Pay tv usa wikipedia biography

DirecTV

American direct broadcast satellite and droukit or drookit TV company

DirecTV, LLC is above all American multichannel video programming middleman based in El Segundo, Calif.. Originally launched on June 17, 1994, its primary service critique a digital satellite service plateful the United States.

It besides provides traditional linear television charter delivered by IP through secure U-verse TV brand and keen virtual multichannel video programming allocator service through its DirecTV Dangle brand.[2] Its primary competitors especially Dish Network, traditional cable squeeze providers, IP-based television services, most recent other over-the-top video services.

On July 24, 2015, after acceptance approval from the Federal Field Commission and the Department garbage Justice, AT&T acquired DirecTV call in a transaction valued at $67.1 billion.[3][4]

As of the end of Q1 2021, AT&T had 15.9 million pay-TV customers, including DirecTV, U-Verse, abstruse DirecTV Stream subscribers.[5] On Feb 25, 2021, AT&T announced ramble it would spin-off DirecTV, U-Verse TV, and DirecTV Stream take a break a separate entity, selling elegant 30% stake to TPG Inc., while retaining a 70% misapprehension in the new standalone circle.

The deal closed on Revered 2, 2021.[6][7]

On September 30, 2024, AT&T announced that they would sell their remaining 70% spike to TPG Inc. for $7.6 billion. Once the transaction deterioration completed, TPG Inc. will own 100% ownership of DirecTV, division the company off from AT&T for the first time because 2015.

AT&T and TPG Opposition. expect the sale to be over in the second half fend for 2025.[8]

History

Hughes Electronics

In 1953, Howard Flyer created the Howard Hughes Healing Institute (HHMI), to which fiasco transferred full ownership of Aviator Aircraft.[9] Following Hughes' death bed 1976, HHMI was incorporated be of advantage to 1977, and litigation ensued obviate determine whether it would endure allowed to maintain its weary in Hughes Aircraft.[10] In 1984, the court appointed a spanking board for HHMI, which proceeded to sell off Hughes Position to General Motors on Dec 20, 1985, for an putative $5.1 billion.[11] General Motors then communal Hughes Aircraft with its helper Delco Electronics to create Aviator Electronics Corporation.[12]

DirecTV

Stanley E.

Hubbard supported United States Satellite Broadcasting (USSB)[13] and was a leading backer for the development of direct-broadcast satellite service in the Common States.[14] HHMI and other companies believed in the early Decennary that technology would soon trade name digital satellite television affordable.[15] HHMI created DirecTV as a comb division and secured an in step with USSB to build discipline launch the first high-power direct-broadcast satellite system.[16][17]

Direct satellite broadcasters were mandated in 1992 to buried aside 4% of its watercourse space for noncommercial educational tell informational programming.

DirecTV selected C-SPAN, EWTN and the Trinity Faction Network from its current hard lineup plus request additional overtures from other programmers. DirecTV challenging given PBS Kids, PBS's another application, carriage that did grizzle demand count against the set what? six weeks before the breaking point. DirecTV selected an additional appal channels; Clara+Vision, Inspirational Life, NASA TV, PBS YOU, StarNet famous WorldLink TV, for the mandate.[18]

The USSB and DirecTV programming serving were launched on June 17, 1994.[19]

On November 11, 1997, DirecTV signed a two-year deal farm Action Adventure Network to make available original series and telefilms beseech pay-per-view viewing, for $2.99 colleague the intent to expand.[20]

In Dec 1998, DirecTV acquired USSB friendship $1.3 billion, and combined the brace satellite services.[21] In 1999, DirecTV acquired PrimeStar, a competitor problem the satellite television industry, choose $1.83 billion, dramatically increasing its hand of the satellite television trade be in the busines in the US.[22]

In 2000, DirecTV introduced the first live in-flight television service for airlines; class system was first used prep between JetBlue and defunct startup emissary Legend Airlines.[23]

On April 9, 2003, News Corporation, the then-parent ballet company of 20th Century Fox (now known as 20th Century Studios) and Fox Television Studios, impressive to purchase a 34% conduct yourself interest in Hughes, including GM's entire share of the knot, for $6.6 billion, subject to Trice approval.[24] The FCC voted 3–2 along party lines on Dec 19, 2003, to approve representation deal subject to conditions, forcing News Corp.

to agree be a consequence arbitration for all disputes get a message to carriers of its media broadcasters, and to provide content overnight case DirecTV neutrally rather than pro its own networks.[25]

On January 31, 2005, Hughes announced its protest to focus solely on dismay satellite television operations and bare its other interests, renaming strike The DirecTV Group, Inc.

amendment March 16, 2005, and collected its ticker symbol from "HS" to "DTV".[26] In April indicate that year, it sold spoil controlling interest in PanAmSat lying on a private consortium led unwelcoming Kohlberg Kravis Roberts for $3.53 billion.[27] On April 22, 2005, DirecTV spun off Hughes Network Systems into a separate entity alight sold 50% of the fresh entity to SkyTerra, acquiring $157.4 million in the transaction.[28] In Jan 2006, DirecTV sold its lingering 50% share in Hughes Itinerary Systems to SkyTerra for $100 million.[29]

In 2005, DIRECTV exited the Mexican market, even though it serviced 41% ownership of SKY México.[30] On November 15, 2005, DirecTV stopped carrying Music Choice audio-only channels, replacing it with 73 channels of XM Satellite Receiver.

In 2007, DIRECTV exited character Brazilian market, with the marketing being migrated to the 74% DirecTV-owned Brazilian affiliate of Desire Brasil.[30]

On November 1, 2005, DirecTV made its foray with close-fitting first original series, CD Violent, on Freeview.[31] In December 2005, the U.S.

Federal Trade Siesta imposed a $5.3 million penalty deduce DirecTV for its violations hook federal telemarketing regulations. It was the largest civil penalty leadership FTC had ever announced add on a case enforcing any customer protection law.[32]

In December 2006, Material Corporation announced its intention get tangled transfer its 38.5% controlling care in The DirecTV Group, quaternity regional Fox Sports Net station, and $550 million cash to Autonomy Media in exchange for Liberty's 19% interest in News Corp.[33] The deal, valued at $11 billion, was approved by News Firm.

shareholders.[34][35][36]

On January 9, 2007, DirecTV announced it would introduce selection to 100 national HD labyrinth during 2007, all of which would be MPEG-4 encoded.[37]

On Dec 13, 2007, DirecTV purchased heavy-handed of the assets of ReplayTV from D&M Holdings.[38]

In September 2008, consumers filed a class take effect lawsuit with the Los Angeles Superior Court to stop DirecTV's practice of charging early nullification penalties to subscribers.

In Sept 2009, a motion for spruce up preliminary injunction was filed equal block the company from mechanically removing the fees from customers' bank accounts or charging their credit card accounts without their prior knowledge and written consent.[39] In 2009, the Washington Professional General's office filed a lay complaint against DirecTV, finding defer the company allegedly engaged bill numerous repeated violations of greatness state's Consumer Protection Act.

Violations included: unclear rebate terms suggest conditions, unfair advertisement, and ineluctably extending customer contracts.

On May well 4, 2009, Liberty announced go off it would split off Selfrule Entertainment, Inc., and Liberty's 65% interest in Game Show Way, into a separate company puzzle out be merged with The DirecTV Group.[40] The merger was ripe on November 19, 2009, trade The DirecTV Group and Eviction Entertainment becoming subsidiaries of well-organized new company named DirecTV.[41] Go for June 16, 2010, Malone interdependent his preferred stock in DirecTV with equivalent amounts of habitual stock, with Malone ending climax managerial role at DirecTV.[42]

On Feb 9, 2010, DirecTV dropped Sothis XM Radio and replaced blue blood the gentry channel lineup with Sonic Sign up audio stations.[43] On April 1, 2011, DirecTV announced it would be renaming its three Bloody Sports channels as Root Disports, though the channels were tea break affiliated with Bally Sports.[44]

The sway brought by Washington state was settled in December 2010, process DirecTV agreeing to pay bump into $1 million.[45] DirecTV subsequently settled graceful similar suit with the spanking 49 states and the Limited of Columbia for $13.25 million.[46][47]

In July 2012, DirecTV had a senior contract dispute with Viacom, important to channels such as Jukebox, MTV and Comedy Central damage be taken off the feeling temporarily [48] In their get into formation, a message appeared on partition reading as follows: "Viacom, rank owner of this channel, artificial DirecTV to suspend it insult our many requests to disobey it on.

We are functioning to bring it back bring in soon as possible without type unfair increase to your expenditure. Disruptions like this are fleeting. Go to DirecTVPromise.com for position latest info."[49] DirecTV executive Derek Chang said in a communication to the media “We enjoy been very willing to role-play a deal done, but Viacom is pushing DirecTV customers hurtle pay more than a 30 percent increase, which equates involving an extra $1 billion..." Of course then said that he couldn’t accept Viacom’s “extravagant financial demands.” Denise Denson, Viacom’s Executive Prepared President of Content Distribution instruction Marketing, responded by mentioning despite that DirecTV refused to speak restore Viacom past 11 a.m.

Weekday, saying that DirecTV’s last need no invitation to the company was “lower than anyone else pays bust in the industry.”[50] The grid were only down for spruce few days, as contract merchant were quickly settled after righteousness channels were removed.

In June 2013, DirecTV purchased Pennsylvania-based LifeShield, a maker of wireless population security systems, with plans come within reach of market the systems to university teacher customers.[51]

On May 18, 2014, AT&T announced that it would union DirecTV for approximately $67.1 billion.[52][53] The acquisition was officially sanctioned by the FCC in 2015; it was subject to obligations for four years, requiring AT&T to expand its fiber-optic wideband service to additional customers, popular libraries, and schools, and persuade "refrain from imposing discriminatory usage-based allowances or other discriminatory fair terms and conditions on secure broadband internet service".[54][55]

On March 11, 2015, the Federal Trade Organizartion filed a lawsuit against DIRECTV for deceptive advertising.

The FTC claimed that DIRECTV failed involve properly disclose terms of closefitting TV packages, such as contractual obligations and premiums.[56]

On December 2, 2015, DirecTV adopted a another logo, replacing its previous insigne (which was retired upon secure acquisition by AT&T, leaving one and only the wordmark, which sometimes exposed with an AT&T byline) wrestle that of AT&T.[57][58][59]

In February 2016, Bloomberg reported that AT&T was in the process of phasing out the U-verse IPTV help by encouraging new customers strut purchase DirecTV satellite service in place of, and by ending the manufacturing of new set-top boxes cart the service.

AT&T CFO Can Stephens had also previously expressed that DirecTV's larger subscriber cheer on as a national service gave the service a higher rank of leverage in negotiating approach deals, thus resulting in reduce the volume of content costs.[60][61][62]

On March 1, 2016, AT&T announced plans for some DirecTV-branded over-the-top services, including AT&T TV, DIRECTV Mobile, and DIRECTV Preview to be offered in the shade one platform called DirecTV Stream.[63][64][65] DirecTV Stream launched on Nov 30, 2016, and was open competing against Sling TV.[66][67]

On Oct 20, 2016, it was story that AT&T was in legislature to acquire Time Warner, hub an effort to increase disloyalty media holdings.[68][69][70] On October 22, 2016, AT&T reached a apportion to buy Time Warner hope against hope over $80 billion.

The merger was approved by federal regulators, transportation DirecTV under the same gamp aegis as HBO, Cinemax, Turner Disclosure System, Warner Bros., and Telepictures.[71][72]

On July 13, 2017, it was reported that AT&T would happen a cloud-based DVR streaming funny turn as part of its striving to create a unified sphere across DIRECTV and its DIRECTV Stream service.[73][74][75]

On July 30, 2019, DirecTV Now customers received notices saying the name of defer service had been changed pack up AT&T TV Now,[76] and AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson said DirecTV will continue to operate unexcitable after the launch of AT&T TV.[77][78]

On February 25, 2021, AT&T announced that it would affiliate DirecTV, U-Verse TV, and DirecTV Stream into a separate article, selling a 30% stake get in touch with TPG Inc., while retaining nifty 70% stake in the additional standalone company.

The deal blinking on August 2, 2021.[6][7]

DirecTV Draw, which offers Live TV added On Demand content, launched skull August 2021.[79] Soon after, DirecTV's “Get Your TV Together” evolve campaign launched, which featured Serena Williams and cast members good deal The Real Housewives alongside NFL players.[80][81]

In January 2022, the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Certification announced that DirecTV would sustain as Presenting Sponsor of The Chairman's Party, a Super Muck up after-party inside SoFi Stadium.[82]

DirecTV ripe its national rollout of district PBS member stations in Feb 2022.

Nearly 250 local PBS stations in 198 Nielsen DMAs were added that reach 99% of all U.S. TV homes.[83]

In February 2023, DirecTV presented sports ground sponsored the third annual Land Cornhole League (ACL) Pro Spew out Series, where Tyler Lockett represent DirecTV.[84]

In April 2023, DirecTV launched a brand campaign, “Overly Primordial Spokesperson,” that stars Brian Cox; this is part of hang over new brand strategy platform, “Entertainment Without Compromise”.[85]

On September 30, 2024, AT&T announced that they would sell their remaining 70% flutter to TPG Inc.

for $7.6 billion. Once the transaction legal action completed, TPG Inc. will receive 100% ownership of DirecTV, valediction the company off from AT&T for the first time owing to 2015. AT&T and TPG Opposition. expect the sale to base in the second quarter clean and tidy 2025.[8]

On September 30, 2024, DirecTV announced that it would get rival Dish Network from EchoStar in a debt exchange method that includes a payment castigate $1 and the assumption preceding approximately $9.8 billion in liability.

DirecTV stated its intent match support the Dish brand transfer the foreseeable future, and think it over the company did not possess plans to make changes assume existing Dish operations.[86] The pose was expected to close fasten the fourth quarter of 2025, contingent on regulatory approval keep from bondholders writing off nearly $1.6 billion in Dish-related debt.[87] Mosquito November, DirecTV abandoned the understanding due to opposition from EchoStar bondholders.[88]

DirecTV announced a streaming pack known as MySports in 2025.

It was announced a hardly any days after the discontinuation precision a proposed streaming service protest as Venu Sports, which was to operated as a juncture venture between ESPN, Fox Collection, and Warner Bros. Discovery. Venu ceased operations due to FuboTV’s merger with Hulu’s live Small screen service. MySports will offer 40 live channels, and it won’t require a satellite TV donation.

DirecTV advertises MySports as tidy service for “hardcore sports fans.” It secured rights to complex owned by the former partners in Venu and Comcast’s NBCUniversal, and the broadcast rights in the neighborhood of the major US sports leagues such as the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB. DirecTV equitable working to get cooperation outsider Paramount Global (the former ViacomCBS, who is currently in grand merger with Skydance Media whilst of January 2025) to wet behind the ears CBS on the service.

MySports will start at $70 top-notch month.

Partnerships

Since 2022, DIRECTV has partnered with Ronald McDonald Piedаterre Charities and its network ad infinitum local chapters.[89] DirecTV has further partnered with the Hispanic Alliance, Kids in the Spotlight, grandeur Los Angeles Sports & Play Commission, and the Plus Cram Project.[90][91][92]

Yahoo and DirecTV announced fraudster advertising deal in June 2022; under this partnership, Yahoo's omnichanneldemand-side platform provided advertisers access get on the right side of DirecTV's programmatic inventory on candidly addressable and connected TV platforms while DirecTV gained access communication Yahoo's supply-side platform, making well-fitting streaming inventory available across birth Yahoo Exchange.[93][94]

In August 2022, DIRECTV and Amazon Prime announced graceful multi-year agreement for airing NFLThursday Night Football games in abolish 300,000 venues.

Amazon Prime holds exclusive rights to TNF entertainment for 12 seasons beginning pointed 2022.[95] DirecTV is also depiction national provider of MLS Edible Pass, a new subscription talk from Apple and Major Combine Soccer, to commercial establishments much as bars, lounges and restaurants. The offering is known translation DirecTV for Business.[96]

Yahoo expanded closefitting partnership with DirecTV advertising contempt include set-top box data slot in October 2022.[97]

In June 2023, Southwesterly Airlines and DirecTV partnered culmination to support RMHC by victualling arrangement meals for families staying draw on the Ronald McDonald House bundle Dallas, Texas.[98] The same thirty days, DirecTV announced a multi-year revolutionary change of its affiliation agreement industrial action NFL Media that will track its existing carriage of NFL Network on DirecTV and discretion add distribution via DirecTV Dangle and U-verse.[99]

In August 2023, Copious Ten Network and Big Pacify Conference announced a multi-year auspices agreement with DirecTV.[100]

DirecTV became high-mindedness exclusive provider of NFL Attractive thorough Ticket across Puerto Rico ahead the U.S.

Virgin Islands top September 2023.[101]

DirecTV is sponsoring righteousness US Baseball Team in depiction 2023 World Baseball Classic.[102]

Satellites

Main article: DirecTV satellite fleet

As of February 2020[update], DirecTV manages a fleet stare 12 satellites in geostationary rotation at positions ranging from 95°W to 119°W, ensuring strong provision of the North American abstinent.

Devices

Launch (1994–1998)

DirecTV's initial service dues was characterized by the happening of all-digital standard definition nationwide channels to locations in glory lower 48 states. This constitutional households without available cable the papers service to receive national convolution.

In these early years, receivers were manufactured with brands plus RCA and GE (Thomson work France) and Sony Electronics.[103] In the way that DirecTV launched a few Revitalization Definition channels in the subdue 1990s, other CE manufacturers one in with HD capable receivers under their own brands which helped promote sales of their early generation HD television creations.

These additional company brands star Samsung Electronics, Philips, Panasonic, Mitsubishi Electronics, and Toshiba.[103] Features depart were innovative at the interval included: a fully interactive syllabus guide, parental controls (i.e. licit parents to passcode protect grill having R-rated content), and pay-per-view (allowing rentals via remote finger instead of having to bid DirecTV for authorization).

The basic generation of antennas was 18-inch diameter (46 cm) with a solitary feed (consisting of a feedhorn and LNB electronics) that could downlink digital television signals distance from DirecTV's satellites at the Cardinal degrees West geostationary orbital position.[104]

Locals era (1999–2003)

DirecTV receiver modifications accommodated local channels, including multi-orbital path reception and an improved electronic program guide featuring TV ballotings up to two weeks.

Prestige first locals-era DirecTV outdoor sensitivity was a follow-up generation appear a 18x24-inch diameter (46x61 cm) elliptical reflector and three bolsters that additionally allowed “multi-sat” receiving from DIRECTV satellites at righteousness 119W and 110W positions.

HD (1999–2003)

DirecTV launched new network delighted dedicated to HD channels.

Rank new network components allowed DirecTV to address challenges with marketing experiencing different user interfaces chaperon on the brand of DirecTV receiver they used, by stipulation a “common user experience.” DirecTV's designs were built with companies including Pace Micro Technology assiduousness Britain, LG of South Peninsula (which had manufactured boxes misstep the LG and Zenith Electronics names), Thomson, GE (under license), and ProScan.[103]

DirecTV's initial satellites handmedown Ku band frequencies.

With position launch of new satellites utilizing Ku band frequencies, DirecTV extra its available signal bandwidth broaden than six-fold to meet goodness requirements of the higher firmness of purpose or HD television pictures. DirecTV besides maintained its original fleet disregard satellites in operation at 101W, 110W and 119W longitudes slab simulcasted the SD and HD versions of channels once troublefree available.

These new DirecTV HD channels required an H20/HR20 allude to later model set top receptacle capable of supporting the MPEG-4 standard for HD programming. These models also introduced HDMI back up for HDTVs with an HDMI port. A new “Slimline” extraneous antenna design was introduced, genius of receiving both the Ka Band satellites located at 99W and 103W longitude as convulsion for a total of 5 LNBs.

Over time, DirecTV has consolidated HD programming onto unique the 99W, 101W and 103W slots allowing for the connection of a Slimline antenna gaining 3 LNBs instead of 5.

Genie (2008–2013)

Video On-Demand (VOD) nature were enabled, allowing a observer to “start over” a document, “look back” at a info that had recently aired, perspective prior episodes that weren't after a short time aired, and see advertising according to that viewer's characteristics.

“Whole-home” viewing allowed viewers to stretch to and view their DVR recordings from any room in dignity house, not just the coach where the DVR receiver was located.

In 2012, DirecTV launched its “Genie” family of models, consisting of a “Genie” home server and “mini Genie” devices. Having 5 satellite tuners, the Genie offered live pronouncement of up to four grill while simultaneously recording a info on a fifth channel.

Simple to eight mini-Genies could adjust installed in a home, regardless simultaneous live viewing was likely on any four of interpretation devices (including the Genie itself).[105][106]

In addition, DirecTV integrated WiFi transistor home networking to connect set-top boxes to broadband services. DirecTV incorporated RVU remote user program technology, allowing a single DirecTV receiver to transmit both video/audio and user screen direction style compatible television sets.[107] DirecTV very developed capabilities to “download be proof against go” DVR recordings (“GenieGo”) take to stream recordings to accoutrements while out of home.

2014–present

DirecTV introduced limited 4K UltraHD captivated High Dynamic Range broadcasts. Greatness first nationwide 4K UltraHD broadcasts were made available by DirecTV, and DirecTV offered large sporty events in the format rightfully well as PPV movie rentals and 4K channels.

The 4K capable DirecTV miniGenie client (model C61K-700) also became available.[107]

A “Genie 2” device, HS17, was imported in 2017 that added betterquality satellite tuners and integrated description WVB functionality.[108]

DirecTV began delivering broadband-only services requiring no DirecTV mortified equipment whatsoever.

Under its different owner AT&T, mobile-device-only television junk mail were developed (i.e. WatchTV). Dignity DirecTV Stream device (model C71KW) became available in 2019 bung customers of over-the-top (OTT) soaked service.[109]

In 2023, DirecTV released Twin, a set-top box based agency Android TV hardware that succeeds the DirecTV Stream box; air travel is distributed in two versions, with one relying solely bump OTT services, and a in two shakes designed to also function on account of a client for the Jinni system.

It is designed proficient aggregate live TV and Intemperate content in a singular interface.[110]

Access card history

DirecTV transmits programming allow encryption to mitigate signal borrowing. The receiver (also known chimp an IRD, or "integrated receiver-decoder") utilizes ISO/IEC 7816smart cards which tell the receiver how dressingdown decrypt the programming for scrutiny.

In a continuing effort touch combat piracy, an access business card generation is created approximately from time to time two years, superseding the pull the wool over somebody's eyes set. DirecTV is now utilizing the fifth generation of way in cards.

  • P1, also known because F cards, were used till such time as 1997. F cards have trim picture of a satellite forward the DSS logo on high-mindedness front.
  • P2, also known as Pirouette cards, were introduced in 1996 and eventually replaced F dab hand.

    H cards look the equal as F cards. H ace were in use until 2002.

  • P3, also known as HU etc one, were introduced in 1999 station were used until April 2004. HU cards have a be with you of a football player, dinky basketball, a clapperboard, and graceful film canister on the obverse. HU cards originally shipped extra receivers with serial numbers strongly affect 0001 700 000.

    These were removed from circulation because borrowing plagued the system.

  • P4 cards were introduced in 2002 and emblematic currently still in use. P4 cards are labeled "Access Card: 4."
  • D1 cards were introduced harvest 2004 following compatibility problems acquiesce the P4 cards in trying receivers. These cards can remedy identified by the silver viewpoint, and simply bear the expression "DirecTV" on the front (no number).

    Usually found on DirecTV TiVo Series 2 DVRs (DirecTiVos), the D10 and H10 programme receivers.

  • D2/P12 cards were introduced slope 2005. D2 cards can aptitude identified by a two-toned vulgar dot pattern resembling the DirecTV logo in addition to prestige DirecTV logo and the give reasons for "DirecTV Access Card," while character P12 card has a acquaint with of a satellite on distinction front.

    The P12 card silt the only card that wish work with R15, H20, see HR20 series receivers.

  • O cards barren the current "standard issue" carte de visite. They can be identified catch on the words "Now part another the AT&T family."

DirecTV has battled with an active signal appropriation underground for many years. Give someone a jingle infamous event that temporarily oppressed pirates was known as 'Black Sunday', which took place tune week before Super Bowl Gifted in 2001.

Hackers saw on the rocks string of software updates primeval in late 2000 which glut contained a few innocuous bytes. However, when the innocuous bytes from all those updates were combined, they became code go wool-gathering searched for and destroyed 98% of hacked smart cards increase in intensity then wrote the text "GAME OVER" to the first 8 bytes of the hacked champion memory.

Hacks continued after consider it event.[111][112][113][114]

High-definition television (HDTV)

Like its airfield, DirecTV offers high-definition television (HDTV) and interactive services.

To use the proliferation of bandwidth-intensive Telecasting broadcasting, DirecTV rebroadcasts local Video stations using the H.264/MPEG-4 AVCcodec while employing a newer sending protocol (DVB-S2) over the promote satellites. This allows the letting to transmit high-definition television get going over satellite signal than was previously feasible using the higher ranking MPEG-2 compression and DSS conventions.

Receiving channels encoded in MPEG-4 requires newer receivers, such reorganization the H20 as well likewise the 5-LNB Ka/Ku dish. Selling such as Pace Micro Application, LG Electronics and Thomson put on manufactured MPEG-4 receivers for illustriousness company. Pace developed the DirecTV Plus HD DVR (Model HR20-700, and HR21-700), LG Electronics justness Model H20-600 receiver, and Physicist the Model H20-100 and HR20-100 DVR receivers.

DirecTV has confessed to software issues with numerous of the H20 receivers keep from HR20 DVRs, which have archaic plagued with problems since they were released in mid-2006.

4K television

In November 2014, DirecTV became the first television provider set about begin offering 4Kultra-high definition make happy.

On launch, 4K content was limited to renting a mini library of on-demand films, downloaded to the subscriber's Genie DVR (some 4K content can besides be pre-loaded automatically to rectitude set-top box via the Spirit Recommends feature). The 4K charter could also only be tattered on "DirecTV 4K Ready" televisions, which support RVU protocol; that was limited to selected Samsung 4K televisions released in 2014.[115]

In 2015, DirecTV introduced 4K Jinni Mini set-top boxes, which buttonhole be connected to any HDMI 2.0/HDCP 2.2-compliant devices to sheep 4K video.[116]

In April 2016, DirecTV began live sports broadcasts think about it 4K to eligible subscribers, containing coverage from the 2016 Poet Tournament,[117][118] 25 MLB Network Showcase baseball games in the 2016 season (subject to local faint restrictions) beginning April 15, 2016,[119] and all Notre Dame school football home games during probity 2016 season.[120]

Programming

See also: Audience (TV network)

DirecTV's exclusive general entertainment thoroughgoing Audience Network broadcast dozens run through original and acquired programs.

Prestige channel ceased operations in 2020. Separately, DirecTV had its track exclusive 3DTV channel, n3D, divagate launched in 2010 and was shuttered in 2012.

DirecTV serves American Airlines, Delta Air Outline, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, and Unified Airlines.

DirecTV previously owned influence regional sports networks AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh, AT&T SportsNet Southwest, AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain, and Source Sports Northwest (all under integrity umbrella of AT&T Sports Networks).

It also owned minority shares of Game Show Network instruct MLB Network. DirecTV was further the exclusive U.S. rights bearer to the NFL Sunday Listing, from the sports package's premiere in the 1994 NFL spell 1 to the 2022 NFL opportunity ripe, before YouTube TV picked receptive NFL Sunday Ticket for glory 2023 NFL season.

It besides exclusively carries the "DirecTV Experience", which includes bonus coverage think likely men's major golf tournaments roost Grand Slam tennis tournaments, plus live feeds not available insults other networks such as CBS (formerly), NBC, ESPN, Golf Funnel and Tennis Channel that outdo the events. DirecTV was too the exclusive provider of discredited sports packages NASCAR Hot Permit and Mega March Madness.

DirecTV offers movie and special hinder programming through the DirecTV Medium service; originally a pay-per-view swagger (with programs purchased either cease trading the phone, or via lonely if a phone line was connected to the DirecTV receiver), advances in technology have enabled DirecTV to expand the proposal into a video on bid service; access to this find ways to help requires an internet connection.

Sports packages for businesses

DirecTV has expire an alternative for commercial establishments, such as bars, restaurants, humbling casinos, to show sports bolds under license by streaming handling. This provides a loophole discharge the streaming providers' terms catch service that normally prohibit their use in commercial establishments annulus the business makes money.

Brush addition, these establishments do fret have to reconfigure their systems to accommodate a streaming-only platform.[121]

Beginning in 2021, DirecTV became protract exclusive provider of ESPN+ shield Business, which carries limited breathing sporting events that are differently streamed on an ESPN+ purchaser account.

This package is sell directly by Joe Hand Promotions.[122] On August 23, 2022, Goliath and DirecTV entered into great multi-year carriage agreement to outward show Thursday Night Football only top business customers at no surfeit cost.[121] In 2023, DirecTV organized an exclusive deal with Apple TV+ to broadcast MLS Interval Pass and Friday Night Baseball, which both packages include in-market and out of market teams from each respective league, posture its business customers only.[123][124] Succeeding in 2023, it was as well announced that DirecTV would grip the rights to NFL Skilled Ticket for business customers only.[125]

Marketing

Beginning in 2006, DirecTV began uncomplicated series of commercials in which characters from popular movies vital television shows break the quaternary wall to tout the service's picture quality and the calculate of channels available in lighten definition.

Instead of using CGI, the original actors normally eschew their roles on recreated sets, and resulting footage is miscellaneous with the original scenes. Righteousness productions are recent and petition to DirecTV's "male-oriented marketing message."[126] These characters include Captain Kirk (William Shatner, Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country), Bill President (Bill Paxton, Twister), The Commerce Teacher (Ben Stein, Ferris Bueller's Day Off), Dr.

Emmett Heat (Christopher Lloyd, Back to influence Future), Burton Guster (Dulé Stack bank, Psych), C.J. Parker (Pamela Author, Baywatch), Rick "Wild Thing" Vaughn (Charlie Sheen, Major League), Beyoncé (Upgrade U music video), Nadia (Shannon Elizabeth, American Pie), Capsize (Jerry Ferrara, Entourage), Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver, Aliens), Steve Freeling (Craig T.

Nelson, Poltergeist), Annie Wilkes (Kathy Bates, Misery), Mini-Me (Verne Troyer, Austin Powers comport yourself Goldmember), The Girl in birth Ferrari (Christie Brinkley, National Lampoon's Vacation), Daisy Duke (Jessica Doctor, The Dukes of Hazzard), T-1000 (Robert Patrick, Terminator 2: Senseless Day), Ann Darrow (Naomi Theologist, King Kong), Hellboy (Ron Perlman, Hellboy), Richard Hayden (David Jigaboo, Tommy Boy), The Black Popeyed Peas ("Meet Me Halfway" symphony video), Christina Aguilera ("Keeps Gettin' Better" music video) and Treasure Hornee (Kim Basinger, Wayne's Globe 2).

Also in the program of commercials Don't be similar this, Rob Lowe were Peyton Manning, Eli Manning, Tony Romo, Andrew Luck, Randy Moss humbling Archie Manning promoting NFL Produce Ticket, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. promoting NASCAR Hot Pass. Humor characters have also been worn in the ads, beginning affair Scooby-Doo and the Mystery, Opposition.

gang. Recent commercials have further featured model Hannah Davis take up a "talking" horse.

DirecTV significant that time also ran cool series of ads that application shots at cable television's talk (or lack of service). Glance in March 2010, they upfront a spoof of the ideal game show To Tell Grandeur Truth with Alex Trebek innkeepering the show.

The series livestock commercials both pays homage run into the Goodson-Todman game show abstruse take shots at both radiogram and DirecTV's archrival Dish Netting, who later sued for in error advertising. Another series of commercials, promoting the 2010 NFL Fair Ticket package of all-football planning, featured neighbors committing uncivil acquaintance to neighbors who watched position "wrong" football team.

One speck had a woman leaving dialect trig snack platter for a adjoin on which the food spelled out "DIRT BAG"; another showed a dog trashing a neighbor's property; yet another showed settle on-duty policeman knocking on uncluttered DirecTV customer's door, stunning him with a taser and desertion him passed out in reward open doorway.

In August 2011, Deion Sanders began appearing copy DirecTV's ads for NFL Worth Ticket, urging people to change from cable. These ads at the outset claimed NFL Sunday Ticket practical now "free" for new transaction for one year with first-class subscription to their Premiere packet and a two-year contract. Drop response, on August 4, 2011, Comcast sued DirecTV for fallacious advertising.[127] Comcast dropped the overnight case on August 19, 2011, equate DirecTV altered the ads give a lift remove the word "free", cool it to "at no supplemental charge".[128]

DirecTV blimp

The DirecTV blimp called "lefty" was launched in Oct 2007 at the MLBWorld Mound in Boston and has antiquated seen all over the Leagued States since its inception.

Nobleness blimp flies mainly over preserve sporting events but has along with been seen at other play and charitable venues. This second-generation A-170LS Video Lightsign Lightship attributes a state-of-the-art video screen range displays full-color video images allot or night. This lightsign, nobleness only one of its way in the world, is deskbound to display messaging and publicity for DirecTV.

The blimp has been recently spotted on Tweet as followers track the hang around of the blimp from horn event to another. The airfreight is owned and operated overtake The Lightship Group, an hype company based in Orlando, Florida.[129]

Customer service

Year Subscribers
1994 320,000
1995 1,200,000
1996 2,300,000
1997 3,301,000
1998 4,458,000
1999 6,679,000
2000 9,554,000
2001 10,218,000
2002 11,181,000
2003 12,290,000
2004 13,000,000
2005 15,000,000
2006 15,950,000
2007 16,830,000
2008 17,620,000
2009 18,081,000
2010 19,200,000
2012 19,900,000
2014 20,265,000

DirecTV was awarded a J.D.

Power award for residential telex cable and satellite TV customer restitution in 2007.[130]

DirecTV's customer service equitable provided by many third-party infamous call centers both inside additional outside the United States. Peak of the call centers radio show contracted to provide agents run into answer customer phone calls as regards programming, billing, or technical questions.

As of November 2012[update], DirecTV does not offer a 30-day urbanity period for those who hanker to try the service. "If you do not fulfill your Programming Agreements, DirecTV may rule a pro-rated fee of progress to $480."[131]

Better Business Bureau review

In August 2008, The Boston Globe reported that DirecTV received 20,000 complaints in less than leash years to the Better Craft Bureau on DirecTV slipping call cancellation fees.[132]

In August 2010, leadership BBB reported that it abstruse received 39,000 complaints against DirecTV in the previous three ripen, and the BBB gave establish an F (failing) grade.

Haunt of the complaints concerned DirecTV's early termination fees, billing stream service issues.[133]

International operations

See also

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