DirecTV is now offering local HDTV programming to customers in the Green Bay, Wis.; Greensboro, N.C.; Grand Rapids, Mich.; and Providence, R.I., markets, officials said Monday.
With the addition of these four markets, DirecTV now offers local HDTV broadcast channels in 49 cities, representing more than 65% of U.S. TV households. The direct-broadcast satellite provider plans to launch an additional eight HDTV local markets throughout the remainder of the year.
DirecTV's rollout of local HDTV channels is part of a nationwide expansion that will culminate in 2007, when the satellite service will have the ability to deliver more than 1,500 local HDTV channels and more than 150 national HDTV channels.
Customers who subscribe to a programming package that includes local channels receive both the standard-definition and HDTV signals at no extra monthly charge.
Customers can receive local HDTV channels by purchasing an H20 HDTV receiver or the new HR20 DirecTV Plus HD DVR and satellite dish. Existing HDTV customers can upgrade their receiver and dish for $99 per receiver. New customers can take advantage of a $100 mail-in rebate on all DirecTV HD and HD-DVR receivers.
