DIRECTV Not Likely to Add HDTV Soon

[Gregg Lengling]

http://www.tvpredictions.com/hdtvdirect032205.html

The satcaster probably won't boost its high-def lineup until this summer.
By Phillip Swann

Washington, D.C. (March 22) -- DIRECTV is currently running a TV commercial promoting its plan to offer up to 1,500 High-Definition TV channels. However, if you're a current subscriber, it may be awhile before you see any additions to the DIRECTV HD lineup.

DIRECTV now carries seven national HDTV channels, in addition to high-def feeds of the major networks in selected cities. However, the satcaster is not expected to offer any new HD channels until this summer, with the possible exception of one or two. (And don't even bet on that.)

The reason: Lack of satellite space.

Starting late next month, DIRECTV is launching four new satellites over the next two years that will enable it to provide up to 150 national HD channels and local HD in most cities by 2007. (The 1,500 high-def channel number in the commercial is referring to the total number of local high-def channels DIRECTV will deliver by 2007; viewers will not actually get 1,500 HD channels. They will get their local channels in high-def and DIRECTV's national HD channels, which could be 150.)

But until the first satellite is operational, which could be as early as June, DIRECTV simply doesn't have the capacity to boost its high-def offering. (Adding a high-def channel requires more satellite space than a non-HD network.) DIRECTV plans to use that first satellite this summer to provide high-def feeds of local channels in 12 cities.

To illustrate DIRECTV's limited capacity, the satcaster has announced that it will eventually add the high-def version of ESPN 2, which launched in January. However, sources tells TVPredictions.com that DIRECTV may be forced to wait until late summer or early fall before it can add ESPN 2 HD.

Adding to its HD woes, the satcaster plans to use the MPEG-4 compression technology with its new satellites. Consequently, current high-def owners will need a new dish and receiver to get the local high-def signals this summer and, eventually, all high-def channels from DIRECTV. The satcaster has yet to announce when the new dish and receiver will be available, or if it will offer the new equipment at a discount or no cost. -30-

Phillip Swann, president of TVPredictions.com, has been quoted on TV technology in dozens of publications and by broadcast outlets, such as The Chicago Tribune, The Hollywood Reporter, Fox News and CNN. If you would like to contact Mr. Swann, he can be reached at 703-505-3064 or at swann@tvpredictions.com