DIRECTV Activates HD Local Channel Service In Fresno, Calif

Local Channels in HD Have More Vivid Colors, Wider Images and Clearer, Crisper High-resolution Digital-quality Pictures

June 16, 2006

DIRECTV, Inc., the nation's leading digital television service provider, is now offering local HD programming via satellite to customers in the Fresno DMA beginning today, Wednesday, June 14, 2006. The following local TV channels are available: KFSN/ABC and KGPE/CBS. DIRECTV is in discussions with the owners of the NBC and FOX affiliates and hopes to add these stations to the DIRECTV lineup in the near future. DIRECTV's roll out of local HD channels in Fresno is part of a nationwide expansion of HD programming that will culminate in 2007, when DIRECTV will have the ability to deliver more than 1,500 local HD channels and more than 150 national HD channels, establishing DIRECTV as a leading provider of HD programming. DIRECTV customers today have access to more than 900 hours of HD programming each week, as well as hundreds of hours of special event, movie and sports coverage. With the addition of Fresno, DIRECTV offers local HD broadcast channels in 27 cities with plans to launch in an additional 23 cities later this year, offering access to DIRECTV-delivered local HD channels in more than 65 percent of U.S. television households. Customers who subscribe to a programming package that includes local channels receive both the standard and HD signals at no extra monthly charge. Fresno customers can receive local HD channels by purchasing a new H20 HD receiver and satellite dish. Existing HD customers can upgrade their HD receiver and dish for $99 per receiver. New residential customers can take advantage of a $100 Advanced Product Rebate through July 1, 2006. Receiving equipment is available at major consumer electronics retailers like Best Buy or Circuit City, and through DIRECTV. Eligibility for local channels is based on service address within certain designated market areas as defined by Nielsen Media Research, Inc. Visit DIRECTV.com for more information.

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