First programming to come from additional bird will be 6 channels of foreign-language offerings, DirecTV spokesman said, with potential expansion to 20. New platform on Galaxy III-R satellite also will serve to launch additional HD-DSS channels. DirecTV will transmit 2 channels of HD programming from current satellite in fall (TVD Jan 12 p11). Spokesman told us DirecTV has option to lease additional transponders on satellite that would give it ability to offer up to 120 new channels in addition to current 175. New channels could be used for special interest programs and business-to-business applications.
Ethnic programming will begin by 3rd quarter, with Hughes Network Systems (HNS) to offer first receivers capable of receiving signals from 2 satellites, DirecTV and HNS announced. They said larger, 21x35 [inches] elliptical antenna will be needed to scoop signals from satellites 6 [degrees] apart. Because HD channels won't be extended to Galaxy bird until installed based of DTV sets and HD-DSS receivers grows, early adopters can use current 18 [inches] dish unless they also want ethnic channels, DirecTV spokesman told us. Thomson spokesman confirmed that DTV sets co-produced with Hitachi will have 2-satellite DSS receiver.
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