DirecTV showcases new programming, services at CES
At CES in Las Vegas, DirecTV unveiled new original programming, high-definition services and new products. Throughout the year, the satellite DBS service will roll out items like 2Go, a new service for portable media players, a new HD DVR and a professional home theatre system, HD local broadcasts and new on-demand features. Customers will also have access to original programming - including a new channel dedicated to original entertainment. Beginning in Q1, DIRECTV Plus DVR will provide access to the top programs of NBC and its cable nets, USA, SCI FI and Bravo, within hours after they air, commercial free, for 99 cents.
And the menu will bring more options to DirecTV advertisers as well as customers. "We're going to be selling of these advanced services over the next year or so," Bob Cesa, EVP/Ad Sales, 20th Television and DirecTV tells TVBR from CES. "So our role will soon be selling traditional advertising, enhanced and interactive adverting and first-run programming."
[Editors' note: Be sure to catch Cesa's OneonOne interview in our February Solutions Magazine].
Details of DirecTV's announcement
The cornerstone of DIRECTV's new original programming is CD USA, which will premiere 1/21. Broadcast in standard and HD, the weekly hour-long show will feature live performances from a mix of music genres, including pop, indie, rock and urban. DIRECTV customers can also access exclusive entertainment programming through Network LIVE, a joint venture with Network LIVE, AOL, XM Satellite Radio and AEG.
Using new technology that allows for the placement of cameras within an actual videogame, DIRECTV will produce a videogame tournament and cover it as a sporting event, complete with producer, director and technical crew.
DIRECTV's newest mix channel, Mega March Madness, offers enhanced features that enable customers to view up to six live channels, all on one screen.
The "DIRECT Date" three-hour block of programming allows singles to meet each other via interactive video presentation. Consisting of two separate 90-minute blocks, one for men and one for women, each segment will consist of two-minute features where men and women will have the opportunity to present themselves to prospective romantic interests. Content will include updates on past DIRECT Date match-ups as well.
Including the 12 HD local markets launched last year, DIRECTV will offer HD local channels in 36 markets. DIRECTV will initially carry the primary broadcast stations - ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox - that offer an HD feed in the market. To receive local HD channels, DIRECTV now offers the new H20 HD receiver and a satellite dish that has the ability to receive programming from five different orbital locations.
The DIRECTV 2Go service will allow DIRECTV customers to transfer programming content from their DIRECTV Plus DVR to portable media players.
DIRECTV Pro is designed to mount in a 19-inch rack, which is common in the home theater, custom installation market. DIRECTV Pro is expected at the end of 2006.
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