DirecTV to offer FOX-HD to Fox O&O markets

[Scott Greczkowski]

It is being reported at AVSForums that FOX-HD will be offered to those who live in a FOX owned and operated market.

More details at http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=348624

 

[rtt2]

Press Release Source: DIRECTV, Inc.


DIRECTV to Add High-Definition Network Signals to its Channel Lineup
Thursday January 8, 11:00 am ET
Agreement in Place to Offer CBS-HD Programming


LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 8, 2004--Continuing to expand its high-definition and enhanced digital television programming, DIRECTV, Inc., the nation's leading digital multichannel television service provider, announced today that it plans to offer CBS-HD programming -- including hit primetime series "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" and "Everybody Loves Raymond," as well as the Sunday, Feb. 1 broadcast of Super Bowl XXXVIII -- in the coming weeks. A similar agreement with FOX is expected to be reached in the next several weeks.
The CBS-HD programming, from WCBS in New York and KCBS in Los Angeles, will be available to eligible DIRECTV customers in markets where CBS owns and operates stations, including Chicago; Philadelphia; San Francisco; Boston; Dallas; Detroit; Minneapolis; Miami; Denver; Pittsburgh; Baltimore; Salt Lake City; Austin, Texas; and Green Bay, Wis. Similarly, FOX programming is also expected to be offered to customers in FOX O&O markets.

"The addition of CBS-HD programming comes just in time for the CBS presentation of Super Bowl XXXVIII and underscores our long-time commitment to offering the best in HD programming to our customers," said Stephanie Campbell, senior vice president, Programming, DIRECTV, Inc. "FOX's WIDESCREEN(TM) programming, which will migrate to FOX HD programming, will provide customers with a stunning widescreen view of FOX network programming including sports broadcasts, which show off the advantages of this format and put the viewer right in the middle of the action."

Customers who subscribe to the DIRECTV local channels package in CBS and/or FOX O&O markets will receive this programming free of charge.

Customers in the Pacific and Mountain time zones will receive the west coast feeds and those in the Central and Eastern times zones will receive the east coast feeds.

DIRECTV currently offers seven HD channels including its HD package, which features ESPN HD, Discovery HD Theater(TM), HDNet and HDNet Movies for $10.99 per month. DIRECTV HD customers are also receiving HBO® HDTV and SHOWTIME HDTV® as part of their premium packages, as well as HD Pay Per View movies.

To access DIRECTV HD programming, customers may purchase a DIRECTV-enabled high-definition set-top receiver and a single 18 x 20-inch multi-satellite dish with three LNBs. DIRECTV-enabled HD receivers and triple-LNB satellite dishes are available from authorized DIRECTV retailers, such as Circuit City and Best Buy, nationwide.

DIRECTV is the nation's leading digital multichannel television service provider with more than 12.2 million customers. DIRECTV and the Cyclone Design logo are registered trademarks of DIRECTV, Inc., a unit of Hughes Electronics Corp. (NYSE:HS - News). Hughes is a world-leading provider of digital multichannel television entertainment, broadband satellite networks and services, and global video and data broadcasting. Hughes is 34 percent owned by Fox Entertainment Group, which is approximately 82 percent owned by News Corporation Ltd.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contact:
DIRECTV, Inc.
Robert Mercer, 310-726-4683

 

[Discodave]

Does anyone know when this will take place?

 

[dlsnyder]

Synergy begins to show itself...

 

[sampatterson]

Do Fox have to offer this to echostar/dish and cable also? I thought I remember something like that from the concessions Rupert had to make, no?

 

[TheForce]

Something to add from CES-

I asked about specific waiver process under FCC guidelines and the person said they will check on it and get back to me. He was familiar with the regulation. He knew it was not stated in the contracts but understood that it may be an FCC regulation that they will need to comply with. I'm thinking that this will also be the case. BUT you need to understand the FCC requirements for a waiver to do this and each case is handled individually and is based on what your local station DMA station will authorize. Challenges to negative decisions are also spelled out in the waiver regulations so even with a denial you have some recourse for challenge.

 

[JEFFDUBE]

CBS too!!

I believe CBS will also be covered...both are presently used for NFL Sunday ticket HD service already.