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“DIRECTV History”

History of DIRECTV

Written by: Rick Taylor - Mar 20, 2010

Headquartered in El Segundo, California, DIRECTV is the leading digital satellite service provider in the United States and provides HD Satellite TV service to over 17 million subsribers. The following is a rough summary of its impressive history:

Before 1984, satellites could carry only one communication channel per each transponder which limited satellites to a maximum of 24-32 communication channels per satellite - not enough bandwidth to support a commercially viable broadcasting system that could compete with established cable TV companies.

By 1984, Hughes had developed very high power satellites that could use digital compression (MPEG 2) standards that, for the first time, allowed multiple digital television channels to be sent through each individual satellite frequency. Hughes was approved by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to use their newly-developed technology to construct a Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) network.

In 1990, Hughes Electronics launched its DBS network, founded DIRECTV, and landed over one million satellite TV subscribers by the end of that year.

A DIRECTV/USSB partnership was formed in 1991, as DIRECTV's parent company, Hughes Electronics partnered with United States Satellite Broadcasting (USSB). USSB agreed to purchase 5 transponders aboard the future DIRECTV DBS-1 satellite to broadcast premium movie and pay per view offerings.

In 1993, a Hughes satellite was launched at the 101 degree west satellite location. This DBS-1, a high powered commercial satellite, carried a payload of 16 circularly polarized DBS Ku band transponders, each broadcasting at 120 watts per transponder. The new DIRECTV system quickly became one of the hottest-selling consumer electronics products of the year in 1994.

In the fall of 1994, a second DIRECTV satellite, DBS-2, was launched. This satellite enabled expansion of DIRECTV's programming to nearly 150 channels. In comparison, cable vision systems at that time offered an average of only 30 analog channels.

In the summer of 1994, DIRECTV introduced digital direct to home satellite service that was delivered via a small 18" satellite dish and set top receiver and offered two satellite services: (1) DIRECTV's delivery of most of the cable vision favorite channels and network feeds, and (2) USSB's delivery of premium services such as movie channels, such as HBO and Showtime, as well as pay-per-view sports.

By 1998, DIRECTV had over 4 million subscribers and purchased its partner, USSB, for over $1.3 billion. The acquisition provided DIRECTV customers with access to USSB's premier movie broadcasting and increased channel selection from 185 to 210. In July, DIRECTV invested $250 million in XM satellite radio.

In 1999, DIRECTV acquired Primestar, Inc. and its 2.3 million subscribers. As part of the deal, DIRECTV secured Primestar's satellite assets (11 transponders and two satellites) which added high-powered DBS frequencies to provide full coverage of the continental United States. In addition to the Primestar acquisition, DIRECTV launched a new satellite of its own, DIRECTV-1R on October 10, 1999.

In 2003, DIRECTV introduced a new high-definition video recorder jointly engineered by DIRECTV and Tivo as well as a second-generation set top box model through a partnership with Philips.

On November 11, 2003, DIRECTV added its 12 millionth subscriber.

DIRECTV currently has over 17 million subscribers and remains the top United States consumer satellite provider as it continues to expand its offerings through high-definition and entertainment packages such as NFL SUNDAY TICKET and TOTAL CHOICE® Mobile programming.

For 15 years, DIRECTV has been Americas #1 Satellite TV service, with over 18 million households enjoying it everyday.

When DIRECTV launched in 1994, DIRECTV was the first entertainment service in the U.S. to deliver all digital-quality, multi-channel TV programming to an 18-inch satellite dish.

If you want the best that TV has to offer such as access to the most HD channels, the most sports in HD, next-generation technology and more, you need DIRECTV.

If you have not experienced your favorite movies, shows and sports in HD, you have not seen anything yet.

If you are not already enjoying DIRECTV HD, here is what you need to start experiencing it today.

The best variety of Filipino entertainment. See the latest news, talk shows, popular series, dramas, movies, music and more.

With ScoreGuide, you will always know the score of any game. Just press the red button on your remote.

Watch what you want, when you want, with DIRECTV on DEMAND.

Enjoy the best Cantonese entertainment, including Jade TV, with our Jadeworld package, available without a base package.

Get a special group of popular channels available only in HD.

Get the best Russian programming for every age group on DIRECTV, including Channel 1 and RTR Planeta and TV Nanny, the only 24/7 Russian childrens channel in the U.S.

With exclusive DIRECTV sports packages like NFL SUNDAY TICKET, NCAA MEGA MARCH MADNESS and NASCAR HotPass, as well as the most sports in crystal clear HD, DIRECTV delivers a sports TV experience you can't get on Dish Network or cable.

DIRECTV gives you an unbeatable TV experience and locks in your best price for one full year.

DIRECTV delivers extended coverage of Grand Slam tournaments and NASCAR races that you cannot get anywhere else, all at no extra charge.

This Thanksgiving, turn your TV room into a game room. Play over 60 games on your TV FREE as long as you want. No additional equipment required.

Get a special group of popular channels available only in HD featuring classic movies, specialty programs and more.

DIRECTV delivers an HD experience you cannot get on Dish Network or cable.

With the most HD channels now, and soon the capacity for over 200 HD channels, DIRECTV is the only place to enjoy the best that TV has to offer.

BabyFirstTV goes beyond traditional TV to deliver award winning, expert approved programs to help you and your child learn and play together.

See up to eight popular sports channels on a single screen and select any one to watch full screen.

The easy-to-use DIRECTV search function and DVR equipment enables you to locate exactly what you want to watch or record.

Record up to 100 hours of standard-definition content with DIRECTV Digital Video Recorders (DVRs).

Get interactive TV enabled equipment from DIRECTV that will enhance your viewing pleasure!

Parental locks and control features are available on DIRECT equipment to ensure that your children do not have access to programming that parents have decided is not suitable for viewing by their children.

You are in control of how you watch - back up, slow down or use instant replay.

Take advantage of DIRECTV interactive features like DIRECTV Active.

Record every episode of your favorite shows automatically â€” even if the day or time of the show changes during the week.

Customize the guide by choosing only the channels you want to see.

A DIRECTV receiver allows you to change channels and change the picture elements and size.

With a DIRECTV DVR you can pause a live TV show so you can answer your phone or get a drink, then watch the rest of the show when you are ready.

DIRECTV HD offers the best in national programming including CNN HD, A&E HD, The History Channel HD, National Geographic Channel HD, Food Network HD, premiums like HBO HD, Showtime HD, Cinemax HD, Starz HD - and more.

Access to DIRECTV High-Definition gives you the best sports, movies, family and special events with your paid subscription.

DIRECTV HD has the technology to bring the excitement of the game and the suspense of a thriller right into your living room.

CABLE IN connects the RG-6 cable from your cable TV provider (if you have one) to your DIRECT HDTV DVR.

The DIRECTV Plus HD DVR also features Media Share, allowing you to enjoy photos and music stored on your Intel Viiv processor technology-based PC - on your TV.

Using a DIRECTV HDTV DVR, you can record two shows at once while watching another recording.

A DIRECTV HDTV DVR has the capability to one-touch record, auto record, manual record and bookmark shows.

A DIRECTV HDTV DVR can pause and rewind live HD TV for up to 90 minutes. Control what you watch - back up, slow down or use instant replay.

Take advantage of DIRECTV interactive features like DIRECTV Active, get weather information, lottery results and horoscopes onscreen.

DIRECTV HD TV DVR technology includes Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound so you can listen to superb theater-quality sound with additional hardware.

DIRECTV customer service is better than cable companies.

If you are a big pro football fan, subscribe to the DIRECTV NFL Sunday Ticket that offers unrivaled pro football programming.

As compared to the consistent high quality picture delivered by DIRECTV satellite HDTV, cable TV consistency in viewing quality is marginal because the varying condition of the coaxial cable and miles of wire that must remain connected, dry and amplified before reaching the customer is variable per customer and location.

While DIRECTV digital HD picture quality is crystal clear, cable TV has excessive digital artifacts, the little squares that appear in the picture, and also may appear as intermittent picture freezing.

DIRECTV is consistently #1 in Customer Satisfaction according to JD Powers and Associates Syndicated Residential Satellite/Cable TV Customer Satisfaction Studies.

If you are a pro baseball fan, subscribe to DIRECTV MLB Extra Innings.

Local Networks are available in digital quality through DIRECTV via a small antenna to receive programming that is broadcast on local channels. Cable companies do not offer this option.

DIRECTV carries many foreign language, religious, and other niche channels that are not available from cable providers.

Many movies on DIRECTV are already being broadcast in wide screen format while cable is still primarily standard format.

DIRECTV provides a much more attractive alternative to outdated analog cable television and offers better pricing, more programming choices, and better picture quality.

Sports Fans, DIRECTV is the satellite TV entertainment company for you! DIRECTV offers more sports programming than any competitor.

Order service from DIRECTV, sometimes spelled incorrectly as DIRECT TV or DIRECTTV, the leading HD Satellite TV service provider in the United States, by clicking on one of the banners at the top of this page.

The DIRECTV Plus HD DVR offers parental locks on the receiver so, if there are certain channels that you think your children should not view, simply lock the channels so that your children cannot view them.

The first DIRECTV qualifying consideration is to make sure that you have a clear line of sight to the Southern sky. In a multi-tenant building, if you are located on the lower floors, you may run into a problem where an object or a building might be block the line of sight to the DIRECTV satellite in the Southern sky. First make sure you have a clear view of the Southern sky before ordering DIRECTV.

DIRECTV provides the FIRST RECEIVER FOR FREE and leases additional receivers for a nominal fee per month.

DIRECTV Plus HR20 allows you to can watch channels in standard definition (SD) or high definition (HD) and also features the DIRECTV Advanced Program Guide that allows you to easily browse channels. With this unit, you can record up to 30 hours of HD programs and up to 200 hours of SD programs.

You can also access to manage your DIRECTV account via the DIRECTV website at www.directv.com. Commercial customers must call 1-800-DIRECTV to review options for account logins.

DIRECTV offers sophisticated satellite TV technology that changes and advances extremely fast, so DIRECTV provides you with upgrades and free replacement of receivers. Call 866-728-8329 to take advantage of available promotions.

Save Money with DIRECTV! If you are looking to save money and avoid any up-front fees, DIRECTV is the service for you!

DIRECTV offers 92 national HD channels but plans to have the capacity for 150 national HD channels and 1500 local channels. Customers will also have access to more HD programming via the new DIRECTV On DEMAND VOD service that will launch in 2009.

With access to over 130 high definition channels and the most live sports events broadcast in HD than any other provider, you will not be disappointed with DIRECTV programming.

You can check your local weather forecast on DIRECTV.

The DIRECTV Plus HD DVR can be viewed in HD or SD so if you do not have a HD television yet but you are planning on getting one, you can still order this receiver. HD for this receiver is in MPEG-2 and 4.

One of the most popular programming packages is the NFL Sunday Ticket.

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