Tons of Local HD in DirecTV's Future, Thanks to New Birds

[Gregg Lengling]

On Wednesday, DirecTV announced plans for the launch of four next-generation satellites the company said will help with the launch of thousands of local HD channels as well as more national high-def programming and capacity for new interactive and standard-definition content.

The first two satellites, Spaceway 1 and Spaceway 2, will launch in 2005 and will deliver programming to consumers by the middle of the year. The Ka-Band satellites will have capacity for more than 500 local HD channels, the company said.

DirecTV said with the satellites it will have the ability to bring local HD programming to most of the U.S. population as well as help with the continuing expansion of local TV in standard-definition and other enhancements. The satellites were recently converted to allow for the offering of both video and broadband Internet, DirecTV said.

SpaceWay was initially designed as a broadband offering for enterprise users.

Two other Ka-Band satellites, DirecTV 10 and DirecTV 11, will launch in early 2007, the company said. These satellites will have capacity for more than 1,000 additional local HD channels, more than 150 national HD channels, and other new programming offerings.

DirecTV said consumers will receive the expanded services as well as existing programming with a single dish.

"We have led the TV industry in choice, quality and service and we are now positioned to lead the industry in bringing new advanced television programming to consumers nationwide," said Chase Carey, president and CEO of the DirecTV Group. "Only DirecTV, not cable or other competitors, will have the capability to bring hundreds of high-definition channels and other enhancements to consumers across the entire country with the consistency, reliability and quality that they demand and deserve."

Boeing is building the satellites. Spaceway 1 and Spaceway 2 are nearing completion, DirecTV said. Boeing is constructing a third Spaceway satellite, and will also build a satellite that will serve as a ground spare.

[borghe]

hmm.. that just doesn't do it.. we really need a much bigger smiley on this board..

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