DIRECTV's New HD Satellite to Launch In March
The satellite will expand the satcaster's capacity to 150 HD channels.
By Swanni
The Boeing Company yesterday announced the delivery of the satellite to the Sea Launch Home Port in Long Beach, California.
The satellite is now scheduled for launch on a Sea Launch Zenit-3SL rocket in March.
Once operational, DIRECTV says the new satellite will expand its capacity to 150 HD national channels and 1,500 local high-def channels. DIRECTV now offers about 90 national HD channels and local HD channels in more than 70 markets.
The satcaster has not said when the new satellite is expected to be ready, but it usually takes roughly 90 days following launch.
“Advanced satellites like DIRECTV 11 exemplify the superior technology that DIRECTV employs to deliver an unparalleled TV experience for its more than 16.6 million customers,” said Romulo Pontual, DIRECTV’s chief technology officer. “We are looking forward to the launch that will further strengthen DIRECTV’s position as the leader in HD.”
DIRECTV last year launched the first of three new satellites for high-def and other services, all of which will be built by Boeing.
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