DISH Network Runs Out of Gas

“Burn baby burn”, that was in the minds of Dish Network’s launch team last Friday (March 14th 2008) when their orbit insertion booster quit 2 minutes and 13 seconds early.  The insertion booster was delivering the new AMC-14 satellite for Dish Network which would expand its high definition programming by 42%.  There is a possibility that the boosters that are on the satellite could fire and get it in the proper orbit, but that scenario would greatly reduce the life expectancy of the satellite.  The satellite is currently in an unusable orbit, approximately 5,000 miles below the average geostationary orbit.

With DIRECTV holding the HD title, Dish Network has very little room for error if they want to stay competitive in th high definition market.  DIRECTV is already prepared to launch a satellite, DIRECTV-11, that will expand their national HD coverage by 50% (up to 150 channels).  The AMC-14 satellite would have brought Dish Network up to the current capacity of DIRECTV (up to 100 national HD channels).  This setback puts them even further behind in the race.

About the insertion booster from itwire:

The Briz-M upper stage, also known as Proton KM, is a Russian orbit insertion booster stage. It is used to place payloads into orbits with an apogee of about 22,233 miles (35,780 kilometers), a perigee of about 4,368 miles (7,030 kilometers), and an inclination of 17.3 degrees.  The satellite should have been placed in a final geostationary orbit at 61.5 degrees west longitude. However, the Breeze-M single engine, powered with hydrazine and nitrogen tetroxide, quit about two minutes, thirteen seconds earlier than scheduled on a 34-minute burn.

The DIRECTV HD package currently offers just under 100 national high definition channels.  When the DIRECTV-11 satellite is placed into orbit, the national HD capacity will be increased to 150 channels (1,500 local).

Hallmark and DIRECTV Renew Deal

Lovers of Hallmark movies can rest at ease. Crown Media Holdings, the parent company of the Hallmark Movie Channel and the Hallmark Channel, has announced that they were able to reach an agreement with DIRECTV in order to continue broadcast of their family style movies which have become quite popular in the last few years. There had previously been an element of concern that the deal might not work out as Crown Media Holdings had up to 60% of their base up for renewal this year.

Despite the concern of analysts, Crown Media Holdings indicated that they were not concerned. Those concerns certainly seem to have been ill placed, considering the announcement that the distribution agreement which was eventually released is apparently a multi-year deal. In addition to the renewal, DIRECTV has also gained the privilege of being able to broadcast the Hallmark Movie Channel in standards as well as HD as part of the DIRECTV HD package, giving high-definition views an added bonus.

Estimates indicate that some 15 million subscribers of the nearly 17 million strong DIRECTV subscriber base receive the Hallmark Channel. The Hallmark Channel was originally launched in 2001 and since that time has become well known for its production of movies that are original and family oriented. One of the most well known movies produced by the network is Sarah, Plain and Tall; which continues to be a favorite. Estimates indicate that for the year 2008, the network will be producing 30 movies. This is the most movies Hallmark has ever produced to date. The network was actually the second cable network to be produced by Crown Media. Movies from the Hallmark Hall of Fame collection as well as mini-series are part of the quality entertainment provided by the network.

The launch of the HD version of the Hallmark Movie Channel is anticipated to take place during the month of April. It is anticipated to be a simulcast of the SD version of the network. In addition, major programming events are anticipated each quarter along with new Saturday night premiers.

The first premier scheduled for 2008 is a four-hour miniseries, Son of the Dragon. The program is based on the Thief of Baghdad and will star such well known names as David Carradine, Rupert Graves, John Reardon and Desiree Siahann. The program was originally produced for the network before plans were made for the new HD service; however, it is anticipated that the program will still fit into the HD version quite well due to the fact that it was already planned to be such a big film and was actually shot overseas, which is the perfect type of production to produce in high definition. It is expected that such future programming events will be planned to coincide with holidays such as the Fourth of July and Labor Day.

In addition to the new HD format, Saturday night premiers and quarterly program events, subscribers will also be able to benefit from the same family oriented movies that have appealed to a broad audience from the beginning.

DIRECTV: Liberty Media Corporation Closes Deal

Liberty Media Corporation has made the deal happen.  As of Thursday, February 28, the deal to acquire control of DIRECTV Group Inc by Liberty Media Corp finalized.  Many caught off guard at the decision, but all see this as an outstanding opportunity for both companies, with benefits to all levels involved, including customers.

Liberty Media Corp did have to jump through a number of hoops, so to speak, to pull off the deal.  The process took some 14 months worth of work by John Malone’s company.  To accomplish this goal, the company had to trade its 16 percent equity stake in News Corp.  Trading that large stake in Rupert Murdoch’s company was, by all means, necessary in order for the company to merge with DIRECTV.

Additional trades had to be in view as well.  Liberty’s CEO Greg Maffei will become part of the DIRECTV board as well John Malone.  Murdoch will step down out of control.

The company now owns a 41 percent share of DIRECTV stock.  That stock is vitally valuable at US $12.5 billion.

DIRECTV is no small company.  In fact, it is the United State’s largest satellite television broadcaster.  Its competition pales in comparison to the powerful television giant.

What does all of this mean to the DIRECTV customer?  In most cases, no changes will be in view, especially at the beginning of the transition.  Like all companies, though, changes can happen.  Most involved believe there will be little effect felt by the consumers and the ones that may occur in the future will be a benefit to customers.

DIRECTV is one of today’s leading television satellite companies for many reasons, including its ability to keep up with the ever-growing demand of technology.  The company continuously offers an affordable option for those looking to get into satellite television programming.  The company also offers the affordability that many cable subscribers are continuously searching for but never find with their own service.  The switch to satellite has been easy with the help of DIRECTV’s ability to meet the demands of subscribers.

Additionally, DIRECTV offers a number of advantages including:

·         Ninety-three Channels in High Definition, the leading and most in demand type of television programming today.  The company leads the way in terms of the most television channels offered in HD.

·         High Speed Internet is also an option of DIRECTV, which helps consumers to bundle their services, much like cable television does, but often at a much lower cost, with all the speed expected in today’s modern world.

·         A large number of packages designed to give consumers exactly what they are looking for in whenever they turn on the television.

While the merge in ownership of DIRECTV certainly will be something worth talking about, it may not play a significant role in the effect experienced by the consumer.  They will still find the ability to purchase affordable television products at the satellite television level, with the most options and the best prices.  Buyers expect the best from DIRECTV and that fact is not likely to change.

NASCAR HotPass Only on DirecTV

Do you love the thrill of NASCAR?  Did you wait on pins and needles for the last Daytona 500?  If so, you should definitely check out DirecTV’s NASCAR HotPass. This is the only comprehensive racing package for fans of the track.

What Do I Get?

NASCAR HotPass gives you exclusive access to all 36 NASCAR races, in standard digital television or in HD. This gives race fans the chance to follow their favorite drivers through the entire year. The HD programming gives you the ability to feel like you’re at the track, with amazing crystal clear picture, unbeatable definition and Dolby sound.

You also get 5 individual driver channels with dedicated announcers to ramp up your race enjoyment, complete coverage of all 36 NASCAR races, live national feeds (these are not prerecorded!), amazing views from windshield cameras, 25 different camera views for added racing enjoyment, listen to the driver, crew chief and spotter exchange information, banter and venom and receive real time stats on all drivers as well as the race in general.

Do I Need Special Equipment to View NASCAR HotPass?

Only if you want to watch it in HD. NASCAR HotPass is available in standard definition broadcast format for those viewers without HDTV’s or programming.  If you want to watch it in HD, though, you can purchase an HDTV and subscribe to DirecTV’s HD programming easily.

What Else Do I Get?

If the coverage is not enough, DirecTV has stepped up HotPass for 2008. Each race, coverage will focus on four drivers (one per channel), with video and audio feeds for the entire race.  (The race itself is still covered as well)  Also, when commercials interrupt, DirecTV has placed a window in the bottom left corner of your screen so you miss none of the exciting race action.

Why Is NASCAR HotPass Better Than Network Coverage?

Traditional network coverage of racing is a broad view application.  They attempt to focus on the entirety of the race.  HotPass offers fans that chance to ride with their favorite driver for the whole race, while a smaller window will offer complete broad race coverage.

This package is a must for any fan of racing.  Purchasing now will still get you the remaining races in the season (the season started February 17^th with the Daytona 500).  With HotPass, you will get more than your fill of this exciting sport.

TV Characters Speak Out on DIRECTV

You know that DIRECTV, which will soon offer 150 channels in High-Definition Television (more than any cable provider) had to do something dramatic for its new marketing campaign, in which it advertises HDTV and DVR features three years in advance of doomsday—the end of analog television transmission.  What better way to advertise the new generation of old television than by contracting fictitious TV characters to speak of DIRECTV’s innovations?

While listening to a salesperson sing the praises of DIRECTV’s impressive TV line up may not motivate you to make the inevitable switch from cable to satellite, maybe the honest words of Scooby Doo and Shaggy will.  One of DIRECTV’s most memorable advertisements (first airing in 2006) sees the Scooby Doo gang promoting the DirecTV satellite service.  That’s right, the original cartoon characters have returned.  DIRECTV must have promised Hanna-Barbara a whole bag of Scooby Snacks.  Nevertheless, the advertising campaign has turned some heads and focused attention on DIRECTV as the new age savior to the common couch potato, who is soon going to have to install a special converter box on his or her television set.  (Unless the household already has a DTV set).

In this unusually short Scooby-Doo adventure, the Mystery Machine is parked outside of a haunted house.  The gang has captured the villain known as Creeper and have tied him to a lounge chair.  Velma unmasks the villain only to discover that it was really…the cable guy?  “Zoinks!” Shaggy screams, while Velma reminds viewers that DIRECTV now has more HD channels than cable—which perfectly explains the motive of The Creeper/The Cable Guy who was involved in a massive conspiracy trying to stop everyone from switching their cable to DIRECTV.  (In addition, you know he could have gotten away with it, if not for that meddling dog!)

However, DIRECTV’s campaign has not only exhumed Scooby Doo and friends but also Captain Kirk and Spock from Star Trek—starring the original actors William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy, looking unusually youthful thanks to cutting-edge CGI visual effects.  What other iconic TV shows did DIRECTV salute in their 2006-2007 campaign?  Bill Harding of the film Twister returned as played by Bill Paxton, while The Economics Teacher from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off was revisited courtesy of Ben Stein.  Dr. Emmett Brown (as played by Christopher Lloyd) traveled to us from 1985, while Baywatch’s favorite lifeguard, C.J. Parker, (Pamela Anderson) scolded us for watching HDTV while she was saving some poor drowning beach-dweller.  Other cameo appearances included Rick Vaughn from Major League and Turtle from Entourage.  The best DIRECTV recreation?  Ellen Ripley of Aliens fame as Sigourney Weaver reappears to fight off aliens while speaking directly to us on the great features of HDTV.  You have to figure that all those great cinema and TV heroes were fighting for more than just truth and adventure—who doesn’t take time off saving the world to watch TV?

The visual effects were astonishing and also well symbolized the high-tech features that Digital TV, and DIRECTV, one of the world’s leading providers, can offer the home viewer.  After all, if you won’t listen to a re-animated fictional character from beyond the grave, then who would you believe?

BabyFirstTv Free Preview

BabyFirstTV Channel 293 Free Preview

For the next 4 days (February 7th through the 10th) DIRECTV will be offering a free preview of BabyFirstTV Channel 293. The channel is %100 commercial free and offers plenty of interactive programming for parent and child. This is a great alternative for the stay at home mom’s (or dad’s) who are looking for additional stimuli for their child’s development. I have personally found it helpful with a 2 year old who is under the weather. The options are few when the little one has no energy and this programming is not only educational but entertaining. Most adults can only take so much Dora or Bob the Builder before their sanity level begins to drop. BabyFirstTV provides hours of programming that flows from one short clip to the next keeping pase with the short attention span of a youngster. They offer plenty of language development, music and math to help a foster a childs cognitive abilities. If you were thinking about switching to DIRECTV or just want to add it to your subscription, now is the time to try it out.  The base package subscription required and any new subscription is automatically entered to win a college fund for your baby!*

 BabyFirstTV is a trademark of BFTV, LLC.

*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Void where prohibited. Sweepstakes ends February 15, 2008. Must be legal resident of the 50 United States and D.C. who is 21 years of age or older. One entry awarded to eligible BabyFirstTV subscribers on February 15, 2008 or hand-print your name, address, daytime phone number and email address on a 3½”x5½” postcard and mail to BabyFirstTV “Win a College fund” Sweepstakes, c/o The Marketing Agency, LLC, PO Box 9125, Newton Upper Falls, MA 02464-9125. Sponsor: BFTV, LLC, 12100 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1070, Los Angeles, CA 90025. Click here for the official rules.