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