Steve Mehs
03-25-03, 04:16 AM
DirecTV recently responded to inquiries from the Federal Communications Commission concerning its high-definition TV efforts, including an assessment of the number of HD set-top boxes deployed and how the high-def business is going for the satellite TV service.
In a letter detailing HD happenings, DirecTV told commission officials that it has 180,000 active subscribers with HD set-top boxes. The company also told the agency about 260,000 HD set-top boxes have been shipped.
DirecTV told the FCC that it anticipates rolling out 30,000 to 50,000 HD-DVR set-top boxes in 2003 and 2004, with the bulk of shipments in 2004. Actual volumes for the product, which allows for the digital recording of programming, will depend on consumer demand, DirecTV said.
DirecTV also commented on the use of ATSC tuners in HD set-top boxes. The company told FCC staff that its HD models can receive over-the-air ATSC broadcasts as effectively as other ATSC devices.
The follow-up letter came two weeks after DirecTV executives met with commission officials on issues concerning the delivery of local stations via satellite. Satellite interests have been eyeing efforts at the commission and on Capitol Hill concerning the Satellite Home Viewer Improvement Act, which is up for renewal in 2004.
DirecTV is not alone in its HD talk. In early February, EchoStar Chairman Charlie Ergen met with FCC commissioners to discuss concerns with a requirement that would force satellite operators to carry local broadcast signals in high-definition. According to a FCC filing, Ergen also discussed the possibility of requiring delivery of locals on a single-dish, as well as consolidation in the media marketplace.
From SkyReport (http://www.skyreport.com/skyreport/mar2003/032503.shtm#one) (Used with Permission)
In a letter detailing HD happenings, DirecTV told commission officials that it has 180,000 active subscribers with HD set-top boxes. The company also told the agency about 260,000 HD set-top boxes have been shipped.
DirecTV told the FCC that it anticipates rolling out 30,000 to 50,000 HD-DVR set-top boxes in 2003 and 2004, with the bulk of shipments in 2004. Actual volumes for the product, which allows for the digital recording of programming, will depend on consumer demand, DirecTV said.
DirecTV also commented on the use of ATSC tuners in HD set-top boxes. The company told FCC staff that its HD models can receive over-the-air ATSC broadcasts as effectively as other ATSC devices.
The follow-up letter came two weeks after DirecTV executives met with commission officials on issues concerning the delivery of local stations via satellite. Satellite interests have been eyeing efforts at the commission and on Capitol Hill concerning the Satellite Home Viewer Improvement Act, which is up for renewal in 2004.
DirecTV is not alone in its HD talk. In early February, EchoStar Chairman Charlie Ergen met with FCC commissioners to discuss concerns with a requirement that would force satellite operators to carry local broadcast signals in high-definition. According to a FCC filing, Ergen also discussed the possibility of requiring delivery of locals on a single-dish, as well as consolidation in the media marketplace.
From SkyReport (http://www.skyreport.com/skyreport/mar2003/032503.shtm#one) (Used with Permission)