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DIRECTV U.S. currently distributes to
its subscribers more than 1,500 digital video and audio channels, including
about 130 basic entertainment channels, 31 premium movie channels, over 33
regional and specialty sports networks, an aggregate of over 1,100 local
channels, approximately 70 Spanish and other foreign language special
interest channels, and approximately 50 pay-per-view movie and event
choices. |
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Although DIRECTV U.S. distributes over
1,100 local channels, a subscriber generally receives only the local
channels in the subscriber's home market. As of March 31, 2006, DIRECTV U.S.
provided local channel coverage to approximately 141 markets, or about 94%
of U.S. television households.
Like its competitors, DirecTV (Direct
TV.com) also
offers high-definition television (HDTV) and interactive services. Its
self-branded digital video recorders (DVRs) originally were based upon
technology licensed from TiVo in an agreement that has been largely
supplanted by a new partnership with News Corporation-owned NDS.
The Economist has suggested that News Corporation would eventually like to
merge DirecTV with Sky, its British satellite operation, and possibly its
Asian Star and Australian Foxtel networks to form a global satellite TV
company.
DirecTV
offers local TV channels to 93% of U.S. residents.
DIRECTV, Inc. is the nation's leading
digital television service provider with 15.4 million customers. DIRECTV
logo are registered trademarks of DIRECTV, Inc. DIRECTV (NYSE:DTV) is a
world-leading provider of digital multichannel television entertainment.
DIRECTV is approximately 37 percent owned by News Corporation.
Direct tv.com
News
DIRECTV Receives
Highest Score in American Customer Satisfaction Index
EL SEGUNDO, Calif.-May 16, 2006 -
DIRECTV, the nation's leading digital television service, received the
highest score for customer satisfaction among satellite and cable TV
companies rated by the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI). Of the
satellite and cable TV companies included in the ACSI survey, DIRECTV posted
a significantly higher index score (71) than any other cable or satellite
company.
DIRECTV also had one of the highest scores in the overall communications
sector, which includes phone and wireless providers.
The score reflects customers' overall satisfaction with the service.
Customers surveyed by the ACSI in the first quarter of 2006 were asked about
such issues as perceived quality, perceived value and their expectations
prior to subscribing to the service. The ACSI also measures customer loyalty
and retention.
"DIRECTV's top score for overall customer satisfaction in this year's ACSI
survey demonstrates a continuing commitment by all DIRECTV employees to
provide our 15.4 million customers with the best television entertainment
experience, backed by strong service," said John Suranyi, president, DIRECTV
Sales and Service. "While we scored considerably higher than our competitors
and pulled up the industry average from last year, we will continue
improving our service until we reach 100 percent customer satisfaction."
The ACSI is produced by the Stephen M. Ross Business School at the
University of Michigan, in partnership with the American Society for Quality
(ASQ) and the international consulting firm, CFI Group.
DirecTV typically uses a fixed 18-inch
diameter dish antenna to receive its signals. Slightly larger, 18x24-inch
elliptical antennas (which receive signals from three geostationary
satellite positions simultaneously) are becoming more common as DirecTV (as
well as other DBS services) attempt to squeeze more programming onto their
growing systems — particularly local television network affiliate stations,
as well as HDTV programming. DTV is now installing a dish that has five LNBs
(receives signals from five satellites) for HDTV programming in select
markets.
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