Can I keep using the DIRECTTV equipment I have now?

As high definition increasingly becomes the TV standard, customers will need to invest in new TV monitors to receive it. We feel the best approach will be to look for a HDTV set with an integrated DIRECTTV Receiver. Or, if you choose a HDTV set without DIRECTTV built in, to upgrade to a HDTV compatible set-top box when you purchase a new monitor. However, your current DIRECTTV equipment will provide you with quality digital programming for as long as you own the system, when used with either an analog or HDTV set.

Who makes DIRECTTV HDTV equipment?

We've formed partnerships with several consumer electronics manufacturers. HDTV sets with the DIRECTTV Receiver built in, as well as our HDTV-compatible set-top boxes, are available from Thomson Consumer Electronics (under the RCA and PROSCAN brands), Hitachi, Toshiba, Zenith, Panasonic, Mitsubishi, Samsung and Hughes Network Systems. We're talking to leading consumer electronics manufacturers about integrating the multi-sat DIRECTTV System into forthcoming HDTV products.

Why is DIRECTTV using a different satellite to broadcast its high-definition programming?

Few of our customers have high-definition TV sets today. By delivering our high-definition programming from the 119 degrees WL orbital slot, we reserve capacity at our main orbital location for programming most customers can receive today and we allow room for expansion there. DIRECTTV customers who continue to use their analog TVs will still have the widest variety of programming available to them.

What high definition programming is DIRECTTV broadcasting?

We introduced HBO® HDTV in August 1999. The channel airs continuously and delivers blockbuster movies and original programming from Home Box Office on DIRECTTV® Channel 509. In November 1999 we introduced a second HDTV channel -- 199 -- featuring pay per view movies and events in high definition format. You can also experience HDTV programming from DIRECTTV by visiting select retail showrooms across the country that are displaying a demonstration of the service.

In what format is HDTV from DIRECTTV broadcast?

DIRECTTV will accept a wide variety of industry-standard formats and will broadcast in any or all of the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) and other industry-standard broadcasting formats, essentially remaining format-agnostic.

DIRECTTV Offers More Program Options

DIRECTTV has created a programming service specifically driven to offer customers more choice and value for their entertainment dollar. DIRECTTV combines America's favorite network channels, other popular networks not available from many cable services, a pay per view movie service with up to 55 choices of movies and special events a day, local channels in many markets, and an unprecedented sports subscription lineup. No other system offers as many quality program options.