New Satellite Takes DirecTV High Def

Early Wednesday, a Russian-made launch vehicle blasted off and delivered the first of four next-generation DirecTV satellites into geosynchronous transfer orbit. The satellite, christened Spaceway F1, will serve up a capacity of 1,500 local high-definition and more than 150 national HD channels throughout the United States.

Customers in 12 metropolitan markets that, according to DirecTV's estimates, make up or 32.8 percent of all U.S. TV watching households, will begin receiving transmissions of HD network programming from the satellite in fall 2005.

These markets include New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Boston, San Francisco, Dallas, Washington D.C., Atlanta, Detroit, Houston and Tampa.

"With Spaceway F1's successful launch today, we enter a new era that will see the most dramatic programming rollout in our history with plans to offer local digital and HD programming to every U.S. household," said Chase Carey, DirecTV CEO.

The remaining three satellites that will further expand the network are expected to be launched within the next two years. In the coming weeks, controllers will begin deploying Spaceway F1's operational functions and other essential systems before maneuvering the satellite into its final position.

The launch comes at a time when DirecTV has begun to encounter further competition on the ground. New services from telecommunications providers that use Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) -- more plainly stated as cable TV service over broadband -- are providing consumers with new alternatives. Verizon is planning to launch a high-definition television network using its new fiber optic network.