ExpertSatellite

DIRECTV, country's leading satellite television provider's plan to broadcast HD channels increase the competition between cable operators. “This could be the best thing that has happened” to the HD industry, Craig Moffett,cable and satellite analyst with Sanford Bernstein.

DIRECT TV's new satellite launch a fortnight ago and its plan to increase the high-definition channels from September had increased awareness for all other cable operators who offer HD and also the awareness in public who choose to buy HD sets, the advancement of HD is much faster compared to earlier technology have reached.

“DirecTV is lighting a fire in cable to reconsider the pace at which they invest” in the technology, said Starz executive VP, affiliate sales and marketing, Ed Huguez at the event moderated by TelevisionWeek Publisher and Editorial Director Chuck Ross.

Rainbow Media Holdings, President said 'As HD becomes commonplace, focus will shift from how many HD channels networks can put on the air to the content of those networks.'

DIRECTV, the nations leading satellite television provider continues to innovate and go beyond the expectations of its customers. With its WORLD DIRECT International Programming package DIRECT TV is offering variety of programming options for its Spanish customers.

Here’s some good news for DIRECTV’s Spanish speaking subscribers -

Subcribers who orders DIRECTV's 2007 NFL SUNDAY TICKET at $69.99 per month for Four month will receive LO MAXIMO free for four months. LO MAXIMO is Spanish and English-language favorite programming, over 30 premium movie channels and more than 25 speciality and regional sports networks.

DIRECT TV has another offer for spanish speaking new subscribers, customer ordering FAMILIAR ÚLTRA can get a $12/ month bill credit for 12 consecutive months after mail-in redemption and also three FREE months of SHOWTIME UNLIMITED and customers ordering HBO with FAMILIAR ÚLTRA can receive HBO for $10/month for 12 months.

The Bengals linebacker Odell Thurman spent away from the game for the last season as he was served with one year suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy and inturn awaits for the leagues decision today if or not he will be allowed to play for the season.

Thurman's agent John Michels said that the target date was July 11 and they have not heard any definite news from NFL. They are hopeful to receive a good news from NFL in a day or two. Greg Aiello, the vice president of public relations for the NFL, said on Tuesday there was nothing new to report regarding Thurman's case. The league would not comment on any case pending, Aiello said. Thurman was initally suspended for the first four games of last season but after his arrest for 'Driving under the influence' last September he was suspended Goodell increased
the penality for the entire season.

DIRECTV, the nation's leading satellite television service provider is calling their subcribers to alert them to tune channel 499 to check and make sure they have the right equipment for the broadcasters high definition expansion. The screen on the channel will confirm the 'search of satellite' if the subscriber has a Ka/Ku dish, H2, HR20 a high definition receiver and a B-Band converter module attached to the receiver.

When DIRECT TV switches to MPEG-4 transmission system during September the subcribers will be all set to receive their new HD channels. This transmission will be delivered via the DIRECTV-10 satellite launched on 6th July.

DIRECTV customers who does not receive 'search for satellite' when they tune channel 499 will be alerted and would be asked to call DIRECTV for a system upgrade. Its not clear from DIRECTV if they will charge for the upgrade or not. Earlier DIRECT TV said that the upgrade would be free for the subscribers who go for a year or two programming commitment.