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Fox News to Launch HD Channel
DIRECTV has agreed to carry the new HD signal, multiple sources say.
By Swanni
But it's unclear if the Fox News HD channel, which will be a simulcast of its standard-def signal, will be part of DIRECTV's initial HDTV expansion in September.
The satcaster is expected to add dozens of new HD channels over the next two weeks, reaching a lineup of 70 high-def channels by the end of September; it currently offers about 10 national HD channels.
DIRECTV will continue to add high-def channels as the year progresses, reaching 100 HD channels by year's end. Fox News HD might be included in the final wave of additions towards the end of the year.
But multiple sources close to the situation tell TVPredictions.com that the Fox News HD launch is in the works and that DIRECTV has agreed to carry it; only the specific launch date has yet to be determined.
Fox's Laurie Dhue is coming to DIRECTV in HD.
When DIRECTV adds Fox News HD, it will be channel 360, the same channel number as the standard definition Fox News. The HD channel will be the default channel when a high-def viewer punches in channel 360.
The launch of a high-def channel will allow Fox News to keep pace with rival CNN, which is scheduled to launch its new High-Definition channel on September 1. DIRECTV has also agreed to carry CNN HD.
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Swanni (Phillip Swann) is
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Chicago Tribune, The Financial Times, The Associated Press and The
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