DIRECTV Activates HD Local Channel Service In Cincinnati And Las Vegas

September 29, 2006

WHAT: DIRECTV, Inc., the nation's leading satellite television service provider, is now offering local HD programming to customers. In the Cincinnati DMA the following local broadcast networks are available in HD: WKRC/CBS, WCPO/ABC, WXIX/FOX and WLWT/NBC. In the Las Vegas DMA the following local broadcast networks are available in HD: KTNV/ABC and KVVU/FOX. DIRECTV is in discussions with the owners of the NBC and CBS affiliates and hopes to add these stations to the DIRECTV lineup in the near future. In the Austin DMA the following local broadcast networks are available in HD: KEYE/CBS, KVUE/ABC and KTBC/FOX. DIRECTV is in discussions with the owners of the NBC affiliate, KXAN, and hopes to add this station to the DIRECTV lineup in the near future.With these additions, DIRECTV now offers local HD broadcast channels in 42 cities, representing nearly 62 percent of U.S. TV households. DIRECTV plans to launch additional HD local markets throughout the remainder of the year. DIRECTV's roll out of local HD channels in Cincinnati 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. WHEN: Beginning today, Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2006 HOW: Customers who subscribe to a programming package that includes local channels receive both the standard-definition and HD signals at no extra monthly charge. Customers can receive local HD channels by purchasing an H20 HD receiver or the new HR20 DIRECTV Plus HD DVR and satellite dish. Existing HD customers can upgrade their HD receiver and dish for $99 per receiver. New customers can take advantage of a $100 mail-in rebate on all DIRECTV HD and HDDVR receivers. 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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