July 1, 2008

DIRECTV Launches On Demand Service

DIRECTV launched its highly anticipated DIRECTV on Demand service to customers across the country. The platform is available at no additional charge to customers with a DIRECTV Plus® HD DVR or R22 DVR receiver, and offers more than 4,000 standard-definition and HD titles, 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week.

The service allows customers to download the programming of their choice from the DIRECTV on Demand library to their DVRs to enjoy whenever they want. The service offers one of the easiest-to-use on demand interfaces on television, with unique features that make navigating through titles simple and quick, including:

Customized Programmer Homepages – Each programmer has its own on demand channel that highlights the latest shows and movies available from the network. Each programmer page consists of rich graphics and posters that highlight the most popular content. The customized home pages correspond to the programmer’s regular channel number with a “1” in front of it (i.e. The Discovery Channel is on 276, The Discovery Channel on Demand is at 1276.) Channel 1000 is the main home page for DIRECTV on Demand.

Internet Remote Scheduling – On demand customers have access to DVR Scheduler, which will allow them to remotely schedule on demand programming to their DVR from an internet-connected computer or mobile phone.
Free Titles – Thousands of free titles (in both standard-definition and HD) always available, including movies, TV series, kid’s shows, specialty programming (music, exercise, educational, and more.)
 

Expanded Pay Per View Titles - Expanded variety of pay per view titles is also available with on demand trailers.

“We couldn’t be happier with the DIRECTV on Demand service. The folks here have actually made the on demand experience fun and enjoyable,” said Eric Shanks, executive vice president, DIRECTV Entertainment. “We are continuing to not only level, but elevate the playing field among pay TV providers with a dynamic on demand service that truly answers the needs of our customers and provides them with a robust lineup of on demand programming.”

The DIRECTV on Demand service offers content downloaded via a broadband connection, while other content, primarily blockbuster movies, is pushed to the customer’s DVR via satellite. Much of the content, depending on the speed of the customer’s broadband connection and type of content, can be viewed in real time as it is being downloaded.

To begin receiving the DIRECTV on Demand service, customers can choose professional installation or request a self-installation kit. Customers will need broadband high-speed internet access, a router or Internet gateway with an available Ethernet port, and equipment to network the HD DVR or R22 DVR. Options to connect the receiver to the internet include: Internet Connection Kit (HomePlug® networking device), Ethernet cable or wireless (requires external adapter).



back