DIRECTV Offers to Install HD in the New International Space Station Module; Ready to Bring HD to the Final Frontier

EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Congratulating NASA on the completion of a successful shuttle mission to the International Space Station (ISS) and the recent unveiling of a new living space aboard the orbital laboratory, DIRECTV is offering the ISS a complete HD makeover - including its industry-leading line-up of national HD channels, the most advanced HD DVR on the market, a 42" flat screen HDTV and a sturdy velcro-wrapped remote control.

With the solar array repaired and the Harmony module - the ISS's first new living space in six years - successfully bolted into its permanent location, DIRECTV is ready to offer the DIRECTV HD experience to the ISS crew, allowing them to catch up on current events or enjoy the best HD whenever their leisure time allows. If NASA accepts DIRECTV's offer, the nations #1 satellite TV company is prepared to offer its top engineer to assist in the installation of the familiar satellite dish on the roof of the new module.

"Sure, there's the awe-inspiring view of planet earth from more than 200 miles up, but what do you do for an encore after you've entered your 180th day in space?" said Jon Gieselman, senior vice president, marketing for DIRECTV, Inc. "But on a more serious note, we truly applaud both the shuttle and ISS crew for their incredible accomplishments and are honored to offer an HD experience worthy of the International Space Station. As a satellite TV service we obviously have a vested interest in space exploration and we've certainly benefited from NASA's many technical and scientific achievements over the years. This is one way we can give a little something back."

DIRECTV began its unprecedented HD expansion rollout last month and plans to offer up to 100 national HD channels by the end of the year. The full DIRECTV HD programming lineup, including the new channels, and details on receiving equipment needed for the new HD services, are available at DIRECTV.com or by calling 1-800-DIRECTV.

The DIRECTV 11 satellite will be launched early next year to support further HD expansion. Combining DIRECTV 11 with existing satellite capacity, DIRECTV will have the ability to deliver 150 national HD channels and 1,500 local HD and digital channels in addition to new advanced programming services for customers.

About DIRECTV

DIRECTV, Inc., the nation's leading satellite television service provider, presents the finest television experience available to 16.6 million customers in the United States and is leading the HD revolution by offering more quality HD channels than any other television provider. Each day, DIRECTV subscribers enjoy access to over 250 channels of 100% digital picture and sound, exclusive programming, industry-leading customer satisfaction (which has surpassed cable for seven years running) and superior technologies that include advanced DVR and HD-DVR services and the most state-of-the-art interactive sports packages available anywhere. For the most up-to-date information on DIRECTV, please visit directv.com.