DirecTV Delivers March Madness in HD

[Gregg Lengling]

DirecTV will offer select NCAA Division I Men's
Basketball Championship games in
high-definition, through its Mega March
Madness package.

HDTV broadcasts - which will feature up to
eight CBS-produced and regionally shown
tournament matches - will begin March 21 with
games from Birmingham, Ala., (March 21 and
23), and San Antonio (March 28).

DirecTV customers eligible to receive the
games in high-definition include residential
and commercial DirecTV customers with a 2003
Mega March Madness subscription and HDTV
receiving equipment. These customers will
receive the high-definition feed at no additional
charge.

Residential DirecTV customers with HDTV equipment
but without a 2003 Mega March Madness subscription
can purchase the high-def broadcasts for $24.95
a game.

In other DirecTV sports news, the satellite TV
service said Texas Rangers shortstop Alex Rodriguez
and Oakland A's pitcher Barry Zito will be the
official spokespersons for its 2003 MLB Extra
Innings sports subscription. The package delivers
up to 35 out-of-market broadcasts each week
during the regular season.

MLB Extra Innings is available at an early bird
price of $139 for residential customers who sign
up before March 30, and at a regular season
price of $159 after March 30.