A Brief History of Directv

Perhaps the most favorite satellite supplier in the United States, Directv® has a long and impressive history under its belt. So, just who is Directv? And how did they get to where they are today?

Directv - The Early Years

Satellite as we know it today certainly started back in 1984, when Hughes Electronics gained Fcc approval to build and operate a direct broadcast satellite system, or Dbs. The satellite Directv-1 was launched on December 17, 1993 and in 1994, Hughes Electronics founded Directv and premiered the first North American offering of Dbs service. Often called the "minidish", this new satellite dish was considerably smaller than what consumers were used to - roughly 18 inches in diameter - and much more manageable than those large, cumbersome Tvro satellite dishes from our past.

Along with its sleek and covenant look, the minidish brought consumers a new way of receiving satellite television transmissions. Older Tvro dish systems were analog only and based on open standards equipment. Minidish systems on the other hand, were digital, offering clearer video and Audio, and were operated on a closed law that required extra reception equipment. Tvro systems were also mobile, a needful feature to allow them to pick up transmissions from many satellite systems, while minidish systems are stationary and received all of their programming from one definite satellite. In August of 1994, Directv launched its second satellite, Directv-2 and boasted one million subscribers at the end of the year.

Directv - Full Steam Ahead

In 1995, Directv authorized Toshiba and Uniden to begin manufacturing Dbs systems. Committing to 0 million in advertising, Directv ready for the staggering subscriber growth and launched their third satellite, Directv-3 in July.

In 1997, Directv launched Directv-6 and in 1998, with over 4 million subscribers, Directv Satellite entered into an bargain to purchase its partner, Us Satellite Broadcasting for over .3 billion in stocks and cash. The merger provided Directv customers with passage to Ussb's premier movie broadcasting, addition channel selection from 185 to 210. In July, Directv invested 0 million in Xm satellite Radio.

1999 brought even more growth when Directv acquired Primestar, Inc. And their 2.3 million subscribers. As part of the transaction, Directv inherited Primestar's satellite assets - specifically, 11 transponders and two satellites - giving them high-Powered Dbs frequencies to Supply full coverage of the continental United States. In addition to the Primestar acquisition, Directv launched a new satellite of their own, Directv-1R on October 10th.

By 2001, Directv Satellite had gained over 10 million subscribers and in October, announced it's intention to merge with it's prime competitor, EchoStar Communications, the parent enterprise of Dish Network. In November, Directv joined with Music selection and Wink Communications to announce a new interactive music business aid that would allow consumers to purchase a Cd of the song they were listening to directly straight through their remote control. This 24/7 feature was launched in September of 2002.

The merger with EchoStar's Dish Network fell straight through in 2003 and later that same year, general Motors sold their controlling interest of Hughes Electronics to News Corporation. 2003 also saw the introduction of a new high-definition video recorder from Directv and TiVo as well as a second-generation model straight through a partnership with Philips. This was also the second year in a row that Directv was named #1 in customer aid by Jd Powers & Associates.

On November 11, 2003, Directv enjoyed its 12 millionth customer milestone.

Directv - Today

Today, Directv offers aid to more than 14 million subscribers in the continental Us as well as the one million plus subscribers in Latin America. It remains the top ranking consumer satellite supplier and continues to expand its offerings straight through high-definition and extra interest packages such as Nfl Sunday marker and Total Choice® movable programming.

What does the time to come hold for Directv?

With four new satellites staggering by the end of 2007 and exclusive Dvr sneak previews of high-ranking premium broadcasting, Directv continues to push the envelope and expand the definition of satellite television entertainment. What will be next for Directv?

If history offers any clue, it's sure to be big!

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