Hughes Network Systems Introduces DirecTV Plus Receivers With Multisatellite Capabilities
Available In Three Editions, These New Products Will Be Able to Receive Satellite Programming In The 101-degree And 119-Degree West Longitude Orbital Slots Hughes Network Systems (HNS) announced today the release of its new fifth-generation DirecTVÆ System set-top boxes capable of receiving all DirecTV programming from DirecTV, Inc. The new, compact HNS receivers are the first multisatellite-capable DirecTV Systems on the market and will provide an extraordinary range of choices and exclusive features to the viewer. The multisatellite capabilities of the new receivers are the result of close collaboration between HNS and DirecTV to rapidly deploy products that enable consumers to receive programming from DirecTV's satellite resources. Both HNS and DirecTV are units of Hughes Electronics Corporation. The new product line includes an entry-level Silver Edition product, an enhanced Gold Edition product, and a deluxe Platinum Edition product. All the new-generation products can support multisatellite operation via the new DirecTV PLUSô oval antenna. This capability will also allow DirecTV subscribers to receive current programming as well as satellite-delivered local broadcast programming in many markets, pending passage of favorable legislation by Congress. ""Consumers across the country are now recognizing Hughes Network Systems as a leader in digital satellite television technology,"" said Bill Casamo, Executive Vice President, DirecTV, Inc. ""The availability of these products today shows HNS' responsiveness to our programming initiatives. Through HNS' new generation of set top products, DirecTV is able to more quickly expand its services to meet the needs of consumers, extend its reach into new markets and continue its record growth."" The new Silver Edition and Gold Edition products are smaller than their predecessors (13-inch x 11-inch x 2.75-inch for the current products vs. 11-inch x 8.25-inch x 2.5-inch for the new product), requiring less space in the consumer's home. The new Platinum Edition product retains its current chassis to support the advanced features it offers. All of the products incorporate HNS' exclusive features including OneLineô Guide, PreSelectô, and TurboTuneô. The Gold and Platinum Edition products also incorporate advanced features such as One-Touch Recordô and TV Allowanceô, the latter enabling parents to restrict children's viewing by time of day (on a day-by-day basis) or total hours viewed. The Platinum Edition supports DolbyÆ Digital home theatre systems. ""These products are significant not just for their added features, but also because they support new programming services that consumers want from DirecTV."" said Paul Gaske, Senior Vice President and General Manager of HNS Broadcast Products and Services Division. ""HNS has quickly evolved into a consumer products company that can rapidly meet the changing demands of this dynamic marketplace. Our close relationship with DirecTV has been - and continues to be -- key to this evolution. We shipped our first DirecTV set-top products in March 1996 and with the launch of our fifth-generation product, we've developed and brought to market five generations of set-top products in less than four years. We believe that's quite an accomplishment for any electronics manufacturer and it shows in the dramatic increase in consumer demand for HNS receivers."" The receivers will be offered with either an 18-inch circular DirecTV antenna to view DirecTV satellites at 101 degrees West longitude (WL), or with the new 18 x 24 inch oval DirecTV PLUS antenna designed to enable users to seamlessly view programming from multiple DirecTV satellites at the 101-degree and 119-degree WL orbital slots. In addition to using two dual low-noise blocks (LNBs) to give it the ability to receive programming from multiple satellites, the new antenna, by incorporating a multiswitch with four outputs, enables users to connect up to four independent set-top receivers in the home eliminating the need to purchase additional equipment. In addition, the new receivers are available with the DirecDUOô antenna system, providing consumers with high-speed Internet access from DirecPCÆ, while still receiving DirecTV programming. The new HNS-brand products are now available at major national retailers and independent retailers and dealers nationwide. A world leader in satellite products and network systems for more than 25 years, HNS is the second-largest manufacturer of DirecTV digital satellite systems and the provider of the award-winning DirecPC satellite Internet service. In addition, HNS is the global market leader in satellite terminals for enterprises and has shipped more than 300,000 terminals. Headquartered in Germantown, MD, near Washington, DC, the company has sales and support offices worldwide and is an ISO-9001-certified manufacturer. More information about HNS can be found at www.hns.com. About DirecTV DirecTV is the nation's leading digital entertainment television service with more than 7.7 million customers, including customers of the medium-power PrimeStar By DirecTV service. Visit DirecTV on the Web at www.directv.com. HNS and DirecTV are units of Hughes Electronics Corporation. The earnings of Hughes Electronics are used to calculate the earnings per share attributable to GMH (NYSE symbol) common stock. Visit Hughes on the Web at www.hughes.com.