Direct TV Sets the Stage for Aggressive Expansion of Local HD Programming
 

Thirty-Six Major Markets Will Have Access to Local HD Channels Via Direct TV by Early 2006; Chicago, Philadelphia, Atlanta and San Francisco to Roll Out this Month

Direct TV continued to build the in-orbit framework for thenationwide rollout of hundreds of local high-definition (HD) broadcastchannels today with the successful launch of the Spaceway F2satellite. The new satellite, combined with the Spaceway F1 satellite,will enable Direct TV to provide local HD channels to customers in 36major markets, or more than 57 percent of U.S. television households,by early next year.

The Boeing-built spacecraft lifted off today from the Guiana SpaceCenter in Kourou, French Guiana, at 3:46 p.m. PST (8:46 p.m. Kouroutime).Spaceway F2, along with the Spaceway F1 satellite that was placedin orbit in late April, will support the rollout of up to 500 local HDchannels. Direct TV will offer local HD broadcast channels in 12 citiesby the end of this year and 24 cities early next year.

Spaceway F1 began transmitting local HD signals to customers inDetroit on Oct. 20, and four markets -- Chicago, Philadelphia, Atlantaand San Francisco -- will begin receiving local HD broadcast channelsthis month. Direct TV will also launch HD locals in Tampa, Dallas,Houston, Boston, Washington D.C., Los Angeles and New York inDecember.

The Spaceway satellites will be joined by two more next-generationspacecraft in 2007, and together they will deliver more than 1,500local and 150 national HD channels to Direct TV customers nationwide. "With our unprecedented rollout of local digital andhigh-definition broadcast channels in major markets underway and therecent launch of our new Direct TV Plus(R) DVR, we are movingaggressively to provide our customers with an unparalleled televisionentertainment experience and distinguish the Direct TV service in themarketplace," said Chase Carey, president and CEO, Direct TV, Inc. "Thesuccessful launch of the Spaceway 2 satellite moves us a step closerto our goal of offering local HD programming to most, if not all, TVhouseholds in the United States."

The Boeing-built 702 model satellite was carried into space by anAriane 5 ECA launch vehicle and will provide commercial service at99.2 degrees West Longitude (WL), one of the Ka-band orbital slotsthat Direct TV will use to transmit local digital and HD signals viaspot beam to its customers. After 29 minutes, the rocket left the spacecraft in ageosynchronous transfer orbit with a high point of 22,300 miles(36,000 km) above the equator. Controllers at the Hartebeesthoekground station in South Africa made contact with the satellite andconfirmed that all systems are functioning properly.

In the coming weeks, controllers will maneuver the spacecraft intoa circular orbit; deploy the antennas and solar arrays; and testoperational functions, communications payload and propulsion system.The Spaceway F2 is identical to the Spaceway F1 satellite, whichlaunched April 26 from the Sea Launch platform, and has commencedcommercial operations from the 102.8-degree WL orbital slot.

Direct TV, Inc. is the nation's leading and fastest-growing digitalmultichannel television service provider with more than 15 millioncustomers. Direct TV and the Cyclone Design logo are registeredtrademarks of Direct TV, Inc. Direct TV (NYSE:DTV) is a world-leadingprovider of digital multichannel television entertainment services.Direct TV is approximately 34 percent owned by News Corporation.

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