DIRECTV Activates HD Local Channel Service In Madison (Wisconsin), Portland (Maine), Reno (Nevada)

Local HD Channels from DIRECTV Have More Vivid Colors, Wider Images and Clearer, Crisper High-Resolution Digital-Quality Pictures

October 26, 2006

WHAT: DIRECTV, Inc., the nation's leading satellite television service provider, is now offering local HD programming to customers. The following local broadcast networks are available in Madison: WISC/CBS, WMSN/FOX and WMTV/NBC. DIRECTV is in discussions with the owners of the ABC affiliate, WKOW, and hopes to add this station to the DIRECTV lineup in the near future. The following local broadcast networks are available in Portland: WMTW/ABC, WGME/CBS and WCSH/NBC. DIRECTV is in discussions with the owners of the FOX affiliate, WPFO, and hopes to add this station to the DIRECTV lineup in the near future. The following local broadcast networks are available in Reno: KOLO/ABC, KTVN/CBS and KRXI/FOX. DIRECTV is in discussions with the owners of the NBC affiliate, KRNV, 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 45 cities, representing nearly 63 percent of U.S. TV households. DIRECTV plans to launch an additional 22 HD local markets throughout the remainder of the year. DIRECTV's roll out of local HD channels 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, Oct. 25, 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(R) 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.

Read More: