DirecTV to Offer High-Definition Local Channels in Albuquerque This Fall and names 14 New HD Markets
 

DirecTV announced that Albuquerque will now be one of 14 additional U.S. markets where local HD programming will be offered later this year. When the markets are added, DirecTV will offer local HD programming in 50 major metropolitan areas, representing more than 65 percent of U.S. TV households. The rollout is scheduled to begin during the third quarter of this year.

Local news, sports and popular primetime programming from ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC will be available in HD to customers in Albuquerque who subscribe to any TOTAL CHOICE(R) programming package that offers local channels. There is no additional charge for local HD programming.

Dan Fawcett, executive vice president of DirecTV Inc. said, "With the rollout of each new HD market, DIRECTV continues to affirm its commitment to hold the competitive high ground in HD programming." He also said, "Our local HD expansion will continue through next year when we expect to offer access to the crystal-clear picture and sound of local HD programming to nearly every household in the nation.

The 14 local markets to receive HD programming from DirecTV are:

1. Cincinnati
2. Albuquerque, N.M.
3. Grand Rapids, Mich.
4. Green Bay, Wis.
5. Greensboro, N.C.
6. Las Vegas
7. Madison, Wis.
8. Memphis, Tenn.
9. Austin, Texas
10. Portland, Maine
11. Portland, Ore.
12. Providence, R.I.
13. Reno, Nev.
14. San Antonio

DirecTV currently offers standard-definition local channels in 142 markets, as well as 20 HD local channel markets including: Atlanta, Birmingham, Boston, Chicago, Columbus, Dallas-Fort Worth, Detroit, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Nashville, New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, Tampa and Washington, D.C. By June of this year, DirecTV will have activated local HD programming in 16 more previously announced markets for a total of 36 markets.

DirecTV is offering new customers who purchase a DirecTV HD receiver a 0 mail-in rebate. Receivers are made available at major consumer electronics retailers like Best Buy and Circuit City, and can also be got through DirecTV. Existing customers are entitled to get a upgrade to the new H20 receiver and dish and an additional for each extra HD receiver.

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