However, there are some indications that the satellite, which was launched in March, could be ready earlier than expected, perhaps as early as mid-August.
If so, it could mean that DIRECTV, which now has 95 national HD channels, could expand its high-def lineup to well over 100 channels next month. The company says the new satellite will give it the capacity to offer up to 150 national HD channels.
Will AMC's Mad Men be in high-def on DIRECTV?
While DIRECTV has been mum on new channel additions, the new HD networks could include such favorites as WGN, AMC, Fox News and ABC Family.
One indicator that DIRECTV's satellite is ahead of schedule came this week when Boeing announced that it was handing over 'in-orbit delivery' of the satellite to the satcaster.
The hand-over is a relative formality as a satellite nears its final phase before becoming operational. But it means that the satcaster can now start testing the satellite's signals as it prepares to turn it on.
Boeing said that the hand-over took place eight days ahead of schedule, which could bode well for an early operational launch.
In addition, DIRECTV subscribers have noticed that the company recently began some testing of signals from the satellite on local receivers.
TVPredictions.com will continue to monitor this development and file new reports as we receive them.
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