DIRECTV 2005 Annual Report Download - page 8

our customers easy access to DIRECTV on PCs,
laptops and handhelds. We were the first to offer
live television in cars and in 2006, we will follow
up that innovation with a number of new mobile
products that meet consumers’ increasing demand
for video on-the-go.
Content Leadership
While technology is critical to our future, we must
always remember that television is, first and fore-
most, about content. DIRECTV has historically led
the industry in this area. Our strategy is to offer
the most programming, the widest array of choices
and the best and most innovative services. We are
developing unique content – from one-time events
to seasonal programming to regular weekly shows –
that will provide DIRECTV with a uniqueness and
freshness that our competitors can’t match.
From our vast range of all-digital programming to
our exclusive, signature products like NFL SUNDAY
TICKET™, we provide more choice at a greater value
than our competitors. And we are always looking
for opportunities to improve our lineup. For example,
in 2005 we replaced our 30 channel audio package
with a superior line-up of 72 channels from XM
Satellite Radio.
In early 2006, we launched CD USA, an original
hour-long weekly show that features live performances
by best-selling music artists. We are also adding
new features to the NFL SUNDAY TICKET. For
instance last year we added The Red Zone Channel,
which jumps live from game to game highlighting the
key plays. For this year’s Easter holiday, we created
the special “Songs of Praise,” which features live
performances by choirs across the country.
Interactive features are the next wave in television
service. Last year, we launched some interactive local
weather services and horoscopes. We also added
interactive features to sports packages like the NFL
SUNDAY TICKET and MEGA MARCH MADNESS™,
and there is more to come in 2006. And we have
more interactive information and entertainment
planned for the coming months, including a part-
nership with FOX News.
In 2006, we’re introducing an easy-to-use video
on demand, or VOD, service that will give customers
who have the DIRECTV Plus DVR, easy access to
popular programming on television. Our initial offer-
ings will allow customers to view prime-time hits from
the FX channel a full 24 to 48 hours before their
first broadcast, along with top programs from NBC,
Universal, FOX and others within hours after they
air. During the next year, we will add more movies,
sports, news and other products to our VOD offer.
Later this year we’ll launch a broadband video
service that will have the ability to offer thousands
of titles to customers with new advanced receivers.
We expect to offer the ultimate VOD experience by
combining the almost unlimited choice available from
the Internet along with instant access to the most
popular programming that has been downloaded to
your receiver’s hard drive in your home.
We also plan to move beyond traditional video
content. For instance, our new DIRECTV GAMESTAR™
allows viewers to play a variety of video games
from the comfort of their sofa while watching their
favorite TV shows. Some games will let customers
compete against each other for prizes. Others will
be partnerships with popular children’s brands to
deliver games that teach kids a variety of skills.