Can
I keep using the DIRECTV 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 DIRECTV Receiver. Or, if you choose a HDTV set without
DIRECTV built in, to upgrade to a HDTV compatible set-top box when you purchase
a new monitor. However, your current DIRECTV 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 DIRECTV HDTV equipment?
We've
formed partnerships with several consumer electronics manufacturers. HDTV sets
with the DIRECTV 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 DIRECTV System into forthcoming HDTV products.
Why
is DIRECTV 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. DIRECTV customers who continue to use their analog TVs
will still have the widest variety of programming available to them.
What
high definition programming is DIRECTV broadcasting?
We
introduced HBO® HDTV in August 1999. The channel airs continuously and delivers
blockbuster movies and original programming from Home Box Office on DIRECTV®
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 DIRECTV by visiting select retail showrooms across the country
that are displaying a demonstration of the service.
In
what format is HDTV from DIRECTV broadcast?
DIRECTV
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.
DIRECTV
Offers More Program Options
DIRECTV has created a programming service specifically driven to offer customers
more choice and value for their entertainment dollar. DIRECTV 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