DIRECTV executives have said they are not sure if they will use the full capacity for HD. There have been reports that DIRECTV might use the satellite for other services as well, including 3-D broadcasts, On Demand programming and other entertainment initiatives.

"The new satellite will boost DIRECTV’s HD capacity by 50 percent, to more than 200 HD channels, increase the number of local HD markets DIRECTV will serve and significantly expand movie choices on the DIRECTV Cinema and DIRECTV on Demand services," the company said in a press release today.

The DIRECTV satellite, which was launched from Baikonur, is expected to be operational in the early second quarter of 2010, the company said.

Swanni's Take:
Note that DIRECTV is emphasizing that the new satellite will permit it to expand its PPV lineup. As I have been saying, don't expect the satcaster to add a lot of new HD channels when the satellite becomes operational. It's more likely that it will be less than 15 new HD channels plus a bunch of PPV services.

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.