HDNet Settles DIRECTV Lawsuit
The satcaster will keep one HDNet channel in its regular HD tier.
By Swanni
That's according to an article by Multichannel News.
HDNet sued DIRECTV last month to stop the satcaster from moving both HDNet and HDNet Movies to a new "HD Extra Pack" package that would cost subscribers $4.99 a month in addition to their regular $9.99 monthly "HD access fee."
The high-def network, co-founded by Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, charged that fewer people would pay the additional $4.99. Consequently, the viewership for both HDNet and HDNet Movies would shrink considerably.
However, Cuban tells Multichannel News that the settlement will require DIRECTV to keep HDNet in the $9.99 basic HD package. HDNet Movies, however, will be moved to the $4.99 HD Extra Pack.
“HDNet will be fully distributed and HDNet Movies will be available on the Extra Pack Tier. It's a win-win for all involved," Cuban told Multichannel News.
Before the settlement, the two sides were scheduled to appear today for a hearing in a District Court in Dallas on HDNet's request for a permanent injunction to stop DIRECTV from moving the channels. The hearing was cancelled after the settlement.
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