DIRECTV, Inc. Announces HDTV-compatible DIRECTV PLUS-TM- System Set-Top Box from Samsung Electronics America
LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 6, 2000--
SIR-TS200 Model Receives High-Definition Programming from DIRECTV, Standard Digital Broadcasts and Off-Air Digital Television
DIRECTV, Inc. today announced an agreement with Samsung Electronics America, under which Samsung will manufacture and market the SIR-TS200 model television receiver decoder, a DIRECTV PLUS(TM) HDTV-compatible set-top box. Samsung is the eighth manufacturer of DIRECTV PLUS(TM) System equipment used to receive both DIRECTV standard digital and high definition broadcasts.
The model SIR-TS200, available in the third quarter of 2000, will operate with the DIRECTV PLUS(TM) System to receive standard and high definition DIRECTV(R) programming, as well as off-air digital signals from local broadcasters, where available. Samsung's HDTV-compatible DIRECTV PLUS set-top box also features the DIRECTV advanced program guide, allowing users to view all available channels - whether HDTV or standard digital format - in a seamlessly integrated guide.
"Samsung Electronics is an established leader in multimedia for the home," said Bill Casamo, executive vice president for DIRECTV. "The new SIR-TS200 set-top box with the DIRECTV PLUS System elliptical dish expands the consumers' choice in brand names for their home viewing entertainment from DIRECTV."
"The SIR-TS200 gives DIRECTV customers extreme flexibility in viewing formats," said Mark Knox, senior manager of Samsung Electronics America's digital group. "With the Samsung HDTV-compatible set-top receiver, consumers have reception capabilities for analog, DIRECTV digital-quality and high definition programming - from one set-top box."
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The SIR-TS200 allows users to receive programming in a variety of formats, regardless of the original "input" signal. Formats which the HDTV-compatible set-top box receive include 480P, 720P and 1080i.
DIRECTV broadcasts two channels of high definition programming, "HBO HDTV" on channel 509, and DIRECTV's own dedicated channel of HDTV pay-per-view movies and events, on channel 199.
The SIR-TS200 model DIRECTV PLUS(TM) set-top box will be on display at the 2000 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, at DIRECTV Booth 5611 and Samsung Booth N115.
DIRECTV is the nation's leading satellite television service, with 7.9 million subscribers including subscribers to PRIMESTAR By DIRECTV. DIRECTV PLUS and DIRECTV are trademarks of DIRECTV, Inc., a unit of Hughes Electronics Corporation. Hughes Electronics is the world's leading provider of digital television entertainment, and satellite and wireless systems and services. The earnings of Hughes Electronics, a unit of General Motors Corporation, are used to calculate the earnings per share attributable to the General Motors Class H common stock (NYSE:GMH). Visit DIRECTV on the World Wide Web at www.directv.com.
Headquartered in Ridgefield Park, NJ, Samsung Electronics America, Inc. (SEA), a wholly owned subsidiary of SEC, markets a broad range of consumer electronics and information systems products. The SEA organization oversees the North American operations of Samsung Telecommunications America, Samsung Electronics Canada and Samsung Electronics Mexico. Samsung Electronics Company Ltd. (SEC) is Korea's largest integrated electronics manufacturer with US$16.6 billion in sales. SEC employs more than 60,000 people worldwide and has established a global network of 21 production plants, 29 sales subsidiaries and 24 branch offices in 40 countries since embarking on global operations in 1969. The company consists of three main business units: Multimedia & Home Appliances, Semiconductors and Information & Telecommunications. For more information, please visit our website at samsungdigital.com.
CONTACT:
Samsung Electronics America
Christian Averill, HWH Public Relations
212/355-5049
caverill@hwhpr.com
or
DIRECTV, Inc.
Gina Scalise
310/726-4654
gmscalise@directv.com
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