Yes Interactive only on DirecTV, an interactive television service, is available as part of New York Yankees telecasts on the YES Network and broadcast by DirecTV within the Yankees television territory.
YES is the first network to offer its viewers single-screen interactive Major League Baseball content. MLBAM is the source for the application's updated statistics, scores, records and other data feeds. The service is available at no extra charge to DirecTV customers who live within the Yankees home TV territory and have an interactive receiver.
The network will also offer a Bonus Cam feature during YES telecasts of Yankees home games. The Bonus Cam will enable fans to follow their favorite players via an extra camera angle focusing on select players and situations throughout the game.
The YES Network is available as part of DirecTV's Total Choice monthly programming service to residential customers in areas like New York and Connecticut, as well as areas of New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Thursday, August 31, 2006
DIRECTV Expands HD Sports Programming
DIRECTV is stacking the lineup with more HD sports programming by delivering Major League Baseball games in HD by regional sports networks (RSNs) in 19 major markets.
DIRECTV is now broadcasting all MLB games produced in HD from the following RSNs: FSN Prime Ticket (Los Angeles Dodgers), FSN West (Los Angeles Angels), FSN Bay Area (San Francisco Giants, Oakland A's), FSN South (Atlanta Braves), FSN Houston (Astros), FSN Detroit (Tigers), FSN Florida (Marlins, Devil Rays), SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland Indians), FSN North (Minnesota Twins), FSN Northwest (Seattle Mariners), FSN Arizona (Diamondbacks), FSN Rocky Mountain (Colorado Rockies) and Turner South (Atlanta Braves).
On July 18, HD MLB games from YES Network (Yankees) and FSN Southwest (Rangers HD games will be seen only in the Dallas DMA) will be available, as well as a continuous 24/7 HD feed from NESN HD (Red Sox). In August DIRECTV will deliver HD MLB games from SportsNet New York (Mets), as well as continuous 24/7 HD feeds from Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic HD (Orioles) and Comcast SportsNet Chicago HDTV (Cubs, White Sox).
The RSNs' HD games will be broadcast by DIRECTV via a local market spot beam, and as a result, the RSN programming will be available only to those customers who live within the local DMA (designated market area) spot beam and the RSN team territory. The games will be available at no extra charge.
In addition to the MLB games, DIRECTV will also carry NHL and NBA games that are televised on the RSNs when their seasons start in the fall.
"If we hear one thing from our HD customers, it's 'give us more sports programming in HD,' and we plan to do that throughout the year, beginning with more Major League Baseball games in HD via the RSNs in several of the largest markets," said Dan Fawcett, executive vice president, Programming Acquisition, DIRECTV, Inc. "With all of the regional sports networks' games produced in HD -- including MLB, NHL and NBA, and the more than 110 NFL games DIRECTV will broadcast in HD this fall, we'll offer fans the best selection of HD sports programming available anywhere."
"Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV's Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221 to make the switch to DIRECTV".
SOURCE: DIRECTV
DIRECTV is now broadcasting all MLB games produced in HD from the following RSNs: FSN Prime Ticket (Los Angeles Dodgers), FSN West (Los Angeles Angels), FSN Bay Area (San Francisco Giants, Oakland A's), FSN South (Atlanta Braves), FSN Houston (Astros), FSN Detroit (Tigers), FSN Florida (Marlins, Devil Rays), SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland Indians), FSN North (Minnesota Twins), FSN Northwest (Seattle Mariners), FSN Arizona (Diamondbacks), FSN Rocky Mountain (Colorado Rockies) and Turner South (Atlanta Braves).
On July 18, HD MLB games from YES Network (Yankees) and FSN Southwest (Rangers HD games will be seen only in the Dallas DMA) will be available, as well as a continuous 24/7 HD feed from NESN HD (Red Sox). In August DIRECTV will deliver HD MLB games from SportsNet New York (Mets), as well as continuous 24/7 HD feeds from Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic HD (Orioles) and Comcast SportsNet Chicago HDTV (Cubs, White Sox).
The RSNs' HD games will be broadcast by DIRECTV via a local market spot beam, and as a result, the RSN programming will be available only to those customers who live within the local DMA (designated market area) spot beam and the RSN team territory. The games will be available at no extra charge.
In addition to the MLB games, DIRECTV will also carry NHL and NBA games that are televised on the RSNs when their seasons start in the fall.
"If we hear one thing from our HD customers, it's 'give us more sports programming in HD,' and we plan to do that throughout the year, beginning with more Major League Baseball games in HD via the RSNs in several of the largest markets," said Dan Fawcett, executive vice president, Programming Acquisition, DIRECTV, Inc. "With all of the regional sports networks' games produced in HD -- including MLB, NHL and NBA, and the more than 110 NFL games DIRECTV will broadcast in HD this fall, we'll offer fans the best selection of HD sports programming available anywhere."
"Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV's Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221 to make the switch to DIRECTV".
SOURCE: DIRECTV
DIRECTV Ranks Highest in Customer Satisfaction in J.D. Power and Associates Satellite/Cable TV Study
DIRECTV has been ranked "Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Satellite/Cable TV Subscribers" in the 13-state Eastern region of the United States, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Residential Cable/Satellite TV Customer Satisfaction Study(SM).
DIRECTV has received the highest ranking three previous times in J.D. Power national customer satisfaction studies, and earlier this year received the highest score for customer satisfaction among satellite and cable TV companies rated by the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI).
In a change in format for this year's study, J.D. Power and Associates is recognizing the highest-ranked companies in each of four regions in the United States - East, South, North/Central and West - rather than naming a single company as the #1 Cable/Satellite provider in the nation. The East region is comprised of 13 states, including the six New England states and New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, West Virginia and Virginia.
"Our highest ranking by J.D. Power and Associates represents another mark of excellence in customer satisfaction for DIRECTV this year," said John Suranyi, DIRECTV's president of Sales and Customer Service. "And while it's an honor to be recognized by J.D. Power and Associates and ACSI, we are not resting on our laurels. We will continue to look at how we can improve all aspects of our business - from technology to content to customer service - and provide an even better experience for our customers."
In addition to rolling out ground-breaking interactive sports programming, new original programming like CD USA, and expanding its local HD programming to 36 markets, DIRECTV is continuing to reinforce its commitment to providing world-class service for its customers.
In June, DIRECTV announced the expansion of its Denver operations hub next year, centralizing the management of its nationwide customer care operations and adding a new technical support call center for advanced products. With the opening in September of its fourth owned and operated technical call center in Missoula, Mont., DIRECTV will have built one of the largest and most sophisticated customer care operations in the industry and will be in a strong position to continue to support its growing customer base and the rollout of more new products and services.
This year's J.D. Power and Associates Customer Satisfaction Study is based on responses from 15,819 satellite TV and cable households nationwide.
J.D. Power and Associates is a global marketing information services firm operating in key business sectors including market research, forecasting, consulting, training and customer satisfaction.
“Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221 to make the switch to DIRECTV”.
SOURCE: DIRECTV
DIRECTV has received the highest ranking three previous times in J.D. Power national customer satisfaction studies, and earlier this year received the highest score for customer satisfaction among satellite and cable TV companies rated by the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI).
In a change in format for this year's study, J.D. Power and Associates is recognizing the highest-ranked companies in each of four regions in the United States - East, South, North/Central and West - rather than naming a single company as the #1 Cable/Satellite provider in the nation. The East region is comprised of 13 states, including the six New England states and New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, West Virginia and Virginia.
"Our highest ranking by J.D. Power and Associates represents another mark of excellence in customer satisfaction for DIRECTV this year," said John Suranyi, DIRECTV's president of Sales and Customer Service. "And while it's an honor to be recognized by J.D. Power and Associates and ACSI, we are not resting on our laurels. We will continue to look at how we can improve all aspects of our business - from technology to content to customer service - and provide an even better experience for our customers."
In addition to rolling out ground-breaking interactive sports programming, new original programming like CD USA, and expanding its local HD programming to 36 markets, DIRECTV is continuing to reinforce its commitment to providing world-class service for its customers.
In June, DIRECTV announced the expansion of its Denver operations hub next year, centralizing the management of its nationwide customer care operations and adding a new technical support call center for advanced products. With the opening in September of its fourth owned and operated technical call center in Missoula, Mont., DIRECTV will have built one of the largest and most sophisticated customer care operations in the industry and will be in a strong position to continue to support its growing customer base and the rollout of more new products and services.
This year's J.D. Power and Associates Customer Satisfaction Study is based on responses from 15,819 satellite TV and cable households nationwide.
J.D. Power and Associates is a global marketing information services firm operating in key business sectors including market research, forecasting, consulting, training and customer satisfaction.
“Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221 to make the switch to DIRECTV”.
SOURCE: DIRECTV
DIRECTV and the US Open
DIRECTV Customers Continue to Get Red Carpet Treatment; Can Watch Up To Five US Open Matches at Any Time and More Than 100 Live Matches Overall
DIRECTV, USA Network and the USTA are providing tennis fans with the first-ever interactive TV coverage of a major U.S. tennis event through a new service, US Open Interactive on USA only on DIRECTV.
Free to DIRECTV customers, the interactive service will expand USA Network's national coverage of the 2006 US Open, including unprecedented access to more early round matches, statistics and information on demand, and the ability to view up to five matches simultaneously on a special US Open Mix channel. In all, DIRECTV customers will have access to up to 300 hours of tournament coverage that includes more than 100 additional matches.
Employing its industry-leading interactive technology, DIRECTV will utilize USA Network's production resources at US Open tennis courts normally used for cutaways from matches featured during USA Network's national coverage. Viewers will be able to select from any one of several live matches - taking their US Open viewing experience to a new level.
"This is the biggest advance for tennis fans since color television," said Eric Shanks, executive vice president, DIRECTV Entertainment. "We're extremely pleased to team with USA Network to bring this innovation to our customers absolutely free of charge."
"We're excited by the notion of combining USA Network's national coverage of the US Open with DIRECTV's interactive television innovations to create the ultimate US Open experience for viewers," said Bridget Baker, executive vice president, NBC Universal Cable. "Each year, dramatic storylines unfold during early round matches from many places at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, so it makes perfect sense to provide tennis fans access to as much of this drama as possible, as it occurs."
With the US Open Interactive service, customers will have the ability to enjoy five channels of expanded coverage starting at 11 a.m. ET and covering all the day's action on the featured courts during the US Open's first five days. In addition, a special US Open Mix channel will feature all of these matches plus USA's own coverage simultaneously, with live onscreen scoring of all the matches. Viewers with interactive equipment will be able to highlight each cell to hear live audio specific to the cell's featured match, and can tune to any match full screen at the push of a button.
In addition to the expanded coverage and the US Open Mix Channel, viewers will have access to a half-screen Scoreboard overlay on both the US Open Mix and the extra Court Channels. The Scoreboard will feature the previous day and current day's match results, as well as the next day's upcoming match ups.
“To make the switch to DIRECTV, Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221.”
SOURCE: DIRECTV
DIRECTV, USA Network and the USTA are providing tennis fans with the first-ever interactive TV coverage of a major U.S. tennis event through a new service, US Open Interactive on USA only on DIRECTV.
Free to DIRECTV customers, the interactive service will expand USA Network's national coverage of the 2006 US Open, including unprecedented access to more early round matches, statistics and information on demand, and the ability to view up to five matches simultaneously on a special US Open Mix channel. In all, DIRECTV customers will have access to up to 300 hours of tournament coverage that includes more than 100 additional matches.
Employing its industry-leading interactive technology, DIRECTV will utilize USA Network's production resources at US Open tennis courts normally used for cutaways from matches featured during USA Network's national coverage. Viewers will be able to select from any one of several live matches - taking their US Open viewing experience to a new level.
"This is the biggest advance for tennis fans since color television," said Eric Shanks, executive vice president, DIRECTV Entertainment. "We're extremely pleased to team with USA Network to bring this innovation to our customers absolutely free of charge."
"We're excited by the notion of combining USA Network's national coverage of the US Open with DIRECTV's interactive television innovations to create the ultimate US Open experience for viewers," said Bridget Baker, executive vice president, NBC Universal Cable. "Each year, dramatic storylines unfold during early round matches from many places at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, so it makes perfect sense to provide tennis fans access to as much of this drama as possible, as it occurs."
With the US Open Interactive service, customers will have the ability to enjoy five channels of expanded coverage starting at 11 a.m. ET and covering all the day's action on the featured courts during the US Open's first five days. In addition, a special US Open Mix channel will feature all of these matches plus USA's own coverage simultaneously, with live onscreen scoring of all the matches. Viewers with interactive equipment will be able to highlight each cell to hear live audio specific to the cell's featured match, and can tune to any match full screen at the push of a button.
In addition to the expanded coverage and the US Open Mix Channel, viewers will have access to a half-screen Scoreboard overlay on both the US Open Mix and the extra Court Channels. The Scoreboard will feature the previous day and current day's match results, as well as the next day's upcoming match ups.
“To make the switch to DIRECTV, Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221.”
SOURCE: DIRECTV
DIRECTV Adds KYDF-64 Azteca America to the Corpus Christi Local Broadcast Channel Lineup
WHAT: DIRECTV, provider of the nation's leading digital television service, has added KYDF-64, Azteca America, to the Corpus Christi local broadcast channel lineup. DIRECTV is the only multichannel service provider to deliver Azteca America throughout the entire Corpus Christi designated market area. With the launch of Corpus Christi, DIRECTV now offers Azteca America in 20 markets, representing 66 percent of U.S. Hispanic TV households.
DIRECTV customers in this DMA who subscribe to the local channel package can now see a variety of Azteca America's Spanish- language entertainment programming, including world wide soccer highlight coverage, "Ventaneando" with Patti Chapoy, newscasts from Mexico, highly popular novelas and professional Mexican League Soccer matches. TV Azteca, the second-largest producer of Spanish-language programming in the world, provides KYDF-64 with the full array of TV Azteca's hard-hitting, highly popular novelas in weekday primetime, including two brand new novellas, "Amor sin Condiciones" and "Amores Cruzados." The brand new season of "La Academia" began on July 6.
DIRECTV also offers customers in the Corpus Christi DMA access to another Spanish-language station, KORO/Univision Channel 28. To receive local channels, DIRECTV customers can subscribe to the SELECCION EXTRA(TM) for $29.99 or TOTAL CHOICE(R) for $44.99 a month.
WHEN: Now Available
WHERE: DIRECTV(R) Channel 64
DIRECTV 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(R) programming, featuring the largest selection of pay per view choices and sports programming available. For pricing please visit DIRECTV.com/paratodos.
(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 customers in this DMA who subscribe to the local channel package can now see a variety of Azteca America's Spanish- language entertainment programming, including world wide soccer highlight coverage, "Ventaneando" with Patti Chapoy, newscasts from Mexico, highly popular novelas and professional Mexican League Soccer matches. TV Azteca, the second-largest producer of Spanish-language programming in the world, provides KYDF-64 with the full array of TV Azteca's hard-hitting, highly popular novelas in weekday primetime, including two brand new novellas, "Amor sin Condiciones" and "Amores Cruzados." The brand new season of "La Academia" began on July 6.
DIRECTV also offers customers in the Corpus Christi DMA access to another Spanish-language station, KORO/Univision Channel 28. To receive local channels, DIRECTV customers can subscribe to the SELECCION EXTRA(TM) for $29.99 or TOTAL CHOICE(R) for $44.99 a month.
WHEN: Now Available
WHERE: DIRECTV(R) Channel 64
DIRECTV 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(R) programming, featuring the largest selection of pay per view choices and sports programming available. For pricing please visit DIRECTV.com/paratodos.
(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
YES Interactive only on DIRECTV
"YES Interactive only on DIRECTV," the first-ever interactive television content for Major League Baseball, is now available as part of New York Yankees telecasts on the YES Network (www.yesnetwork.com) and broadcast by DIRECTV within the Yankees home television territory. Created to bring Yankees fans closer than ever to their favorite team and players, "YES Interactive only on DIRECTV" is a co-production of the YES Network, DIRECTV, Inc., and MLB Advanced Media (MLBAM).
With "YES Interactive only on DIRECTV," YES is the first network -- regional or national, sports or otherwise -- to offer its viewers true, single-screen interactive Major League Baseball content. MLBAM, operator of MLB.com, the official Web site of Major League Baseball, is the source for the application's constantly updated statistics, scores, records and other data feeds. The new service is available at no additional charge to DIRECTV customers who live within the Yankees home television territory and have an interactive DIRECTV receiver.
In addition to offering fans a full array of constantly updated interactive statistics, box scores, standings and player biographical information for every Yankees game on YES, "YES Interactive only on DIRECTV" will also boast a unique Bonus Cam feature during YES telecasts of Yankees home games. The split-screen Bonus Cam will enable fans to follow their favorite players like never before via an extra camera angle focusing on select players and situations throughout the game.
Informational CD-ROM and screen grabs available to media upon request.
* Highlights of "YES Interactive only on DIRECTV" An in-game box score, with an inning-by-inning game score and game statistics for both the Yankees and their opponent
* Bonus Cam, available during YES telecasts of all Yankees home games, featuring split-screen isolated in-game coverage of an individual player or situation on the field, as well as pre-game activity such as batting practice, warm-ups and infield practice
* A scoreboard providing up-to-the-minute scores from around the league each day, including the inning, runners on base and number of outs for each game
* Major League Baseball statistical leaders updated daily; sortable among batters by batting average, home runs, RBI, stolen bases, on-base percentage and sortable among pitchers by won-loss record, ERA, saves and strikeouts
* Major League Baseball standings updated daily, containing wild card races and denoting teams which have clinched their division or have secured a wild-card berth
* "Due Up" graphics which provide viewers with a preview of the next three batters for the team coming up to bat, along with their hitting statistics for that particular game; viewers will also be able to scroll through the entire batting order for each team
* Player profiles containing bio information for both the Yankees and the opposing team
* YES Scoop, intriguing background information on Yankees players
* The complete month-by-month 2006 Yankees schedule, featuring results of previously played games and YES game broadcast information for upcoming games
"`YES Interactive only on DIRECTV' puts Yankees fans in the director's chair," said Ray Hopkins, COO of the YES Network. "The various features of `YES Interactive only on DIRECTV' will provide Yankees fans with unprecedented access to the Bronx Bombers. This offering, in partnership with DIRECTV and MLBAM, is yet another example of YES taking advantage of the latest interactive technology in order to enhance the Yankees fan experience."
"Beyond the action on the field, the story of baseball is told through its statistics, box scores, team standings and the personalities of its players, and Yankees fans now have all of that information at their fingertips through YES/DIRECTV interactive content," said Eric Shanks, executive vice president, DIRECTV Entertainment. "We believe this is the future of sports TV programming -- a deeply engaging viewing experience where fans have the ultimate in convenience, control and quality -- and we can't think of a better or more appropriate way to begin the interactive TV revolution than with the YES Network and the most storied franchise in baseball."
The YES Network (Channel 622) is available as part of DIRECTV's TOTAL CHOICE monthly programming service to residential customers in the Yankees home television territory, including New York and Connecticut, and areas of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. For DIRECTV customers living in these areas who want to access the enhanced features, DIRECTV is offering a free interactive receiver or DIRECTV Plus DVR receiver (with a programming commitment) through Aug. 31.
The YES Network has been the most-watched regional sports network in the country for three years running (2003, 2004, 2005), and also was the nation's most-watched regional sports network in the first half of the 2006 broadcast year. During the first half of 2006, YES claimed more viewers in the New York DMA than the other three New York regional sports networks (MSG Network, SportsNet New York and Fox Sports New York) combined, and also out-performed ESPN and ESPN2 in New York in Primetime.
“To make the switch to DIRECTV, Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221.”
SOURCE: DIRECTV
With "YES Interactive only on DIRECTV," YES is the first network -- regional or national, sports or otherwise -- to offer its viewers true, single-screen interactive Major League Baseball content. MLBAM, operator of MLB.com, the official Web site of Major League Baseball, is the source for the application's constantly updated statistics, scores, records and other data feeds. The new service is available at no additional charge to DIRECTV customers who live within the Yankees home television territory and have an interactive DIRECTV receiver.
In addition to offering fans a full array of constantly updated interactive statistics, box scores, standings and player biographical information for every Yankees game on YES, "YES Interactive only on DIRECTV" will also boast a unique Bonus Cam feature during YES telecasts of Yankees home games. The split-screen Bonus Cam will enable fans to follow their favorite players like never before via an extra camera angle focusing on select players and situations throughout the game.
Informational CD-ROM and screen grabs available to media upon request.
* Highlights of "YES Interactive only on DIRECTV" An in-game box score, with an inning-by-inning game score and game statistics for both the Yankees and their opponent
* Bonus Cam, available during YES telecasts of all Yankees home games, featuring split-screen isolated in-game coverage of an individual player or situation on the field, as well as pre-game activity such as batting practice, warm-ups and infield practice
* A scoreboard providing up-to-the-minute scores from around the league each day, including the inning, runners on base and number of outs for each game
* Major League Baseball statistical leaders updated daily; sortable among batters by batting average, home runs, RBI, stolen bases, on-base percentage and sortable among pitchers by won-loss record, ERA, saves and strikeouts
* Major League Baseball standings updated daily, containing wild card races and denoting teams which have clinched their division or have secured a wild-card berth
* "Due Up" graphics which provide viewers with a preview of the next three batters for the team coming up to bat, along with their hitting statistics for that particular game; viewers will also be able to scroll through the entire batting order for each team
* Player profiles containing bio information for both the Yankees and the opposing team
* YES Scoop, intriguing background information on Yankees players
* The complete month-by-month 2006 Yankees schedule, featuring results of previously played games and YES game broadcast information for upcoming games
"`YES Interactive only on DIRECTV' puts Yankees fans in the director's chair," said Ray Hopkins, COO of the YES Network. "The various features of `YES Interactive only on DIRECTV' will provide Yankees fans with unprecedented access to the Bronx Bombers. This offering, in partnership with DIRECTV and MLBAM, is yet another example of YES taking advantage of the latest interactive technology in order to enhance the Yankees fan experience."
"Beyond the action on the field, the story of baseball is told through its statistics, box scores, team standings and the personalities of its players, and Yankees fans now have all of that information at their fingertips through YES/DIRECTV interactive content," said Eric Shanks, executive vice president, DIRECTV Entertainment. "We believe this is the future of sports TV programming -- a deeply engaging viewing experience where fans have the ultimate in convenience, control and quality -- and we can't think of a better or more appropriate way to begin the interactive TV revolution than with the YES Network and the most storied franchise in baseball."
The YES Network (Channel 622) is available as part of DIRECTV's TOTAL CHOICE monthly programming service to residential customers in the Yankees home television territory, including New York and Connecticut, and areas of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. For DIRECTV customers living in these areas who want to access the enhanced features, DIRECTV is offering a free interactive receiver or DIRECTV Plus DVR receiver (with a programming commitment) through Aug. 31.
The YES Network has been the most-watched regional sports network in the country for three years running (2003, 2004, 2005), and also was the nation's most-watched regional sports network in the first half of the 2006 broadcast year. During the first half of 2006, YES claimed more viewers in the New York DMA than the other three New York regional sports networks (MSG Network, SportsNet New York and Fox Sports New York) combined, and also out-performed ESPN and ESPN2 in New York in Primetime.
“To make the switch to DIRECTV, Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221.”
SOURCE: DIRECTV
DIRECTV and IGN Entertainment
Video Gaming Competition Revolutionized with First Full-Scale Television Coverage Bringing Together World-Class Athletes, Sponsors and Production Team
DIRECTV, the nation's leading digital television service provider, is about to forever change the face of televised sports and score a broadcast landmark with the Championship Gaming Invitational, a special event to be taped July 21-22 and to air in August on DIRECTV as part of its original programming lineup. The special represents DIRECTV's entree into the world of professional video gaming, providing production values and storytelling that will raise the sport to a new level.
Teaming up with IGN Entertainment, Microsoft Xbox, Mountain Dew, Fox Interactive Media (FIM) and Best Buy, DIRECTV will present this international, two-day challenge featuring huge prize purses for top finishers and instant money payouts. Competitors will face off in extreme games such as Electronic Arts(TM) Battlefield 2(TM), Microsoft Game Studio's(TM) Project Gotham Racing(R) 3 and Halo(R) 2, Tecmo's(R) Dead or Alive(R) 4, and Valve's(R) Counter-Strike(TM) 1.6.
"We believe that professional video gaming is the next big thing in sports entertainment and we are dedicated to creating and televising the best gaming experience available anywhere," said David Hill, president of DIRECTV Entertainment. "This invitational will prove that commitment as we gather together some of the most talented players, the hottest production team and innovative set designers to create a truly unique video gaming environment and a one-of-a-kind television event."
"The video gaming world has never seen anything like this," added Dale Strang, executive vice president and general manager of IGN Entertainment, a unit of Fox Interactive Media. "This two-day invitational will take pro gaming to the next level by treating it like a sport and its players as athletes. It is unprecedented."
Arthur Smith and Kent Weed from powerhouse entertainment production company, A. Smith & Co., will executive produce the special along with 11-time Emmy award-winning sports producer Mike Burks. Together, they will place the viewer inside the action with a detailed, close-up look into the arena and events taking place on and off the field. Sean Atkins of A. Smith & Co. will serve as co-executive producer. Acclaimed set designer Jeff Hall will transform a 16,000-square-foot airplane hanger, at the former Treasure Island Naval Base in San Francisco, into an indoor arena for video gaming -- complete with a center stage and surrounding stadium.
DIRECTV will add its expertise in professional sports coverage by giving viewers the most unlimited access to players and the field including play-by-play commentary and a unique, point-of-view perspective. Production values will be unmatched for a gaming competition as 16 different HD cameras surrounding the arena combine with Dolby Pro Logic 5.1 surround sound to bring viewers inside the game to capture all elements of the competition.
To ensure standards of professional competition and fairness, DIRECTV has enlisted some of the best experts in the industry to create and administer rules for this unique event.
The Championship Gaming Invitational is one of three gaming specials DIRECTV will air in 2006. The special is designed to set the stage for the previously announced Championship Gaming Series, a new professional gaming league in association with IGN Entertainment, Microsoft Xbox, Best Buy, and Mountain Dew. The league will form in 2007 with competitions airing exclusively on DIRECTV.
“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, is about to forever change the face of televised sports and score a broadcast landmark with the Championship Gaming Invitational, a special event to be taped July 21-22 and to air in August on DIRECTV as part of its original programming lineup. The special represents DIRECTV's entree into the world of professional video gaming, providing production values and storytelling that will raise the sport to a new level.
Teaming up with IGN Entertainment, Microsoft Xbox, Mountain Dew, Fox Interactive Media (FIM) and Best Buy, DIRECTV will present this international, two-day challenge featuring huge prize purses for top finishers and instant money payouts. Competitors will face off in extreme games such as Electronic Arts(TM) Battlefield 2(TM), Microsoft Game Studio's(TM) Project Gotham Racing(R) 3 and Halo(R) 2, Tecmo's(R) Dead or Alive(R) 4, and Valve's(R) Counter-Strike(TM) 1.6.
"We believe that professional video gaming is the next big thing in sports entertainment and we are dedicated to creating and televising the best gaming experience available anywhere," said David Hill, president of DIRECTV Entertainment. "This invitational will prove that commitment as we gather together some of the most talented players, the hottest production team and innovative set designers to create a truly unique video gaming environment and a one-of-a-kind television event."
"The video gaming world has never seen anything like this," added Dale Strang, executive vice president and general manager of IGN Entertainment, a unit of Fox Interactive Media. "This two-day invitational will take pro gaming to the next level by treating it like a sport and its players as athletes. It is unprecedented."
Arthur Smith and Kent Weed from powerhouse entertainment production company, A. Smith & Co., will executive produce the special along with 11-time Emmy award-winning sports producer Mike Burks. Together, they will place the viewer inside the action with a detailed, close-up look into the arena and events taking place on and off the field. Sean Atkins of A. Smith & Co. will serve as co-executive producer. Acclaimed set designer Jeff Hall will transform a 16,000-square-foot airplane hanger, at the former Treasure Island Naval Base in San Francisco, into an indoor arena for video gaming -- complete with a center stage and surrounding stadium.
DIRECTV will add its expertise in professional sports coverage by giving viewers the most unlimited access to players and the field including play-by-play commentary and a unique, point-of-view perspective. Production values will be unmatched for a gaming competition as 16 different HD cameras surrounding the arena combine with Dolby Pro Logic 5.1 surround sound to bring viewers inside the game to capture all elements of the competition.
To ensure standards of professional competition and fairness, DIRECTV has enlisted some of the best experts in the industry to create and administer rules for this unique event.
The Championship Gaming Invitational is one of three gaming specials DIRECTV will air in 2006. The special is designed to set the stage for the previously announced Championship Gaming Series, a new professional gaming league in association with IGN Entertainment, Microsoft Xbox, Best Buy, and Mountain Dew. The league will form in 2007 with competitions airing exclusively on DIRECTV.
“To make the switch to DIRECTV, Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221.”
SOURCE: DIRECTV
DIRECTV Adds Nine More Local HD Markets
HD Local Channel Service Activated Today in Baltimore, Cleveland, Charlotte, N.C., Denver, Hartford, Conn., Miami, Orlando, Fla., Raleigh, N.C., and West Palm Beach, Fla.
WHAT: DIRECTV, the nation's leading digital television service provider, is now offering local HD programming via satellite to customers in the Baltimore, Cleveland, Charlotte, Denver, Hartford, Miami, Orlando, Raleigh, and West Palm Beach.
With the addition of these nine markets, DIRECTV now offers local HD broadcast channels in 36 cities with plans to launch in an additional 13 cities later this year, offering access to DIRECTV-delivered local HD channels in more than 65 percent of U.S. television households.
DIRECTV's roll out of local HD channels in Charlotte 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.
WHEN: Beginning Wednesday, June 28, 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 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 when they order from Expert Satellite.
“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
WHAT: DIRECTV, the nation's leading digital television service provider, is now offering local HD programming via satellite to customers in the Baltimore, Cleveland, Charlotte, Denver, Hartford, Miami, Orlando, Raleigh, and West Palm Beach.
With the addition of these nine markets, DIRECTV now offers local HD broadcast channels in 36 cities with plans to launch in an additional 13 cities later this year, offering access to DIRECTV-delivered local HD channels in more than 65 percent of U.S. television households.
DIRECTV's roll out of local HD channels in Charlotte 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.
WHEN: Beginning Wednesday, June 28, 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 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 when they order from Expert Satellite.
“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 NFL SUNDAY TICKET
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning will appear in the latest series of DIRECTV ad spots featuring celebrities who appear to step out of a well-known film or television scene to educate consumers about DIRECTV. Manning, a long-time DIRECTV spokesman, will be seen stepping away from game action into the living rooms of viewers to promote the exclusive DIRECTV NFL SUNDAY TICKET service as the only way for fans to catch their favorite teams and biggest games every Sunday during the regular season. The ads begin running this week.
The popular ad campaign, created by Deutsch, Inc., uses digital production technology, allowing actual feature film, or in this case NFL game film, to be inter-woven seamlessly with produced footage. The resulting effect has Manning directly addressing the viewing audience while in the middle of an actual NFL game. This same technology was employed in DIRECTV's recent spots using footage from the popular action film "Twister," the '80s classic "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" and the blockbuster comedy "Austin Powers."
"I've been a DIRECTV spokesman since I entered the NFL in 1998 so everyone knows I'm a huge DIRECTV fan, but I've really enjoyed this year's ad campaign and I'm excited to now be a part of it," said Manning. "In reality, I don't think anything could ever break my concentration from what's happening on the field in a game, but that's exactly what makes this particular commercial so funny."
An additional version of this campaign featuring Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Bill Cowher is planned to follow the Manning spot in the weeks to come.
"Peyton Manning has proven to be one of the most effective and popular spokesmen for DIRECTV and a perfect choice for the ad campaign given his iron-clad focus on the field and consummate professionalism," said Jon Gieselman, senior vice president of Advertising and Public Relations, DIRECTV, Inc. "In a world where it is increasingly challenging to grab consumers' attention, it's definitely jarring to see him break from the game action and speak to the benefits of our exclusive NFL SUNDAY TICKET package directly to camera."
The premiere of the Manning spot this week marks the beginning of DIRECTV's 2006 consumer offer for its exclusive NFL SUNDAY TICKET service - the popular NFL subscription package that provides fans with the biggest selection of NFL games - up to 14 out-of-market games every Sunday during the NFL regular season.
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 PREMIER, for a savings of $540. The DIRECTV offer is also available to new customers who subscribe to the DIRECTV PARA TODOS SELECCION PREMIER Spanish-language package.
To be eligible, consumers must activate 2006 NFL SUNDAY TICKET between June 28 and Oct. 2, 2006; must be a new residential lease customer; and also agree to a one or two programming commitment, depending on what type of hardware the customer activates.
NFL SUNDAY TICKET customers can also add the NFL SUNDAY TICKET SuperFan 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
The popular ad campaign, created by Deutsch, Inc., uses digital production technology, allowing actual feature film, or in this case NFL game film, to be inter-woven seamlessly with produced footage. The resulting effect has Manning directly addressing the viewing audience while in the middle of an actual NFL game. This same technology was employed in DIRECTV's recent spots using footage from the popular action film "Twister," the '80s classic "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" and the blockbuster comedy "Austin Powers."
"I've been a DIRECTV spokesman since I entered the NFL in 1998 so everyone knows I'm a huge DIRECTV fan, but I've really enjoyed this year's ad campaign and I'm excited to now be a part of it," said Manning. "In reality, I don't think anything could ever break my concentration from what's happening on the field in a game, but that's exactly what makes this particular commercial so funny."
An additional version of this campaign featuring Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Bill Cowher is planned to follow the Manning spot in the weeks to come.
"Peyton Manning has proven to be one of the most effective and popular spokesmen for DIRECTV and a perfect choice for the ad campaign given his iron-clad focus on the field and consummate professionalism," said Jon Gieselman, senior vice president of Advertising and Public Relations, DIRECTV, Inc. "In a world where it is increasingly challenging to grab consumers' attention, it's definitely jarring to see him break from the game action and speak to the benefits of our exclusive NFL SUNDAY TICKET package directly to camera."
The premiere of the Manning spot this week marks the beginning of DIRECTV's 2006 consumer offer for its exclusive NFL SUNDAY TICKET service - the popular NFL subscription package that provides fans with the biggest selection of NFL games - up to 14 out-of-market games every Sunday during the NFL regular season.
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 PREMIER, for a savings of $540. The DIRECTV offer is also available to new customers who subscribe to the DIRECTV PARA TODOS SELECCION PREMIER Spanish-language package.
To be eligible, consumers must activate 2006 NFL SUNDAY TICKET between June 28 and Oct. 2, 2006; must be a new residential lease customer; and also agree to a one or two programming commitment, depending on what type of hardware the customer activates.
NFL SUNDAY TICKET customers can also add the NFL SUNDAY TICKET SuperFan 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
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
Comcast Digital Cable vs DirecTV
Just found this great article from Sean Watts on Associated Content dot com.
In one hand, we have Comcast, a company founded by a father and son combination that, over many decades, have created a conglomerate brand poised to dominate their market nationally. In the other hand, we have DirecTV, which was an investment spawned by an already existing media empire into new technology as a way to diversify themselves economically. Both deliver a great product, but there are still a few differences that often end up causing many customers to choose one over the other.
When choosing their cable package, a large number of consumers are faced with the same choice I was: whether to keep Comcast Digital Cable or “go dish.” For many years, I have had Comcast in all its various forms, from the early analog days up to its current digital incarnation. However, I wondered, was it now time to make a switch? I ended up deciding to give DirecTV a shot.
When comparing Comcast Digital Cable and DirecTV, it is often best to begin with their similarities. Both Comcast Digital Cable and DirecTV deliver high quality digital performance. Both Comcast Digital Cable and DirecTV each offer multiple packages including premium networks. Both Comcast Digital Cable and DirecTV each offer Digital Video Recording, known as DVR, as well High-Definition programming.
Nevertheless, there are many differences. The first is the price. Whereas DirecTV’s all-inclusive package, the Total Choice Premier, costs $99.99 and includes the monthly DVR subscription, Comcast Digital Cable’s all-inclusive equivalent, the Digital Platinum, costs $108.95 and does not include the DVR subscription. Instead, Comcast Digital Cable charges $8.95 per box per month for DVR. Mind you, both of these prices are simply for “one receiver.”
It does not include fees for setting up independent programming on more than one TV in the home. This is another situation where DirecTV has a distinct advantage over Comcast Digital Cable. DirecTV charges just $4.99 for each additional receiver. Comcast Digital Cable, on the other hand, charges up to $8.95 for each additional digital converter box, almost double of DirecTV’s current price.
Another advantage DirecTV has over Comcast Digital Cable is especially significant for sports fans. DirecTV offers the DirecTV Sports Pack, which allows the customer access to over 25 regional sports networks located around the country. The importance of the Sports Pack is that a customer can watch many different teams in different sports play from the local perspective.
For example, an NBA fan in Philadelphia can watch the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Los Angeles Lakers, the Miami Heat, the Chicago Bulls and over 20 other teams play without actually needing to buy NBA League Pass. This package is also included in DirecTV’s Total Choice Premier.
A Comcast Digital Cable customer, on the other hand, would have to subscribe to the NBA League Pass to receive the same access. That is a service that costs $189 for the entire NBA Season, a charge that would be in addition to your normal cable bill. DirecTV does in fact offer NBA League Pass for any interested consumer at the same price. In addition, DirecTV has exclusive access to the NFL’s Sunday Ticket, which means that to watch any out of market NFL games, DirecTV is the only option.
Comcast Digital Cable is not without its benefits however. One aspect I liked was the comprehensiveness of Comcast’s On Demand service. For those who do not know, this service allows the customer to pick a show or movie from a variety of networks and watch it at any time, day or night.
The other plus with that service is that it also has the usual VCR functions with it, meaning you can stop, pause, rewind or fast-forward that above-mentioned show at will. DirecTV is still working on trying to offer something similar, but to date, they have nothing close to what Comcast Digital Cable already has in place. This service is included with all of their Digital Cable packages as well.
In the end, this, like many things in this world, comes down to personal preference. For me, I highly enjoyed Comcast Digital Cable’s On Demand. The service got a lot of mileage out of those periods when you have hundreds of channels and
“nothing’s on.”
On the other hand, I also liked DirecTV for its Sports Pack and its economical cost effectiveness when compared to Comcast. From my experience, I might be willing to call it a push, but if DirecTV ever offers an On-Demand that rivals what Comcast has in place then all bets are off.
—
Take advantage of the best DIRECTV deal - call Expert Satellite at 800-431-1221.
In one hand, we have Comcast, a company founded by a father and son combination that, over many decades, have created a conglomerate brand poised to dominate their market nationally. In the other hand, we have DirecTV, which was an investment spawned by an already existing media empire into new technology as a way to diversify themselves economically. Both deliver a great product, but there are still a few differences that often end up causing many customers to choose one over the other.
When choosing their cable package, a large number of consumers are faced with the same choice I was: whether to keep Comcast Digital Cable or “go dish.” For many years, I have had Comcast in all its various forms, from the early analog days up to its current digital incarnation. However, I wondered, was it now time to make a switch? I ended up deciding to give DirecTV a shot.
When comparing Comcast Digital Cable and DirecTV, it is often best to begin with their similarities. Both Comcast Digital Cable and DirecTV deliver high quality digital performance. Both Comcast Digital Cable and DirecTV each offer multiple packages including premium networks. Both Comcast Digital Cable and DirecTV each offer Digital Video Recording, known as DVR, as well High-Definition programming.
Nevertheless, there are many differences. The first is the price. Whereas DirecTV’s all-inclusive package, the Total Choice Premier, costs $99.99 and includes the monthly DVR subscription, Comcast Digital Cable’s all-inclusive equivalent, the Digital Platinum, costs $108.95 and does not include the DVR subscription. Instead, Comcast Digital Cable charges $8.95 per box per month for DVR. Mind you, both of these prices are simply for “one receiver.”
It does not include fees for setting up independent programming on more than one TV in the home. This is another situation where DirecTV has a distinct advantage over Comcast Digital Cable. DirecTV charges just $4.99 for each additional receiver. Comcast Digital Cable, on the other hand, charges up to $8.95 for each additional digital converter box, almost double of DirecTV’s current price.
Another advantage DirecTV has over Comcast Digital Cable is especially significant for sports fans. DirecTV offers the DirecTV Sports Pack, which allows the customer access to over 25 regional sports networks located around the country. The importance of the Sports Pack is that a customer can watch many different teams in different sports play from the local perspective.
For example, an NBA fan in Philadelphia can watch the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Los Angeles Lakers, the Miami Heat, the Chicago Bulls and over 20 other teams play without actually needing to buy NBA League Pass. This package is also included in DirecTV’s Total Choice Premier.
A Comcast Digital Cable customer, on the other hand, would have to subscribe to the NBA League Pass to receive the same access. That is a service that costs $189 for the entire NBA Season, a charge that would be in addition to your normal cable bill. DirecTV does in fact offer NBA League Pass for any interested consumer at the same price. In addition, DirecTV has exclusive access to the NFL’s Sunday Ticket, which means that to watch any out of market NFL games, DirecTV is the only option.
Comcast Digital Cable is not without its benefits however. One aspect I liked was the comprehensiveness of Comcast’s On Demand service. For those who do not know, this service allows the customer to pick a show or movie from a variety of networks and watch it at any time, day or night.
The other plus with that service is that it also has the usual VCR functions with it, meaning you can stop, pause, rewind or fast-forward that above-mentioned show at will. DirecTV is still working on trying to offer something similar, but to date, they have nothing close to what Comcast Digital Cable already has in place. This service is included with all of their Digital Cable packages as well.
In the end, this, like many things in this world, comes down to personal preference. For me, I highly enjoyed Comcast Digital Cable’s On Demand. The service got a lot of mileage out of those periods when you have hundreds of channels and
“nothing’s on.”
On the other hand, I also liked DirecTV for its Sports Pack and its economical cost effectiveness when compared to Comcast. From my experience, I might be willing to call it a push, but if DirecTV ever offers an On-Demand that rivals what Comcast has in place then all bets are off.
—
Take advantage of the best DIRECTV deal - call Expert Satellite at 800-431-1221.
Yankees Net, DirecTV Launch Interactive Service
Yes Interactive only on DirecTV, an interactive television service, is available as part of New York Yankees telecasts on the YES Network and broadcast by DirecTV within the Yankees television territory.
YES is the first network to offer its viewers single-screen interactive Major League Baseball content. MLBAM is the source for the application's updated statistics, scores, records and other data feeds. The service is available at no extra charge to DirecTV customers who live within the Yankees home TV territory and have an interactive receiver.
The network will also offer a Bonus Cam feature during YES telecasts of Yankees home games. The Bonus Cam will enable fans to follow their favorite players via an extra camera angle focusing on select players and situations throughout the game.
The YES Network is available as part of DirecTV's Total Choice monthly programming service to residential customers in areas like New York and Connecticut, as well as areas of New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
YES is the first network to offer its viewers single-screen interactive Major League Baseball content. MLBAM is the source for the application's updated statistics, scores, records and other data feeds. The service is available at no extra charge to DirecTV customers who live within the Yankees home TV territory and have an interactive receiver.
The network will also offer a Bonus Cam feature during YES telecasts of Yankees home games. The Bonus Cam will enable fans to follow their favorite players via an extra camera angle focusing on select players and situations throughout the game.
The YES Network is available as part of DirecTV's Total Choice monthly programming service to residential customers in areas like New York and Connecticut, as well as areas of New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
DIRECTV Expands HD Sports Programming
DIRECTV is stacking the lineup with more HD sports programming by delivering Major League Baseball games in HD by regional sports networks (RSNs) in 19 major markets.
DIRECTV is now broadcasting all MLB games produced in HD from the following RSNs: FSN Prime Ticket (Los Angeles Dodgers), FSN West (Los Angeles Angels), FSN Bay Area (San Francisco Giants, Oakland A's), FSN South (Atlanta Braves), FSN Houston (Astros), FSN Detroit (Tigers), FSN Florida (Marlins, Devil Rays), SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland Indians), FSN North (Minnesota Twins), FSN Northwest (Seattle Mariners), FSN Arizona (Diamondbacks), FSN Rocky Mountain (Colorado Rockies) and Turner South (Atlanta Braves).
On July 18, HD MLB games from YES Network (Yankees) and FSN Southwest (Rangers HD games will be seen only in the Dallas DMA) will be available, as well as a continuous 24/7 HD feed from NESN HD (Red Sox). In August DIRECTV will deliver HD MLB games from SportsNet New York (Mets), as well as continuous 24/7 HD feeds from Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic HD (Orioles) and Comcast SportsNet Chicago HDTV (Cubs, White Sox).
The RSNs' HD games will be broadcast by DIRECTV via a local market spot beam, and as a result, the RSN programming will be available only to those customers who live within the local DMA (designated market area) spot beam and the RSN team territory. The games will be available at no extra charge.
In addition to the MLB games, DIRECTV will also carry NHL and NBA games that are televised on the RSNs when their seasons start in the fall.
"If we hear one thing from our HD customers, it's 'give us more sports programming in HD,' and we plan to do that throughout the year, beginning with more Major League Baseball games in HD via the RSNs in several of the largest markets," said Dan Fawcett, executive vice president, Programming Acquisition, DIRECTV, Inc. "With all of the regional sports networks' games produced in HD -- including MLB, NHL and NBA, and the more than 110 NFL games DIRECTV will broadcast in HD this fall, we'll offer fans the best selection of HD sports programming available anywhere."
"Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV's Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221 to make the switch to DIRECTV".
SOURCE: DIRECTV
DIRECTV is now broadcasting all MLB games produced in HD from the following RSNs: FSN Prime Ticket (Los Angeles Dodgers), FSN West (Los Angeles Angels), FSN Bay Area (San Francisco Giants, Oakland A's), FSN South (Atlanta Braves), FSN Houston (Astros), FSN Detroit (Tigers), FSN Florida (Marlins, Devil Rays), SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland Indians), FSN North (Minnesota Twins), FSN Northwest (Seattle Mariners), FSN Arizona (Diamondbacks), FSN Rocky Mountain (Colorado Rockies) and Turner South (Atlanta Braves).
On July 18, HD MLB games from YES Network (Yankees) and FSN Southwest (Rangers HD games will be seen only in the Dallas DMA) will be available, as well as a continuous 24/7 HD feed from NESN HD (Red Sox). In August DIRECTV will deliver HD MLB games from SportsNet New York (Mets), as well as continuous 24/7 HD feeds from Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic HD (Orioles) and Comcast SportsNet Chicago HDTV (Cubs, White Sox).
The RSNs' HD games will be broadcast by DIRECTV via a local market spot beam, and as a result, the RSN programming will be available only to those customers who live within the local DMA (designated market area) spot beam and the RSN team territory. The games will be available at no extra charge.
In addition to the MLB games, DIRECTV will also carry NHL and NBA games that are televised on the RSNs when their seasons start in the fall.
"If we hear one thing from our HD customers, it's 'give us more sports programming in HD,' and we plan to do that throughout the year, beginning with more Major League Baseball games in HD via the RSNs in several of the largest markets," said Dan Fawcett, executive vice president, Programming Acquisition, DIRECTV, Inc. "With all of the regional sports networks' games produced in HD -- including MLB, NHL and NBA, and the more than 110 NFL games DIRECTV will broadcast in HD this fall, we'll offer fans the best selection of HD sports programming available anywhere."
"Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV's Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221 to make the switch to DIRECTV".
SOURCE: DIRECTV
DIRECTV Ranks Highest in Customer Satisfaction in J.D. Power and Associates Satellite/Cable TV Study
DIRECTV has been ranked "Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Satellite/Cable TV Subscribers" in the 13-state Eastern region of the United States, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Residential Cable/Satellite TV Customer Satisfaction Study(SM).
DIRECTV has received the highest ranking three previous times in J.D. Power national customer satisfaction studies, and earlier this year received the highest score for customer satisfaction among satellite and cable TV companies rated by the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI).
In a change in format for this year's study, J.D. Power and Associates is recognizing the highest-ranked companies in each of four regions in the United States - East, South, North/Central and West - rather than naming a single company as the #1 Cable/Satellite provider in the nation. The East region is comprised of 13 states, including the six New England states and New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, West Virginia and Virginia.
"Our highest ranking by J.D. Power and Associates represents another mark of excellence in customer satisfaction for DIRECTV this year," said John Suranyi, DIRECTV's president of Sales and Customer Service. "And while it's an honor to be recognized by J.D. Power and Associates and ACSI, we are not resting on our laurels. We will continue to look at how we can improve all aspects of our business - from technology to content to customer service - and provide an even better experience for our customers."
In addition to rolling out ground-breaking interactive sports programming, new original programming like CD USA, and expanding its local HD programming to 36 markets, DIRECTV is continuing to reinforce its commitment to providing world-class service for its customers.
In June, DIRECTV announced the expansion of its Denver operations hub next year, centralizing the management of its nationwide customer care operations and adding a new technical support call center for advanced products. With the opening in September of its fourth owned and operated technical call center in Missoula, Mont., DIRECTV will have built one of the largest and most sophisticated customer care operations in the industry and will be in a strong position to continue to support its growing customer base and the rollout of more new products and services.
This year's J.D. Power and Associates Customer Satisfaction Study is based on responses from 15,819 satellite TV and cable households nationwide.
J.D. Power and Associates is a global marketing information services firm operating in key business sectors including market research, forecasting, consulting, training and customer satisfaction.
“Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221 to make the switch to DIRECTV”.
SOURCE: DIRECTV
DIRECTV has received the highest ranking three previous times in J.D. Power national customer satisfaction studies, and earlier this year received the highest score for customer satisfaction among satellite and cable TV companies rated by the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI).
In a change in format for this year's study, J.D. Power and Associates is recognizing the highest-ranked companies in each of four regions in the United States - East, South, North/Central and West - rather than naming a single company as the #1 Cable/Satellite provider in the nation. The East region is comprised of 13 states, including the six New England states and New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, West Virginia and Virginia.
"Our highest ranking by J.D. Power and Associates represents another mark of excellence in customer satisfaction for DIRECTV this year," said John Suranyi, DIRECTV's president of Sales and Customer Service. "And while it's an honor to be recognized by J.D. Power and Associates and ACSI, we are not resting on our laurels. We will continue to look at how we can improve all aspects of our business - from technology to content to customer service - and provide an even better experience for our customers."
In addition to rolling out ground-breaking interactive sports programming, new original programming like CD USA, and expanding its local HD programming to 36 markets, DIRECTV is continuing to reinforce its commitment to providing world-class service for its customers.
In June, DIRECTV announced the expansion of its Denver operations hub next year, centralizing the management of its nationwide customer care operations and adding a new technical support call center for advanced products. With the opening in September of its fourth owned and operated technical call center in Missoula, Mont., DIRECTV will have built one of the largest and most sophisticated customer care operations in the industry and will be in a strong position to continue to support its growing customer base and the rollout of more new products and services.
This year's J.D. Power and Associates Customer Satisfaction Study is based on responses from 15,819 satellite TV and cable households nationwide.
J.D. Power and Associates is a global marketing information services firm operating in key business sectors including market research, forecasting, consulting, training and customer satisfaction.
“Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221 to make the switch to DIRECTV”.
SOURCE: DIRECTV
DIRECTV and the US Open
DIRECTV Customers Continue to Get Red Carpet Treatment; Can Watch Up To Five US Open Matches at Any Time and More Than 100 Live Matches Overall
DIRECTV, USA Network and the USTA are providing tennis fans with the first-ever interactive TV coverage of a major U.S. tennis event through a new service, US Open Interactive on USA only on DIRECTV.
Free to DIRECTV customers, the interactive service will expand USA Network's national coverage of the 2006 US Open, including unprecedented access to more early round matches, statistics and information on demand, and the ability to view up to five matches simultaneously on a special US Open Mix channel. In all, DIRECTV customers will have access to up to 300 hours of tournament coverage that includes more than 100 additional matches.
Employing its industry-leading interactive technology, DIRECTV will utilize USA Network's production resources at US Open tennis courts normally used for cutaways from matches featured during USA Network's national coverage. Viewers will be able to select from any one of several live matches - taking their US Open viewing experience to a new level.
"This is the biggest advance for tennis fans since color television," said Eric Shanks, executive vice president, DIRECTV Entertainment. "We're extremely pleased to team with USA Network to bring this innovation to our customers absolutely free of charge."
"We're excited by the notion of combining USA Network's national coverage of the US Open with DIRECTV's interactive television innovations to create the ultimate US Open experience for viewers," said Bridget Baker, executive vice president, NBC Universal Cable. "Each year, dramatic storylines unfold during early round matches from many places at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, so it makes perfect sense to provide tennis fans access to as much of this drama as possible, as it occurs."
With the US Open Interactive service, customers will have the ability to enjoy five channels of expanded coverage starting at 11 a.m. ET and covering all the day's action on the featured courts during the US Open's first five days. In addition, a special US Open Mix channel will feature all of these matches plus USA's own coverage simultaneously, with live onscreen scoring of all the matches. Viewers with interactive equipment will be able to highlight each cell to hear live audio specific to the cell's featured match, and can tune to any match full screen at the push of a button.
In addition to the expanded coverage and the US Open Mix Channel, viewers will have access to a half-screen Scoreboard overlay on both the US Open Mix and the extra Court Channels. The Scoreboard will feature the previous day and current day's match results, as well as the next day's upcoming match ups.
“To make the switch to DIRECTV, Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221.”
SOURCE: DIRECTV
DIRECTV, USA Network and the USTA are providing tennis fans with the first-ever interactive TV coverage of a major U.S. tennis event through a new service, US Open Interactive on USA only on DIRECTV.
Free to DIRECTV customers, the interactive service will expand USA Network's national coverage of the 2006 US Open, including unprecedented access to more early round matches, statistics and information on demand, and the ability to view up to five matches simultaneously on a special US Open Mix channel. In all, DIRECTV customers will have access to up to 300 hours of tournament coverage that includes more than 100 additional matches.
Employing its industry-leading interactive technology, DIRECTV will utilize USA Network's production resources at US Open tennis courts normally used for cutaways from matches featured during USA Network's national coverage. Viewers will be able to select from any one of several live matches - taking their US Open viewing experience to a new level.
"This is the biggest advance for tennis fans since color television," said Eric Shanks, executive vice president, DIRECTV Entertainment. "We're extremely pleased to team with USA Network to bring this innovation to our customers absolutely free of charge."
"We're excited by the notion of combining USA Network's national coverage of the US Open with DIRECTV's interactive television innovations to create the ultimate US Open experience for viewers," said Bridget Baker, executive vice president, NBC Universal Cable. "Each year, dramatic storylines unfold during early round matches from many places at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, so it makes perfect sense to provide tennis fans access to as much of this drama as possible, as it occurs."
With the US Open Interactive service, customers will have the ability to enjoy five channels of expanded coverage starting at 11 a.m. ET and covering all the day's action on the featured courts during the US Open's first five days. In addition, a special US Open Mix channel will feature all of these matches plus USA's own coverage simultaneously, with live onscreen scoring of all the matches. Viewers with interactive equipment will be able to highlight each cell to hear live audio specific to the cell's featured match, and can tune to any match full screen at the push of a button.
In addition to the expanded coverage and the US Open Mix Channel, viewers will have access to a half-screen Scoreboard overlay on both the US Open Mix and the extra Court Channels. The Scoreboard will feature the previous day and current day's match results, as well as the next day's upcoming match ups.
“To make the switch to DIRECTV, Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221.”
SOURCE: DIRECTV
DIRECTV Adds KYDF-64 Azteca America to the Corpus Christi Local Broadcast Channel Lineup
WHAT: DIRECTV, provider of the nation's leading digital television service, has added KYDF-64, Azteca America, to the Corpus Christi local broadcast channel lineup. DIRECTV is the only multichannel service provider to deliver Azteca America throughout the entire Corpus Christi designated market area. With the launch of Corpus Christi, DIRECTV now offers Azteca America in 20 markets, representing 66 percent of U.S. Hispanic TV households.
DIRECTV customers in this DMA who subscribe to the local channel package can now see a variety of Azteca America's Spanish- language entertainment programming, including world wide soccer highlight coverage, "Ventaneando" with Patti Chapoy, newscasts from Mexico, highly popular novelas and professional Mexican League Soccer matches. TV Azteca, the second-largest producer of Spanish-language programming in the world, provides KYDF-64 with the full array of TV Azteca's hard-hitting, highly popular novelas in weekday primetime, including two brand new novellas, "Amor sin Condiciones" and "Amores Cruzados." The brand new season of "La Academia" began on July 6.
DIRECTV also offers customers in the Corpus Christi DMA access to another Spanish-language station, KORO/Univision Channel 28. To receive local channels, DIRECTV customers can subscribe to the SELECCION EXTRA(TM) for $29.99 or TOTAL CHOICE(R) for $44.99 a month.
WHEN: Now Available
WHERE: DIRECTV(R) Channel 64
DIRECTV 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(R) programming, featuring the largest selection of pay per view choices and sports programming available. For pricing please visit DIRECTV.com/paratodos.
(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 customers in this DMA who subscribe to the local channel package can now see a variety of Azteca America's Spanish- language entertainment programming, including world wide soccer highlight coverage, "Ventaneando" with Patti Chapoy, newscasts from Mexico, highly popular novelas and professional Mexican League Soccer matches. TV Azteca, the second-largest producer of Spanish-language programming in the world, provides KYDF-64 with the full array of TV Azteca's hard-hitting, highly popular novelas in weekday primetime, including two brand new novellas, "Amor sin Condiciones" and "Amores Cruzados." The brand new season of "La Academia" began on July 6.
DIRECTV also offers customers in the Corpus Christi DMA access to another Spanish-language station, KORO/Univision Channel 28. To receive local channels, DIRECTV customers can subscribe to the SELECCION EXTRA(TM) for $29.99 or TOTAL CHOICE(R) for $44.99 a month.
WHEN: Now Available
WHERE: DIRECTV(R) Channel 64
DIRECTV 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(R) programming, featuring the largest selection of pay per view choices and sports programming available. For pricing please visit DIRECTV.com/paratodos.
(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
YES Interactive only on DIRECTV
"YES Interactive only on DIRECTV," the first-ever interactive television content for Major League Baseball, is now available as part of New York Yankees telecasts on the YES Network (www.yesnetwork.com) and broadcast by DIRECTV within the Yankees home television territory. Created to bring Yankees fans closer than ever to their favorite team and players, "YES Interactive only on DIRECTV" is a co-production of the YES Network, DIRECTV, Inc., and MLB Advanced Media (MLBAM).
With "YES Interactive only on DIRECTV," YES is the first network -- regional or national, sports or otherwise -- to offer its viewers true, single-screen interactive Major League Baseball content. MLBAM, operator of MLB.com, the official Web site of Major League Baseball, is the source for the application's constantly updated statistics, scores, records and other data feeds. The new service is available at no additional charge to DIRECTV customers who live within the Yankees home television territory and have an interactive DIRECTV receiver.
In addition to offering fans a full array of constantly updated interactive statistics, box scores, standings and player biographical information for every Yankees game on YES, "YES Interactive only on DIRECTV" will also boast a unique Bonus Cam feature during YES telecasts of Yankees home games. The split-screen Bonus Cam will enable fans to follow their favorite players like never before via an extra camera angle focusing on select players and situations throughout the game.
Informational CD-ROM and screen grabs available to media upon request.
* Highlights of "YES Interactive only on DIRECTV" An in-game box score, with an inning-by-inning game score and game statistics for both the Yankees and their opponent
* Bonus Cam, available during YES telecasts of all Yankees home games, featuring split-screen isolated in-game coverage of an individual player or situation on the field, as well as pre-game activity such as batting practice, warm-ups and infield practice
* A scoreboard providing up-to-the-minute scores from around the league each day, including the inning, runners on base and number of outs for each game
* Major League Baseball statistical leaders updated daily; sortable among batters by batting average, home runs, RBI, stolen bases, on-base percentage and sortable among pitchers by won-loss record, ERA, saves and strikeouts
* Major League Baseball standings updated daily, containing wild card races and denoting teams which have clinched their division or have secured a wild-card berth
* "Due Up" graphics which provide viewers with a preview of the next three batters for the team coming up to bat, along with their hitting statistics for that particular game; viewers will also be able to scroll through the entire batting order for each team
* Player profiles containing bio information for both the Yankees and the opposing team
* YES Scoop, intriguing background information on Yankees players
* The complete month-by-month 2006 Yankees schedule, featuring results of previously played games and YES game broadcast information for upcoming games
"`YES Interactive only on DIRECTV' puts Yankees fans in the director's chair," said Ray Hopkins, COO of the YES Network. "The various features of `YES Interactive only on DIRECTV' will provide Yankees fans with unprecedented access to the Bronx Bombers. This offering, in partnership with DIRECTV and MLBAM, is yet another example of YES taking advantage of the latest interactive technology in order to enhance the Yankees fan experience."
"Beyond the action on the field, the story of baseball is told through its statistics, box scores, team standings and the personalities of its players, and Yankees fans now have all of that information at their fingertips through YES/DIRECTV interactive content," said Eric Shanks, executive vice president, DIRECTV Entertainment. "We believe this is the future of sports TV programming -- a deeply engaging viewing experience where fans have the ultimate in convenience, control and quality -- and we can't think of a better or more appropriate way to begin the interactive TV revolution than with the YES Network and the most storied franchise in baseball."
The YES Network (Channel 622) is available as part of DIRECTV's TOTAL CHOICE monthly programming service to residential customers in the Yankees home television territory, including New York and Connecticut, and areas of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. For DIRECTV customers living in these areas who want to access the enhanced features, DIRECTV is offering a free interactive receiver or DIRECTV Plus DVR receiver (with a programming commitment) through Aug. 31.
The YES Network has been the most-watched regional sports network in the country for three years running (2003, 2004, 2005), and also was the nation's most-watched regional sports network in the first half of the 2006 broadcast year. During the first half of 2006, YES claimed more viewers in the New York DMA than the other three New York regional sports networks (MSG Network, SportsNet New York and Fox Sports New York) combined, and also out-performed ESPN and ESPN2 in New York in Primetime.
“To make the switch to DIRECTV, Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221.”
SOURCE: DIRECTV
With "YES Interactive only on DIRECTV," YES is the first network -- regional or national, sports or otherwise -- to offer its viewers true, single-screen interactive Major League Baseball content. MLBAM, operator of MLB.com, the official Web site of Major League Baseball, is the source for the application's constantly updated statistics, scores, records and other data feeds. The new service is available at no additional charge to DIRECTV customers who live within the Yankees home television territory and have an interactive DIRECTV receiver.
In addition to offering fans a full array of constantly updated interactive statistics, box scores, standings and player biographical information for every Yankees game on YES, "YES Interactive only on DIRECTV" will also boast a unique Bonus Cam feature during YES telecasts of Yankees home games. The split-screen Bonus Cam will enable fans to follow their favorite players like never before via an extra camera angle focusing on select players and situations throughout the game.
Informational CD-ROM and screen grabs available to media upon request.
* Highlights of "YES Interactive only on DIRECTV" An in-game box score, with an inning-by-inning game score and game statistics for both the Yankees and their opponent
* Bonus Cam, available during YES telecasts of all Yankees home games, featuring split-screen isolated in-game coverage of an individual player or situation on the field, as well as pre-game activity such as batting practice, warm-ups and infield practice
* A scoreboard providing up-to-the-minute scores from around the league each day, including the inning, runners on base and number of outs for each game
* Major League Baseball statistical leaders updated daily; sortable among batters by batting average, home runs, RBI, stolen bases, on-base percentage and sortable among pitchers by won-loss record, ERA, saves and strikeouts
* Major League Baseball standings updated daily, containing wild card races and denoting teams which have clinched their division or have secured a wild-card berth
* "Due Up" graphics which provide viewers with a preview of the next three batters for the team coming up to bat, along with their hitting statistics for that particular game; viewers will also be able to scroll through the entire batting order for each team
* Player profiles containing bio information for both the Yankees and the opposing team
* YES Scoop, intriguing background information on Yankees players
* The complete month-by-month 2006 Yankees schedule, featuring results of previously played games and YES game broadcast information for upcoming games
"`YES Interactive only on DIRECTV' puts Yankees fans in the director's chair," said Ray Hopkins, COO of the YES Network. "The various features of `YES Interactive only on DIRECTV' will provide Yankees fans with unprecedented access to the Bronx Bombers. This offering, in partnership with DIRECTV and MLBAM, is yet another example of YES taking advantage of the latest interactive technology in order to enhance the Yankees fan experience."
"Beyond the action on the field, the story of baseball is told through its statistics, box scores, team standings and the personalities of its players, and Yankees fans now have all of that information at their fingertips through YES/DIRECTV interactive content," said Eric Shanks, executive vice president, DIRECTV Entertainment. "We believe this is the future of sports TV programming -- a deeply engaging viewing experience where fans have the ultimate in convenience, control and quality -- and we can't think of a better or more appropriate way to begin the interactive TV revolution than with the YES Network and the most storied franchise in baseball."
The YES Network (Channel 622) is available as part of DIRECTV's TOTAL CHOICE monthly programming service to residential customers in the Yankees home television territory, including New York and Connecticut, and areas of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. For DIRECTV customers living in these areas who want to access the enhanced features, DIRECTV is offering a free interactive receiver or DIRECTV Plus DVR receiver (with a programming commitment) through Aug. 31.
The YES Network has been the most-watched regional sports network in the country for three years running (2003, 2004, 2005), and also was the nation's most-watched regional sports network in the first half of the 2006 broadcast year. During the first half of 2006, YES claimed more viewers in the New York DMA than the other three New York regional sports networks (MSG Network, SportsNet New York and Fox Sports New York) combined, and also out-performed ESPN and ESPN2 in New York in Primetime.
“To make the switch to DIRECTV, Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221.”
SOURCE: DIRECTV
DIRECTV and IGN Entertainment
Video Gaming Competition Revolutionized with First Full-Scale Television Coverage Bringing Together World-Class Athletes, Sponsors and Production Team
DIRECTV, the nation's leading digital television service provider, is about to forever change the face of televised sports and score a broadcast landmark with the Championship Gaming Invitational, a special event to be taped July 21-22 and to air in August on DIRECTV as part of its original programming lineup. The special represents DIRECTV's entree into the world of professional video gaming, providing production values and storytelling that will raise the sport to a new level.
Teaming up with IGN Entertainment, Microsoft Xbox, Mountain Dew, Fox Interactive Media (FIM) and Best Buy, DIRECTV will present this international, two-day challenge featuring huge prize purses for top finishers and instant money payouts. Competitors will face off in extreme games such as Electronic Arts(TM) Battlefield 2(TM), Microsoft Game Studio's(TM) Project Gotham Racing(R) 3 and Halo(R) 2, Tecmo's(R) Dead or Alive(R) 4, and Valve's(R) Counter-Strike(TM) 1.6.
"We believe that professional video gaming is the next big thing in sports entertainment and we are dedicated to creating and televising the best gaming experience available anywhere," said David Hill, president of DIRECTV Entertainment. "This invitational will prove that commitment as we gather together some of the most talented players, the hottest production team and innovative set designers to create a truly unique video gaming environment and a one-of-a-kind television event."
"The video gaming world has never seen anything like this," added Dale Strang, executive vice president and general manager of IGN Entertainment, a unit of Fox Interactive Media. "This two-day invitational will take pro gaming to the next level by treating it like a sport and its players as athletes. It is unprecedented."
Arthur Smith and Kent Weed from powerhouse entertainment production company, A. Smith & Co., will executive produce the special along with 11-time Emmy award-winning sports producer Mike Burks. Together, they will place the viewer inside the action with a detailed, close-up look into the arena and events taking place on and off the field. Sean Atkins of A. Smith & Co. will serve as co-executive producer. Acclaimed set designer Jeff Hall will transform a 16,000-square-foot airplane hanger, at the former Treasure Island Naval Base in San Francisco, into an indoor arena for video gaming -- complete with a center stage and surrounding stadium.
DIRECTV will add its expertise in professional sports coverage by giving viewers the most unlimited access to players and the field including play-by-play commentary and a unique, point-of-view perspective. Production values will be unmatched for a gaming competition as 16 different HD cameras surrounding the arena combine with Dolby Pro Logic 5.1 surround sound to bring viewers inside the game to capture all elements of the competition.
To ensure standards of professional competition and fairness, DIRECTV has enlisted some of the best experts in the industry to create and administer rules for this unique event.
The Championship Gaming Invitational is one of three gaming specials DIRECTV will air in 2006. The special is designed to set the stage for the previously announced Championship Gaming Series, a new professional gaming league in association with IGN Entertainment, Microsoft Xbox, Best Buy, and Mountain Dew. The league will form in 2007 with competitions airing exclusively on DIRECTV.
“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, is about to forever change the face of televised sports and score a broadcast landmark with the Championship Gaming Invitational, a special event to be taped July 21-22 and to air in August on DIRECTV as part of its original programming lineup. The special represents DIRECTV's entree into the world of professional video gaming, providing production values and storytelling that will raise the sport to a new level.
Teaming up with IGN Entertainment, Microsoft Xbox, Mountain Dew, Fox Interactive Media (FIM) and Best Buy, DIRECTV will present this international, two-day challenge featuring huge prize purses for top finishers and instant money payouts. Competitors will face off in extreme games such as Electronic Arts(TM) Battlefield 2(TM), Microsoft Game Studio's(TM) Project Gotham Racing(R) 3 and Halo(R) 2, Tecmo's(R) Dead or Alive(R) 4, and Valve's(R) Counter-Strike(TM) 1.6.
"We believe that professional video gaming is the next big thing in sports entertainment and we are dedicated to creating and televising the best gaming experience available anywhere," said David Hill, president of DIRECTV Entertainment. "This invitational will prove that commitment as we gather together some of the most talented players, the hottest production team and innovative set designers to create a truly unique video gaming environment and a one-of-a-kind television event."
"The video gaming world has never seen anything like this," added Dale Strang, executive vice president and general manager of IGN Entertainment, a unit of Fox Interactive Media. "This two-day invitational will take pro gaming to the next level by treating it like a sport and its players as athletes. It is unprecedented."
Arthur Smith and Kent Weed from powerhouse entertainment production company, A. Smith & Co., will executive produce the special along with 11-time Emmy award-winning sports producer Mike Burks. Together, they will place the viewer inside the action with a detailed, close-up look into the arena and events taking place on and off the field. Sean Atkins of A. Smith & Co. will serve as co-executive producer. Acclaimed set designer Jeff Hall will transform a 16,000-square-foot airplane hanger, at the former Treasure Island Naval Base in San Francisco, into an indoor arena for video gaming -- complete with a center stage and surrounding stadium.
DIRECTV will add its expertise in professional sports coverage by giving viewers the most unlimited access to players and the field including play-by-play commentary and a unique, point-of-view perspective. Production values will be unmatched for a gaming competition as 16 different HD cameras surrounding the arena combine with Dolby Pro Logic 5.1 surround sound to bring viewers inside the game to capture all elements of the competition.
To ensure standards of professional competition and fairness, DIRECTV has enlisted some of the best experts in the industry to create and administer rules for this unique event.
The Championship Gaming Invitational is one of three gaming specials DIRECTV will air in 2006. The special is designed to set the stage for the previously announced Championship Gaming Series, a new professional gaming league in association with IGN Entertainment, Microsoft Xbox, Best Buy, and Mountain Dew. The league will form in 2007 with competitions airing exclusively on DIRECTV.
“To make the switch to DIRECTV, Call Expert Satellite, DIRECTV’s Preferred On-Line Retailer, at 800-431-1221.”
SOURCE: DIRECTV
DIRECTV Adds Nine More Local HD Markets
HD Local Channel Service Activated Today in Baltimore, Cleveland, Charlotte, N.C., Denver, Hartford, Conn., Miami, Orlando, Fla., Raleigh, N.C., and West Palm Beach, Fla.
WHAT: DIRECTV, the nation's leading digital television service provider, is now offering local HD programming via satellite to customers in the Baltimore, Cleveland, Charlotte, Denver, Hartford, Miami, Orlando, Raleigh, and West Palm Beach.
With the addition of these nine markets, DIRECTV now offers local HD broadcast channels in 36 cities with plans to launch in an additional 13 cities later this year, offering access to DIRECTV-delivered local HD channels in more than 65 percent of U.S. television households.
DIRECTV's roll out of local HD channels in Charlotte 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.
WHEN: Beginning Wednesday, June 28, 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 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 when they order from Expert Satellite.
“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
WHAT: DIRECTV, the nation's leading digital television service provider, is now offering local HD programming via satellite to customers in the Baltimore, Cleveland, Charlotte, Denver, Hartford, Miami, Orlando, Raleigh, and West Palm Beach.
With the addition of these nine markets, DIRECTV now offers local HD broadcast channels in 36 cities with plans to launch in an additional 13 cities later this year, offering access to DIRECTV-delivered local HD channels in more than 65 percent of U.S. television households.
DIRECTV's roll out of local HD channels in Charlotte 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.
WHEN: Beginning Wednesday, June 28, 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 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 when they order from Expert Satellite.
“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 NFL SUNDAY TICKET
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning will appear in the latest series of DIRECTV ad spots featuring celebrities who appear to step out of a well-known film or television scene to educate consumers about DIRECTV. Manning, a long-time DIRECTV spokesman, will be seen stepping away from game action into the living rooms of viewers to promote the exclusive DIRECTV NFL SUNDAY TICKET service as the only way for fans to catch their favorite teams and biggest games every Sunday during the regular season. The ads begin running this week.
The popular ad campaign, created by Deutsch, Inc., uses digital production technology, allowing actual feature film, or in this case NFL game film, to be inter-woven seamlessly with produced footage. The resulting effect has Manning directly addressing the viewing audience while in the middle of an actual NFL game. This same technology was employed in DIRECTV's recent spots using footage from the popular action film "Twister," the '80s classic "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" and the blockbuster comedy "Austin Powers."
"I've been a DIRECTV spokesman since I entered the NFL in 1998 so everyone knows I'm a huge DIRECTV fan, but I've really enjoyed this year's ad campaign and I'm excited to now be a part of it," said Manning. "In reality, I don't think anything could ever break my concentration from what's happening on the field in a game, but that's exactly what makes this particular commercial so funny."
An additional version of this campaign featuring Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Bill Cowher is planned to follow the Manning spot in the weeks to come.
"Peyton Manning has proven to be one of the most effective and popular spokesmen for DIRECTV and a perfect choice for the ad campaign given his iron-clad focus on the field and consummate professionalism," said Jon Gieselman, senior vice president of Advertising and Public Relations, DIRECTV, Inc. "In a world where it is increasingly challenging to grab consumers' attention, it's definitely jarring to see him break from the game action and speak to the benefits of our exclusive NFL SUNDAY TICKET package directly to camera."
The premiere of the Manning spot this week marks the beginning of DIRECTV's 2006 consumer offer for its exclusive NFL SUNDAY TICKET service - the popular NFL subscription package that provides fans with the biggest selection of NFL games - up to 14 out-of-market games every Sunday during the NFL regular season.
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 PREMIER, for a savings of $540. The DIRECTV offer is also available to new customers who subscribe to the DIRECTV PARA TODOS SELECCION PREMIER Spanish-language package.
To be eligible, consumers must activate 2006 NFL SUNDAY TICKET between June 28 and Oct. 2, 2006; must be a new residential lease customer; and also agree to a one or two programming commitment, depending on what type of hardware the customer activates.
NFL SUNDAY TICKET customers can also add the NFL SUNDAY TICKET SuperFan 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
The popular ad campaign, created by Deutsch, Inc., uses digital production technology, allowing actual feature film, or in this case NFL game film, to be inter-woven seamlessly with produced footage. The resulting effect has Manning directly addressing the viewing audience while in the middle of an actual NFL game. This same technology was employed in DIRECTV's recent spots using footage from the popular action film "Twister," the '80s classic "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" and the blockbuster comedy "Austin Powers."
"I've been a DIRECTV spokesman since I entered the NFL in 1998 so everyone knows I'm a huge DIRECTV fan, but I've really enjoyed this year's ad campaign and I'm excited to now be a part of it," said Manning. "In reality, I don't think anything could ever break my concentration from what's happening on the field in a game, but that's exactly what makes this particular commercial so funny."
An additional version of this campaign featuring Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Bill Cowher is planned to follow the Manning spot in the weeks to come.
"Peyton Manning has proven to be one of the most effective and popular spokesmen for DIRECTV and a perfect choice for the ad campaign given his iron-clad focus on the field and consummate professionalism," said Jon Gieselman, senior vice president of Advertising and Public Relations, DIRECTV, Inc. "In a world where it is increasingly challenging to grab consumers' attention, it's definitely jarring to see him break from the game action and speak to the benefits of our exclusive NFL SUNDAY TICKET package directly to camera."
The premiere of the Manning spot this week marks the beginning of DIRECTV's 2006 consumer offer for its exclusive NFL SUNDAY TICKET service - the popular NFL subscription package that provides fans with the biggest selection of NFL games - up to 14 out-of-market games every Sunday during the NFL regular season.
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 PREMIER, for a savings of $540. The DIRECTV offer is also available to new customers who subscribe to the DIRECTV PARA TODOS SELECCION PREMIER Spanish-language package.
To be eligible, consumers must activate 2006 NFL SUNDAY TICKET between June 28 and Oct. 2, 2006; must be a new residential lease customer; and also agree to a one or two programming commitment, depending on what type of hardware the customer activates.
NFL SUNDAY TICKET customers can also add the NFL SUNDAY TICKET SuperFan 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
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
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