DIRECTV Says Rocket Blast Won’t Impact HDTV Plans
A couple of people sent this in:
The satcaster is planning two satellite launches this year to expand its high-def lineup. The first one, a ground launch, should not be affected by the explosion. But the second one, from Sea Launch, could be delayed or even cancelled by yesterday’s explosion.


I was confused by the October posting of local HD by year end.
http://www.hdtvok.com/2006/10/10/okc-locals/
Maybe others were also. In the October announcement they were talking about DirecTv 10 & 11. Those are satellites scheduled for 2007 launch. Obviously they are talking about year end 2007.
I hope the explosion does not cause a set back.
The 1500 local HD stations has been promised a long time and not done even before the explosion. Directv said that it would not delay planned HD channels but I read else where that it would. Even without the loss of the new sats. I would not hold my breath waiting for the 100 HD channels [which used to be "150 new HD channels by . . ."].
The first of those Directv sats is a ground based launch and will not be affected. The second is supposed to be a sea launch and could be affected but may not be affected.
I noticed in Men”s Health DIRECTV has an ad going back to the claim they will have 150 HD channels.