DirecTV (styled as DIRECTV ) is an American direct broadcast satellite service provider based in El Segundo, California and is a subsidiary of AT & amp; T. The satellite service, launched on June 17, 1994, transmits digital satellite and audio television to households in the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean. Its main competitors are Dish Network and cable television providers. On July 24, 2015, after receiving approval from the United States Federal Communications Commission and the United States Department of Justice, AT & amp; acquired DirecTV in a $ 67.1 billion deal.
DirecTV provides television and audio services to customers via satellite transmission. Services include many local television stations, broadcast television networks, subscription television services, satellite radio services, and personal video services. Customers have access to hundreds of channels, so competitors are cable television and other satellite-based services.
Most customers use a receiver antenna that is much smaller than the first-generation antenna, which is usually only a few meters (meters). Advances in antenna technology, including fractal antennas, have enabled a general reduction of antenna size across all industries and applications. The receiving equipment includes a satellite dish, integrated receiver/decoder and DirecTV access card, which is required to operate the receiver/decoder.
Consumers who purchase DirecTV subscribe to various DirecTV programming packages where customers pay a monthly fee. Additional monthly fees may include a protective plan (which provides for repair or replacement of equipment rented by consumers from damage caused by lightning, power surges, flooding, etc.), DVRs, additional receivers, HD channels and other premium channel packages. Customers can also order pay-per-view and video on demand events and movies. DirecTV contracts with and pays program providers such as cable networks, movie distributors, sports leagues, event promoters, and other programming rights holders, for the right to distribute their programs to their customers. All programs distributed by DirecTV are sent to their broadcast centers in Castle Rock, Colorado, and Los Angeles, where they are digitized and compressed. The resulting signal is encrypted by DirecTV to prevent unauthorized reception. DirecTV then sends these signals to several satellites located in geostationary orbit.
In Q1 2017, DirecTV USA has 21 million subscribers (26 million when combined with U-verses) and revenues of $ 12 billion.
In addition to serving residences, DirecTV offers services to bars, restaurants, hotels, dormitories, and hospitals through their DirecTV for business services. The company also offers mobile services for cars, boats, and RV (DirecTV Mobile) as well as aircraft (DirecTV Airborne) in cooperation with Connexion by Boeing. On November 30, 2016, DirecTV Now, their internet streaming TV service was launched.
Video DirecTV
History
Hughes Electronics
In 1953, Howard Hughes created the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), to which he transferred the full ownership of Hughes Aircraft. Created as a non-profit medical research foundation, HHMI is accused of being used by Hughes as a tax shelter. After Hughes's death in 1976, HHMI was founded in 1977, and litigation occurred to determine whether to be allowed to retain interest in Hughes Aircraft. In 1984, the court appointed a new board for HHMI, which began selling Hughes Aircraft to General Motors on December 20, 1985, with an estimated $ 5.1 billion. General Motors later merged Hughes Aircraft with its subsidiary Delco Electronics to create Hughes Electronics Corporation. The new subsidiary initially consists of four units: Delco Electronics Company, Hughes Aircraft Company, Hughes Space and Communications Company, and Hughes Network Systems.
Stanley E. Hubbard founded United States Satellite Broadcasting (USSB) in 1981 and is a leading proponent for the development of satellite broadcast services in the United States. The USSB was awarded five frequencies by the FCC, at the coveted 101-degree western satellite location. Hughes Communications, Inc. also was awarded 27 frequencies at the same 101-degree location. Over the years, the technology was developed to enable the development of very high-power satellites, and standard digital compression (MPEG-2) was developed which enabled multiple digital television channels to be sent over each satellite frequency.
Hughes sought to create a joint venture with NBC, News Corp and Cablevision in 1990, to launch the first high-power digital television service called Sky Cable. Failing to do so, the company instead created DirecTV as a separate division and secured agreements with the USSB to build and launch the first high-power live satellite system. DirecTV's name is "direct" and "TV" portmanteau (as in live television broadcasts). Hughes/DirecTV then switched to Thomson Consumer Electronics (under the RCA, GE, and ProScan brands) to develop a digital satellite system for services that would be able to receive 175 channels on a small 18-inch dish. This plate is used for a new generation of smaller and lighter receiver plates based on military technology introduced by the Global Broadcast System, which precedes the continuity of DirecTV for nearly ten years. Hughes was awarded a contract to build and launch a new high-powered satellite, and the USSB and DirecTV agreed that the new satellite would bring two separate programming services: USSB and DirecTV.
The USSB and DirecTV programming services launched on June 17, 1994. Digital Equipment Corporation provides hardware for DirecTV, Matrixx Marketing (part of Cincinnati Bell) provides customer service through the Matrixx Plus department, and DBS Systems creates billing software. In December 1998, DirecTV acquired USSB worth $ 1.3 billion, and incorporated two satellite services. In 1999, DirecTV bought PrimeStar, a competitor in the satellite television industry, for $ 1.83 billion, dramatically increasing its share of the satellite television market in the US.
In September 1996, Hughes bought 70% of PanAmSat for $ 3 billion. In 1997, GM separated Delco Electronics from Hughes and transferred it to Delphi Automotive Systems. That same year, Hughes Aircraft was sold to Raytheon for $ 9.5 billion. Raytheon filed suit in 1999 by accusing Hughes of overstating the value of Hughes Aircraft for $ 1 billion. The $ 635.5 million settlement was achieved in 2001. In 2000, Hughes Space and Communications was sold to Boeing for $ 3.75 billion, which was later claimed to have been overvalued by Hughes. Hughes then settled with Boeing for $ 360 million. This sale left DirecTV, PanAmSat and Hughes Network Systems as the remaining components of Hughes Electronics.
Direct satellite broadcasters were mandated in 1992 to set aside 4% of channel space for educational and non-commercial information programs. DirecTV selected C-SPAN, EWTN and Trinity Broadcasting Network from its current channel lineup plus additional proposal requests from other programmers. DirecTV has provided PBS Kids, the original PBS application, the carriage not accounted for allowance six weeks before the deadline. DirecTV selected six additional channels; Clara Vision, Inspirational Life, NASA TV, PBS YOU, StarNet and WorldLink TV, for its mandate.
In September 2000, GM executives, under pressure from GM shareholders as a result of poor performance and Hughes's much larger market value, ordered Hughes executives to start looking for buyers. In 2001, News Corporation started negotiations to acquire Hughes Electronics in a $ 8 billion deal, which will allow News Corp to expand its satellite television operations Sky Global Networks to the United States. Negotiations with News Corp finally failed, and Hughes signed an agreement on October 28, 2001 to be bought for $ 26 billion by EchoStar, owner of Dish Network. However, the deal drew significant opposition from the Department of Justice and the Federal Communications Commission for antitrust issues, which resulted in the two companies withdrawing the agreement in December 2002. As part of the merger agreement, EchoStar was required to pay Hughes $ 600 million for merger failure.
On April 9, 2003, News Corporation agreed to buy a 34% controlling stake in Hughes, including all of the company's GM shares, for $ 6.6 billion, subject to SEC approval. As part of the financing of the deal, Liberty Media agreed to take stock options worth $ 500 million in News Corporation to be implemented at the closing of the deal. Liberty, the second largest shareholder in News Corp. after the Murdoch family by 18%, was originally planned to bid for DirecTV, but chose not to accept the agreement. The FCC voted 3-2 along party lines on December 19, 2003 to agree on a deal that is subject to conditions, forcing News Corp. to agree arbitrage for all disputes with broadcast media operators, and to provide content through DirecTV in a neutral manner rather than supporting its own network.
Become a stand-alone entity
In February 2004, Hughes announced his intention to focus solely on satellite television operations and divest other interests, renaming itself The DirecTV Group, Inc. on March 16, 2004 and changed the ticker symbol from "HS" to "DTV". In April of that year, he sold controlling interest at PanAmSat to a private consortium led by Kohlberg Kravis Roberts for $ 3.53 billion. On April 22, 2005, DirecTV separated Hughes Network Systems into a separate entity and sold 50% of the new entity to SkyTerra, earning $ 157.4 million in transactions. In January 2006, DirecTV sold the remaining 50% of its shares in Hughes Network Systems to SkyTerra for $ 100 million. The sale effectively ended DirecTV's existence for 20 years through Hughes Electronics as a technology conglomerate, leaving it solely with its satellite television service.
In 2004, DirecTV left the Mexican market, despite retaining 41% ownership of SKY MÃÆ'Â Â © xico. On November 15, 2005, DirecTV stopped bringing the Music Choice audio channel, replacing it with 73 channels of XM Satellite Radio. In 2007, DirecTV left the Brazilian market, with customers migrated to Brazilian affiliates owned by SKT Brasil, 74% owned by DirecTV. In 2010, DirecTV increased its stake in Sky Brazil to 93%.
Expansion
On January 9, 2007, DirecTV announced that it will introduce up to 100 national HD channels during 2007, all of which will be MPEG-4 encoded. On October 3, 2008, DirecTV announced that it will offer local HD channels in 121 markets by the end of the year.
In December 2006, News Corporation announced its intention to shift its 38.5% mastery in The DirecTV Group, four regional Fox Sports Net stations and $ 550 million in cash to Liberty Media in exchange for 19% interest in News Corp., giving Murdoch control tighter family than the last company. The deal, worth $ 11 billion, has been approved by News Corp. shareholders. in April 2007. After a revision that raised the cash offer to $ 625 million in exchange for the divestment of Liberty News Corp's divestment interest to 16%, the exchange was completed on February 27, 2008 after the approval of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). One of the conditions placed by the FCC on the deal is that Liberty releases either the DirecTV operation or the Liberty Global cable operation in Puerto Rico, which Liberty fulfills by placing DirecTV's Puerto Riki operations in a trust.
On May 4, 2009, Liberty announced that it would split Liberty Entertainment, Inc., a Liberty subsidiary that owns four FSN channels acquired under swap with News Corp and 65% interest in Liberty in the Game Show Network, becoming a separate company. to be merged with The DirecTV Group, reducing ownership of Liberty owner John Malone in DirecTV to 24%. The merger was completed on November 19, 2009, with The DirecTV Group and Liberty Entertainment being a subsidiary of a new company called DirecTV. On June 16, 2010, Malone exchanged its preferred share in DirecTV with the equivalent number of common shares, reducing its voting interest in the company from 24% to 3%, with Malone resigning as Chairman and ending his managerial role at DirecTV.
On February 9, 2010, DirecTV dropped Sirius XM Radio and changed channel channel with Sonic Tap audio station. On April 1, 2011, DirecTV announced it would rename three FSN channels as Root Sports, although its channel is still affiliated with FSN.
Acquisitions
- On December 13, 2007, DirecTV purchased most of ReplayTV assets from D & amp; M Holdings.
- In June 2013, DirecTV purchased a Pennsylvania-based LifeShield, maker of wireless home security systems, with plans to market the system to its customers.
Subsidiary AT & amp; T (2015-present)
On May 18, 2014, AT & T announced that it would buy DirecTV. Under the agreement, which has been approved by the boards of both companies, DirecTV shareholders received $ 95 shares in cash and shares, valuing the deal at $ 48.5 billion. Including assumed debt, the total purchase price of approximately $ 67.1 billion. The deal aims to increase AT & P's market share in the pay-TV sector; existing U-verse brands have a modest market share (5.7 million users compared with 20 million DirecTV US subscribers by 2014) and operate in only 22 states. It also gives AT & T access to the fast-growing Latin American market, where DirecTV has 18 million subscribers.
The deal faces regulatory approval by the FCC, the US Department of Justice, and several Latin American governments. It is estimated that it took about 12 months to complete. The agreement also relies on the combined company's ability to renew its exclusive rights to bring the NFL Sunday Ticket service beyond the 2015 NFL season to "substantially the terms discussed between the parties."
This acquisition was officially approved by the FCC on July 24, 2015; it depends on conditions for four years, requiring AT & P to expand its fiberoptic broadband services to additional customers, public libraries and schools, and to "refrain from enforcing benefits based on discriminatory use or other discriminatory retail terms and conditions on its broadband internet service ".
At an analyst meeting in August 2015, AT & amp; T announced plans to unite DirecTV and IPTV-based U-vers services around a common "home entertainment gaming" platform based on DirecTV hardware, with "very thin hardware profiles". CEO of AT & amp; T Entertainment and Internet Services John Stankey explains that this new platform will offer "single roll truck installation for multiple products, local live streaming, improved content portability, over-the-top integration for mobile broadband, and user interface reengineering. -steps planned to provide an easy, premium entertainment experience on the go. "
In September 2015, AT & amp; T selected Ericsson as a hardware provider for the new platform, and hired former Sirius XM, Cisco Systems, and Microsoft VP executive Enrique Rodriguez to become AT & T's vice president and CTO of AT & T's Entertainment and Internet Services division.
On December 2, 2015, AT & T announced plans to remove the DirecTV brand as part of the introduction of a new platform, which will be marketed as AT & T Entertainment. The company also adopted a new logo, replacing the previous symbol with AT & T.
In February 2016, Bloomberg reported that AT & T is in the process of discontinuing U-verse IPTV services by encouraging new subscribers to purchase DirecTV satellite services, and by ending the production of new devices. top box for service. An AT & amp; T denied that U-verse was being closed, and explained that the company was "leading a video marketing approach with DirecTV" to "realize the many benefits" of purchasing, but would still recommend U-verse TV if it better suits customer needs. AT & amp; T CFO John Stephens previously also stated that the larger DirecTV customer base as a national service provides a higher level leverage service in train deal negotiations, resulting in lower content costs.
On October 20, 2016, it was reported that AT & T was in talks to acquire Time Warner, in an effort to increase media ownership. On October 22, 2016, AT & amp; T reached an agreement to buy Time Warner worth more than $ 80 billion. If approved by federal regulators, the merger will bring DirecTV under the same umbrella as HBO, Turner Broadcasting System and Warner Bros.. studio.
On April 25, 2017, it was reported that AT & amp; T dropped more than 230,000 U-verse subscribers.
On July 13, 2017, it was reported that AT & T will introduce a cloud-based DVR streaming service as part of its efforts to create an integrated platform on DirecTV and its DirecTV Now streaming service, with U-verses added soon.
On September 12, 2017, it was reported that AT & T plans to launch a new cable TV service for over-the-top delivery over its broadband network or a competitor next year.
Due to a merger with Time Warner, AT & amp; T plans to sell DirecTV Pan-American and Sky Brazil for approximately US $ 8.0 billion, while maintaining their share in Sky Mexico.
On February 10, 2018, Sonic Tap was replaced by Music Choice which was originally on the service until November 15, 2005.
On March 13, 2018, it was reported that AT & amp; T has filed a trademark for "AT & T TV" with Patent & amp; US. Trademark Office.
DirecTV Now
On March 1, 2016, AT & T announced plans for some of DirecTV's over-the-top services, including DirecTV Now - a contract-free internet television service, DirecTV Mobile - a service that will offer "premium video and made for digital content" for mobile, and DirecTV Preview, an ad-supported service featuring content from Audience Network, Otter Media, and other partners.
DirecTV Now launched on November 30, 2016, and directly competes against Sling TV and PlayStation Vue. CEO of AT & amp; T Randall Stephenson expressed the service that "there is a huge customer base out there that we believe in, while they do not subscribe to today's premium content bundle, at the right price point [submitted] excessively.
Maps DirecTV
Satellites
In June 2016, DirecTV manages a fleet of 13 satellites in geostationary orbit at positions ranging from 95 ° W to 119 ° W, ensuring strong coverage of the North American continent.
Recipient
In the past, receivers were manufactured by DirecTV and other companies, including Samsung Electronics, Philips, Sony Electronics, Panasonic, Mitsubishi Electronics, and Toshiba. DirecTV's other DirecTV receivers have been removed and DirecTV is now designing their own models with companies like Pace Micro Technology of Britain, South Korea's LG (which has produced boxes under the names of LG and Zenith Electronics), and Thomson of France (who previously made boxes with name of RCA, GE (under license), and ProScan brand). DirecTV and TiVo announced on September 3, 2008 that they will work together to develop a TiVo service version for the broadband DVR DirecTV DVR platform. Originally scheduled for launch in the second half of 2009, is expected to be available in spring 2010 but is delayed again. Finally released on December 6, 2011. The new unit, the THR22 model, is now available in select markets. DVR THR22 does not have all the features of the HR24 DVR.
DirecTV usually uses a fixed 18-inch (460 mm) dish antenna to receive its signals. Traditionally an 18 to 24 inch oval is used; however, most new installations use an 18ÃÆ'-20-inch antenna to receive signals from three geostationary satellite positions simultaneously. This system became more common when DirecTV tried to squeeze more programs into its growing system. DTV is now installing a disk that has five LNBs for HDTV programming and local channels in selected markets. This system receives signals from up to five separate satellites in the band K u and K a . After the new satellite, DirecTV 11, is fully operational, DirecTV will stop supplying dual disks, three, and five LNBs for all subscribers and switch to the provision of three Ka/Ku LNBs known as Slimline3. This dish will see the orbital locations of 99, 101, and 103 degrees west. Slimline3 will be the new standard installation disk (for HD and SD programs), while five Slimline LNBs will be used for installation in areas that receive local or international programming from 110 or 119 orbital locations. Slimline3 looks almost identical to its predecessor, apart from more LNBs small.
The new DirecTV HD channel requires a top box of H20/HR20 or H21/HR21/HR22/HR23/H24/HR24 (STB). To receive a new HD channel (channel added after September 2007), all HD receivers except HR23 must install B-Band converter. If the converter is not installed, viewers may only receive longer HD channels (channel 70-99). B-Band Converter (BBC) is also not required with the new Single Wire Multiswitch (SWM or SWiM) system, which regulates satellite and transponder tuning and can feed up to 8 tuners through a single coaxial cable. The "HR" moniker designates the receiver as a model of HD digital video recorder (DVR).
Only H20/HR20 supports direct reception of ATSC over-the-air broadcasts. The H21/HR21/HR22/HR23/H24/HR24 receiver does not have a built-in ATSC tuner, but an external AM21 tuner is available. In addition, there is HDMI support for HDTV with an HDMI port. The new STB also supports MPEG-4 standard for HD * Programming. DirecTV also offers AM21 (add-on ATSC for HR21), HR21-Pro (HD-DVR with 100 hours HD or 400 hours of SD recording capacity), and online scheduler.
- The DirecTV Receiver is a common standard definition model. D12 is the last to be produced, as this type of receiver is slowly removed, according to Info Investor February 28, 2008 from DirecTV.
- DirecTV HD Receiver (H10/H20/H21/H23/H24/H25) is a receiver that can receive HD signals and broadcast in 1080i resolution. H25 is the latest version. After the 2009 software upgrade, the H2n series is capable of receiving 1080p resolution. The H2n series is also the only series capable of operating with a Whole Home DVR.
- DirecTV Plus DVR (R15/R16/R22) is a standard receiver with built-in digital video recorder. It contains 160 GB (new model in 2010 has 360 GB) hard disk using a 40-pin IDE connection and can store up to 100 hours of programming. R16-300 is the last of these receiver lines; they are slowly removed, according DirecTV February 28, 2008 Investor Info. R22 is a "dilute" HR21 as it can accept MPEG4 and has all HD DVR features, including HD output. However, this unit is locked to produce a standard definition only. In 2010, R22 was unlocked to produce HD output.
- DirecTV Plus HD-DVR (HR20/HR21/HR22/HR23/HR24), the most sophisticated daily recipient in the ranks, is capable of 1080p high definition and combines both high-definition and capability DVR in one unit. It contains a 320 GB hard drive (500 GB on HR22, HR23, and HR24) using a SATA interface connection. The DirecTV Plus HD DVR also features Media Share, allowing users to view photos and listen to music stored on their computers (with compatible DLNA server software) on their TVs, and the Whole Home DVR Service enabling them to watch any recording program on a HD Receiver or HD-DVR at home. HR24 is the latest, with HR23 becoming its predecessor. HR24s such as HR21, HR22, and HR23, do not have ATSC tuners like HR20, but support external tuners AM21 for over-the-air channels. The HR24 can be extended to 2TB drives on eSATA ports up to 480 hours of HD and 1,750 hours of SD recording.
- DirecTV Pro HD-DVR (HR21-Pro), the most advanced home theater receiver with HD and DVR in one unit, has a larger hard drive capacity, better cooling and rack mountable. The DirecTV Pro HD DVR also features Media Share, allowing users to enjoy photos and music stored on PCs based on their Intel Viiv processor technology on their TV. HR24 is the latest (May 2010). The channel scrolling and searching guide is much faster than the previous model. The HR-24 router has the ability to record 5 shows at a time, allows for Picture in Picture, and has 1 TB of hard drive space allowing for 200 hours of high definition recording or 800 hours of standard definition recording. The second generation Genie, HR44, is now available and HR34 has been discontinued. The new generation Genie, HR54, has been released.
- DirecTV H44 "Genie Lite" was released to the public in July 2015. As stated, it provides Jin's experience including controlling the client box and standalone television. With the addition of a DIRECTV branded dedicated hard disk, it converts to a five-tuner DVR.
- DirecTV Sat-Go ("Satellite-To-Go") is the world's first portable satellite TV system created by producer Rick Rosner. It combines receivers, antennas and TVs all in one easy-to-carry unit. It was discontinued in 2010.
- DirecTV DVR with TiVo Service (THR22) uses the same technology as HR22 but has a TiVo user interface. The current interface is the older SD. This DVR is not connected to the Internet, but only for TiVo program guide information. THR22 currently can not download program content via broadband.
The over-the-top AT & T service planned for DirecTV will not require a satellite dish or receiver to receive DirecTV programming, but only high-speed internet connections. DirecTV Now will be available through digital media player devices like Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, and Apple TV.
Access card history
DirecTV transmits programming with encryption to reduce signal hijacking. The receiver (also known as IRD, or "integrated receiver-decoder") uses an ISO/IEC 7816 smart card that tells the recipient how to decrypt the programming for viewing. In an ongoing effort to combat piracy, the generation of access cards is made approximately every two years, replacing old devices. DirecTV is now using the fifth generation access card.
- P1, also known as F card, was used until 1997. F card has satellite images and DSS logo on the front.
- P2, also known as the H card, was introduced in 1996 and eventually replaced the F card. The H card looks the same as the F card. Card H is used until 2002.
- The P3, also known as the HU card, was introduced in 1999 and used until April 2004. The HU card features football players, basketball, clapperboard, and film tubes on the front. The HU card was originally shipped with a receiver with serial number above 0001 700 000. This was removed from the circulation because piracy interfered with the system.
- The P4 card was introduced in 2002 and is still in use today. P4 cards are labeled "Access Cards: 4."
- The D1 card was introduced in 2004 after compatibility issues with P4 cards in some receivers. These cards can be identified with a silver edge, and only bear the word "DirecTV" on the front (no number). The
- D2/P12 card was introduced in 2005. This is the current "standard problem" card. These cards can be identified with a two-color blue dot pattern resembling the DirecTV logo in addition to the DirecTV logo and the words "DirecTV Access Card". This card has satellite images on the front. The 12-period card is the only card that will work with the R15, H20, and HR20 series receivers.
DirecTV has been struggling with active signal hijacking underground for years. One of the notorious events that temporarily hindered pirates was known as the 'Black Sunday', which occurred one week before the Super Bowl Sunday in 2001. Hackers noticed a series of software updates starting in late 2000 that appeared to be harmless, but included code that had once been sought and destroyed 98% of hacked smart cards. Hacking continues after the event.
High-definition television (HDTV)
Like its competitors, DirecTV offers high definition television (HDTV) and interactive services.
To handle bandwidth-intensive HDTV broadcast proliferation, DirecTV re-broadcast local HDTV stations using the H.264/MPEG-4 AVC codec while using the newer transmission protocol (DVB-S2) over the newer satellites. This allows DirecTV to extort more HD programs over satellite signals than was previously feasible using older MPEG-2 compression and DSS protocols it has used. This technology will be expanded gradually to existing satellites when customer equipment is replaced with new MPEG-4 receivers.
Receiving channels encoded in MPEG-4 requires newer receivers, such as H20 and also 5-LNB plates K a /K u . DirecTV has been contracted with Pace Micro Technology UK, LG Electronics Korea and Thomson from France to manufacture this new receiver. Pace manufactures DVR HD DirecTV Plus (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 recognized software issues with several H20 and DV20 receivers HR20, which has been ravaged by random problems since its release in mid 2006. DirecTV regularly releases software updates for HR20 recipients, in an effort to reduce the problem to an acceptable level.
DirecTV has abolished the original TiVo branded HD DVR HD, HR10-250, which can only decode the older MPEG-2 signals. All local HDTV stations broadcasted by DirecTV (outside of NYC and LA network stations) are encoded in MPEG-4. HR10-250 can not receive local MPEG-4 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 enabling HD DVR to be able to receive/decode the current DirecTV MPEG-4 satellite signal. Originally scheduled for release in the second half of 2009, it is now available in select markets.
4K television
In November 2014, DirecTV became the first television provider to start offering 4K ultra-high definition content. At launch, 4K content is limited to rented small library of movies on demand, downloaded to the customer's Genie DVR (some 4K content can also be automatically loaded into the set-top box via Genie Recommend feature). The 4K service also can only be used on the television "DirecTV 4K Ready", which supports the RVU protocol; this is limited to the selection of 4K Samsung televisions released in 2014.
In 2015, DirecTV introduces the 4K Genie Mini set-top box, which can be connected to any HDMI 2.0/HDCP 2.2 capable device to provide 4K video.
In April 2016, DirecTV started live sports broadcasts at 4K for qualified customers, including coverage of the 2016 Masters Tournament, 25 MLB Network Showcase baseball games in the 2016 season (subject to local restriction restrictions) from April 15 , 2016, and all Notre Dame college football games during the 2016 season.
Local channel
DirecTV also offers local channels such as CBS, ABC, NBC, Fox, PBS, The CW, Telemundo, Azteca, Univision, ION Television (in the market that brings the network), and some independent stations in the market that cover more than 99.2% US TV households. In a market that does not have an OTA CW affiliate, DirecTV offers WDCW from Washington or KTLA from Los Angeles (both in standard definition, only). Because DirecTV does not carry local digital sub-channels, broadcast networks like MeTV and TV Antenna are not available in DirecTV in most markets.
Customers located where they can not receive sufficient terrestrial television signals and/or live in a small market where only a few stations can receive feedback from New York and Los Angeles for CBS, ABC, NBC, and Fox, as well as feeds from affiliates Washington , DC CW, although waivers of local affiliate stations may be required to allow this, are approved at their sole discretion. National PBS and ION channels are also available.
In the largest market, local channels are conducted on satellites at 101 ° W. In some smaller markets, local channels are conducted on a second satellite located at 119 ° W which requires larger dish dishes with two or three LNBs or more new K a /K u 5-LNB disk. In some smaller markets, local stations are located on satellites at 72.5 Â ° W requiring a second disc to be installed.
In late 2005, DirecTV began providing local HDTV channels to the largest markets, requiring new receivers with larger dish antennas capable of receiving signals from up to five satellites at once. Signal K u -band on newly received K a /K u antenna of 101 Â ° W, 110Â ° W, and 119 Â ° ° W, while the signal K a -band comes from 99 Â ° W and 103 Â ° W.
Local television channels are transmitted via fiber optic links, K u -link satellite uplinks, microwaves, and conventional terrestrial transmissions to uplink centers located across the United States. DirecTV can deliver the correct HD to the hotel (Pro: Idiom). The cable company has been able to provide true HD to the hotel for over 2 years now with the installation of a private video network (FTTP for Convert & Pro: Idiom) or with HFC HD (Pro: Idiom) video distribution system.
Programming
DirecTV's exclusive public entertainment channel, Audience Network, has dozens of original and acquired programs, mostly unedited and commercially free. It has its own exclusive 3DTV channel called n3D which was launched in 2010 and closed in 2012. DirecTV serves American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, and United Airlines.
DirecTV has a regional sports network AT & amp; T SportsNet Pittsburgh, AT & amp; T Southwest SportsNet, AT & amp; T Rocket Mountain SportsNet, and Root Sports Northwest (all under the umbrella of AT & T Sports Network). It also has a minority stake in Game Show Network and MLB Network. DirecTV is also the exclusive US rights holder for the NFL Sunday Ticket package. It also exclusively brings "DirecTV's Experience", which includes the coverage of major men's golf tournaments and Grand Slam tennis tournaments, including live feeds not available on other networks such as CBS, NBC, ESPN, Golf Channel and Tennis Channel that includes events. DirecTV is also the exclusive provider of non-functional sports packages NASCAR Hot Pass and Mega March Madness.
Marketing
Beginning in 2006, DirecTV started a series of ads in which characters from popular movies and television shows broke the fourth wall to peek at the quality of service images and the number of channels available in high definition. Instead of using CGI, the original actors usually repeat their roles on the recreated set, and the resulting recording is mixed with the original scene. Production is recent and appealing to DirecTV's "male-oriented marketing message". These characters include Captain Kirk (William Shatner, Star Trek VI: Undiscovered Country), Bill Harding (Bill Paxton, Twister ), Economics Master (Ben Stein, > Ferris Bueller's Day Off ), Dr. Emmett Brown (Christopher Lloyd, Back to the Future), Burton Guster (DulÃÆ' Â © Hill, Psych ), CJ Parker (Pamela Anderson, Baywatch >), Rick "Wild Thing" Vaughn (Charlie Sheen, Mainland ), BeyoncÃÆ'Â © (Upgrade U Music Video), Nadia (Shannon Elizabeth, American Pie ), Turtle (Jerry Ferrara, Entourage ), Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver, Aliens ), Steve Freeling (Craig T. Nelson, Poltergeist), Annie Wilkes (Kathy Bates, Witches, Mini-Me (Verne Troyer, Austin Powers In Goldmember), Girls at Ferrari (Christie Brinkley, Lampoon Holiday) , Daisy Duke (Jessica Simpson, The Dukes of Hazzard), T-1000 (Robert Patrick, Terminator 2: Judgment Day ), Ann Darrow (Naomi Watts, King Kong, Hellboy (Ron Perlman, Hellboy) Richard Hayden (David Spade, Tommy Boy) The Black Eyed Peas (music video Meet Me Halfway ), Christina Aguilera (Keeps Gettin 'Better music video) and Honey Hornee (Kim Basinger, Wayne's World 2 ). Also in this series are Peyton Manning, Eli Manning, and Archie Manning promoting the NFL Sunday Ticket, and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. promote NASCAR Hot Pass. Cartoon characters have also been used in advertisements, starting with Scooby-Doo and Mystery gangs, Inc. The latest ads also feature Hannah Davis and horse "talking" models.
DirecTV during that time also runs a series of ads taking shots on cable television (or lack of service). Starting in March 2010, they spoofed the classic "Tell Tell The Truth" with Alex Trebek who performed the show. The series of ads both pay homage to the Goodson-Todman game show, and take pictures on the Dish Network network, both cable and DirecTV, which are then sued for false advertising. The other ad series, promoting the NFL Sunday Ticket 2010 package of all the football programs, featured neighbors performing uncivilized acts to neighbors who watched the "wrong" football team. One place had a woman leave a snack plate for a neighbor where the food was spelled out "DIRTY GROSS"; others show a dog polluting neighboring property; the others show the police on duty knocking on DirecTV's customers' door, mesmerizing him with Taser and letting him faint on the doorstep of his open house. In August 2011, Deion Sanders began appearing in DirecTV ads for the NFL Sunday Ticket, which asked people to switch from cable. This ad originally claimed the NFL Sunday Ticket is now "free" for new customers for a year by subscribing to their Premiere package and a two-year contract. In response, on August 4, 2011, Comcast sued DirecTV for false advertising. Comcast dropped the case on August 19, 2011, after DirecTV changed the ad to remove the word "free", turning it to "no additional cost".
DirecTV hot air balloon
The DirecTV blimp named "lefty" was launched in October 2007 at the MLB World Series in Boston and has been seen throughout the United States since its inception. The air balloon flies primarily over live sporting events but has also been seen in other entertainment and charity venues. The second generation A-170LS Video Lightsign Lightship features an advanced video display featuring full-color video images day or night. This lightign, the only one of its kind in the world, is used to display messages and ads for DirecTV. The hot air balloon was recently spotted on Twitter as a follower tracking the journey from a hot air balloon from one event to another. The aircraft is owned and operated by The Lightship Group, an advertising company based in Orlando, Florida.
Customer service
DirecTV was awarded the J.D. Power for residential cable and Satellite TV customer satisfaction in 2007.
DirecTV's customer service is provided by many third-party call centers within and outside the United States. Most call centers are contracted to provide agents to answer customer calls related to programming, billing, or technical questions.
Starting November 2012, DirecTV does not offer a 30-day grace period for those who want to try the service. "If you do not meet your Programming Agreement, DirecTV may charge a pro-rated fee of up to $ 480."
Better Business Bureau Reviews
In August 2008, The Boston Globe reported that DirecTV received 20,000 complaints in less than three years to Better Business Bureau on DirecTV which slipped in cancellation fees.
In August 2010, BBB reported that they had received 39,000 complaints against DirecTV in the previous 3 years, and the BBB gave it a F value (failed). Many complaints regarding DirecTV's early termination fees, billing, and service issues.
In June 2013, the Better Business Bureau does not have a rating for DirecTV, although this may be related to internal problems to the BBB.
Demands and violations of consumer protection
Civil Complaint Washington State Prosecutor
On December 14, 2009, the Washington Prosecutor's Office filed a civil suit against DirecTV to request orders and other assistance. The complaint was filed for public interest when the Attorney General's office ruled after a one-year investigation by the Consumer Protection Division, that the company was allegedly involved in numerous recurring violations of the State Consumer Protection Act.
The complaint accuses unfair or deceptive practices that include, but is not limited to:
- Unclear disclosure of rebate terms and conditions
- Advertising is unclear and/or unfair for the use of the term "free";
- Automatically extend the contract when the customer needs equipment repairs, upgrade equipment or move;
- Failed to disclose the financial terms and conditions that the company's cheapest package of $ 29.99 per month is available only to customers that meet certain financing conditions and agree to have fees charged or billed automatically.
- The lawsuit also alleges that some of the cancellation fees assessed by the company are considered unfair, and
- That the company unfairly maintains the customer's savings made for service. Those who cancel the service before the end of their contract lose part of the deposit and may also be subject to cancellation fees.
The Attorney General's Office asked the court to force DirecTV to change its business practices, impose civil penalties, and provide compensation to consumers.
The case was resolved in December 2010, with DirecTV agreeing to pay more than $ 1 million, and to improve many of its business practices. 47 other countries joined in the same suit, a settlement requiring the company to pay more than $ 13 million.
California class action suit
In September 2008, consumers filed a class action lawsuit with the Los Angeles Superior Court to stop DirecTV's practice by imposing an early cancellation penalty to the customer. The lawsuit claims that DirecTV fails to disclose penalties to new customers or existing customers who replace their equipment or add new recipients, and that these practices are unlawful. In September 2009, a motion for an initial court order was filed to block companies from automatically removing fees from a customer's bank account or charging their credit card accounts without their prior knowledge and approval before the lawsuit was resolved.
Telemarketing violations
In December 2005, the US Federal Trade Commission imposed a $ 5.3 million penalty on DirecTV for violations of federal telemarketing regulations. It is the largest civil penalty ever announced by the FTC in a case that enforces consumer protection laws.
Deceptive ads
On March 11, 2015, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission filed a lawsuit against DirecTV for deceptive advertising. The FTC claims the following:
- DirecTV failed to properly disclose the essential requirements of its TV package.
- DirecTV usually advertises a 12 month offer without noting it:
- A two-year contract is required,
- Package prices rose substantially during the second year, and
- Initial cancellation fee may apply.
- DirecTV fails to mention that free premium channel offerings, such as HBO, will result if the channel is not canceled before the free period ends.
See also
- DirecTV satellite fleet
- High definition television in the United States
References
External links
- Official website
- The DIRECTV AT & amp; T
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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