El Segundo, Calif. —
DirecTV will be onsides when
GolTV launches its high-definition
service in August.
The soccer-centric programmer
is bowing a full simulcast
version of its futbol network,
which during its rookie season
will present more than 250
matches, plus news and magazine
programming in the enhanced
format.
DirecTV will make GolTV
HD, the first HD service in the
U.S. to be offered simultaneously
in Spanish and English,
available to all of its high-definition customers. Deal terms
were not disclosed.
GolTV COO Rodrigo Lombello
is pleased that the No. 1
DBS provider will add GolTV
HD to a roster that will soon
feature some 160 HDs.
“This is an important step,”
he said. “As our first affiliate
to commit to offer GolTV HD,
DirecTV is adding compelling
program that speaks to the
fast-growing American soccer
fans and to all Hispanic households.”
Lombello said the programmer
is negotiating with all of
its affiliates about rolling out
the HD service and is confident
more will be on board at launch
“Soccer is a completely different
experience in HD; you can
see much more of the pitch.
There has been a great reception
to GolTV HD. Distributors
understand the value as an acquisition
and retention tool.”
With 13 million subscribers,
GolTV is positioned as part of
Spanish-language and sports
packages, and in some markets
is available on expanded basic.
Lombello said about 70%
of its base is English-language
households and he believes
GolTV HD could help fill in
the remaining gaps in Hispanic
coverage areas.
Presented in 1080i HD and
Dolby AC3 sound, GolTV will
showcase live and primetime
matches from La Liga and
Bundesliga, Spain and Germany’s
top futbol circuits, as well
as the UEFA Europa League and
Brazil’s Campeonato Paulista
and Brasileirão.
Highlight and magazine
shows like La Liga 360, Hallo
Bundesliga, Bundesliga Magazine
and GolTV News will also
be presented in high-definition.
The HD bow follows on the
boots of GolTV Movil subscription
service, which debuted
with Latin mobile media
company LatCel in March.
GolTV Móvil currently offers
Spanish-language text message
alert as well as a mobile
portal home to photos and
other content. The service will
add video highlights and other
programming clips within the
next six weeks, according to
Lombello.
GolTV also kicked off seven installment
international reality
competition series Soccer
Aces (pictured) on April 27.
Seventeen amateur players, including
two from the U.S., are
vying for a chance to play during
the preseason with Spanish
club Atletico Madrid.
