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DirecTV offers basic packages to boost growth
By Liana B. Baker and Yinka Adegoke Liana B. Baker And Yinka Adegoke – Thu Dec 2, 6:52 pm ET
NEW YORK (Reuters) – DirecTV Group plans to expand its customer base by offering cheaper TV packages with fewer channels and exploring new ways of bundling Internet access with its satellite TV service, the company's top executive said on Thursday.
Chief Executive Mike White said at the company's investor day in New York that the satellite provider will try to grab market share from its cable rivals by offering fewer channels at a lower price in a pilot program next year in a few markets.
"When you come up with fewer channels, you lower the price you get into a new segment," White said on the sidelines of the conference.
He added that the packages will likely attract customers who are used to paying $30 a month for TV and not the more frugal $15-a-month customers that cable providers are losing.
The plan could be similar to one proposed by Time Warner Cable Inc called 'TV Essentials.' [nN18105375].
As costs rise for carrying cable networks, White said the company might offer "a la carte" sports channels in 2011, meaning consumers can buy one channel at a time, like ordering Fox's The Big Ten Network, instead of an entire sports package.
"We are going to have to look at that in 2011 because sports continues to rise at an unsustainable rate," White said.
The company is also in talks with wireless wholesalers like Clearwire Corp,Harbinger and other companies about trying to strike a deal to provide broadband access to consumers in bundles, possibly under its own wireless brand.
DirecTV is also discussing with movie studios about how to acquire premium video on demand, only a few weeks after movies are released in theaters. He said the movies would probably be priced between $20 to $30. DirecTV said it would reach an agreement on this premium video by next year.
A GROWTH STORY
The leading U.S. satellite television provider expects to add 200,000 net new subscribers in the United States in the current quarter.
The company is on course to have more than 19.1 million subscribers by year-end, closing in on Comcast Corp's shrinking leadership in the U.S. pay-TV sector. Comcast had 22.9 million video customers at the end of the third quarter.
DirecTV expects to have revenue of about $24 billion this year. Analysts' average forecast is $23.9 billion, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S.
The company expects to generate about $3 per share in free cash flow this year and post average revenue per user of $90.
The company said on Thursday it expects to generate $30 billion in revenue and $5-plus per share in three years. It expects see operating profit growth in "low-to-mid" single digits in 2011 and mid-to-upper single digits growth in 2012 to 2013.
The company forecast growth for its Latin American unit, saying it will have 8.7 million subscribers by year-end and revenue of $3.5 billion in 2010.
DirecTV's Chief Financial Officer, Pat Doyle, said the company would continue its aggressive share buyback program, snapping up roughly $100 million in shares per week, or more than $5 billion a year in shares.
Executives said that buying back shares remain the company's focus for the next two years and that paying a dividend to investors "does not make sense" at the moment.
DirecTV, which competes with DISH Network, has grown in recent years by focusing on high-end pay-TV customers and by offering exclusive sports content such as the NFL Football Sunday Ticket.
(Reporting by Yinka Adegoke and Liana B. Baker; editing by John Wallace and Andre Grenon)
By Liana B. Baker and Yinka Adegoke Liana B. Baker And Yinka Adegoke – Thu Dec 2, 6:52 pm ET
NEW YORK (Reuters) – DirecTV Group plans to expand its customer base by offering cheaper TV packages with fewer channels and exploring new ways of bundling Internet access with its satellite TV service, the company's top executive said on Thursday.
Chief Executive Mike White said at the company's investor day in New York that the satellite provider will try to grab market share from its cable rivals by offering fewer channels at a lower price in a pilot program next year in a few markets.
"When you come up with fewer channels, you lower the price you get into a new segment," White said on the sidelines of the conference.
He added that the packages will likely attract customers who are used to paying $30 a month for TV and not the more frugal $15-a-month customers that cable providers are losing.
The plan could be similar to one proposed by Time Warner Cable Inc called 'TV Essentials.' [nN18105375].
As costs rise for carrying cable networks, White said the company might offer "a la carte" sports channels in 2011, meaning consumers can buy one channel at a time, like ordering Fox's The Big Ten Network, instead of an entire sports package.
"We are going to have to look at that in 2011 because sports continues to rise at an unsustainable rate," White said.
The company is also in talks with wireless wholesalers like Clearwire Corp,Harbinger and other companies about trying to strike a deal to provide broadband access to consumers in bundles, possibly under its own wireless brand.
DirecTV is also discussing with movie studios about how to acquire premium video on demand, only a few weeks after movies are released in theaters. He said the movies would probably be priced between $20 to $30. DirecTV said it would reach an agreement on this premium video by next year.
A GROWTH STORY
The leading U.S. satellite television provider expects to add 200,000 net new subscribers in the United States in the current quarter.
The company is on course to have more than 19.1 million subscribers by year-end, closing in on Comcast Corp's shrinking leadership in the U.S. pay-TV sector. Comcast had 22.9 million video customers at the end of the third quarter.
DirecTV expects to have revenue of about $24 billion this year. Analysts' average forecast is $23.9 billion, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S.
The company expects to generate about $3 per share in free cash flow this year and post average revenue per user of $90.
The company said on Thursday it expects to generate $30 billion in revenue and $5-plus per share in three years. It expects see operating profit growth in "low-to-mid" single digits in 2011 and mid-to-upper single digits growth in 2012 to 2013.
The company forecast growth for its Latin American unit, saying it will have 8.7 million subscribers by year-end and revenue of $3.5 billion in 2010.
DirecTV's Chief Financial Officer, Pat Doyle, said the company would continue its aggressive share buyback program, snapping up roughly $100 million in shares per week, or more than $5 billion a year in shares.
Executives said that buying back shares remain the company's focus for the next two years and that paying a dividend to investors "does not make sense" at the moment.
DirecTV, which competes with DISH Network, has grown in recent years by focusing on high-end pay-TV customers and by offering exclusive sports content such as the NFL Football Sunday Ticket.
(Reporting by Yinka Adegoke and Liana B. Baker; editing by John Wallace and Andre Grenon)
26 Replies
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4567 views
I think they may have two good ideas going. One the basic tier package, I know for many of us it may not appeal to as I think a while ago someone was a able to post the channels that were going to be in the basic pack and of course it lacked MLB and such. But for those who are maybe Dish 120 subs could be a good deal and in regartd to the 20-30 dollar VOD, if they are movies out right now its not a bad deal 8-11 dollars per person unless you catch a afternoon show, though it is nice somethimes to leave the house 
I am thinking this might be it for the base backage going out to test markets?
http://www.satelliteguys.us/directv-forum/231672-new-select-package.html
I am thinking this might be it for the base backage going out to test markets?
http://www.satelliteguys.us/directv-forum/231672-new-select-package.html
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Sometimes a thread gets so many posts in it that is can cause issues for the server so that why today we introduce The Song Name Game Part 3!
So let the game continue!
The last song was added by Bobby who posted...
One Meat Ball - Andrews Sisters
CONTINUE ON AND HAVE FUN! WELCOME HOME TO SATELLITEGUYS.US!
Here are the original rules for the game as posted by WebbyDude back in 2006. http://www.satelliteguys.us/threads/68645-Song-Name-Game
Just name a song title and the band who performed it. The next person does the same thing, but needs to list a song title or band name which includes a word from the previous entry. Pick songs from any genre.
Example:
Long Live Rock and Roll -- Rainbow
Rainbow in the Dark -- Dio
Another example:
Ride the Lightning -- Metallica
Lightning Strikes -- Ozzy Osbourne
Get it?
An additional note: we all know that song titles, sometimes, use profane words. Because this is a family friendly website it is advised that you clean up that title up a bit. This is accomplished by using something like sh!t instead of the real word. Thanks....
So let the game continue!
The last song was added by Bobby who posted...
One Meat Ball - Andrews Sisters
CONTINUE ON AND HAVE FUN! WELCOME HOME TO SATELLITEGUYS.US!
Here are the original rules for the game as posted by WebbyDude back in 2006. http://www.satelliteguys.us/threads/68645-Song-Name-Game
Just name a song title and the band who performed it. The next person does the same thing, but needs to list a song title or band name which includes a word from the previous entry. Pick songs from any genre.
Example:
Long Live Rock and Roll -- Rainbow
Rainbow in the Dark -- Dio
Another example:
Ride the Lightning -- Metallica
Lightning Strikes -- Ozzy Osbourne
Get it?
An additional note: we all know that song titles, sometimes, use profane words. Because this is a family friendly website it is advised that you clean up that title up a bit. This is accomplished by using something like sh!t instead of the real word. Thanks....
68631 Replies
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2678956 views
TWiT Tech Podcast Network
Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AqVr7wezCQ
Direct YouTube Link - MacBreak Weekly 1048
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AqVr7wezCQ
Direct YouTube Link - MacBreak Weekly 1048
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
0 Replies
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0 views
Linus Tech Tips
Time for another AWESOME video from Linus Tech Tips!
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZSYaQmxBLM
Direct YouTube Link - Pros Try AI-Cloned Engineering Tools
Linus on Facebook
The LTT Store
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZSYaQmxBLM
Direct YouTube Link - Pros Try AI-Cloned Engineering Tools
Linus on Facebook
The LTT Store
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3 views
TWiT Tech Podcast Network
Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!
View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/1cPqRk5EyNs
Direct YouTube Link - Linux 7.3 Optimizes Gaming VRAM on 8GB GPUs #shorts
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/1cPqRk5EyNs
Direct YouTube Link - Linux 7.3 Optimizes Gaming VRAM on 8GB GPUs #shorts
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
0 Replies
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3 views
iJustine
Time for another AWESOME video from iJustine!
View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/bmgQFnQEqVo
Direct YouTube Link - New colors of the HomePod Mini 2! Blue, pink and green!
The official iJustine Website's Website
Buy her book!
View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/bmgQFnQEqVo
Direct YouTube Link - New colors of the HomePod Mini 2! Blue, pink and green!
The official iJustine Website's Website
Buy her book!
0 Replies
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7 views
Pub Member / Supporter
House Passes AM Radio For Every Vehicle Act
(Washington, DC) - The U.S. House has passed the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, marking a major step forward for broadcasters and listeners who have pushed to keep AM radio available in new cars and
wabcradio.com
20 Replies
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583 views
. can we say over priced garbage!!!
TWiT Tech Podcast Network
Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!
View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/1gKXwyGz68c
Direct YouTube Link - Will AI Be Rejected in Game Development's Future? #shorts
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/1gKXwyGz68c
Direct YouTube Link - Will AI Be Rejected in Game Development's Future? #shorts
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
0 Replies
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9 views
Pub Member / Supporter
Hello folks, well my luck ran out last week with a nasty thunderstorm and after 39 years here, finally took a hit. Now, the FTA receivers I had for some years worked great until now. Recently picked up a fairly cheap receiver, online, KOQIT and seems to be good, but for the life of me, I cannot get the HDMI output to work with 3 of my Samsung monitors. I can hook it up to my Samsung TV and its HDMI input and it works fine. The 2 receivers I lost also worked fine with them, so am I going crazy? anyone have come across this or have any suggestions? And, since this is a somewhat cheap unit but works, what is everyone out there using for receivers these days? without breaking the bank? I enjoy watching FTA TV, so I will invest more if needed, what is a really good, detailed unit these days. I'm so use to watching a few of them HD channels. Right now I'm down to composite hookups, yuck! Any help or info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Frank 
47 Replies
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1292 views
Take the cover off, show me pics of the board of the bad one and also the bottom of the board. I'm an old hardware electronics tech plus a satellite dealer; I fixed a lot of FTA and regular receivers. I may be able to fix it for you. And yes, they got hit by lightning; it's best to email me the pics at diamondsatellite@snet.net or call me at 203-232-8888. I give you a 50-50 chance of fixing it; I do have spare parts. my phone is a fliptop phoneHello folks, well my luck ran out last week with a nasty thunderstorm and after 39 years here, finally took a hit. Now, the FTA receivers I had for some years worked great until now. Recently picked up a fairly cheap receiver, online, KOQIT and seems to be good, but for the life of me, I cannot get the HDMI output to work with 3 of my Samsung monitors. I can hook it up to my Samsung TV and its HDMI input and it works fine. The 2 receivers I lost also worked fine with them, so am I going crazy? anyone have come across this or have any suggestions? And, since this is a somewhat cheap unit but works, what is everyone out there using for receivers these days? without breaking the bank? I enjoy watching FTA TV, so I will invest more if needed, what is a really good, detailed unit these days. I'm so use to watching a few of them HD channels. Right now I'm down to composite hookups, yuck! Any help or info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Frank
Gary
S
a good surge protector will help to.Hello folks, well my luck ran out last week with a nasty thunderstorm and after 39 years here, finally took a hit. Now, the FTA receivers I had for some years worked great until now. Recently picked up a fairly cheap receiver, online, KOQIT and seems to be good, but for the life of me, I cannot get the HDMI output to work with 3 of my Samsung monitors. I can hook it up to my Samsung TV and its HDMI input and it works fine. The 2 receivers I lost also worked fine with them, so am I going crazy? anyone have come across this or have any suggestions? And, since this is a somewhat cheap unit but works, what is everyone out there using for receivers these days? without breaking the bank? I enjoy watching FTA TV, so I will invest more if needed, what is a really good, detailed unit these days. I'm so use to watching a few of them HD channels. Right now I'm down to composite hookups, yuck! Any help or info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Frank
Seems like I remember that now, with my V9 I manually entered anyway on 105, easier for me to pick the channel later
IS Amiko MIRA 3 any good ???
Can you recommend the best to cover all bases. NO BEEPS on certain channels 101w (NEWSMAX ,NEWS NATION), a clock that keeps working STEADY for timed recording ,solid unit with good lifespan. My Amiko died AND my Linkbox has NO Favorites Button and BEEPS on many channels. Picking up 105 west with a NEW SHED IN THE Way with 6 foot Cband ..95 percent quality ...unbelievable.
Can you recommend the best to cover all bases. NO BEEPS on certain channels 101w (NEWSMAX ,NEWS NATION), a clock that keeps working STEADY for timed recording ,solid unit with good lifespan. My Amiko died AND my Linkbox has NO Favorites Button and BEEPS on many channels. Picking up 105 west with a NEW SHED IN THE Way with 6 foot Cband ..95 percent quality ...unbelievable.
10 Replies
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269 views
