DIRECTV Now the Exclusive Satellite TV Provider of RTVi Russian Television Network

[Scott Greczkowski]

DIRECTV Now the Exclusive Satellite TV Provider of RTVi Russian Television Network in the U.S.

RTVi Available Now on DIRECTV's International Platform with the Most Relevant Russian News & Entertainment

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Dec 22, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- DIRECTV, Inc., the world's most popular television service, continues to expand its Russian programming packages with the exclusive addition of the RTVi Network, the only independent global Russian-language TV network with a full-fledged original news service that offers Russian-speakers culturally relevant information in their native language.

RTVi, reaching over 50 million viewers worldwide, has received numerous accolades for its independently produced news programs, current events analysis and original content. RTVi will offer the best in Russian entertainment including: news, information, feature films, documentaries, drama and comedy series, music concerts, theatrical performances, children's shows, movies and cartoons.

"DIRECTV is now the only satellite provider to offer RTVi to the U.S. Russian Community," said John de Armas, vice president, WorldDirect, Inc. "If you are seeking the best in Russian entertainment and news, there is only one place you can find it, and that is DIRECTV."

Some of the most popular programs on RTVi include:

Evening News from America: From politics to arts and culture to business, sports and entertainment, you will be even more knowledgeable about the world!

Now in the World: World news from Europe and America, former republics of FSU, Israel, Asia, Africa and Australia.

America for Beginners: Victor Topaller invites you on a journey across America - not so much a geographical journey as a historical and thematic.

Individual point of view: Current events analysis, as most pressing topics of the day are being discussed live on air in this show.

Facets of the week: A weekly commentary by Vladimir Kara-Murza who will speak of economics, politics and public life in Russia.

This Week in Israel: A wrap-up oflatest developments and topical news from Israel as packaged by RTVI's correspondents in Israel.

This week in Germany: A wrap-up oflatest developments and topical news from Germany viewed by Russian-speaking reporters on location.

Meeting Place: Viewers will meet with different people: company owners and managers, doctors and lawyers, real estate and stockbrokers, physicists and poets - all representing the Russian-speaking America.

Concerts on RTVi: On Sunday evenings, tune in to listen to the brightest stars/talent on the Russian stage.

Serials on the weekends on RTVi: Each Saturday and Sunday, watch the best Russian movies - all genres, from action to drama, to comedies and love stories.

RTVi is available now to U.S. audiences, exclusively on DIRECTV's International programming package "RussianDirect Plus" for $31.99 and on the "RussianDirect II" package for $45.99. International customers must first subscribe to DIRECTV BASIC ($12.99/mo), PREFERRED CHOICE ($35.99/mo) or any DIRECTV base programming package ($29.99/mo or above). Customers can receive more information on RTVi or any programming packages by calling 1-800-378-7169.

The DIRECTV International platform has launched over 125 channels that deliver a wide variety of new programming in multiple foreign-languages, including Spanish, Russian, Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Bengali, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Korean, Polish, Portuguese and Greek, to emerging ethnic markets throughout the United States

[DodgerKing]

Woho...I'm excited

[ChrisK114]

Yes! But will it be in HD??!!

[yorktown]

I can't friggin' wait.

[Minsk1]

Both D* and E* should close their Russian programming. Because it costs too much and the choices are very limited. Who are interested in broad Russian TV selection should look for the online service Webtelek.com, $15/month for about 70 channels.

[nospam]

Both D* and E* should close their Russian programming. Because it costs too much and the choices are very limited. Who are interested in broad Russian TV selection should look for the online service Webtelek.com, $15/month for about 70 channels.

As I mentioned in Dishnetwork forum, kartina.tv is much better - higher resolution, more channels and it does cost just above $20/month.
I agree about limited choice and overpriced satellite packages for both providers.
International satellite TV is a history.

[stonecold]

let me know when the company finally gets off it butt and gives me tv japan.

[Rey]

I got so excited when i saw this i think i crapped my pants

[ChrisK114]

I got so excited when i saw this i think i crapped my pants

How is that different than any other day, Rey!

[Rey]

How is that different than any other day, Rey!

touché!!!!!