SBCA Shows HDTV Satellite Offerings

Julyís 1999 Satellite Broadcasting & Communications Association (SBCA) saw new developments on the HDTV front. DirecTV said it would begin offering the East Coast feed of HBOís high-definition channel to consumers beginning August 1, 1999.EchoStar showed a HDTV adapter it plans to sell later this year. The adapter connects to the data port on the back of the companyís Model 5000 IRD and will enable passing through an undecoded HDTV signal from the DISH Network. The adapter will sell for $300.Thomson unveiled its generation 4.5 IRD line for the DirecTV platform with new capabilities for local-into-local TV reception. The capability will be found in two models, DS440RE and DRD480RE, to ship in October at suggested retail prices of $399 and $349, respectively. The DRD480RE is the replacement for the existing Dolby Digital-capable IRD. The stand-alone receiver passes through a 5.1-channel digital surround bitstream to an external Dolby Digital decoder. The DS440RE is a new complete system, bundling the Picture Guide-enhanced program guide with a video window, onscreen caller ID, and a new Model DSA8900E 18x24-inch dish. The system is outfitted with dual LNBs capable of receiving both standard DirecTV and new local-into-local channel services from satellites beaming signals from two different orbital positions.Corresponding with DirecTVís announced East Coast HD HBO offering Thomson will ship its integrated HDTV sets on that date. The TVs, which are DirecTV standard, HD and local-TV ready, will require the 18x24-inch dish to receive HD services and standard DirecTV services from two different orbital slots.Source: TWICE