Sign in Subscribe
Cable television broadcasting industry

DirecTV to Offer 100 HD Channels by End of 2007

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

DirecTV, the US-based direct-to-home satellite platform, is set to significantly boost its high-definition (HD) channel offerings in 2007. At the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, the company announced that it has signed agreements with over 70 channels, including popular networks such as A&E, National Geographic, and CNN. This expansion is driven by the launch of two new satellites, which will increase DirecTV's capacity to deliver more channels, as well as growing demand for HD content and competition from other providers.

Key Takeaways:

  • DirecTV plans to offer 100 HD channels by the end of 2007, a significant increase from the 12 channels offered at the end of 2006.
  • The company has signed agreements with over 70 channels, including A&E, National Geographic, NFL Network, and Bravo.
  • The launch of DirecTV 10 and DirecTV 11 satellites will provide the operator with the capacity to deliver over 1,500 local HD and digital channels and 150 national HD channels.
  • The high-definition TV installed base is reaching critical mass in the US, with 40m homes expected to have HD-capable TV sets by the end of 2007.
  • DirecTV has been criticized by customers and investors for not offering enough HDTV content, with competitors such as Echostar/Dish Networks offering more HD channels.
  • The company's current HD lineup includes HBO, HDNet, ESPN, and Discovery HD, with local HD feeds from major networks also available.

Statistics:

  • 100 HD channels will be offered by DirecTV by the end of 2007.
  • Over 70 channels have signed agreements with DirecTV, including A&E, National Geographic, and CNN.
  • 40m homes in the US are expected to have HD-capable TV sets by the end of 2007, according to DirecTV estimates.
  • 1,500 local HD and digital channels and 150 national HD channels will be available on the DirecTV 10 and DirecTV 11 satellites.
  • At the end of 2006, DirecTV carried only 12 HD channels, including HBO, HDNet, ESPN, and Discovery HD.
  • HDTV prices have continued to drop, making the technology more accessible to consumers.
  • The addressable market for HD TVs in the US is expected to grow from 33m at the end of 2006 to 45m at the end of 2007, according to Screen Digest estimates.

Sources:

  • [Source: DirecTV announcement at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas]
  • [Source: Screen Digest estimates of HDTV market growth]

Read more