By Divya Narain, TMCnet Contributor
DIRECTV has announced that it will start rolling out 16 new HD local-channel markets next month, providing more than 97 percent of U.S. TV households access to local channels by the end of this year. By the time the rollout ends, DIRECTV will be providing local channels in 172 markets, including local HD in 155 markets.
DIRECTV will roll-out the following new HD local markets, beginning in June with Biloxi-Gulfport, Miss.; Idaho Falls-Pocatello, Idaho; and Joplin-Pittsburg, Mo. In the third quarter, DIRECTV will launch Albany, Ga.; Columbus, Ga.; Gainesville, Fla.; and Montgomery-Selma, Ark. In the fourth quarter, DIRECTV will launch Abilene-Sweetwater, Texas; Amarillo, Texas; Binghamton, N.Y.; Clarksburg-Weston, W.Va.; Lubbock, Texas; Sioux City, Iowa; Terre Haute, Ind.; Wheeling-Steubenville, W.Va.; and Wichita Falls-Lawton, Texas.
“The launch of national HD channels capture the headlines, but the ability to watch local news, weather and primetime programming in HD or SD, remains an important part of our customers’ daily viewing,” said Derek Chang, executive vice president, Content Strategy and Development for DIRECTV. “And that’s why we continue to expand our local channel service. Now more than 97 percent of TV homes in the U.S. will have access to DIRECTV local channels and a true alternative to other TV providers in their communities.”
Customers living within the designed area of each market will be enjoying HD programming from the primary broadcast networks – ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC – where available.
Only customers who have H20 or HR20 DIRECTV Plus HD DVR receiver or above, and a Ka/Ku band dish will be able to enjoy local programming.
DIRECTV has gained wide acceptance owing to its state-of-the-art technology, unmatched programming, extensive sports packages and effective customer service to its more than 25 million customers in the U.S. and Latin America. In another article, TMCnet reported that DIRECTV has added 30 new HD channels.
Divya Narain is a contributing editor for TMCnet. To read more of Divya’s articles, please visit her columnist page.
Edited by Patrick Barnard
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