OmegaSource

A new satellite build and designed to transmit new high-definition channels for DirecTV successfully launched Friday night, keeping the DBS operator on-track to broadcast 100 HD channels by year-end.

The DirecTV 10 satellite, a Boeing-built 702 model, was launched from the well-established Baikonur Cosmodrome facility in Kazakhstan. It is the third DirecTV satellite to launch from that facility aboard an International Launch Services (ILS) Russian-built Proton rocket. Ground-station personnel have made contact with the satellite and confirmed that all systems are functioning properly, and the satellite is expected to begin operations in early September.

The new satellite has spot beam capacity that will enable DirecTV to expand its carriage of local HD broadcast channels to up to 75 markets this year, says the company. DirecTV 10 will also be used to help roll out new national HD channels from programmers such as Read the rest of this entry »

Just after extensive review of conventional television, the federal communications regulator is focusing its attention to the rules governing cable and satellite companies and the specialty and pay-TV industry.

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission will review a set of complex regulations that could change the way consumers buy TV services.

The CRTC is asking for comments on subjects ranging from whether video-on-demand services should continue to be not allowed from showing advertising to Read the rest of this entry »