DIRECTV to Offer HD Local Channels in 133 Markets

Roll Out of Seven New HD Markets to Begin Later This Summer

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — DIRECTV, Inc., the nation's No. 1 satellite television service, continues to strengthen its HD presence with the addition of seven new HD local channel markets, providing local HD broadcast channels in 133 cities, representing more than 91 percent of U.S. TV households.

DIRECTV will begin the roll-out of the new HD local markets later this summer. The new markets include: Charleston-Huntington, W. Va.; Columbia, S.C.; Huntsville-Decatur, Ala.; Jackson, Miss.; Lexington, Ky.; Roanoke-Lynchburg, Va.; and Shreveport, La. For more launch details visit www.directv.com/hdlocals.

"Offering our customers the most compelling HD programming lineup available continues to be a top priority for us," said Derek Chang, executive vice president, Content Strategy and Development, DIRECTV, Inc. "We understand the importance local programming in HD plays in the overall television viewing experience for our customers and we will continue to extend our HD leadership with more national and local HD channels next year."

DIRECTV will deliver HD programming from the primary broadcast networks — ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC — where available and authorized, to customers who subscribe to any CHOICE® programming package that offers local channels. DIRECTV HD customers will continue to pay only a $10 access fee, allowing them to receive DIRECTV's premier HD technology and all channels broadcast in HD that are tied to their particular base programming package.

Customers should visit directv.com/hd to learn more about the full complement of DIRECTV's HD programming lineup including existing channels, new channels, details on equipment required for the new DIRECTV HD services and updates on when the new markets will launch.