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DIRECTV named the next 24 U.S. markets that will receive local HD programming. Beginning in April of this year, DIRECTV will roll out the first of the 24 new markets, offering HD programming from the four primary broadcast networks—ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC. All DIRECTV local HD programming is being transmitted via MPEG-4 AVC, the new standard in digital video compression and advanced modulation that more than doubles the efficiency of DIRECTV’s capacity.

The 24 local markets to receive HD programming include: Baltimore; Minneapolis, Minn.; Birmingham, Ala.; Nashville, Tenn.; Charlotte, N.C.; Orlando, Fla.; Cleveland ; Phoenix; Columbus, Ohio; Pittsburgh; Denver; Raleigh, N.C.; Fresno, Calif.; Sacramento, Calif.; Hartford, Conn.; Salt Lake City; Indianapolis; San Diego; Kansas City, Mo./Kan.; Seattle; Miami; St Louis, Mo.; Milwaukee, Wisc.; West Palm Beach, Fla.

DIRECTV currently offers 12 HD local channel markets, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Tampa and Washington, D.C. With the launch of two new satellites—DIRECTV 10 and DIRECTV 11—in 2007, DIRECTV will have the ability to deliver more than 1,500 local HD and digital channels and 150 national HD channels, in addition to new advanced programming services for customers.

Customers can receive local HD channels by purchasing the new H20 HD receiver and a satellite dish that has the ability to receive programming from five different orbital locations and Ka-band signals. Through Feb. 28, DIRECTV is offering new and existing customers a $200 mail-in rebate on the purchase of a DIRECTV HD Receiver. (Limit one rebate per account.) Receiving equipment is available at major consumer electronics retailers like Best Buy and Circuit City, and through DIRECTV.

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