DIRECTV MÁS launches expanded channel offering.

DIRECTV Más, DIRECTV’s Spanish and English-language programming service, will officially launch its newly expanded channel lineup at the 2008 Latin Billboards.

With programming tailored to serve the viewing needs of the U.S. Hispanic community through a value oriented program offering, DIRECTV Más continues to establish its commitment to the Hispanic viewer through the recent addition of exclusive, high quality channels, leading the growing Spanish-language satellite television market into the future.

According to 2006 Nielsen Media Research, 77 percent of all U.S. Hispanic TV households subscribe to either cable or satellite service. Studies show that when presented with increased viewing options, U.S. Hispanics are watching more Spanish-language TV, while Hispanic TV households continue to be the fastest growing segment among all ethnic populations in the U.S., estimated to total more than 12 million this year, according to Nielsen.

To help the Hispanic community choose the best viewing options to preserve their culture and find relevant quality programming, DIRECTV officially launched DIRECTV Más. Leading the industry with more than 45 Spanish language channels, DIRECTV Más has added six channels to its lineup in the past two years: ESPN Deportes, Discovery Familia, Televisión Dominicana, V-Me, MEGA TV, Azteca América (national feed). DIRECTV Más’ exclusive program offering, which includes MEGA TV, Centroamérica TV, TyC Sports, and Latinoamérica, strengthens an already robust top rated programming package from all over Latin America, in addition to 230 English-language channels at an affordable cost.

“At DIRECTV Más we pride ourselves in providing the best Spanish language programming offered in the U.S.,” said John de Armas, vice president, WorldDirect, DIRECTV, Inc. “Our priority is to continue incorporating premium channels that help celebrate and sustain Hispanic heritage, providing a connection to our native countries.”

As DIRECTV Más expands its variety of channels to satisfy the needs of entertainment, news, sports and education of the Hispanic community, the company has also incorporated Digital Video Recorder (DVR) technology. This service falls in line with DIRECTV Más’ ongoing goal to keep upfront with the technology and tailor the program offering to the needs of the audience by allowing access to their favorite shows whenever they chose to.