DIRECTV To Offer Showtime HDTV Channel

Third HDTV Channel On DIRECTV To Air Beginning April 30

24-Apr-02

DIRECTV, Inc., the nation's leading digital television service provider, announced that it will carry Showtime's East Coast Showtime (SHO) HDTV channel beginning Tuesday, April 30. SHO HDTV will be the third high-definition channel -- joining HBO HD and Mark Cuban's HDNet -- to be carried on the DIRECTV? service and will be available 24 hours a day on DIRECTV channel 543. Showtime Networks, which has been at the forefront of HDTV programming since 2000, broadcasts in 1080i, the highest resolution format available today. The network also received an ""A"" from Sound & Vision Magazine, tops among programmers, for being the first premium network to broadcast Dolby? Digital 5.1 surround sound with HDTV. ""The addition of SHO HDTV, coupled with HBO HD and HDNet, makes DIRECTV the clear choice for consumers seeking quality high-definition programming,"" said Stephanie Campbell, Senior Vice President of Programming for DIRECTV, Inc. ""DIRECTV is the only multichannel television service in the country to carry these three networks and we are proud to continue to expand our high-definition lineup with programming that the entire family can enjoy."" ""Showtime is committed to bringing subscribers the ultimate television experience,"" stated Jeff Wade, Showtime Executive Vice President of Sales and Affiliate Marketing. ""HDTV is a major step forward in that regard and we're thrilled to be partnering with DIRECTV, a forward-thinking company that shares our commitment to quality television."" DIRECTV will broadcast the SHO HDTV channel from its satellite at the 110-degree West Longitude (WL) orbital slot location. To receive this new channel, consumers may purchase an HDTV set with a built-in DIRECTV receiver or a DIRECTV-enabled HD set-top receiver and an 18- x 24-inch or 18- x 20-inch (available in summer) multi-satellite dish antenna with three LNBs. HDTV sets integrated with the DIRECTV receiver, DIRECTV-enabled HD receivers and triple-LNB satellite dishes are available from authorized DIRECTV retailers nationwide. In addition, customers will also need to subscribe to one of the DIRECTV programming packages plus the SHOWTIME Unlimited? package. For consumers who want to upgrade to a multi-satellite dish with three LNBs, a Sat C adapter kit will also be available from authorized DIRECTV retailers nationwide. The Sat C kit includes a unique LNB and combiner, as well as both a 9-inch and 31.5-inch jumper cable. Once the Sat C adapter kit is installed, no additional dish alignment is needed. Showtime Networks HDTV titles include SHOWTIME Originals and series such as ""QUEER AS FOLK"" and exclusive theatrical hits such as ""Mission Impossible 2,"" ""Tomb Raider: Laura Croft,"" ""Hannibal,"" and coming up in May, ""Angela's Ashes,"" ""Shaft,"" ""Apocalypse Now Redux,"" and ""Billy Elliot."" DIRECTV was the first national broadcast service to offer HDTV programming. For more information about DIRECTV, visit www.DIRECTV.com.

Read More:
http://www.DIRECTV.com