A Short History of DIRECTV

DIRECTV is an American based company that was launched on June 17th 1994. The company offers satellite television service to the United States, Latin America and Caribbean. DIRECTV has led the way throughout the years achieving the status as America's #1 Satellite Provider. Let's take a look back at how DIRECTV came to be the company it is today.

Founding Years

Well known for his aviation endeavors, Howard Hughes was known as a business magnate that helped revolutionize many industries including satellite television with Hughes Electronics. Early on, Hughes attempted to launch a joint venture with NBC, News Corp, and Cablevision back in 1990. The joint venture for the first high power digital television service failed, after talks broke down. A separate division was created by Hughes and DIRECTV was born. Hughes and satellite broadcasting father, Stanley Hubbard of United States Satellite Broadcasting (USSB) joined forces to offer their two services with 175 channels from one orbital location. The FCC granted frequencies to Hughes and USSB from the 101 degree west satellite location.

On June 17th, 1994 DIRECTV and USSB services was launched for consumers. Thomson Consumer Electronics developed the direct broadcast satellite system under its subsidiary name RCA, while Digital Equipment Corporation manufactured the hardware. The small and lighter satellite antenna revolutionized the industry with a simple installation from anywhere as long as there was a view of the southern sky.

Early Years

In 1998, USSB was acquired by DIRECTV in 1998 for $1.3 billion combining the two services. A year later a direct competitor PrimeStar was purchased increasing DIRECTV's overall market share. In 2000, General Motors held controlling interest in DIRECTV. It allowed Hughes to seek buyers for the company. After failed attempts early on from News Corporation and Echostar, General Motors share was eventually sold to News Corporation.

Beyond 2000

After rapid growth through acquisitions and superior service, Hughes Electronics decided to rename itself, "The DIRECTV Group, Inc. Hughes Electronics sold it's interest in PanAmSat and Hughes Network Systems to focus strictly on its satellite television services.

In 2004, DIRECTV abandoned its efforts in the Mexican market, while still controlling interest in Sky Mexico. The following year, DIRECTV dumped its relationship with audio provider Music Choice in favor of XM Satellite Radio.

In 2006, News Corporation announced its plans to transfer controlling interest in DIRECTV to Liberty Media for its own controlling interest in News Corporation. The deal was approved the following year and blessed by the FCC given Liberty divested its interest in DIRECTV's operations or its Liberty Global Puerto Ric cable operation.

In 2007, DIRECTV abandoned the Brazilian market, while still controlling maintaining controlling interest.

In 2007, DIRECTV announced it would carry up to 100 HD Channels by the year's end. The following year they announced local HD channels to the 121 markets.

In 2010, DIRECTV dropped SIRIUS XM Radio and it was replaced by Sonic Tap Audio stations.

Today

DIRECTV provides video and audio services throughout the America's to over 20 million customers. Displaying hundreds of channels to choose from with over 170+ in High Definition. DIRECTV serves consumers in the public industry like bars and restaurants, as well as, private offices, hospitals, and hotels.

What will the future hold for DIRECTV? It may hold over 22 million customers, we'll just have to wait and see!

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DIRECTV MR34 5 Tuner High Definition Digital Video Recorder

DIRECTV recently introduced the MR34, this is their latest (HD) High Definition (DVR) Digital Video Recorder. This top of line product works well for people who like to record multiple shows at once because it has five tuners you can record up to five shows at once, no more conflicts. Watch two shows at once with (PIP) picture-in-picture or up to six shows with the news, kids and sports mix. The mix channel does not work like PIP. Instead the feeds are equally proportionate and you select the audio feed you want to listen too. You can easily view any channel with full screen by making the appropriate selection directly over the satellite feed.

The HR34 is compatible with the Whole-Home DVR, which offers the ability to be slaved to the main unit as a secondary unit. Record and download DIRECTV On-Demand from any HD receiver. Watch recorded programs from any High Definition room on the system. You can watch or stream three independent tuners at once. Record and delete shows from any HD receiver. only compatible with the (SWM) Single Wire Multi-switch satellite components.

The receiver supports screen resolutions of 720P, 1080i and 1080P. Additionally supports off-air antenna signals with a AM-21, sold separately. I don't know many that have used this feature lately, but it does give you the ability to get more local channels in your area. Watch all your favorites from any room in the home with a compatible HD receiver. The MR34 DVR has the largest recording capacity in the industry and provides Whole-Home DVR to 4 active HD receivers. This receivers saves you money by eliminating the need for multiple DVR units. However, if you need more than 200 hours of High Definition or 800 hours of Standard Definition you can expand your system with an external hard drive. Watch two independent shows at once without having to change the channel.

In order to take advantage of the MR34 features, consumers must subscribe to the (ARS) Advanced Receiver Service. The ARS package bundles the HD and DVR service. Some additional advantages with this plan include Whole-Home DVR, the ability to watch your MR34 from any room with a compatible HD receiver. Get instant Access to over 7,000 shows and movies, at no extra charge. Customers must subscribe to the Choice Xtra package or higher. You can stream live TV to your Tablet and use it as a remote control. Don't forget to watch YouTube, connect to Facebook and Twitter while listening to Pandora Internet Radio all right from your receiver. Don't miss another show record all your programs on the go.

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