DirecTV

A standard DirecTV satellite dish with 1 LNB on a roof

DirecTV (trademarked as "DIRECTV") is a direct broadcast satellite (DBS) service based in El Segundo, California, USA, that was founded in 1994. It transmits digital satellite television and audio to households in the United States, the Caribbean and Latin America except for Mexico. Its primary competitors are Dish Network and cable providers.

DirecTV is owned by DirecTV Group, which is controlled by Liberty Media.

In addition to serving consumers, DirecTV offers service to bars, restaurants, hotels, dorms, and hospitals through their DirecTV for business service. The company also offered mobile service for cars, boats, and RVs (DirecTV Mobile) as well as aircraft (DirecTV Airborne) in cooperation with Connexion by Boeing.

General information

DirecTV typically uses a fixed 18-inch diameter dish antenna to receive its signals. Traditionally an 18×24-inch elliptical was used; however, most new installations use an 18x20-inch antenna to receive signals from three geostationary satellite positions simultaneously. These systems are becoming more common as DirecTV attempts to squeeze more programming onto their growing systems. DTV is now installing a dish that has five LNBs for HDTV programming and local channels in selected markets. These systems receive signals from up to 5 separate satellites in both the K_u-band and K_a-band. After the new satellite, DirecTV 11, is fully operational DirecTV will stop supplying Dual, Triple, and 5-LNB dishes to all customers and move to Supplying a 3-LNB Ka/Ku dish known as the Slimline3. This dish will see orbital locations 99, 101, and 103 Degrees West. The Slimline3 will be the new standard install dish(For HD and SD programming), while the 5-LNB Slimline will be used for installs in areas that receive local or international programming form orbital locations 110 or 119. The Slimline3 looks nearly identical to its predecessor, aside from a smaller LNB.

The new DirecTV HD channels require an H20/HR20 or H21/HR21 set top box (STB). In order to receive the new HD channels (channels added in late September 2007), viewers must have a B-Band converter installed. If the converter is not installed, viewers can only receive older HD channels (channels 70-99). The HR20 and HR21 are HD digital video recorder (DVR) models.

Some of the new STBs support the ATSC standard (for over-the-air broadcasts); however the H21/HR21 does not have an ATSC tuner, but an external tuner is available. In addition, there is HDMI support for HDTVs with an HDMI port. New STBs also support MPEG-4 standard for HD Programming.

DirecTV is expected to offer new equipment in 2008 such as the AM21, an ATSC add-on for the HR21, the HR21-Pro, an HD-DVR for more recording space (100 hours HD, 400 hours SD), a DVR scheduler, and the HDPC-20, a PC type receiver and DVR for computers.

As of 31 December, 2006, DirecTV had approximately 16 million customers in the U.S., 1.4 million in Latin America through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, 1.3 million through its 74% ownership of Sky Brasil Servicos Ltda., and 1.4 million though its 41% ownership of Innova, S. de R.L. de C.V. of Mexico.^[2] 2006 revenues were US$14.76 billion.^[2]

In late July 2006, DirecTV added several channels to their online guide that are apparently not available to subscribers — these include UK-based Sky Sports One, Sky One and Sky News. The three are channels that are generally available to satellite television viewers in the UK and Ireland, though Sky News has been made available in other countries internationally.

History

Management

• Chase Carey, President and Chief Executive Officer
• Bruce B. Churchill, President, DIRECTV Latin America and New Enterprises
• Larry D. Hunter, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
• Michael D. Palkovic, Executive Vice President
• Romulo C. Pontual, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer
• Patrick T. Doyle, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
• J. William Little, Senior Vice President and Treasurer
• John Murphy, Senior Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer

Receivers

DirecTV and other companies used to manufacture receivers for DirecTV. Other companies' DirecTV receivers have been phased out and DirecTV now designs their own models from companies such as Pace Micro Technology of Britain, LG of Korea, and Thomson of France. DirecTV is going to a whole home DVR by 2010 which will be the only receiver distributed (once the other models run out) besides a standard HD non-DVR model. DirecTV and TiVo announced on September 3, 2008, that they will work together to develop a version of the TiVo service for DirecTV's broadband-enabled HD DVR platform. TiVo will develop the new HD DVR for an expected launch in the second half of 2009.^[5]

• DIRECTV Receiver is a common standard-definition model. D12 was the last one produced, as this type of receiver is being slowly phased out, according to DirecTV's February 28, 2008 Investors Info.
• DIRECTV HD Receiver (H10/H20/H21/H23) is a receiver which can receive an HD signal and broadcast in 1080i resolution. H23 is the newest, but lacks an ATSC tuner as the H20s had.
• DIRECTV Plus DVR (R15/R16/R22) is a standard receiver with a built-in digital video recorder. It can store up to 100 hours of programming. R16-300 is the last of these line of receivers; they are being slowly phased out, according to DirecTV's February 28, 2008 Investors Info. The R22 is a "watered down" HR21 as it can receive MPEG4 and has all the features of the HD DVR, including HD output. however the unit is locked to output standard definition only.
• The DIRECTV Plus HD-DVR (HR20/HR21/HR22), the most advanced everyday-consumer receiver in the lineup, has an HD and DVR in one unit. The DIRECTV Plus HD DVR also features Media Share, allowing you to enjoy photos and music stored on your Intel Viiv processor technology-based PC on your TV. The HR22 is the latest, and like the HR21, lacks an ATSC tuner as the HR20s had.
• The DIRECTV Pro HD-DVR, (HR21) the most advanced home theater receiver with HD and DVR in one unit, has a larger capacity hard drive, better cooling and is rack mountable. The DIRECTV Pro HD DVR also features Media Share, allowing you to enjoy photos and music stored on your Intel Viiv processor technology-based PC on your TV. HR21 PRO is the latest.
• DIRECTV Sat-Go (“Satellite-To-Go”) is the world's first portable satellite TV system. It combines a receiver, antenna and TV all in one easy-to-carry unit.

DirecTV has introduced a new line of remotes to go with their new receivers.

• Universal Remote (All remotes control receiver, TV, and two other devices.) An infrared remote that is pointed at the receiver to operate and stores device control codes, even when batteries are changed.
• Universal RF Remote RC64RB This remote does everything the infrared can do, and more. Its radio frequency (RF) capable so you don't have to point your remote at the receiver to control it. Change channels from other rooms, fast-forward through walls and adjust volume through the floor.
• Big Button Remote Larger than the standard DIRECTV remote, the Big Button Remote has bigger buttons and type so you can control your DIRECTV System more easily.

Access card history

The newest DirecTV "D2" access card (front)

The newest DirecTV "D2" access card (back)

DirecTV transmits programming with encryption to mitigate signal piracy. The receiver (also known as an IRD, or "integrated receiver-decoder") utilizes ISO 7816 smart cards which tell the receiver how to decrypt the programming for viewing. In a continuing effort to combat piracy, an access card generation is created approximately every two years, superseding the old set. DirecTV is now utilizing a fifth generation of access cards.

• P1, also known as F cards, were used until 1997. F cards have a picture of a satellite on the front.
• P2, also known as H cards, were introduced in 1996 and eventually replaced F cards. H cards look the same as F cards. H cards were in use until 2002.
• P3, also known as HU cards, were introduced in 1999 and were used until April, 2004. HU cards have a picture of a football player on the front. HU cards originally shipped with receivers with serial numbers above 0001 700 000. These were removed from circulation due to high piracy plaguing the system.
• P4 cards were introduced in 2002 and are currently still in use. P4 cards are labeled "Access Card: 4."
• D1 cards were introduced in 2004 following compatibility problems with the P4 cards in some receivers. These cards can be identified by the silver edges, and simply bear the word "DirecTV" on the front (no number).
• D2/P12 cards were introduced in 2005. This is the current "standard issue" card. These cards can be identified by a two-toned blue dot pattern resembling the DirecTV logo in addition to the DirecTV logo and the words "DirecTV Access Card". This card has a picture of a satellite on the front. The period 12 card is the only card that will work with R15, H20, and HR20 series receivers.

DirecTV has long been a victim of an active signal piracy underground, but has recently begun to crack down on illegal reception of its signals. On its anti-piracy website, DirecTV claims to have sued over 25,000 end users, including celebrity O.J. Simpson. As of Spring 2008, the new access cards and signal encryption remain unbroken.

High-definition television (HDTV)

DirecTV AU9-S 5-LNB "Slimline" satellite dish

DirecTV AT-9 5-LNB "Sidecar" satellite dish

Like its competitors, DirecTV offers high-definition television (HDTV) and interactive services.

To handle the proliferation of bandwidth-intensive HDTV broadcasting, DirecTV rebroadcasts local HDTV stations using the H.264/MPEG-4 AVC codec while employing a newer transmission protocol (DVB-S2) over the newer satellites. This allows DirecTV to squeeze much more HD programming over its satellite signal than was previously feasible using the older MPEG-2 compression and DSS protocol it has been using. This technology will be gradually expanded to the existing satellites as customer equipment is replaced with new MPEG-4-capable receivers.

Receiving the channels encoded in MPEG-4 requires newer receivers, such as the H20 as well as the 5-LNB K_a/K_u dish. DirecTV has contracted with Britain's Pace Micro Technology, Korea's LG Electronics and France's Thomson to manufacture these new receivers. Pace manufactures the DirecTV Plus HD DVR (Model HR20-700, and HR21-700) and LG Electronics offers the Model H20-600 receiver, while Thomson provides the Model H20-100 and HR20-100 DVR receivers. DirecTV has admitted to software issues with some of the H20 receivers and HR20 DVRs, which have been plagued with random problems since they were released in mid-2006. DirecTV regularly released software updates for the HR20 receivers, in an effort to reduce issues to an acceptable level.

DirecTV has phased out its original TiVo-branded HD DVR, the HR10-250, which can only decode the older MPEG-2 signals. All DirecTV-delivered local HDTV stations (outside of the NYC and LA network stations) are encoded in MPEG-4. The HR10-250 cannot receive the MPEG-4 local HDTV stations in these markets but can still receive over-the-air ATSC broadcasts in these markets. After a multi-year hiatus, TiVo and DirecTV are developing a new TiVo enabled HD DVR that will be able to receive/decode DirecTV's current MPEG-4 satellite signals, expected for release in 2009.

Local channels

DirecTV also offers local channels (CBS, ABC, NBC, Fox, PBS, The CW, MyNetworkTV, ION Television (in markets that carry that network), and some independent stations) in 94% of US markets. In markets that lack a CW affiliate, DirecTV includes WDCW from Washington, DC or XETV from San Diego.

Subscribers located where they cannot receive a decent terrestrial television signal can receive feeds from New York and Los Angeles for CBS, ABC, NBC, and Fox, as well as a feed from the Washington, DC CW affiliate, though a waiver from the local affiliate stations may be required to allow this, approved at their discretion. National PBS and ION channels are also available.

In the largest markets, local channels are carried on the satellite at 101°W. In some smaller markets, the local channels are carried on a second satellite located at 119°W which requires a slightly larger dish with two or three LNBs or the newer Ka/Ku 5-LNB dish. In a few smaller markets, local stations are located on a satellite at 72.5°W that requires a second dish to be installed.

In late 2005, DirecTV began providing local HDTV channels to the largest markets, requiring newer receivers with a larger dish capable of receiving signals from up to five satellites at once. The Ku-band signals on the newer Ka/Ku dish are received from 101°W, 110°W, and 119°W, while Ka-band signals are from 99°W and 103°W.

Local television channels are transmitted over optical fiber links, Ku-band satellite uplink, microwave, and conventional terrestrial transmission to uplink centers located throughout the United States.

Satellite fleet

Main article: DirecTV satellite fleet

DirecTV has a fleet of nine owned and one leased satellites to broadcast its lineup.

Marketing and commercials

Beginning in 2006, DirecTV began a series of commercials in which characters from popular movies and television shows appear to promote the product. The original actors from these productions normally reprise their roles, and are inserted in using blue screen technology. These ads tout the service's picture quality and the number of channels available in high-definition.

These characters include Captain Kirk (William Shatner, Star Trek), Bill Harding (Bill Paxton, Twister) , The Economics Teacher (Ben Stein, Ferris Bueller's Day Off), Dr. Emmett Brown (Christopher Lloyd, Back to the Future), C.J. Parker (Pamela Anderson, Baywatch), Rick "Wild Thing" Vaughn (Charlie Sheen, Major League), Nadia (Shannon Elizabeth, American Pie), Turtle (Jerry Ferrara, Entourage), Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver, Aliens), Steve Freeling (Craig T. Nelson, Poltergeist), Annie Wilkes (Kathy Bates, Misery), The Girl in the Ferrari (Christie Brinkley, National Lampoon's Vacation), and T-1000, (Robert Patrick, Terminator 2: Judgement Day) . Also in this series of commercials were Peyton Manning promoting NFL Sunday Ticket and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. promoting NASCAR Hot Pass. Cartoon characters have also been used in the ads, beginning with Scooby-Doo and the Mystery, Inc. gang.

Customer Service

DirecTV's customer service is provided by many third-party owned call centers both inside and outside the United States. DirecTV also has a subsidiary named DirecTV Customer Service LLC which owns call centers in Boise, Idaho, Huntsville, Alabama, Missoula, Montana and Tulsa, Oklahoma. N.E.W. provides technical assistance by phone to customers who subscribe to DirecTV's Protection Plan. Most of the call centers are run by other companies who are contracted to provide agents to answer customer phone calls regarding billing or technical questions.

Telemarketing violations

In December 2005 the U.S. Federal Trade Commission imposed a $5.3 million penalty on DirecTV for its violations of federal telemarketing regulations. It was the largest civil penalty the FTC had ever announced in a case enforcing any consumer protection law.^[6] DirecTV continues to sell services to existing U.S. customers via telephone, through companies such as Teleservices Direct, an Indiana-based telemarketing firm.

See also

• List of DirecTV channels
• NFL Sunday Ticket
• MLB Extra Innings
• CD USA
• XM Satellite Radio
• Commercialization of space
• Satellite television
• Satellite dish
• List of United States cable and satellite television networks
• Videoguard

References

• "EKB: Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations" by BobaBird, DBStalk, retrieved March 7, 2006
• DirecTV marks 10th anniversary in the Caribbean - Wednesday, January 3 2007: Trinidad and Tobago Express Newspaper

External links

• DirecTV corporate web site
• DirecTV's Sat-Go - The world's first portable satellite TV system
• "EKB: Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations" by BobaBird, DBStalk, retrieved March 7, 2006
• Stock Updates (DTV)