to provide our International programming customers with the top-rated channels from their countries of origin," said Aaron McNally, vice president, International, DIRECTV, Inc. "CTI Zhong-Tian, with its reputation for quality news, sports, dramas, variety and entertainment television programming, appeals to all members of the household and complements the Phoenix TV, Phoenix InfoNews and MTV Chi programming in our new MandarinDirect II package."
The channel established its position as a market leader in overseas Chinese television markets with its "Zhong Tian News" coverage, nationwide penetration and quality programming. The channel focuses on the latest trends in Taiwan, Hong Kong China, with a vision to bring different perspectives to the 1.2 billion global Chinese audience.
With news gathering centers located in major cities around the world, CTI Zhong-Tian Channel brings to its viewers 24/7 the most up-to-date and live news on Chinese affairs, international events, political happenings, social events, financial and economic reports, technology, business, travel, leisure, weather, fashion and every day information. The CTI Zhong-Tian Channel offers feature talk shows, the latest drama and cooking, educational and documentary content to satisfy the tastes of all viewers.
The new channel is available on DIRECTV channel 2056 and its programming includes:
"Zhong Tian Live News" offers instant prime time news to satisfy viewers' need for instant information on an international scale. In every hour, there are headline updates prior to the latest news, reports on international events, financial updates, sports, plus the weather report.
"Got Problems?" -- co-hosted by well-known lawyer, Hsieh Cheng-Wu, and radio host, Ye Nai-Jing -- provides viewers with a new forum to dig into everyday issues and discuss it from a different angle. The show features guest speakers and topics are determined by the hottest news, political, economical, or social entertainment events of the day.
"Taiwanese in Mainland China" takes the viewer to all the mysterious places in China as it explores the country's natural, geographical, cultural, economical and social aspects. This program will show the phenomenon of Chinese history in a fascinating way, including its food, architecture, opera and antiquities.
"Stingy Mammon" is a funny and exciting game show with hosts Shi Nai-Lin and Zen Kuo-Tzun. With popular games and humorous hosts, it has become the hottest game show among the Chinese community. Celebrities vie for big prizes and if they lose, are subject to embarrassing consequences, such as drinking a disgusting juice or some other form of unusual punishment.
Other programming includes: "Mr. Con & Ms. Csi," - a humorous talk show with in-depth celebrity interviews; "Everybody Speaks Nonsense II - Hot Pot" - teasing/imitating talk show focuses on daily news event; "Sisy's World News Report" - weekly in-depth analysis of the world's affairs; "High! School" - a new form of fiction series featuring a group of students trying to see that their famous high school in Taiwan survives.
Customers who want to subscribe to the MandarinDirect II package must first subscribe to the DIRECTV(R) BASIC ($9.99/mo.) or DIRECTV(R) PREFERRED CHOICE(TM) ($29.99/mo.) international base packages, or to any TOTAL CHOICE(R) ($44.99/mo. or above) or DIRECTV PARA TODOS(R) ($29.99/mo. or above) base package.
The DIRECTV WorldDirect(TM) platform has launched 39 channels that deliver a wide variety of new programming in multiple foreign-languages, including Russian, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Gujarati, Bengali, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Korean, Italian and Ukrainian, to underserved ethnic markets throughout the United States. DIRECTV will continue to expand its international programming platform to reach more ethnic audiences.
Customers will require a WorldDirect services satellite dish that is capable of receiving both international and English-language programming. In some markets, customers who subscribe to a local channels package will require a second smaller dish.
“To make the switch to DIRECTV, Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221.”
SOURCE: DIRECTV
To better serve the programming needs of the growing Mandarin Chinese population in the U.S., DIRECTV has created a new Mandarin Chinese programming package featuring one of the leading 24-hour news and information channels from Taiwan.
The CTI Zhong-Tian Channel is part of DIRECTV's new Mandarin-speaking programming package, MandarinDirect II, that includes Phoenix TV, Phoenix InfoNews and MTV Chi, channels that were formerly in the MandarinDirect package. The new MandarinDirect II package is available for $15.99 per month.
"The addition of the CTI Zhong-Tian Channel aligns with our strategy to provide our International programming customers with the top-rated channels from their countries of origin," said Aaron McNally, vice president, International, DIRECTV, Inc. "CTI Zhong-Tian, with its reputation for quality news, sports, dramas, variety and entertainment television programming, appeals to all members of the household and complements the Phoenix TV, Phoenix InfoNews and MTV Chi programming in our new MandarinDirect II package."
The channel established its position as a market leader in overseas Chinese television markets with its "Zhong Tian News" coverage, nationwide penetration and quality programming. The channel focuses on the latest trends in Taiwan, Hong Kong China, with a vision to bring different perspectives to the 1.2 billion global Chinese audience.
With news gathering centers located in major cities around the world, CTI Zhong-Tian Channel brings to its viewers 24/7 the most up-to-date and live news on Chinese affairs, international events, political happenings, social events, financial and economic reports, technology, business, travel, leisure, weather, fashion and every day information. The CTI Zhong-Tian Channel offers feature talk shows, the latest drama and cooking, educational and documentary content to satisfy the tastes of all viewers.
The new channel is available on DIRECTV channel 2056 and its programming includes:
"Zhong Tian Live News" offers instant prime time news to satisfy viewers' need for instant information on an international scale. In every hour, there are headline updates prior to the latest news, reports on international events, financial updates, sports, plus the weather report.
"Got Problems?" -- co-hosted by well-known lawyer, Hsieh Cheng-Wu, and radio host, Ye Nai-Jing -- provides viewers with a new forum to dig into everyday issues and discuss it from a different angle. The show features guest speakers and topics are determined by the hottest news, political, economical, or social entertainment events of the day.
"Taiwanese in Mainland China" takes the viewer to all the mysterious places in China as it explores the country's natural, geographical, cultural, economical and social aspects. This program will show the phenomenon of Chinese history in a fascinating way, including its food, architecture, opera and antiquities.
"Stingy Mammon" is a funny and exciting game show with hosts Shi Nai-Lin and Zen Kuo-Tzun. With popular games and humorous hosts, it has become the hottest game show among the Chinese community. Celebrities vie for big prizes and if they lose, are subject to embarrassing consequences, such as drinking a disgusting juice or some other form of unusual punishment.
Other programming includes: "Mr. Con & Ms. Csi," - a humorous talk show with in-depth celebrity interviews; "Everybody Speaks Nonsense II - Hot Pot" - teasing/imitating talk show focuses on daily news event; "Sisy's World News Report" - weekly in-depth analysis of the world's affairs; "High! School" - a new form of fiction series featuring a group of students trying to see that their famous high school in Taiwan survives.
Customers who want to subscribe to the MandarinDirect II package must first subscribe to the DIRECTV(R) BASIC ($9.99/mo.) or DIRECTV(R) PREFERRED CHOICE(TM) ($29.99/mo.) international base packages, or to any TOTAL CHOICE(R) ($44.99/mo. or above) or DIRECTV PARA TODOS(R) ($29.99/mo. or above) base package.
The DIRECTV WorldDirect(TM) platform has launched 39 channels that deliver a wide variety of new programming in multiple foreign-languages, including Russian, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Gujarati, Bengali, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Korean, Italian and Ukrainian, to underserved ethnic markets throughout the United States. DIRECTV will continue to expand its international programming platform to reach more ethnic audiences.
Customers will require a WorldDirect services satellite dish that is capable of receiving both international and English-language programming. In some markets, customers who subscribe to a local channels package will require a second smaller dish.
“To make the switch to DIRECTV, Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221.”
SOURCE: DIRECTV
DIRECTV Delivers Live Local Channels to Motorists
KVH TracVision A7 Enables Mobile DIRECTV Customers to Receive Live Local News, Traffic, Weather and Sports
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.
“To make the switch to DIRECTV, Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221.”
SOURCE: DIRECTV
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.
“To make the switch to DIRECTV, Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221.”
SOURCE: DIRECTV
DIRECTV Introduces New Interactive Features for 2006 NFL SUNDAY TICKET(TM)
"Player Tracker'' Allows Fans to Follow Favorite Players and Fantasy Teams On-Screen While They Watch NFL SUNDAY TICKET Games
In an era of fantasy sports leagues, where sports and athletes are measured as much by statistics as who won or lost, DIRECTV is satisfying stat-hungry NFL fans with a menu of new interactive features for its exclusive NFL SUNDAY TICKET(TM) service at no additional charge to customers. The new features provide more team statistics from NFL SUNDAY TICKET games, and most notably for stat-mongers and fantasy players, with the Holy Grail of interactive functionality -- the ability to track player performances while viewing NFL regular season games on NFL SUNDAY TICKET.
The new NFL SUNDAY TICKET "Player Tracker" allows fans to select up to nine NFL players from around the league and track their performance throughout the day via real time on-screen alerts on every NFL SUNDAY TICKET game channel, Game Mix, and Red Zone Channel. The alerts appear when one of the selected players does anything of significance during a game -- whether it's a 71-yard rush, or a two-yard touchdown pass. In addition, fans will be able to bring up a "My Players" statistical overlay at the touch of a button, listing up-to-the-minute cumulative statistics for their players. To access these new features, all that is required along with the NFL SUNDAY TICKET service is interactive DIRECTV system equipment.
"With our new interactive features for this year's NFL SUNDAY TICKET, fantasy players no longer have to face the dilemma of tracking their fantasy team players and their opponent's players on their computer while watching the games themselves on TV. 'Player Tracker' brings it all together," said David Hill, president, DIRECTV Entertainment. "It's always been our mission to make NFL SUNDAY TICKET the ultimate destination for die-hard NFL fans and fantasy players every Sunday, and as their needs evolve, we intend to evolve with them."
According to the Fantasy Sports Trade Association's 2005 national survey, more than 13 million adults play fantasy football. On average, these individuals participate in up to three separate leagues simultaneously.
In addition to the new "Player Tracker" feature, DIRECTV has added a variety of new team stats available on demand, including first downs, third-down efficiency, interceptions/interception yards and fumbles/fumbles lost. Individual Stats have also been beefed up, providing stat lines for the top four players on each team in rushing, passing and receiving. Finally, a "Today's Best" tab will feature the top five players from the day's NFL SUNDAY TICKET games in each of the three aforementioned categories.
New DIRECTV residential customers who purchase the NFL SUNDAY TICKET package for four payments of $69.99 each will receive four free months of the best DIRECTV programming package, TOTAL CHOICE(R) PREMIER, for a savings of $400. The DIRECTV offer is also available to new customers who subscribe to the DIRECTV PARA TODOS(R) SELECCION PREMIER Spanish-language package. Customers must activate by Oct. 2, 2006.
NFL SUNDAY TICKET customers can also add the NFL SUNDAY TICKET SuperFan(TM) option for $99. SuperFan returns for the 2006 season with more than 110 NFL games in crystal-clear HD, the Red Zone Channel, Game Mix, and Short Cuts, a popular feature that replays every game in 30 minutes or less, commercial free.
“To make the switch to DIRECTV, Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221.”
SOURCE: DIRECTV
In an era of fantasy sports leagues, where sports and athletes are measured as much by statistics as who won or lost, DIRECTV is satisfying stat-hungry NFL fans with a menu of new interactive features for its exclusive NFL SUNDAY TICKET(TM) service at no additional charge to customers. The new features provide more team statistics from NFL SUNDAY TICKET games, and most notably for stat-mongers and fantasy players, with the Holy Grail of interactive functionality -- the ability to track player performances while viewing NFL regular season games on NFL SUNDAY TICKET.
The new NFL SUNDAY TICKET "Player Tracker" allows fans to select up to nine NFL players from around the league and track their performance throughout the day via real time on-screen alerts on every NFL SUNDAY TICKET game channel, Game Mix, and Red Zone Channel. The alerts appear when one of the selected players does anything of significance during a game -- whether it's a 71-yard rush, or a two-yard touchdown pass. In addition, fans will be able to bring up a "My Players" statistical overlay at the touch of a button, listing up-to-the-minute cumulative statistics for their players. To access these new features, all that is required along with the NFL SUNDAY TICKET service is interactive DIRECTV system equipment.
"With our new interactive features for this year's NFL SUNDAY TICKET, fantasy players no longer have to face the dilemma of tracking their fantasy team players and their opponent's players on their computer while watching the games themselves on TV. 'Player Tracker' brings it all together," said David Hill, president, DIRECTV Entertainment. "It's always been our mission to make NFL SUNDAY TICKET the ultimate destination for die-hard NFL fans and fantasy players every Sunday, and as their needs evolve, we intend to evolve with them."
According to the Fantasy Sports Trade Association's 2005 national survey, more than 13 million adults play fantasy football. On average, these individuals participate in up to three separate leagues simultaneously.
In addition to the new "Player Tracker" feature, DIRECTV has added a variety of new team stats available on demand, including first downs, third-down efficiency, interceptions/interception yards and fumbles/fumbles lost. Individual Stats have also been beefed up, providing stat lines for the top four players on each team in rushing, passing and receiving. Finally, a "Today's Best" tab will feature the top five players from the day's NFL SUNDAY TICKET games in each of the three aforementioned categories.
New DIRECTV residential customers who purchase the NFL SUNDAY TICKET package for four payments of $69.99 each will receive four free months of the best DIRECTV programming package, TOTAL CHOICE(R) PREMIER, for a savings of $400. The DIRECTV offer is also available to new customers who subscribe to the DIRECTV PARA TODOS(R) SELECCION PREMIER Spanish-language package. Customers must activate by Oct. 2, 2006.
NFL SUNDAY TICKET customers can also add the NFL SUNDAY TICKET SuperFan(TM) option for $99. SuperFan returns for the 2006 season with more than 110 NFL games in crystal-clear HD, the Red Zone Channel, Game Mix, and Short Cuts, a popular feature that replays every game in 30 minutes or less, commercial free.
“To make the switch to DIRECTV, Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221.”
SOURCE: DIRECTV
Sky Brasil and DIRECTV Brasil Finalize Merger
Merger Is the Final in a Series of Transactions Designed to Combine the Two Direct-to-Home Platforms in Latin America into a Single Platform in Each of the Major Territories Served in the Region
The DIRECTV Group, Inc., announced today that the merger of Sky Brasil and DIRECTV Brasil is now complete. As part of the transaction, DIRECTV Brasil and Sky Brasil have been combined and the DIRECTV Group has acquired the interests of News Corporation and Liberty Media in Sky Brasil.
Following the transaction, the DIRECTV Group now owns approximately 74 percent of Sky Brasil and Globo Comunicacao e Participacoes S.A. (Globo) owns approximately 26 percent. The DIRECTV Group will control day-to-day management of Sky Brasil and Globo will remain with minority governance rights, consistent with its position as a strategic partner, and will continue in its role as the lead supplier of Brazilian programming to the platform.
Together, DIRECTV Brasil and Sky Brasil have approximately 1.3 million subscribers, making up one third of all pay television subscribers in Brazil. Following the merger, DIRECTV Brasil customers will migrate to the Sky Brasil platform.
This merger completes a series of separate transactions originally agreed upon in October 2004 with News Corporation, Globo, Grupo Televisa, S.A. (Televisa), and Liberty Media International, to combine the two DTH platforms of DIRECTV Latin America and Sky Latin America into a single platform in each of the major territories served in the region. As a result, the DIRECTV Group and its affiliate Sky Mexico (in which the DIRECTV Group has a 41 percent interest) now serve approximately 4 million subscribers in Latin America.
"We're pleased to have finalized this last transaction of combining Sky Brasil and DIRECTV Brasil," said Bruce Churchill, president of DIRECTV Latin America. "Now we can fully focus our efforts on moving forward, growing the business and providing the 4 million DIRECTV and Sky subscribers in the region with the best television experience possible."
“To make the switch to DIRECTV, Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221.”
Technorati Profile
SOURCE: DIRECTV
The DIRECTV Group, Inc., announced today that the merger of Sky Brasil and DIRECTV Brasil is now complete. As part of the transaction, DIRECTV Brasil and Sky Brasil have been combined and the DIRECTV Group has acquired the interests of News Corporation and Liberty Media in Sky Brasil.
Following the transaction, the DIRECTV Group now owns approximately 74 percent of Sky Brasil and Globo Comunicacao e Participacoes S.A. (Globo) owns approximately 26 percent. The DIRECTV Group will control day-to-day management of Sky Brasil and Globo will remain with minority governance rights, consistent with its position as a strategic partner, and will continue in its role as the lead supplier of Brazilian programming to the platform.
Together, DIRECTV Brasil and Sky Brasil have approximately 1.3 million subscribers, making up one third of all pay television subscribers in Brazil. Following the merger, DIRECTV Brasil customers will migrate to the Sky Brasil platform.
This merger completes a series of separate transactions originally agreed upon in October 2004 with News Corporation, Globo, Grupo Televisa, S.A. (Televisa), and Liberty Media International, to combine the two DTH platforms of DIRECTV Latin America and Sky Latin America into a single platform in each of the major territories served in the region. As a result, the DIRECTV Group and its affiliate Sky Mexico (in which the DIRECTV Group has a 41 percent interest) now serve approximately 4 million subscribers in Latin America.
"We're pleased to have finalized this last transaction of combining Sky Brasil and DIRECTV Brasil," said Bruce Churchill, president of DIRECTV Latin America. "Now we can fully focus our efforts on moving forward, growing the business and providing the 4 million DIRECTV and Sky subscribers in the region with the best television experience possible."
“To make the switch to DIRECTV, Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221.”
Technorati Profile
SOURCE: DIRECTV
New Column in ON DIRECTV Magazine by Legendary Film Maker Martin Scorsese
Mr. Scorsese Provides Detailed and Intimate Insight Into Select Films In New Monthly Column to Debut in September Issue, Exclusively For DIRECTV Subscribers
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."
“To make the switch to DIRECTV, Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221.”
SOURCE: DIRECTV
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."
“To make the switch to DIRECTV, Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221.”
SOURCE: DIRECTV
DIRECTV's CD USA Launches Global Invasion
Original Concert Series Explodes Across the World With Added Distribution Totaling 97 Countries and Six Different Continents
DIRECTV, Inc., the nation's leading digital service provider, achieves universal dominance in live music television with a series of recently added international distribution deals for its original weekly concert series, CD USA. The DIRECTV original program has featured performances by Kelly Clarkson, The Goo Goo Dolls, Jewel, Ashlee Simpson and the Pussycat Dolls, among other top acts, since its January debut.
DIRECTV, in association with Blaze Television, will expand the CD USA brand through News Corporation's international offerings. CD USA currently airs on Fox8 in Australia and will soon be seen on Star TV (Channel V) in Asia, Russia and China; DIRECTV Latin America in Mexico and the Caribbean, and MBC in the Middle East. The brand has also given birth to a new variation, CD LIVE, a customized version of the music showcase that will air on Rai Television in Italy, Fox8 in Australia, and HRT in Croatia. Satellite carriers in each of these regions include DIRECTV, Foxtel, DIRECTV Latin America and Star TV.
"With the demise of Top of the Pops in the UK and this added international distribution, CD USA is now the top weekly live music performance show in the world," said David Hill, DIRECTV's president of Entertainment. "Every time a band performs on the show they get instant, worldwide exposure and a spectacular international audience that is unmatched anywhere else."
The CD Empire is the brainchild of acclaimed producer Conor McAnally, director of programs for Blaze Television and executive producer of CD USA. The different programs include the hugely popular CD UK program in the United Kingdom, CD USA, and CD LIVE in regional locations. CD LIVE blends together the best of CD UK and CD USA and adapts the content with local hosts and performances to appeal to each specific region.
"With this new distribution there will always be 12 bands playing somewhere in the world at any given time on CD showcases," said McAnally. "We are providing music fans around the world a front row seat to the best music scene available and creating a large and diverse audience for our performers who will benefit greatly with enormous universal awareness and increased sales."
CD USA currently entertains over 15 million DIRECTV customers in the U.S. with its weekly hour-long showcase of up to six live performances from today's hottest selling musical acts including Rihanna, Nelly Furtado, T.I., Yellowcard and many more. Hosts Becky Baeling and John Wynn, along with correspondent Malikha Mallette report on the latest music news, exclusive interviews and gossip.
“To make the switch to DIRECTV, Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221.”
SOURCE: DIRECTV
DIRECTV, Inc., the nation's leading digital service provider, achieves universal dominance in live music television with a series of recently added international distribution deals for its original weekly concert series, CD USA. The DIRECTV original program has featured performances by Kelly Clarkson, The Goo Goo Dolls, Jewel, Ashlee Simpson and the Pussycat Dolls, among other top acts, since its January debut.
DIRECTV, in association with Blaze Television, will expand the CD USA brand through News Corporation's international offerings. CD USA currently airs on Fox8 in Australia and will soon be seen on Star TV (Channel V) in Asia, Russia and China; DIRECTV Latin America in Mexico and the Caribbean, and MBC in the Middle East. The brand has also given birth to a new variation, CD LIVE, a customized version of the music showcase that will air on Rai Television in Italy, Fox8 in Australia, and HRT in Croatia. Satellite carriers in each of these regions include DIRECTV, Foxtel, DIRECTV Latin America and Star TV.
"With the demise of Top of the Pops in the UK and this added international distribution, CD USA is now the top weekly live music performance show in the world," said David Hill, DIRECTV's president of Entertainment. "Every time a band performs on the show they get instant, worldwide exposure and a spectacular international audience that is unmatched anywhere else."
The CD Empire is the brainchild of acclaimed producer Conor McAnally, director of programs for Blaze Television and executive producer of CD USA. The different programs include the hugely popular CD UK program in the United Kingdom, CD USA, and CD LIVE in regional locations. CD LIVE blends together the best of CD UK and CD USA and adapts the content with local hosts and performances to appeal to each specific region.
"With this new distribution there will always be 12 bands playing somewhere in the world at any given time on CD showcases," said McAnally. "We are providing music fans around the world a front row seat to the best music scene available and creating a large and diverse audience for our performers who will benefit greatly with enormous universal awareness and increased sales."
CD USA currently entertains over 15 million DIRECTV customers in the U.S. with its weekly hour-long showcase of up to six live performances from today's hottest selling musical acts including Rihanna, Nelly Furtado, T.I., Yellowcard and many more. Hosts Becky Baeling and John Wynn, along with correspondent Malikha Mallette report on the latest music news, exclusive interviews and gossip.
“To make the switch to DIRECTV, Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221.”
SOURCE: DIRECTV
DIRECTV Delivers World-Class Spanish-language Soccer
When 32 nations begin the quadrennial clash for the world soccer title Friday, DIRECTV PARA TODOS programming customers will have midfield seats for the widest array of soccer coverage through a special world soccer Web page and a multitude of in-language, country-of-origin channels with daily news and analysis of the tournament.
News and in-depth analysis will also be available via the DIRECTV PARA TODOS service on a number of networks including Fox Sports en Espanol, Gol TV, Ecuavisa and TyCSports. Fox Sports en Espanol will offer a variety of original and exclusive programs covering the World Cup, including Boleto a Alemania 2006, an hour-long daily program that provides in-depth analysis and features direct from Germany; Pasaporte A Alemania, which offers a Mexican perspective on world soccer; Diario Fox Sports for the latest soccer news; and Palabra del Deporte and Los Mundialistas, featuring in-depth interviews with the biggest names in soccer.
"With passions high on the eve of world soccer's premier event, we wanted to be sure our customers had access to the maximum amount of information available via our DIRECTV PARA TODOS service and our Web site," said Aaron McNally, vice president, DIRECTV International. "Our DIRECTV PARA TODOS customers will have more coverage from their point of view, in their language, no matter what their country of origin. DIRECTV PARA TODOS customers will also be able to watch the news and analysis of the day's soccer events from the No. 1-rated station in their home country."
DIRECTV will also provide all games broadcast live in Spanish on Univision (channel 402/403 and local channel affiliates where available) and local Telefutura channels where available. Same day rebroadcast of all games on TeleFutura (where available) at 8 p.m. ET and Galavision (channel 404) at 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. ET.
All games will be broadcast live in English on ESPN (channel 206), ESPN 2 (channel 209) or the local ABC affiliate (where available). All tournament matches will be simulcast in high-definition for the first time ever on ABC HD, ESPN HD and ESPN 2 HD. Fifty-six games will be broadcast live in German on Setanta Sports, which is available for $11.99 monthly on channel 615.
DIRECTV PARA TODOS offers the widest array of Spanish- and English-language programming available, at affordable prices. The service provides access to more than 55 Spanish-language channels(a) including sports, movies, music, news and educational networks and 250 English-language channels of DIRECTV programming, featuring the largest selection of pay per view choices and sports programming available.
(a) Includes English-language broadcast channels with alternate Spanish audio.
“To make the switch to DIRECTV, Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221.”
SOURCE: DIRECTV
News and in-depth analysis will also be available via the DIRECTV PARA TODOS service on a number of networks including Fox Sports en Espanol, Gol TV, Ecuavisa and TyCSports. Fox Sports en Espanol will offer a variety of original and exclusive programs covering the World Cup, including Boleto a Alemania 2006, an hour-long daily program that provides in-depth analysis and features direct from Germany; Pasaporte A Alemania, which offers a Mexican perspective on world soccer; Diario Fox Sports for the latest soccer news; and Palabra del Deporte and Los Mundialistas, featuring in-depth interviews with the biggest names in soccer.
"With passions high on the eve of world soccer's premier event, we wanted to be sure our customers had access to the maximum amount of information available via our DIRECTV PARA TODOS service and our Web site," said Aaron McNally, vice president, DIRECTV International. "Our DIRECTV PARA TODOS customers will have more coverage from their point of view, in their language, no matter what their country of origin. DIRECTV PARA TODOS customers will also be able to watch the news and analysis of the day's soccer events from the No. 1-rated station in their home country."
DIRECTV will also provide all games broadcast live in Spanish on Univision (channel 402/403 and local channel affiliates where available) and local Telefutura channels where available. Same day rebroadcast of all games on TeleFutura (where available) at 8 p.m. ET and Galavision (channel 404) at 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. ET.
All games will be broadcast live in English on ESPN (channel 206), ESPN 2 (channel 209) or the local ABC affiliate (where available). All tournament matches will be simulcast in high-definition for the first time ever on ABC HD, ESPN HD and ESPN 2 HD. Fifty-six games will be broadcast live in German on Setanta Sports, which is available for $11.99 monthly on channel 615.
DIRECTV PARA TODOS offers the widest array of Spanish- and English-language programming available, at affordable prices. The service provides access to more than 55 Spanish-language channels(a) including sports, movies, music, news and educational networks and 250 English-language channels of DIRECTV programming, featuring the largest selection of pay per view choices and sports programming available.
(a) Includes English-language broadcast channels with alternate Spanish audio.
“To make the switch to DIRECTV, Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221.”
SOURCE: DIRECTV
DIRECTV Shows America ``What's Hot!''
DIRECTV First Programming Provider to Offer New Service to its Customers
DIRECTV, the nation's leading digital television service provider, launched "What's Hot!" this week, the first-of-its-kind interactive application that allows viewers to instantly access a list of the top ten most popular programs on DIRECTV in real time, any time of day or night. "What's Hot!" is available, starting today, on DIRECTV News Mix (Channel 102) and DIRECTV Sports Mix (Channel 104).
With the new service, DIRECTV customers will have a fun and entertaining way to access a list of the most popular programming in their area, whether it be sports, news, movies, local channels or national programming. The instant results are aggregated from a universe of fellow DIRECTV customers, who are more than 15.4 million strong and counting.
"Never again will DIRECTV viewers miss the most-talked-about shows because they will always know what they are thanks to `What's Hot!,'" said Eric Shanks, executive vice president, DIRECTV Entertainment. "No other satellite or cable provider delivers this unique service, so we're proud to be the first to offer this exclusive access to our customers."
In addition to providing a tool for viewers to see "What's Hot!," the anonymous information will also be used by DIRECTV to determine which services are most popular to its customers to help make programming choices in the future.
“To make the switch to DIRECTV, call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221.”
SOURCE: DIRECTV
DIRECTV, the nation's leading digital television service provider, launched "What's Hot!" this week, the first-of-its-kind interactive application that allows viewers to instantly access a list of the top ten most popular programs on DIRECTV in real time, any time of day or night. "What's Hot!" is available, starting today, on DIRECTV News Mix (Channel 102) and DIRECTV Sports Mix (Channel 104).
With the new service, DIRECTV customers will have a fun and entertaining way to access a list of the most popular programming in their area, whether it be sports, news, movies, local channels or national programming. The instant results are aggregated from a universe of fellow DIRECTV customers, who are more than 15.4 million strong and counting.
"Never again will DIRECTV viewers miss the most-talked-about shows because they will always know what they are thanks to `What's Hot!,'" said Eric Shanks, executive vice president, DIRECTV Entertainment. "No other satellite or cable provider delivers this unique service, so we're proud to be the first to offer this exclusive access to our customers."
In addition to providing a tool for viewers to see "What's Hot!," the anonymous information will also be used by DIRECTV to determine which services are most popular to its customers to help make programming choices in the future.
“To make the switch to DIRECTV, call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221.”
SOURCE: DIRECTV
DIRECTV Activates HD Local Channel Service in the Indianapolis
WHAT: DIRECTV, the nation's leading digital television service provider, announced today that it has begun offering local HD channels via satellite to customers in the Indianapolis DMA. The following local TV channels are available: WRTV/ABC and WXIN/FOX.
DIRECTV is in discussions with the owners of the NBC and CBS affiliates and hopes to add these stations to the DIRECTV lineup in the near future.
DIRECTV's roll-out of local HD channels in Indianapolis is part of a nationwide expansion of HD programming that will culminate in 2007, when DIRECTV will have the ability to deliver more than 1,500 local HD channels and more than 150 national HD channels, establishing DIRECTV as a leading provider of HD programming. DIRECTV customers today have access to more than 900 hours of HD programming each week, as well as hundreds of hours of special event, movie and sports coverage.
DIRECTV offers local HD broadcast channels in 26 cities with plans to launch in an additional 24 cities later this year, offering access to DIRECTV-delivered local HD channels in more than 65 percent of U.S. television households.
WHEN: Beginning today, Wednesday, May 31, 2006
HOW: Customers who subscribe to a programming package that includes local channels receive both the standard and HD signals at no extra monthly charge. Indianapolis customers can receive local HD channels by purchasing a new H20 HD receiver and satellite dish. Existing HD customers can upgrade their HD receiver and dish for $99 per receiver. New residential customers can take advantage of a $100 Advanced Product Rebate through July 1, 2006.
Eligibility for local channels is based on service address within certain designated market areas as defined by Nielsen Media Research, Inc.
“You simply cannot find a better way to begin enjoying HDTV. Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer at 800-431-1221 to make the switch to DIRECTV.”
SOURCE: DIRECTV
DIRECTV is in discussions with the owners of the NBC and CBS affiliates and hopes to add these stations to the DIRECTV lineup in the near future.
DIRECTV's roll-out of local HD channels in Indianapolis is part of a nationwide expansion of HD programming that will culminate in 2007, when DIRECTV will have the ability to deliver more than 1,500 local HD channels and more than 150 national HD channels, establishing DIRECTV as a leading provider of HD programming. DIRECTV customers today have access to more than 900 hours of HD programming each week, as well as hundreds of hours of special event, movie and sports coverage.
DIRECTV offers local HD broadcast channels in 26 cities with plans to launch in an additional 24 cities later this year, offering access to DIRECTV-delivered local HD channels in more than 65 percent of U.S. television households.
WHEN: Beginning today, Wednesday, May 31, 2006
HOW: Customers who subscribe to a programming package that includes local channels receive both the standard and HD signals at no extra monthly charge. Indianapolis customers can receive local HD channels by purchasing a new H20 HD receiver and satellite dish. Existing HD customers can upgrade their HD receiver and dish for $99 per receiver. New residential customers can take advantage of a $100 Advanced Product Rebate through July 1, 2006.
Eligibility for local channels is based on service address within certain designated market areas as defined by Nielsen Media Research, Inc.
“You simply cannot find a better way to begin enjoying HDTV. Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer at 800-431-1221 to make the switch to DIRECTV.”
SOURCE: DIRECTV
DIRECTV Activates HD Local Channel Service In the Seattle DMA
WHAT: DIRECTV the nation's leading digital television service provider, announced today that it has begun offering local HD channels via satellite to customers in the Seattle DMA. The following local TV channels are available: KING/NBC and KIRO/CBS. DIRECTV is in discussions with the owners of the ABC and FOX affiliates and hopes to add these stations to the DIRECTV lineup in the near future.
DIRECTV's roll out of local HD channels in Seattle is part of a nationwide expansion of HD programming that will culminate in 2007, when DIRECTV will have the ability to deliver more than 1,500 local HD channels and more than 150 national HD channels, establishing DIRECTV as a leading provider of HD programming. DIRECTV customers today have access to more than 900 hours of HD programming each week, as well as hundreds of hours of special event, movie and sports coverage.
DIRECTV offers local HD broadcast channels in 26 cities with plans to launch in an additional 24 cities later this year, offering access to DIRECTV-delivered local HD channels in more than 65 percent of U.S. television households.
WHEN: Beginning today, Wednesday, May 31, 2006
HOW: Customers who subscribe to a programming package that includes local channels receive both the standard and HD signals at no extra monthly charge. Seattle customers can receive local HD channels by purchasing a new H20 HD receiver and satellite dish. Existing HD customers can upgrade their HD receiver and dish for $99 per receiver. New residential customers can take advantage of a $100 Advanced Product Rebate through July 1, 2006.
“You simply cannot find a better way to begin enjoying HDTV. Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221 to make the switch to DIRECTV.”
SOURCE: DIRECTV
DIRECTV's roll out of local HD channels in Seattle is part of a nationwide expansion of HD programming that will culminate in 2007, when DIRECTV will have the ability to deliver more than 1,500 local HD channels and more than 150 national HD channels, establishing DIRECTV as a leading provider of HD programming. DIRECTV customers today have access to more than 900 hours of HD programming each week, as well as hundreds of hours of special event, movie and sports coverage.
DIRECTV offers local HD broadcast channels in 26 cities with plans to launch in an additional 24 cities later this year, offering access to DIRECTV-delivered local HD channels in more than 65 percent of U.S. television households.
WHEN: Beginning today, Wednesday, May 31, 2006
HOW: Customers who subscribe to a programming package that includes local channels receive both the standard and HD signals at no extra monthly charge. Seattle customers can receive local HD channels by purchasing a new H20 HD receiver and satellite dish. Existing HD customers can upgrade their HD receiver and dish for $99 per receiver. New residential customers can take advantage of a $100 Advanced Product Rebate through July 1, 2006.
“You simply cannot find a better way to begin enjoying HDTV. Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221 to make the switch to DIRECTV.”
SOURCE: DIRECTV
DIRECTV to Broadcast the Cricket World for the First Time Ever
Extending its lead as the nation's premier provider of international cricket programming, DIRECTV (NYSE:DTV) has reached an agreement with Global Cricket Corporation (GCC) to broadcast two International Cricket Council (ICC) events -- the ICC Champions Trophy, to be held in India in October 2006, and the ICC Cricket World Cup, to be played in the West Indies in March 2007.
"These are the most prestigious cricket events in the world, and we are proud to offer them to DIRECTV customers for the first time ever," said Aaron McNally, vice president, International, DIRECTV, Inc. "With these ICC events, and with exclusive rights to six of the ten test-playing ICC members as part of our CricketTicket(TM) package, we are cementing our position as the leading distributor of televised cricket content in the United States."
Pricing and packaging for the two events will be announced at a later date.
"Our agreement with DIRECTV is great news for cricket in the United States of America and for the ICC," said ICC President Ehsan Mani. "DIRECTV's coverage means people who might not ordinarily be exposed to cricket will get the chance to watch it. And we hope the opportunity to see the world's best players in the world's best tournament, the ICC Cricket World Cup, will lead to a significant increase in the number of people interested in the game in the United States, a country which has tremendous potential for growth in cricketing terms."
"We are extremely grateful to DIRECTV for their support and look forward to a mutually beneficial partnership with them," added Mr. Mani.
Ian Frykberg, managing director of GCC, said, "Global Cricket Corporation looks forward to working with DIRECTV at the ICC Champions Trophy 2006 later this year and at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 next year."
Television rights to the two ICC events have been acquired by DIRECTV on a non-exclusive basis. DIRECTV's acquisition of international cricket rights has been part of an effort to expand its programming services for the diverse ethnic population within the United States. Cricket is extraordinarily popular among populations from South Asia, West Indies and many other parts of the world. Since late 2004, DIRECTV has been offering customers access to cricket matches via the DIRECTV CricketTicket(TM) package, the first-ever, year-long subscription TV package for international cricket.
All other international programming is being offered through DIRECTV's WorldDirect(TM) platform, which features 39 channels that deliver a wide variety of new programming in multiple foreign languages, including Russian, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Gujarati, Bengali, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Korean, Italian and Ukrainian, to underserved ethnic markets throughout the United States.
DIRECTV customers will need to use a WorldDirect services satellite dish that is capable of receiving both international and English-language programming. In some markets, customers who subscribe to a Local Channels Package will require a second smaller dish.
“To make the switch to DIRECTV, Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221.”
SOURCE: DIRECTV
"These are the most prestigious cricket events in the world, and we are proud to offer them to DIRECTV customers for the first time ever," said Aaron McNally, vice president, International, DIRECTV, Inc. "With these ICC events, and with exclusive rights to six of the ten test-playing ICC members as part of our CricketTicket(TM) package, we are cementing our position as the leading distributor of televised cricket content in the United States."
Pricing and packaging for the two events will be announced at a later date.
"Our agreement with DIRECTV is great news for cricket in the United States of America and for the ICC," said ICC President Ehsan Mani. "DIRECTV's coverage means people who might not ordinarily be exposed to cricket will get the chance to watch it. And we hope the opportunity to see the world's best players in the world's best tournament, the ICC Cricket World Cup, will lead to a significant increase in the number of people interested in the game in the United States, a country which has tremendous potential for growth in cricketing terms."
"We are extremely grateful to DIRECTV for their support and look forward to a mutually beneficial partnership with them," added Mr. Mani.
Ian Frykberg, managing director of GCC, said, "Global Cricket Corporation looks forward to working with DIRECTV at the ICC Champions Trophy 2006 later this year and at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 next year."
Television rights to the two ICC events have been acquired by DIRECTV on a non-exclusive basis. DIRECTV's acquisition of international cricket rights has been part of an effort to expand its programming services for the diverse ethnic population within the United States. Cricket is extraordinarily popular among populations from South Asia, West Indies and many other parts of the world. Since late 2004, DIRECTV has been offering customers access to cricket matches via the DIRECTV CricketTicket(TM) package, the first-ever, year-long subscription TV package for international cricket.
All other international programming is being offered through DIRECTV's WorldDirect(TM) platform, which features 39 channels that deliver a wide variety of new programming in multiple foreign languages, including Russian, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Gujarati, Bengali, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Korean, Italian and Ukrainian, to underserved ethnic markets throughout the United States.
DIRECTV customers will need to use a WorldDirect services satellite dish that is capable of receiving both international and English-language programming. In some markets, customers who subscribe to a Local Channels Package will require a second smaller dish.
“To make the switch to DIRECTV, Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221.”
SOURCE: DIRECTV
DIRECTV Activates Four New HD Local Markets
WHAT: DIRECTV, Inc., the nation's leading digital television service provider, announced today that it has begun offering Local HD Channels via satellite to customers in four new markets: Milwaukee, Phoenix, Salt Lake and St. Louis.
DIRECTV's roll out of local HD channels is part of a nationwide expansion of HD programming that will culminate in 2007, when DIRECTV will have the ability to deliver more than 1,500 local HD channels and more than 150 national HD channels, establishing DIRECTV as a leading provider of HD programming
DIRECTV customers today have access to more than 900 hours of HD programming each week, as well as hundreds of hours of special event, movie and sports coverage.
DIRECTV offers local HD broadcast channels in 24 cities with plans to launch in an additional 26 cities later this year, offering access to DIRECTV-delivered local HD channels in more than 65 percent of U.S. television households.
WHEN: Beginning Wednesday, May 17, 2006
HOW: Customers who subscribe to a programming package that includes local channels receive both the standard and HD signals at no extra monthly charge. Customers in each of the four markets can receive local HD channels by purchasing a new H20 HD receiver and satellite dish. Existing HD customers can upgrade their HD receiver and dish for $99 per receiver. New residential customers can take advantage of a $100 Advanced Product Rebate through July 1, 2006. Receiving equipment is available at major consumer electronics retailers like Best Buy or Circuit City, and through DIRECTV.
Eligibility for local channels is based on service address within certain designated market areas as defined by Nielsen Media Research, Inc.
“To make the switch to DIRECTV, Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221.”
SOURCE: DIRECTV
DIRECTV's roll out of local HD channels is part of a nationwide expansion of HD programming that will culminate in 2007, when DIRECTV will have the ability to deliver more than 1,500 local HD channels and more than 150 national HD channels, establishing DIRECTV as a leading provider of HD programming
DIRECTV customers today have access to more than 900 hours of HD programming each week, as well as hundreds of hours of special event, movie and sports coverage.
DIRECTV offers local HD broadcast channels in 24 cities with plans to launch in an additional 26 cities later this year, offering access to DIRECTV-delivered local HD channels in more than 65 percent of U.S. television households.
WHEN: Beginning Wednesday, May 17, 2006
HOW: Customers who subscribe to a programming package that includes local channels receive both the standard and HD signals at no extra monthly charge. Customers in each of the four markets can receive local HD channels by purchasing a new H20 HD receiver and satellite dish. Existing HD customers can upgrade their HD receiver and dish for $99 per receiver. New residential customers can take advantage of a $100 Advanced Product Rebate through July 1, 2006. Receiving equipment is available at major consumer electronics retailers like Best Buy or Circuit City, and through DIRECTV.
Eligibility for local channels is based on service address within certain designated market areas as defined by Nielsen Media Research, Inc.
“To make the switch to DIRECTV, Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221.”
SOURCE: DIRECTV
DIRECTV Receives Highest Score in American Customer Satisfaction Index
DIRECTV, the nation's leading digital television service, received the highest score for customer satisfaction among satellite and cable TV companies rated by the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI). Of the satellite and cable TV companies included in the ACSI survey, DIRECTV posted a significantly higher index score (71) than any other cable or satellite company.
DIRECTV also had one of the highest scores in the overall communications sector, which includes phone and wireless providers.
The score reflects customers' overall satisfaction with the service. Customers surveyed by the ACSI in the first quarter of 2006 were asked about such issues as perceived quality, perceived value and their expectations prior to subscribing to the service. The ACSI also measures customer loyalty and retention.
"DIRECTV's top score for overall customer satisfaction in this year's ACSI survey demonstrates a continuing commitment by all DIRECTV employees to provide our 15.4 million customers with the best television entertainment experience, backed by strong service," said John Suranyi, president, DIRECTV Sales and Service. "While we scored considerably higher than our competitors and pulled up the industry average from last year, we will continue improving our service until we reach 100 percent customer satisfaction."
The ACSI is produced by the Stephen M. Ross Business School at the University of Michigan, in partnership with the American Society for Quality (ASQ) and the international consulting firm, CFI Group.
“To make the switch to DIRECTV, Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221.”
SOURCE: DIRECTV
DIRECTV also had one of the highest scores in the overall communications sector, which includes phone and wireless providers.
The score reflects customers' overall satisfaction with the service. Customers surveyed by the ACSI in the first quarter of 2006 were asked about such issues as perceived quality, perceived value and their expectations prior to subscribing to the service. The ACSI also measures customer loyalty and retention.
"DIRECTV's top score for overall customer satisfaction in this year's ACSI survey demonstrates a continuing commitment by all DIRECTV employees to provide our 15.4 million customers with the best television entertainment experience, backed by strong service," said John Suranyi, president, DIRECTV Sales and Service. "While we scored considerably higher than our competitors and pulled up the industry average from last year, we will continue improving our service until we reach 100 percent customer satisfaction."
The ACSI is produced by the Stephen M. Ross Business School at the University of Michigan, in partnership with the American Society for Quality (ASQ) and the international consulting firm, CFI Group.
“To make the switch to DIRECTV, Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221.”
SOURCE: DIRECTV
DIRECTV and BabyFirstTV Launch First-of-its-Kind Channel Dedicated to Babies and Toddlers
DIRECTV Inc., the nation's leading digital television service provider, will be the first to offer the new BabyFirstTV (www.BabyFirstTV.com) channel to its customers today. BabyFirstTV is a new premium channel in the United States dedicated to providing rich, positive content for babies, toddlers and their parents. The channel is created by leading experts in child development and education, and provides interactive opportunities for parents and baby to bond, learn and explore together. BabyFirstTV gives parents an incredible value with access to hundreds of hours of new and different programming for less than the price of a single baby-branded DVD. As part of BabyFirstTV's national rollout, DIRECTV will offer subscribers free access to the programming for the month of May in celebration of Mother's Day (a $9.99 value).
Supported by top child development experts, BabyFirstTV specifically is tailored to meet the needs of babies up to three years of age in a safe and inspiring commercial-free learning environment. The channel transforms traditional TV into a developmental interactive tool that relies on television as a means to deliver high-quality programming and an engaging experience for both parents and baby. Featuring 80 percent original content, BabyFirstTV offers parents a positive way to bond with baby and help foster learning and development.
"BabyFirstTV offers unique, interactive features and content that makes it different than any other children's programming or DVDs in the market today," said Sharon Rechter, executive vice president, Business Development and Marketing and one of BabyFirstTV's founders. "We created BabyFirstTV to provide parents with affordable and age-appropriate content -- offering new opportunities to interact with their children. The channel offers a positive, educational and engaging experience for babies during their early stages of learning, while providing high quality content when and where parents want it."
"We have seen a strong demand for high-quality programming for babies and their parents that is safe and suitable for young viewers, and content that can help them bond and interact together," said Dan Fawcett, executive vice president, DIRECTV. "DIRECTV is excited to give free subscriptions to BabyFirstTV for the month of May to express our gratitude to all the inspiring parents who are looking for new, innovative ways to bond and learn with their children."
BabyFirstTV Programming Features
BabyFirstTV offers the following programming elements to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for both parents and their children:
-- Original and Award-winning Content: BabyFirstTV features 80 percent original content customized for infants and toddlers from six months to three years old -- including more than 38 original programs such as "Rainbow Horse," "Sandman" and "I Can Sign." The channel also offers parents the popular and award-winning baby DVD brands, including Brainy Baby(TM), First Impressions(TM), So Smart(TM) and Baby Songs(TM). BabyFirstTV has an agreement with Sterling Publishing (owned by Barnes and Noble) to incorporate many children's books into their "Story Time" program.
-- Interactive Parents' Subtitles: The channel offers subtitles for parents to guide them on words and movements to use with baby during the programs -- making the experience as interactive and engaging as reading a book.
-- Color-coded Programming Guide: BabyFirstTV helps inform parents about the educational value of each segment with its unique color-coded system. The BabyFirstTV flower logo changes colors according to the specific program content. For example, blue for Numbers Parade, red for Language Playground, etc.
-- Multi-layer Content: BabyFirstTV content is adaptable to the different levels of a baby's development. Each show offers elements that can appeal to younger babies and older toddlers simultaneously, so children at various levels and age groups can focus on something different within the same program.
-- Flexible Programming: BabyFirstTV features programming, as well as video-on-demand (VOD) capabilities to offer parents access to content when and where they want it. The channel also offers content for different times of the day -- daytime programs engage and delight baby, while evening content helps soothe the baby to prepare for sleep.
-- Best Value for Money: BabyFirstTV provides hundreds of hours of high-quality programming for a fraction of the price of existing baby-DVDs. The channel's monthly fee ($9.99) is lower than the price of a single baby-DVD.
-- Programming Just for Parents (Coming Soon): By Summer 2006, BabyFirstTV will offer one hour of daily programming (extended to two hours in 2007) geared only to parents, offering tips and advice, including proper nutrition, safety, etc.
Parent and Child Co-Viewing Experience
Many babies watch television on a daily basis; in fact, 68 percent of children under two watch on-screen media every day(a). Understanding that television is a part of today's environment, BabyFirstTV provides parents with the tools to transform television into an active learning and interaction opportunity with their child. The programming features interactive subtitles and a unique color-coded system that helps inform parents about the specific value of each segment -- as the flower logo changes color, parents can identify the educational focus of the program. Starting today, parents can download a Parents' Guide on the BabyFirstTV Web site to access tips and guidance for their children's television viewing and ultimately take an active role in their overall development.
BabyFirstTV's content is supervised and supported by a worldwide Advisory Board that provides academic supervision as a key to ensuring programming quality. The board is comprised of leading child psychologists and development experts, including: Dr. Edward McCabe, M.D., Ph.D, professor and executive chair of the UCLA Dept. of Pediatrics, and physician-in-chief of the Mattel Children's Hospital at UCLA; Dr. Arthur Pober, BabyFirstTV chief educational officer; Dr. Richard Woolfson, author and child psychologist; Dr. Mary Ann LoFrumento, author, pediatrician and parenting expert; Dr. Lynne Kenney Markan, child psychologist and parenting expert; and Reveta Bowers, administrator and head of school at The Center for Early Education. The Board provides their "stamp of approval" on all BabyFirstTV programs and ensures that they offer a safe, positive learning environment with no commercials, no violence and no over-sensory stimulants.
"We're trying to redefine the way traditional television is perceived -- it's more than a box in your living room," said Dr. Edward McCabe, M.D., Ph.D, physician-in-chief, Mattel Children's Hospital at UCLA and BabyFirstTV Advisory Board member. "When used responsibly, television can be a powerful interactive medium that provides parents with unique opportunities to bond with their children. The key is the quality and interactive nature of the content, and this is what BabyFirstTV offers to parents."
Availability
BabyFirstTV is available today for the first time on DIRECTV for $9.99 a month. In celebration of Mother's Day, DIRECTV is offering subscribers free access to the channel throughout the month of May.
“To make the switch to DIRECTV, Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221.”
SOURCE: DIRECTV
Supported by top child development experts, BabyFirstTV specifically is tailored to meet the needs of babies up to three years of age in a safe and inspiring commercial-free learning environment. The channel transforms traditional TV into a developmental interactive tool that relies on television as a means to deliver high-quality programming and an engaging experience for both parents and baby. Featuring 80 percent original content, BabyFirstTV offers parents a positive way to bond with baby and help foster learning and development.
"BabyFirstTV offers unique, interactive features and content that makes it different than any other children's programming or DVDs in the market today," said Sharon Rechter, executive vice president, Business Development and Marketing and one of BabyFirstTV's founders. "We created BabyFirstTV to provide parents with affordable and age-appropriate content -- offering new opportunities to interact with their children. The channel offers a positive, educational and engaging experience for babies during their early stages of learning, while providing high quality content when and where parents want it."
"We have seen a strong demand for high-quality programming for babies and their parents that is safe and suitable for young viewers, and content that can help them bond and interact together," said Dan Fawcett, executive vice president, DIRECTV. "DIRECTV is excited to give free subscriptions to BabyFirstTV for the month of May to express our gratitude to all the inspiring parents who are looking for new, innovative ways to bond and learn with their children."
BabyFirstTV Programming Features
BabyFirstTV offers the following programming elements to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for both parents and their children:
-- Original and Award-winning Content: BabyFirstTV features 80 percent original content customized for infants and toddlers from six months to three years old -- including more than 38 original programs such as "Rainbow Horse," "Sandman" and "I Can Sign." The channel also offers parents the popular and award-winning baby DVD brands, including Brainy Baby(TM), First Impressions(TM), So Smart(TM) and Baby Songs(TM). BabyFirstTV has an agreement with Sterling Publishing (owned by Barnes and Noble) to incorporate many children's books into their "Story Time" program.
-- Interactive Parents' Subtitles: The channel offers subtitles for parents to guide them on words and movements to use with baby during the programs -- making the experience as interactive and engaging as reading a book.
-- Color-coded Programming Guide: BabyFirstTV helps inform parents about the educational value of each segment with its unique color-coded system. The BabyFirstTV flower logo changes colors according to the specific program content. For example, blue for Numbers Parade, red for Language Playground, etc.
-- Multi-layer Content: BabyFirstTV content is adaptable to the different levels of a baby's development. Each show offers elements that can appeal to younger babies and older toddlers simultaneously, so children at various levels and age groups can focus on something different within the same program.
-- Flexible Programming: BabyFirstTV features programming, as well as video-on-demand (VOD) capabilities to offer parents access to content when and where they want it. The channel also offers content for different times of the day -- daytime programs engage and delight baby, while evening content helps soothe the baby to prepare for sleep.
-- Best Value for Money: BabyFirstTV provides hundreds of hours of high-quality programming for a fraction of the price of existing baby-DVDs. The channel's monthly fee ($9.99) is lower than the price of a single baby-DVD.
-- Programming Just for Parents (Coming Soon): By Summer 2006, BabyFirstTV will offer one hour of daily programming (extended to two hours in 2007) geared only to parents, offering tips and advice, including proper nutrition, safety, etc.
Parent and Child Co-Viewing Experience
Many babies watch television on a daily basis; in fact, 68 percent of children under two watch on-screen media every day(a). Understanding that television is a part of today's environment, BabyFirstTV provides parents with the tools to transform television into an active learning and interaction opportunity with their child. The programming features interactive subtitles and a unique color-coded system that helps inform parents about the specific value of each segment -- as the flower logo changes color, parents can identify the educational focus of the program. Starting today, parents can download a Parents' Guide on the BabyFirstTV Web site to access tips and guidance for their children's television viewing and ultimately take an active role in their overall development.
BabyFirstTV's content is supervised and supported by a worldwide Advisory Board that provides academic supervision as a key to ensuring programming quality. The board is comprised of leading child psychologists and development experts, including: Dr. Edward McCabe, M.D., Ph.D, professor and executive chair of the UCLA Dept. of Pediatrics, and physician-in-chief of the Mattel Children's Hospital at UCLA; Dr. Arthur Pober, BabyFirstTV chief educational officer; Dr. Richard Woolfson, author and child psychologist; Dr. Mary Ann LoFrumento, author, pediatrician and parenting expert; Dr. Lynne Kenney Markan, child psychologist and parenting expert; and Reveta Bowers, administrator and head of school at The Center for Early Education. The Board provides their "stamp of approval" on all BabyFirstTV programs and ensures that they offer a safe, positive learning environment with no commercials, no violence and no over-sensory stimulants.
"We're trying to redefine the way traditional television is perceived -- it's more than a box in your living room," said Dr. Edward McCabe, M.D., Ph.D, physician-in-chief, Mattel Children's Hospital at UCLA and BabyFirstTV Advisory Board member. "When used responsibly, television can be a powerful interactive medium that provides parents with unique opportunities to bond with their children. The key is the quality and interactive nature of the content, and this is what BabyFirstTV offers to parents."
Availability
BabyFirstTV is available today for the first time on DIRECTV for $9.99 a month. In celebration of Mother's Day, DIRECTV is offering subscribers free access to the channel throughout the month of May.
“To make the switch to DIRECTV, Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221.”
SOURCE: DIRECTV
DIRECTV, IGN Entertainment & Key Partners to Create New Video Gaming Professional Sports League
Microsoft's Xbox, Mountain Dew, Fox and Best Buy Round-out New Consortium to Launch the Championship Gaming Series in 2007; Three Gaming Tournaments to Be Broadcast Exclusively on DIRECTV in 2006
Today, professional gaming took a giant leap forward. DIRECTV, Inc., the nation's leading digital service provider, and key partners are taking the professional gaming industry to the next level with the creation of a new video gaming professional sports league that will be the standard for the industry and redefine the consumer gaming experience.
Beginning in 2007, DIRECTV, in conjunction with IGN Entertainment, Microsoft's Xbox, Mountain Dew, Fox Interactive Media (FIM) and Best Buy, will launch The Championship Gaming Series (CGS), a new, professional video gaming league that will rollout televised league play using new technology that takes viewers inside the actual game competitions. The CGS concept is unique to the industry because it consists of an on-going series of competitions as opposed to the scattered gaming events that are currently available today. Throughout the season, teams across the country will battle each other for the coveted "Dew Cup." Details about the Dew Cup will be unveiled by DIRECTV and Mountain Dew later this year, along with information about the unprecedented prize money that will be up for grabs in CGS tournaments.
Through broadcast and online media, the CGS will be available to the gaming community 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year round. The CGS will leverage IGN Entertainment's media assets, online video game tournament technology, as well as IGN's close relationship with their more than 35 million gamers per month.
The CGS consortium will be led by DIRECTV President of Entertainment, David Hill, well-known for his broadcasting innovations at Fox Sports. The new group will also provide support for the development of the first of three DIRECTV gaming tournaments to be broadcast in July 2006, to DIRECTV's more than 15 million customers nationwide.
"Today, we are making a commitment to the world of E-Sports that will bring the phenomenon of competitive gaming to a critical mass," said Hill. "After researching the current state of E-Sports and identifying a great need for unity throughout the industry, we have gathered together an elite group of consumer, technology and media companies to create and televise the best gaming experience available in the country."
Hill and his team, including Eric Shanks, executive vice president, DIRECTV Entertainment, and Steven Roberts, vice president and general manager, DIRECTV Entertainment, will oversee the development of the CGS tournament that will place virtual cameras within the video games themselves and allow DIRECTV customers to experience video games in much the same manner as other professional sports. CGS tournaments will be broadcast nationwide exclusively on DIRECTV.
"This league will be unrivaled," added Dale Strang, executive vice president and general manager of IGN Entertainment. "In short, the CGS will treat its players in the same manner as traditional sports: huge prize money, instant payouts and massive media coverage using traditional and new media."
The three tournaments this year are considered a warm-up for the start of CGS league play in 2007, will also be covered on IGN's web site, which will offer 24/7 exposure of the events. The first tournament will take place on July 21, 2006.
“To make the switch to DIRECTV, Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221.”
SOURCE: DIRECTV
Today, professional gaming took a giant leap forward. DIRECTV, Inc., the nation's leading digital service provider, and key partners are taking the professional gaming industry to the next level with the creation of a new video gaming professional sports league that will be the standard for the industry and redefine the consumer gaming experience.
Beginning in 2007, DIRECTV, in conjunction with IGN Entertainment, Microsoft's Xbox, Mountain Dew, Fox Interactive Media (FIM) and Best Buy, will launch The Championship Gaming Series (CGS), a new, professional video gaming league that will rollout televised league play using new technology that takes viewers inside the actual game competitions. The CGS concept is unique to the industry because it consists of an on-going series of competitions as opposed to the scattered gaming events that are currently available today. Throughout the season, teams across the country will battle each other for the coveted "Dew Cup." Details about the Dew Cup will be unveiled by DIRECTV and Mountain Dew later this year, along with information about the unprecedented prize money that will be up for grabs in CGS tournaments.
Through broadcast and online media, the CGS will be available to the gaming community 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year round. The CGS will leverage IGN Entertainment's media assets, online video game tournament technology, as well as IGN's close relationship with their more than 35 million gamers per month.
The CGS consortium will be led by DIRECTV President of Entertainment, David Hill, well-known for his broadcasting innovations at Fox Sports. The new group will also provide support for the development of the first of three DIRECTV gaming tournaments to be broadcast in July 2006, to DIRECTV's more than 15 million customers nationwide.
"Today, we are making a commitment to the world of E-Sports that will bring the phenomenon of competitive gaming to a critical mass," said Hill. "After researching the current state of E-Sports and identifying a great need for unity throughout the industry, we have gathered together an elite group of consumer, technology and media companies to create and televise the best gaming experience available in the country."
Hill and his team, including Eric Shanks, executive vice president, DIRECTV Entertainment, and Steven Roberts, vice president and general manager, DIRECTV Entertainment, will oversee the development of the CGS tournament that will place virtual cameras within the video games themselves and allow DIRECTV customers to experience video games in much the same manner as other professional sports. CGS tournaments will be broadcast nationwide exclusively on DIRECTV.
"This league will be unrivaled," added Dale Strang, executive vice president and general manager of IGN Entertainment. "In short, the CGS will treat its players in the same manner as traditional sports: huge prize money, instant payouts and massive media coverage using traditional and new media."
The three tournaments this year are considered a warm-up for the start of CGS league play in 2007, will also be covered on IGN's web site, which will offer 24/7 exposure of the events. The first tournament will take place on July 21, 2006.
“To make the switch to DIRECTV, Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221.”
SOURCE: DIRECTV
DIRECTV Continues to Expand Local HD Programming
Names 14 New HD Markets; Local HD to be Available to Customers in 50 Markets, Representing More Than 65 Percent of U.S. Television Homes
Continuing its drive to lead the industry in the delivery of HDTV to consumers, DIRECTV named 14 more markets where it will offer local HD programming later this year. When the markets are added, DIRECTV will offer local HD programming in 50 major metropolitan areas, representing more than 65 percent of U.S. TV households. The rollout is scheduled to begin in the third 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 packagethat offers local channels. There is no additional charge for local HD programming.
The 14 local markets to receive HD programming from DIRECTV include:
-- Cincinnati -- Madison, Wis.
-- Austin, Texas -- Memphis, Tenn.
-- Albuquerque, N.M. -- Portland, Maine
-- Grand Rapids, Mich. -- Portland, Ore.
-- Green Bay, Wis. -- Providence, R.I.
-- Greensboro, N.C. -- Reno, Nev.
-- Las Vegas -- San Antonio
"With the rollout of each new HD market, DIRECTV continues to affirm its commitment to hold the competitive high ground in HD programming," said Dan Fawcett, executive vice president, DIRECTV, Inc. "Our local HD expansion will continue through next year when we expect to offer access to the crystal-clear picture and sound of local HD programming to nearly every household in the nation."
DIRECTV currently offers standard-definition local channels in 142 markets, covering nearly 94 percent of television households in the country, as well as 20 HD local channel markets including: Atlanta, Birmingham, Boston, Chicago, Columbus, Dallas-Fort Worth, Detroit, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Nashville, New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, Tampa and Washington, D.C. By June of this year, DIRECTV will have activated local HD programming in 16 more previously announced markets for a total of 36 markets, representing 58 percent of U.S. TV households.
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.
Customers can receive local HD channels by purchasing the new H20 HD receiver and a satellite dish that has the ability to receive programming from five different orbital locations. DIRECTV is offering new customers who purchase a DIRECTV HD receiver a $100 mail-in rebate. (Limit one rebate per customer.) Receiving equipment is available at major consumer electronics retailers like Best Buy and Circuit City, and through DIRECTV. Existing customers are eligible for a $99 upgrade to the new H20 receiver and dish, plus $99 for each additional HD receiver.
“To make the switch to DIRECTV, Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221.”
SOURCE: DIRECTV
Continuing its drive to lead the industry in the delivery of HDTV to consumers, DIRECTV named 14 more markets where it will offer local HD programming later this year. When the markets are added, DIRECTV will offer local HD programming in 50 major metropolitan areas, representing more than 65 percent of U.S. TV households. The rollout is scheduled to begin in the third 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 packagethat offers local channels. There is no additional charge for local HD programming.
The 14 local markets to receive HD programming from DIRECTV include:
-- Cincinnati -- Madison, Wis.
-- Austin, Texas -- Memphis, Tenn.
-- Albuquerque, N.M. -- Portland, Maine
-- Grand Rapids, Mich. -- Portland, Ore.
-- Green Bay, Wis. -- Providence, R.I.
-- Greensboro, N.C. -- Reno, Nev.
-- Las Vegas -- San Antonio
"With the rollout of each new HD market, DIRECTV continues to affirm its commitment to hold the competitive high ground in HD programming," said Dan Fawcett, executive vice president, DIRECTV, Inc. "Our local HD expansion will continue through next year when we expect to offer access to the crystal-clear picture and sound of local HD programming to nearly every household in the nation."
DIRECTV currently offers standard-definition local channels in 142 markets, covering nearly 94 percent of television households in the country, as well as 20 HD local channel markets including: Atlanta, Birmingham, Boston, Chicago, Columbus, Dallas-Fort Worth, Detroit, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Nashville, New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, Tampa and Washington, D.C. By June of this year, DIRECTV will have activated local HD programming in 16 more previously announced markets for a total of 36 markets, representing 58 percent of U.S. TV households.
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.
Customers can receive local HD channels by purchasing the new H20 HD receiver and a satellite dish that has the ability to receive programming from five different orbital locations. DIRECTV is offering new customers who purchase a DIRECTV HD receiver a $100 mail-in rebate. (Limit one rebate per customer.) Receiving equipment is available at major consumer electronics retailers like Best Buy and Circuit City, and through DIRECTV. Existing customers are eligible for a $99 upgrade to the new H20 receiver and dish, plus $99 for each additional HD receiver.
“To make the switch to DIRECTV, Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221.”
SOURCE: DIRECTV
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