Can DIRECTV Reach 100 HD Channels?
The satcaster is still about 15 short of its promised goal.
By Swanni
"Where the world is going is into HD. None of the (competition) is going to bring you 100 channels of HD," Eric Shanks, executive vice president of entertainment for DIRECTV, told Reuters during the Consumer Electronics Show in January.
However, with less than two weeks to go in 2008, DIRECTV says it now has about 85 national HD channels.
And that count includes channels that some might say are not really channels, such as regional sports networks whose professional sports broadcasts are not available in all markets.
At its web site, DIRECTV lists seven HD channels that are coming soon, but at least a few of them are not expected to be launched until next year.
So to reach its goal of 100 HDTV channels by year's end, it would appear that DIRECTV would either have to launch some channels previously unannounced and/or pad its lineup with Pay Per View channels and more regional sports networks.
While DIRECTV may not meet its goal, the satcaster has still succeeded in becoming the clear leader in high-def programming, offering more channels than any other TV provider.
However, if it fails to offer 100 HD channels by January 1, it could be subject to charges from the competition that it failed to delivered on its promise.
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Swanni (Phillip Swann) is
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