DIRECTV's HDTV Satellite Launched Successfully
The satellite will expand capacity to 150 national HD channels.
By Swanni
Once operational, the new satellite, DIRECTV 11, will enable the satcaster to offer up to 150 national HD channels. (It now offers about 90.)
DIRECTV also plans to use the satellite to expand its delivery of local HD channels to more than 100 markets, representing 84 percent of U.S. TV households.
The company said the DIRECTV 11 should be operational in September.
Additionally, the company said it will launch yet another satellite in 2009 that will enable it to provide up to 200 national HD channels.
The satellite lifted off from the Odyssey Launch Platform aboard a Sea Launch Zenit-3SL rocket at 3:48 p.m. Pacific time last night.
DIRECTV said contact has been made with the satellite and all systems are functioning properly.
“Our new DIRECTV 11 satellite will soon join its sister satellite in orbit to form the most robust HD delivery system in the multichannel video industry and will be instrumental in maintaining DIRECTV’s position as the undisputed leader in HD for years to come,” said Derek Chang, DIRECTV executive vice president.
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