New DIRECTV Survey Gives Holiday Shoppers the Inside Scoop on What Looks Best on Their New HDTV

EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--With the many decisions plaguing shoppers this holiday season, DIRECTV wants to give HD buyers a sneak preview of what they will enjoy once they take the HD plunge.

In a recent survey commissioned by DIRECTV, 400 HDTV owners were asked to reveal their favorite reasons for choosing HD. Some of the more unique findings included:

* The Muhammad Ali vs. George Foreman boxing match held in Africa ranked as the top sports moment most would want to see in HD if it were possible, followed by Hank Aaron's 755th home run,
* Rachel Ray takes the lead position in the kitchen with the best-looking holiday turkey in HD, followed by fellow chef Emeril Lagasse,
* The best Superbowl beer ad ranks above football as the most important thing to see when watching sports in HD,
* Sharks lead as the No. 1 animal to watch on Animal Planet in HD, with humans only reaching the third spot. Fleas, monkeys and whales also received write-in votes,
* And, more than half of customers surveyed said that watching HD is better than their mom's cooking!

"A new HDTV seems to be at the top of everyone's shopping list this holiday season," said Jon Gieselman, senior vice president, DIRECTV Marketing. "Hopefully this survey will give customers an interesting glimpse into how their viewing experience can dramatically improve if they make sure that their new flat screen is connected to the best television source available."

Additional survey results include:

* Hottest Celebrity in HD -- Jessica Alba is considered the hottest celebrity in HD overall, with Angelina Jolie as a close runner-up. Also making the list was Hugh Laurie from "House," Tom Selleck from "Magnum PI" and Richard Dean Anderson from "MacGyver" with one write-in vote each.
* Best Television Show in HD -- Heroes came in as the frontrunner for "Favorite TV Show in HD" while a large female contingent helped Desperate Housewives reach the number two spot.
* Sport Most Enhanced by HD -- More than half of viewers say football is the sports experience most enhanced by HD, followed distantly by baseball. While not in the majority by a long-shot, some badminton fans believe seeing shuttlecocks in HD would help to elevate awareness of the sport.
* Best Looking Sports Figure in HD -- While results varied, Anna Kournikova took the top spot as the best-looking sports figure in HD followed closely by Tiger Woods and David Beckham. Yogi Berra also made the list with one write-in vote.
* Favorite Movie to Watch in HD -- Following its success in the summer box office, Transformers was named the best movie to watch in HD, with The Matrix coming in number two.
* Most Amazing Channel to Watch in HD -- Almost half of customers surveyed say HD Theater (from Discovery) is the channel that looks the most amazing in HD while ESPN HD rounded out the number two position.
* Best Looking Celebrity Hair in HD -- Eva Longoria receives the highest ranking for the best-looking celebrity hair in HD, followed by Jessica Simpson. Donald Trump and Bruce Willis tied for last place.

Interviews for the survey were conducted by OTX (Online Testing eXchange), a global consumer research and consulting firm that specializes in providing innovative, cutting-edge online technology, products and analysis to the marketing, entertainment and advertising communities.

The full DIRECTV HD programming lineup, which includes 87 national HD channels, and details on receiving equipment needed for the new DIRECTV HD services are available by calling 1-800-DIRECTV or visiting directv.com. DIRECTV also offers local HD channels across 68 cities, representing more than 72 percent of U.S. TV Households.

About DIRECTV

DIRECTV, Inc. (NASDAQ:DTV), 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 with 87 national HD channels -- more quality HD channels than any other television provider. Each day, DIRECTV subscribers enjoy access to over 265 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.

Posted by Shane Sturgeon, December 13, 2007 5:57 AM