The new HD networks are: Planet Green HD (channel 286); ABC Family HD (channel 311); Showtime Showcase HD (channel 541); and Showtime Extreme HD (channel 542)
The satcaster also added 18 new HD PPV channels and it converted nine regional sports networks to 24 hours a day.
The new 24/7 regional sports networks are:
FSN South; FSN Midwest; Sports South; FSN Pittsburgh; FSN North; FSN Rocky Mountain; FSN Arizona; Sun Sports; and FSN Northwest.
DIRECTV launched a new satellite in March (DIRECTV 11) that will enable more high-def expansion. The satcaster says the new satellite -- and an additional one that will be launched next year -- will give it capacity for 200 national HD channels.
The satcaster did not say if the DIRECTV 11 satellite will permit it to offer more high-def channels this fall.
Comment on this article!
_______________________________________________________
Click TVPredictions.com to see today's Swanni Sez.
© TVPredictions.com
______________________________________________________
Phillip Swann is president and publisher of TVPredictions.com. He has been quoted in dozens of publications and broadcast outlets, including CNN, Fox News, Inside Edition, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, The Financial Times, The Associated Press and The Hollywood Reporter. He can be reached at swann@tvpredictions.com
or at 703-505-3064.
Click TVPredictions.com to read more news and features on TV technology.