DIRECTV Adds Four Local HD Markets

SOURCE: SkyREPORT.com; Tuesday November 28, 2006

‘Starting today, DIRECTV will offer its subscribers high-definition programming in four new markets throughout the eastern region of the country. The country’s largest satellite TV provider activated HD local channels in Green Bay, Wisc., Greensboro, N.C., Grand Rapids, Mich., and Providence, R.I.

The addition of these markets brings DIRECTV’s local HD market total to 49 cities - representing more than 65 percent of U.S. TV households. The company said it also plans to launch an additional eight HD local markets before the end of the year.

DIRECTV’s rollout of local HD channels is part of a nationwide expansion of HD programming that will culminate next year when the company will have the ability to deliver more than 1,500 local HD channels and more than 150 national HD channels.

The company said customers who subscribe to a programming package that includes local channels will receive both the standard and HD signals at no extra cost. Subs can receive the local HDs by purchasing an H20 HD receiver or the new HR20 DIRECTV Plus HD DVR.