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Digital Transition will be seamless for OTA viewers with DIRECTV |
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Written by Staff Reports
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Friday, 28 November 2008 |
DIRECTV is helping customers who receive their local channels over-the-air (OTA) make the digital transition a breeze. In markets where DIRECTV does not offer local channels via satellite, it is extending a simple, low-cost solution that will seamlessly integrate local off-air channels with DIRECTV's interactive program guide*.
Abilene-Sweetwater will be among the first markets to receive the offer — a DIRECTV receiver with digital tuners for $50 and an OTA antenna plus installation for $99 — to ease the digital transition process and provide a way for existing DIRECTV customers to access their OTA local channels through their DIRECTV program guide. Consumers who want to switch to DIRECTV in these markets can visit DIRECTV.com for more information on promotional offers and pricing available in their area.
DIRECTV customers who get their local channels via satellite through DIRECTV will not be affected by the digital transition. DIRECTV has been broadcasting in 100 percent digital since its inception in 1994 and the transition will be seamless for these customers.
“Local programming provides important information and entertainment that is relevant to the lives of our customers,” said Karen Leever, senior vice president, directv.com and Customer Experience, DIRECTV, Inc.
“We want to make sure that each of our customers has the most robust DIRECTV channel lineup available and with the digital transition right around the corner, now is a perfect opportunity to enhance their DIRECTV experience.”
Beginning Feb. 17, 2009, local broadcasters must transition from an analog to digital broadcasting format. DIRECTV customers currently receiving their local channels OTA (through “rabbit ears” or a rooftop antenna) will have to convert those signals if they are using an analog TV. The DIRECTV receiver with digital tuners, which can easily connect to an OTA antenna, will both handle the conversion and integrate the off-air signals with the DIRECTV programming guide. The DIRECTV offer will enable these customers to exchange their existing equipment for a DIRECTV receiver with digital tuners at a substantially reduced cost.
DIRECTV has several receivers with digital tuners that will seamlessly integrate OTA local channels. With any of these receivers, customers can simply plug in an OTA antenna to the receiver and integrate their local channels into the DIRECTV Interactive Program Guide. The receiver will treat these OTA signals exactly as it treats satellite-delivered channels.
For more information on rates, exchanging equipment and installation, please visit directv.com/localsolution or call 800-531-5000.
*The ability to receive local channels over the air depends upon specific location and other variables such as terrain and tall structures which may impact the quality of local signal strength. |
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Last Updated ( Saturday, 29 November 2008 )
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