DIRECTV to Deliver Local HD Programming In 76 Markets by Mid-2008Eleven Additional Local HD Markets Named; More than 75 Percent of U.S. Television Homes Will have Access to Local HD Channels from DIRECTV
EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 5, 2007--Continuing its momentum for delivering the best quality HD programming available, DIRECTV (NASDAQ
TV) will offer local HD broadcast networks in 76 markets, representing more than 75 percent of U.S. TV households, when it rolls out 11 additional local HD markets by mid-2008. DIRECTV began the rollout with the launch of HD local channels in the Flint, Mich. and Waco, Texas designated market areas last week.
DIRECTV will deliver HD programming from each of the primary broadcast networks - ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC - where available, to customers who subscribe to any TOTAL CHOICE(R) programming package that offers local channels. DIRECTV HD customers will continue to pay only a $9.99 access fee, allowing them to receive DIRECTV's premier HD technology and all channels broadcast in HD that are tied to their particular base programming package.
The 11 local markets to receive HD programming from DIRECTV include:
-- Albany/Schenectady/Troy, N.Y.
-- Paducah, Ky.-- Cedar Rapids/Waterloo, Iowa
-- Tucson, Ariz
.-- Flint/Saginaw/Bay City, Mich.
-- Waco/Temple/Bryan, Texas
-- Lincoln/Hastings, Neb.
-- Wichita/Hutchinson, Kan.
-- Louisville, Ky.
-- Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Pa.
-- Omaha, Neb."
While offering the most quality national HD channels is important, we believe that it is equally important to deliver popular local HD programming that will give our customers the most comprehensive HD experience available," said Derek Chang, executive vice president, Content Strategy and Development, DIRECTV, Inc. "Delivering local channels in HD to 76 markets will solidify our position as a leader in HD and enables us to compete even more aggressively with cable providers across the country."
Information regarding the full DIRECTV HD programming lineup, which includes 87 national HD channels, and details on receiving equipment needed for the new DIRECTV HD services, are available by calling 1-800-DIRECTV or visiting directv.com.
Source: DIRECTV