DIRECTV to Offer More Than 40 HDTV Channels in Mid-2007

SOURCE: TVPredictions.com; Thursday November 30, 2007‘The satcaster’s entertainment president makes the disclosure to TVPredictions.com at an industry conference.
By Phillip SwannNew York, NY (November 29, 2006) — DIRECTV will offer more than 40 High-Definition TV channels by next summer, according to David Hill, the satcaster’s entertainment president.

In an interview with TVPredictions.com, Hill was probed for how many high-def channels DIRECTV would provide when its two new satellites were operational in mid-2007.

Would it be 40?, Hill was asked.

“Oh, more than that,” he said. However, Hill refused to give a more specific number.

DIRECTV next year is scheduled to launch two satellites designed to increase its national HDTV channel capacity to 150. The satcaster now offers fewer than 10 national high-def networks.

In a keynote speech at the HD World Conference and Exposition in New York, Hill said the two satellites would be ready in “mid-2007.”
In other comments during his speech:

* Hill urged cable networks to switch from analog to HDTV. DIRECTV has been lobbying non-HD networks to launch high-def channels so it can expand its lineup when the new satellites are ready. He said the non-HD networks must “go HD or get lost in the mix.”

Hill said that DIRECTV research shows that 83 percent of U.S. homes will have High-Definition TVs by the year 2010, compared to 31 percent now.

“We (DIRECTV) haven’t made the billion dollar investment in (new satellites) because we believe HD is a passing fad,” Hill said sarcastically.

In the interview with TVPredictions.com, Hill, who is also chairman of Fox Sports, said he didn’t think that 1080p would have a big impact on the high-def industry. (1080p is a new high-def programming format now available only in HDTV DVDs.) He said he didn’t expect Fox to offer 1080p programming in the next five years, if then.

Instead, Hill said, the next step is high-def may be 3-D HDTV.

He added that he believes that 720p is the best high-def programming format for sports; Fox uses 720p for sports and other entertainment. But he conceded that HDNet, which uses 1080i for the National Hockey League and other sports, “always looks sensational.”’

DirectStarTV Coupon Details

DIRECTV Video On Demand Service

SOUCRE: TVPredictions.com; November 28, 2006

‘Washington, D.C. (November 28, 2006) — DIRECTV next year will launch a Broadband-based Video on Demand service that will offer thousands of TV shows and movies.

However, the service will not include High-Definition TV programming at launch, TVPredictions.com has learned.

The VOD service, which was originally expected late this year, is now likely to be launched nationally next spring. It will allow customers to use any high-speed Internet connection to download movies and other video programs from the Net and watch them on television.
DIRECTV will provide the VOD programming via the Broadband connection on the back of new HD DVRs (Digital Video Recorders.)

While HDTV VOD programming will not be available at launch, one source tells TVPredictions.com that the system is capable of providing high-def and will likely include it later in the year.

DIRECTV’s VOD service is expected to start with about 2,000 movies and TV shows, enabling it to compete with cable on demand services for the first time.’

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.

DIRECTV Expands International Programming Platform To Include Premier Polish-Language Channels

SOURCE: DIRECTV, Inc.; Monday November 27, 2006

‘EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Nov 27, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) — DIRECTV’s international programming platform, WorldDirect(TM), is bringing Poland into living rooms across the United States with its new Polish-language programming tier PolishDirect(TM) and PolishDirect(TM) II.

These new packages offer a robust lineup of leading Polish-language video and radio programming. Beginning Nov. 29 the PolishDirect package will include TV Polonia, TVP3 and Polskie Radio 1 and 3. DIRECTV customers can also subscribe to PolishDirect II, which will include TV Polonia, TVP3, Tele5 and Polskie Radio 1 and 3.

“We understand the important role that traditional Polish culture plays in the lives of the more than 650,000 Polish-speaking Americans living in the United States,” said Aaron McNally, vice president, International, DIRECTV, Inc. “We believe our new Polish-language programming packages will offer a unique and compelling lineup that will help customers maintain their Polish heritage and strengthen ties between family members of all ages. We look forward to bringing this valuable programming to our Polish-speaking customers across the country.”

DIRECTV’s new Polish-language programming lineup includes:

TV Polonia

TV Polonia is the premier Polish language channel broadcast by Telewizja Polska in Warsaw (Polish Public Broadcaster) for millions of Poles living abroad. It was the first 24/7 Polish television channel broadcast in America and now today, over a decade later, it still remains the most sought after Polish television channel in America. TV Polonia offers popular programming, such as the Polish news service “Wiadomosci,” soap opera “M jak milosc,” and popular sitcoms “Klan” and “Zlotopolscy.”

TVP3

TVP3 offers programming geared toward news and current affairs. This channel delivers an array of interesting news broadcasts that highlight various regions of Poland. Its flagship program, “Kurier” (Courier), is an hourly news program that focuses on local news that is “close to the people.”

Tele5 (Only available in PolishDirect II)

Tele5 is a unique Polish language channel that offers programming from different parts of the world, all in Polish. Viewers will see movies, mini-series and popular cooking shows, including “Buon Appetito,” one of the best culinary programs on Polish television.

Polskie Radio 1

JEDYNKA (Polskie Radio 1) and TROJKA (Polskie Radio 3) of Polskie Radio in Warsaw are considered the “best of the best” radio channels in Poland. Both channels bring an “old country” flavor to their broadcast of news, current affairs, nationally acclaimed radio theater, and classical and contemporary Polish music. Music from Chopin and Lutoslawski, and literature and radio plays such as “W Jezioranach” and “Matysiakowie” can be found on Polskie Radio 1, while current affairs program Puls Trojki, and political talk show Zapraszamy do Trojki are available on Polskie Radio 3.

WorldDirect customers must first subscribe to DIRECTV BASIC or any DIRECTV base programming package. For more information on how to receive PolishDirect(TM) or PolishDirect(TM) II, customers should call (800) 378-7410.

The DIRECTV WorldDirect(TM) platform has launched 46 channels that deliver a wide variety of new programming in multiple foreign-languages, including Arabic, Russian, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Gujarati, Bengali, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Korean, Italian and Ukrainian, to underserved ethnic markets throughout the United States. DIRECTV will continue to expand its international programming platform to reach more ethnic audiences.

DIRECTV customers will need to use a WorldDirect services satellite dish that is capable of receiving both international and English-language programming. In some markets, customers who subscribe to a local channels package will require a second smaller dish.’

DIRECTV Songs of Praise for Christmas

A DIRECTV original musical event premiers on Friday, November 24th on channel 103.

Bring in the sounds of the season through your own TV this season… this event shouldn’t be missed by you and your family and it will easily become a family tradition for years to come. Songs of Praise is hosted by Amy Grant and NASCAR legend Darrell Waltrip with many special guests including Michael W. Smith, Rebecca St. James, Mandisa, Nicole C. Mullen and Mark hall of Casting Crowns. Also, featuring choir performances listed below.

This spectacular 90-minute special is a part of the Songs of Praise series exclusively on DIRECTV – a proud supporter of family-programming. This is available free to all DIRECTV customers.

Songs of Praise entertainment list:

- Clay Aiken with Quiana Parker performing Silver Bells
- Jim Cole with The Calvary Church Choir, Pacific Palisades, CA, performing In Bethlehem Tonight
- Micheal W. Smith performing Welcome to Our World and Silent Night
- Nicole C. Mullen performing O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
- Yolanda Adams singing O Holy Night
- Alfred Street Baptist Church Choir, Eastern High School Alumni Singers, Patrick Lundy and The Ministers of Music, Temple Choir of Reid Temple performing Go Tell It
- Anderson University Chorale, Anderson, IN, Love Came Down at Christmas
- Brentwood Baptist Worship Choir, Brentwood, TN, Sing We Now of Christmas
- The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, Brooklyn, NY, High and Lifted Up
- Central Baptist Church, Hixson, TN, For Unto Us a Child is Born and Jingle Bells
- Central Ridge Presbyterian Choir, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, O Come All Ye Faithful
- Central Cathedral Academy Chorus, Garden Grove, CA, Song of Christmas
- Harvest Praise Ensemble of Harvest Christian Fellowship, Riverside, CA, Carol of the Bells and Christmastime
- The Hyde Park Baptist Exalration Choir and Orchestra, Austin, TX, Hallelujah Chorus
- Lakewood Church Choir, Houston, TX, Better Than Life
- Porter’s House Choir, Dallas, TX, Glory to God in the Highest
- St. John Baptist Church Choir, Grand Prairie, TX, Rejoice
- The St. Olaf Choir, Northfield, MN, Hark, The Herald Angels Sing

Also appearing: Rebecca St. James, Mandisa and Mark Hall of Casting Crowns

Cable Prices Set to Increase

SOURCE: TVPredictions.com; November 22, 2006

Is Comcast Raising Monthly Rates? Citing more high-def channels, the cable operator tells Washington state residents that a price hike is coming.

Washington, D.C. (November 22, 2006) — Comcast has notified some customers in Washington state that their monthly cable bills will soon increase by an average of 6.5 percent.

In the past, Comcast has first tipped off plans to raise monthly fees nationally by revealing a price hike in a few regions.

The news of the Washington state rate increase was reported today by the Daily Herald in Everett, Washington.

The newspaper reported that Comcast will increase the monthly cable TV bill there by an average of $3.09 — about 6.5 percent — beginning January 1

Comcast officials in Washington cited the addition of more services, including High-Definition TV, as a reason for the price hike.

“We’ve more than doubled the amount of viewing choices for customers who now have the most HDTV and VOD (video-on-demand) viewing options with 100 hours of HD on demand and nearly 7,000 video on demand titles each month,” said Steve Kipp, a Comcast vice president of communications.

Kipp said customers would soon get notices in the mail with a breakdown of price increases for specific services.