DirecTV#History

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In 1953, Howard Hughes created the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), to which he transferred full ownership of Hughes Aircraft.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/03/30/magazine/the-richest-foundation.html|title=The Richest Foundation|last=Brinkly|first=Joel|date=1986-03-30|newspaper=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|access-date=2017-02-03}} Following Hughes' death in 1976, HHMI was incorporated in 1977, and litigation ensued to determine whether it would be allowed to maintain its interest in Hughes Aircraft.{{Cite web|title=Howard Hughes: Patron Of Science?|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/howard-hughes-patron-of-science-21-11-2003/|access-date=2020-10-23|website=CBS News|date=November 21, 2003 |language=en}} In 1984, the court appointed a new board for HHMI, which proceeded to sell off Hughes Aircraft to General Motors on December 20, 1985, for an estimated $5.1 billion.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1985/12/23/business/gm-purchase-of-hughes.html|title=G.M. Purchase Of Hughes|website=The New York Times|date=23 December 1985|access-date=2 July 2016}} General Motors then merged Hughes Aircraft with its subsidiary Delco Electronics to create Hughes Electronics Corporation.{{Cite web|title=Hughes Electronics Corporation {{!}} American corporation|url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Hughes-Electronics-Corporation|access-date=2020-10-23|website=Encyclopedia Britannica|language=en}}

Stanley E. Hubbard founded United States Satellite Broadcasting (USSB){{Cite news|last=Fabrikant|first=Geraldine|date=1997-11-03|title=Satellite TV Provider Waits for World to Catch Up (Published 1997)|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/11/03/business/satellite-tv-provider-waits-for-world-to-catch-up.html|access-date=2020-10-23|issn=0362-4331}} and was a leading proponent for the development of direct-broadcast satellite service in the United States.{{Cite web|title=Stanley S. Hubbard|url=https://www.pavekmuseum.org/HubbardSS.htm|access-date=2020-10-23|website=www.pavekmuseum.org}} HHMI and other companies believed in the early 1990s that technology would soon make digital satellite television affordable.{{Cite news |last1=Gross |first1=Neil |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/1995-03-05/the-technology-paradox |title=The Technology Paradox |date=1995-03-06 |work=Bloomberg |access-date=2020-03-19 |last2=Coy |first2=Peter |language=en}}

In the 1990s, Hubbard teamed up with Thomson Consumer Electronics and Hughes Electronics to come up with a practical digital satellite service capable of 175 channels; HHMI created DirecTV as a separate division and secured an agreement with USSB to build and launch the first high-power direct-broadcast satellite system.{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-02-22-mn-1704-story.html |work=Los Angeles Times |first=Paul |last=Richter |title=New Satellite-to-Home TV Service Due in 1993 : Broadcasting: Four firms back -billion Sky Cable venture. The system could carry up to 108 channels |date=February 22, 1990 }}{{Cite web|last=POLETTI|first=THERESE|title=New Satellite TV Service Offered With 18-Inch Dish|url=https://buffalonews.com/news/new-satellite-tv-service-offered-with-18-inch-dish/article_59ef3c0c-7469-573d-9573-2bd40f5e9362.html|access-date=2020-10-16|website=The Buffalo News|date=October 10, 1994 |language=en}}

Direct satellite broadcasters were mandated in 1992 to set aside 4% of its channel space for noncommercial educational and informational programming. DirecTV selected C-SPAN, EWTN and the Trinity Broadcasting Network from its current channel lineup, plus additional proposals from other programmers. DirecTV selected an additional six channels for the mandate: Clara+Vision, Inspirational Life, NASA TV, PBS YOU, StarNet and WorldLink TV, for the mandate.{{cite news| last1=Behrens |first1=Steve|last2=Bedford |first2=Karen Everhart|title=DirecTV okays channels from PBS and ITVS|url=http://current.org/wp-content/uploads/archive-site/in/in923d.html|access-date=February 21, 2017|work=Current|publisher=American University School of Communication|date=December 13, 1999}}

The USSB and DirecTV programming services were launched on June 17, 1994.{{cite web|url=https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-1995-01-13/html/95-894.htm|title=Cable Television Act of 1992--Program Distribution and Carriage Agreements|website=Federal Communications Commission|date=January 13, 1995|access-date=November 22, 2023}}

DirecTV soon began to expand after its initial launch; in December 1998, DirecTV acquired USSB for $1.3 billion, and combined the two satellite services.{{cite news |url=http://news.cnet.com/Hughes-buys-satellite-firm-for-1.3-billion/2100-1033_3-219066.html |title=Hughes buys satellite firm for $1.3 billion |publisher=CNET news |author=Cory Grice |date=December 14, 1998 }} In 1999, DirecTV acquired PrimeStar, a competitor in the satellite television industry, for $1.83 billion, dramatically increasing its share of the satellite television market in the US.{{cite news |url=https://www.wired.com/techbiz/media/news/1999/01/17479 |title=DirecTV Buys PrimeStar |author=Joanna Glasner |newspaper=Wired |date=January 22, 1999 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110507080432/http://www.wired.com/techbiz/media/news/1999/01/17479 |archive-date=May 7, 2011 |df=mdy }}

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On April 9, 2003, News Corporation, the then-parent company of 20th Century Fox (now known as 20th Century Studios) and Fox Television Studios, agreed to purchase a 34% controlling interest in Hughes, including GM's entire share of the company, for $6.6 billion, subject to SEC approval.{{cite news|url=http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/article1128673.ece|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110808194942/http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/article1128673.ece|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 8, 2011|author=Nic Hopkins|title=News Corp buys control of DirecTV|newspaper=The Times|date=April 10, 2003|location=London}} The FCC voted 3–2 along party lines on December 19, 2003, to approve the deal subject to conditions, forcing News Corp. to agree to arbitration for all disputes with carriers of its media broadcasters, and to provide content through DirecTV neutrally rather than favoring its own networks.{{cite news|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna3763546 |title=FCC OKs News Corp. purchase of DirecTV|newspaper=MSNBC|date=December 19, 2004}}

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On January 31, 2005, Hughes announced its intent to focus solely on its satellite television operations and divest its other interests, renaming itself The DirecTV Group, Inc. on March 16, 2005, and changing its ticker symbol from "HS" to "DTV".{{cite web|url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/944868/000119312505038986/d10k.htm |title=2004 Form 10-K, The DirecTV Group |publisher=U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission |date=March 17, 2004 }} In April of that year, it sold its controlling interest in PanAmSat to a private consortium led by Kohlberg Kravis Roberts for $3.53 billion.{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-apr-21-fi-panamsat21-story.html |title=DirecTV Agrees to Sale of PanAmSat Unit |newspaper=L.A. Times |date=April 24, 2004 }} On April 22, 2005, DirecTV spun off Hughes Network Systems into a separate entity and sold 50% of the new entity to SkyTerra, acquiring $157.4 million in the transaction.{{cite web|url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/944868/000104746906003209/a2168249z10-k.htm |title=2005 Form 10-K, The DirecTV Group, Inc. |publisher=U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission |date=March 10, 2006 }} DirecTV later sold its remaining 50% share in Hughes Network Systems to SkyTerra for $100 million.{{cite web |url=http://www.hughes.com/HNS%20Library%20Press%20Release/01-03-06_SkyTerra_acquires_remaining_interest_in_HNS_LLC_from_DirecTV.htm |title=SkyTerra Communications Acquires Remaining Interest in Hughes Network Systems LLC from The DirecTV Group |date=January 3, 2006 |publisher=SkyTerra Communications, Inc. |access-date=October 19, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110215180606/http://www.hughes.com/HNS%20Library%20Press%20Release/01-03-06_SkyTerra_acquires_remaining_interest_in_HNS_LLC_from_DIRECTV.htm |archive-date=February 15, 2011 |url-status=dead }}

On November 1, 2005, DirecTV made its foray with its first original series, CD US, on Freeview.{{Cite web|last=Dempsey|first=John|date=2005-11-02|title=DirecTV gets original with music show|url=https://variety.com/2005/music/news/directv-gets-original-with-music-show-1117932095/|access-date=2021-12-06|website=Variety|language=en-US}} In December 2005, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission imposed a $5.3 million penalty on DirecTV for its violations of federal telemarketing regulations. It was the largest civil penalty the FTC had ever announced in a case enforcing any consumer protection law.{{cite web|url=http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2005/12/directv.shtm |title=DirecTV to Pay $5.3 Million Penalty for Do Not Call Violations |publisher=Ftc.gov |date=2011-06-24 |access-date=2012-08-26 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120926054313/http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2005/12/directv.shtm |archive-date=September 26, 2012 |df=mdy }}

In December 2006, News Corporation announced its intention to transfer its 38.5% controlling interest in The DirecTV Group, four regional Fox Sports Net stations, and $550 million cash to Liberty Media in exchange for Liberty's 19% interest in News Corp.{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/money/media/2006-12-07-liberty-news_x.htm |title=Deal would give Liberty reins of DirecTV |author=David Lieberman |newspaper=USA Today |date=December 7, 2006 }} The deal, valued at $11 billion, was approved by News Corp. shareholders.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/04/business/media/04liberty.html |title=News Corp. Shareholders Accept Liberty Deal |newspaper=The New York Times |date=April 4, 2007 }}{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=a4JFvml25M_8 |title=Liberty Completes Swap of News Corp., DirecTV Stakes |author=Tim Mullaney |publisher=Bloomberg |date=February 27, 2008 }}{{cite web |url=http://benton.org/node/24265 |title=FCC Approves Transfer of DirecTV's Station Licenses to Liberty Entertainment |author=John Eggerton |publisher=Benton Foundation |date=April 14, 2009 |access-date=September 23, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727143239/http://benton.org/node/24265 |archive-date=July 27, 2011 |url-status=dead }}

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On December 13, 2007, DirecTV purchased most of the assets of ReplayTV from D&M Holdings.{{cite web |url=http://www.dm-holdings.com/eng/newsrelease/20071213_245.html |title=D&M Holdings Divests ReplayTV |publisher=Dm-holdings.com |access-date=August 26, 2012}}

In September 2008, consumers filed a class action lawsuit with the Los Angeles Superior Court to stop DirecTV's practice of charging early cancellation penalties to subscribers. In September 2009, a motion for a preliminary injunction was filed to block the company from automatically removing the fees from customers' bank accounts or charging their credit card accounts without their prior knowledge and written consent.{{cite news|title=DirecTV Takes Disputed Fees Out of Customer Accounts, Suit Charges |url=http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/09/directv_fees.html|access-date=August 3, 2010|newspaper=Consumer Affairs|date=September 25, 2009}} In 2009, the Washington Attorney General's office filed a civil complaint against DirecTV, finding that the company allegedly engaged in numerous repeated violations of the state's Consumer Protection Act. Violations included: unclear rebate terms and conditions, unfair advertisement, and automatically extending customer contracts.

On May 4, 2009, Liberty announced that it would split off Liberty Entertainment, Inc., and Liberty's 65% interest in Game Show Network, into a separate company to be merged with The DirecTV Group.{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=auGzOOELO3.0|title=DirecTV Group to Combine With Liberty Entertainment|newspaper=Bloomberg News|author=Tim Mullaney and Kelly Riddell|date=May 4, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151107022247/http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=auGzOOELO3.0|archive-date=November 7, 2015|df=mdy-all}} The merger was completed on November 19, 2009, with The DirecTV Group and Liberty Entertainment becoming subsidiaries of a new company named DirecTV.{{cite web|url=http://investor.directv.com/releasedetail.cfm?releaseid=425628|title=DirecTV Completes Merger Transaction with Liberty Media|publisher=DirecTV|date=November 19, 2009}} On June 16, 2010, Malone exchanged his preferred stock in DirecTV with equivalent amounts of common stock, with Malone ending his managerial role at DirecTV.{{cite web |url=http://newsatelliteservices.com/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 15, 2017 |title=New Satellite Services |publisher=DirecTV |date=June 16, 2010 |df=mdy-all |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171015204934/http://newsatelliteservices.com/ }}

On February 9, 2010, DirecTV dropped Sirius XM Radio and replaced the channel lineup with Sonic Tap audio stations.{{cite web

|url=http://support.directv.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/2641 |title=Why have the Music Channels changed? |publisher=DirecTV.com |access-date=February 9, 2010 }} On April 1, 2011, DirecTV announced it would be renaming its three Fox Sports Networks channels as Root Sports.{{cite news

|url=http://www.seattlepi.com/default/article/Get-ready-for-Root-Sports-the-next-homer-TV-914267.php#ixzz1JZsoKHEf |title=Get ready for Root Sports, the next homer TV network |newspaper=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |author=Jim Moore |date=December 21, 2010 }}

The case brought by Washington state was settled in December 2010, with DirecTV agreeing to pay over $1 million.{{cite web|url=http://atg.wa.gov/pressrelease.aspx?id=26982|title=Washington Attorney General's 1 million DirecTV settlement sends clear signal |publisher=Atg.wa.gov |date=December 14, 2010 |access-date=2013-01-16}} DirecTV subsequently settled a similar suit with the other 49 states and the District of Columbia for $13.25 million.[https://madison.com/wsj/news/local/crime_and_courts/states-reach-million-settlement-with-directv/article_e3e57376-0b8c-11e0-8864-001cc4c002e0.html States reach $13.25 million settlement with DirecTV], Associated Press (December 18, 2010).[https://gantdaily.com/2010/12/15/13-25-multi-state-settlement-reached-with-directv-over-allegations-of-deceptive-advertising/ $13.25 Multi-state Settlement Reached with DirecTV over Allegations of Deceptive Advertising], Gant Daily (December 15, 2010).

In July 2012, DirecTV had a major contract dispute with Viacom, leading to channels such as Nickelodeon, MTV and Comedy Central to be taken off the air temporarily {{Cite web |last=Kyprianou |first=Zenonas |date=2012-07-20 |title=Viacom and DirecTV: how a royalty dispute resulted in 26 channels going off-air |url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/7/20/3171580/directv-viacom-dispute |access-date=2024-11-03 |website=The Verge |language=en}} In their place, a message appeared on screen reading as follows: "Viacom, the owner of this channel, forced DirecTV to suspend it despite our many requests to keep it on. We are working to bring it back as soon as possible without an unfair increase to your bill. Disruptions like this are brief. Go to DirecTVPromise.com for the latest info."{{Cite web |title=DirecTV customers lose MTV, Nick and other Viacom nets |url=https://ew.com/article/2012/07/11/directv-customers-lose-mtv-nick-and-other-viacom-nets/ |access-date=2024-11-03 |website=EW.com |language=en}} DirecTV executive Derek Chang said in a statement to the media “We have been very willing to get a deal done, but Viacom is pushing DirecTV customers to pay more than a 30 percent increase, which equates to an extra $1 billion..." He then said that he couldn’t accept Viacom’s “extravagant financial demands.” Denise Denson, Viacom’s Executive Vice President of Content Distribution and Marketing, responded by mentioning how DirecTV refused to speak with Viacom past 11 a.m. Tuesday, saying that DirecTV’s last offer to the company was “lower than anyone else pays us in the industry.”{{Cite news |date=2012-07-11 |title=Viacom, DirecTV in dispute over Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, other channels |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/technology/viacom-directv-in-dispute-over-comedy-central-nickelodeon-other-channels/2012/07/11/gJQAR8pCdW_story.html |access-date=2024-11-03 |newspaper=The Washington Post}} The channels were only down for a few days, as contract negotiations were quickly settled after the channels were removed.

In June 2013, DirecTV purchased Pennsylvania-based LifeShield, a maker of wireless home security systems, with plans to market the systems to its customers.{{cite web |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/news/2013/06/05/directv-buys-firm-backed-by-michael.html |title=DirecTV buys firm backed by Michael Hagan |last=Key |first=Peter |date=June 5, 2013 |website=bizjournals.com |publisher=Philadelphia Business Journal |access-date=June 5, 2013 }}

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On May 18, 2014, AT&T announced that it would purchase DirecTV for approximately $67.1 billion.{{cite web |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-directv-att-20140430,0,802533.story|title=AT&T interested in acquiring satellite broadcaster DirecTV |last=Flint|first=Joe|work=Los Angeles Times|date=May 1, 2014|access-date=May 18, 2014}}{{cite web|url=https://dealbook.nytimes.com/2014/05/18/att-to-buy-directv-for-48-5-billion/|title=AT&T to Buy DirecTV for $48.5 Billion|last1=de la Merced|first1=Michael|last2=Gelles|first2=David|work=The New York Times|date=May 18, 2014|access-date=May 18, 2014}} The acquisition was officially approved by the FCC in 2015; it was subject to conditions for four years, requiring AT&T to expand its fiber-optic broadband service to additional customers, public libraries, and schools, and to "refrain from imposing discriminatory usage-based allowances or other discriminatory retail terms and conditions on its broadband internet service".{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2015/07/att-directv-merger-fcc-approval-1201484821/|title=AT&T & DirecTV Merger Gets FCC Approval – With Conditions|website=Deadline|date=July 24, 2015 |access-date=July 24, 2015}}{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/7/24/8876267/att-directv-merger-approved|title=FCC approves AT&T–DirecTV merger|website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media|date=July 24, 2015|access-date=July 24, 2015}}

On March 11, 2015, the Federal Trade Commission filed a lawsuit against DIRECTV for deceptive advertising. The FTC claimed that DIRECTV failed to properly disclose terms of its TV packages, such as contractual obligations and premiums.{{cite web|last=Kastrenakes|first=Jacob|url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/3/11/8191179/directv-deceptive-advertising-charges-ftc|title=FTC alleges DirecTV deceptively advertised TV packages|website=The Verge|publisher=Vox Media|date=March 11, 2015|access-date=March 11, 2015}}

On December 2, 2015, DirecTV adopted a new logo, replacing its previous emblem (which was retired upon its acquisition by AT&T, leaving only the wordmark, which sometimes appeared with an AT&T byline) with that of AT&T.{{cite web|url=http://www.multichannel.com/news/distribution/att-enters-next-phase-directv-branding/395664|title=AT&T Enters Next Phase in DirecTV Branding|last=Farrell|first=Mike|work=MultiChannel News|date=December 2, 2015|access-date=December 3, 2015}}{{cite web |url=http://www.fiercecable.com/story/att-begin-transitioning-away-directv-brand-starting-january/2015-12-02|title=AT&T to begin transitioning away from DirecTV brand starting in January, report says|last=Frankel|first=Daniel|work=FierceCable|date=December 2, 2015|access-date=December 2, 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/ATT-Plans-on-Killing-the-DirecTV-Name-Starting-in-January-135765|title=AT&T Plans on Killing the DirecTV Name Starting in January|last=Bode|first=Karl|work=DSL Reports|date=December 2, 2015|access-date=December 2, 2015}}

In February 2016, Bloomberg reported that AT&T was in the process of phasing out the U-verse IPTV service by encouraging new customers to purchase DirecTV satellite service instead, and by ending the production of new set-top boxes for the service. AT&T CFO John Stephens had also previously stated that DirecTV's larger subscriber base as a national service gave the service a higher degree of leverage in negotiating carriage deals, thus resulting in lower content costs.{{cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-02-16/at-t-takes-u-turn-on-u-verse-as-it-pushes-users-toward-directv|title=AT&T Takes U-Turn on U-Verse as It Pushes Users Toward DirecTV|last=Moritz|first=Scott|work=Bloomberg|date=February 16, 2016|access-date=February 16, 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.multichannel.com/news/distribution/att-stops-making-u-verse-tv-boxes-report/402596|title=AT&T Stops Making U-verse TV Boxes: Report|last=Baumgarnter|first=Jeff|work=MultiChannel News|date=February 16, 2016|access-date=February 16, 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.fiercecable.com/story/att-reportedly-halts-u-verse-set-top-production-latest-directv-push/2016-02-16|title=AT&T reportedly halts U-verse set-top production in latest DirecTV push|last=Frankel|first=Daniel|work=Fierce Cable|date=February 16, 2016|access-date=February 18, 2016}}

On March 1, 2016, AT&T announced plans for several DirecTV-branded over-the-top services, including AT&T TV, DIRECTV Mobile, and DIRECTV Preview to be offered under one platform called DirecTV Now.{{cite web|url=http://www.multichannel.com/news/content/att-take-directv-over-top/402950|title=AT&T to Take DirecTV Over-The-Top|last=Baumgartner|first=Jeff|work=MultiChannel News|date=March 1, 2016|access-date=March 1, 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.legitreviews.com/att-allows-directv-video-services-internet-connection_179547|title=AT&T Allows DirecTV Video Services Over a Your Internet Connection|last=Kirsch|first=Nathan|work=Legit Reviews|date=March 1, 2016|access-date=March 1, 2016}}{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2016/03/att-directv-streaming-video-services-plans-1201712085/|title=AT&T Unveils DirecTV Streaming Video Plans With TV And Short-Form Content|last=Lieberman|first=David|work=Deadline Hollywood|date=March 1, 2016|access-date=March 1, 2016}} DirecTV Now launched on November 30, 2016, and was directly competing against Sling TV.{{cite web|url=http://www.multichannel.com/blog/bauminator/directv-now-coming-november/408638|title=DirecTV Now Coming in November|last=Baumgartner|first=Jeff|work=MultiChannel News|date=October 25, 2016|access-date=October 25, 2016}}{{Cite web |last=Singleton |first=Micah |date=2016-11-18 |title=DirecTV Now is holding a launch event on November 28th |url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/11/18/13676884/directv-now-launch-event-att-november-28th |access-date=2023-02-13 |website=The Verge |language=en-US}}

On October 20, 2016, it was reported that AT&T was in talks to acquire Time Warner, in an effort to increase its media holdings.{{cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-10-20/at-t-said-to-discuss-idea-of-takeover-in-time-warner-meetings|title=AT&T Discussed Idea of Takeover in Time Warner Meetings|last1=Hammond|first1=Ed|last2=Sherman|first2=Alex|last3=Moritz|first3=Scott|work=Bloomberg|date=October 20, 2016|access-date=October 20, 2016}}{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2016/10/20/report-t-considering-buying-time-warner/92475270/|title=Report: AT&T considering buying Time Warner|last=Yu|first=Roger|work=USA Today|date=October 20, 2016|access-date=October 20, 2016}}{{cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/at-t-is-in-advanced-talks-to-acquire-time-warner-1477061850|title=AT&T Is in Advanced Talks to Acquire Time Warner|last1=Hagey|first1=Keach|last2=Sharma|first2=Amol|last3=Cimilluca|first3=Dana|work=The Wall Street Journal|date=October 21, 2016|access-date=October 21, 2016}} On October 22, 2016, AT&T reached a deal to buy Time Warner for over $80 billion. The merger was approved by federal regulators, bringing DirecTV under the same umbrella as HBO, Cinemax, Turner Broadcasting System, Warner Bros., and Telepictures.{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2016/10/22/reports-t-agrees-buy-time-warner-more-than-80b/92589816/|title=AT&T agrees to buy Time Warner for more than $80B|last=Yu|first=Roger|work=USA Today|date=October 22, 2016|access-date=October 22, 2016}}{{cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/at-t-reaches-deal-to-buy-time-warner-for-more-than-80-billion-1477157084|title=AT&T Reaches Deal to Buy Time Warner for $86 Billion|last1=Gryta|first1=Thomas|last2=Hagey|first2=Keach|last3=Cimmiluca|first3=Dana|work=The Wall Street Journal|date=October 22, 2016|access-date=October 22, 2016}}

On July 30, 2019, DirecTV Now customers received notices saying the name of that service had been changed to AT&T TV Now,{{Cite web|last=James|first=Meg|date=2019-07-30|title=AT&T renames DirecTV streaming service AT&T TV Now|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2019-07-30/att-changes-name-directv-now-to-att-tv-now|access-date=2020-10-02|website=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US}} and AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson said DirecTV will continue to operate even after the launch of AT&T TV.{{Cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2019/07/att-kills-directv-now-brand-name-as-tv-subscribers-leave-in-droves/|title=AT&T kills DirecTV Now brand name as TV subscribers leave in droves|first=Jon|last=Brodkin|date=July 30, 2019|website=Ars Technica}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.fiercevideo.com/video/at-t-changes-directv-now-to-at-t-tv-now|title=AT&T changes DirecTV Now to AT&T TV Now|website=FierceVideo|date=July 30, 2019 }}

On February 25, 2021, AT&T announced that it would spin-off DirecTV, U-Verse TV, and AT&T TV into a separate entity, selling a 30% stake to TPG Inc., while retaining a 70% stake in the new standalone company. The deal closed on August 2, 2021.

DirecTV Stream, which offers Live TV and On Demand content, launched in August 2021.{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/8/19/22633094/att-tv-directv-stream-august-26|title=AT&T TV will officially become DirecTV Stream next week|website=Verge|date=August 19, 2021|author=Catie Keck|access-date=September 27, 2023}} Soon after, DirecTV's “Get Your TV Together” ad campaign launched, which featured Serena Williams and cast members of The Real Housewives alongside NFL players.{{cite web|url=https://www.marketingdive.com/news/campaign-trail-directv-nfl-football-real-housewives-fandom/631288/|title=Campaign Trail: DirecTV tackles football, 'Real Housewives' fandoms|website=Marketing Dive|date=September 9, 2022|author=Chris Kelly|access-date=November 22, 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://adage.com/creativity/work/serena-williams-wonder-woman-directv-stream-ad/2361186|title=Serena Williams Is Wonder WOman in First Campaign for DirecTV Stream|website=Ad Age|date=August 27, 2021|author=Ann-Christine Diaz|access-date=November 22, 2023}}

In January 2022, the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission announced that DirecTV would serve as Presenting Sponsor of The Chairman's Party, a Super Bowl after-party inside SoFi Stadium.{{cite web|url=https://www.lasec.net/directv-to-present-the-chairmans-party-at-sofi-stadium-with-special-performance-by-8-time-grammy-winner-usher-on-the-bet-stage/|title=DirecTV To Present The Chairman's Party At Sofi Stadium, With Special Performance By 8-Time Grammy Winner Usher, On The BET Stage|website=Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission|date=January 27, 2022|access-date=November 22, 2023}}

DirecTV completed its national rollout of local PBS member stations in February 2022. Nearly 250 local PBS stations in 198 Nielsen DMAs were added that reach 99% of all U.S. TV homes.{{cite web|url=https://www.pbs.org/about/about-pbs/blogs/news/directv-stream-completes-nationwide-rollout-of-nearly-250-local-pbs-stations/|title=DirecTV Stream Completes Nationwide Rollout of Nearly 250 Local PBS Stations|website=PBS|date=February 16, 2022|access-date=September 27, 2023}}

In February 2023, DirecTV presented and sponsored the third annual American Cornhole League (ACL) Pro Shootout Series, where Tyler Lockett represented DirecTV.{{cite web|url=https://www.fieldgulls.com/2023/2/8/23591253/tyler-lockett-american-cornhole-league-superhole-charity-event-seahawks-news|title=Tyler Lockett to compete in American Cornhole League 'SuperHole' charity tournament|website=Field Gulls|date=February 8, 2023|author=Mookie Alexander|access-date=November 22, 2023}}

In April 2023, DirecTV launched a brand campaign, “Overly Direct Spokesperson,” that stars Brian Cox; this is part of its new brand strategy platform, “Entertainment Without Compromise”.{{cite web|url=https://www.marketingdive.com/news/directv-brian-cox-overly-direct-spokesperson-succession-campaign/647036/|title=DirecTV succeeds with Brian Cox as 'Overly Direct Spokesperson'|website=Marketing Dive|date=April 7, 2023|author=Chris Kelly|access-date=September 27, 2023}}

On September 30, 2024, AT&T announced that they would sell their remaining 70% stake to TPG Inc. for $7.6 billion. Once the transaction is completed, TPG Inc. will have 100% ownership of DirecTV, splitting the company off from AT&T for the first time since 2015. AT&T and TPG Inc. expect the sale to close in the second quarter of 2025.

On September 30, 2024, DirecTV also announced plans to acquire rival Dish Network from EchoStar with the intent to support the Dish brand for the foreseeable future;{{Cite web |last=Reilly |first=Jordan Valinsky, Ramishah Maruf, Liam |date=September 30, 2024 |title=DirecTV agrees to buy Dish for $1 |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/09/30/media/directv-dish-network-merger/ |website=CNN}}{{Cite web |last1=Chapman |first1=Michelle |last2=Grantham-Philips |first2=Wyatte |date=September 30, 2024 |title=Satellite service DirecTV buys rival Dish as it fights the onslaught of streaming services |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/att-exits-showbiz-sells-remaining-stake-directv-private-114343562 |access-date=2024-09-30 |website=ABC News |language=en}} however, DirecTV abandoned the deal due to opposition from EchoStar bondholders.{{Cite magazine |last1=Szalai |first1=Georg |last2=Werpin |first2=Alex |date=November 21, 2024 |title=DirecTV Abandons Deal to Acquire Dish Amid Bondholder Opposition |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/directv-echostar-deal-abandoned-dish-sling-tv-bondholder-opposition-1236066400/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241122043619/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/directv-echostar-deal-abandoned-dish-sling-tv-bondholder-opposition-1236066400/ |archive-date=November 22, 2024 |access-date=November 21, 2024 |magazine=The Hollywood Reporter}}

DirecTV MySports, a streaming sports bundle, officially launched in January 2025; the new Genre Pack offers 40 live channels and ESPN+ that do not require a satellite TV subscription. It secured rights to channels owned by the former partners in Venu Sports and Comcast’s NBCUniversal, plus the broadcast rights to the major US sports leagues such as the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB as well as major collegiate conferences. Other national sports channels available through DirecTV MySports include: ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, Fox Sports 1, Fox Sports 2, Golf Channel, SEC Network, TBS, TNT, TruTV, and USA Network.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/directv-mysports-streaming-price-availability-1236273358/|title=DirecTV Launches ‘MySports’ Streaming Package With 40 Channels, Priced Less Than Its Cheapest Pay-TV Plan|website=Variety|date=January 14, 2025|author=Todd Spangler|access-date=June 14, 2025}}

In February 2025, DirecTV launched additional Genre Packs, a live TV streaming subscription where users can select from multiple programming options based on the types of content consumers prefer. As of April 2025, there are four Genre Pack options available: MyEntertainment, MyNews, MySports and MiEspañol. Consumers of any Genre Pack also gain access to 100+ channels available through MyFree DirecTV.{{cite web|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/streaming/directv-stream-genre-packages|title=DirecTV Stream launches new genre packs: Prices, channels, and more|website=Business Insider|date=March 18, 2025|author=Lillian Brown|access-date=June 14, 2025}}

In March 2025, DirecTV announced the launch of MyHome Team including RSNs. MyHome Team is available to MySports customers and features locally available live sports and in-market games from 37 professional franchises in the U.S. including 12 MLB teams, 15 NBA teams and 10 NHL teams.{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/bradadgate/2025/03/13/directv-debuts-myhome-team-with-local-sports-from-rsns/|title=DirecTV Debuts MyHome Team With Local Sports From RSN’s|website=Forbes|date=March 13, 2025|author=Brad Adgate|access-date=June 14, 2025}}

Hughes Electronics.svg|1985-1990

1990 Directv logo.svg|1990-1993

DirecTV 1993.svg|1993-2004 (United States), 1997-2000 (Japan), 1996-2004 (Brazil & Latin America), 199?-present (satellite dishes)

2004 Directv logo.svg|2005-2011 (United States & Latin America), 2005-2006 (Brazil), 20??-present (satellite dishes)

SKY+DIRECTV logo.svg|2006-2007 (as SKY+DirecTV, Brazil only)

2011 Directv logo.svg|2011-2012 (United States), 2011-2018 (Latin America)

2012 DirecTV logo.svg|2012-2015

Logo-directv.svg|2015-2016

DirecTV 2016.svg|2016-2021

DirecTV Latin America logo.svg|2018-present (Latin America)

DIRECTV 2021 logo.svg|2021-present

File:DIRECTV Cares Logo.png

On November 11, 1997, DirecTV signed a two-year deal with Action Adventure Network to offer original series and telefilms for pay-per-view viewing, with the intent to expand.{{Cite web|last=Littleton|first=Cynthia|date=1997-11-12|title=DirecTV commits: originals in|url=https://variety.com/1997/tv/news/directv-commits-originals-in-1108/|access-date=2021-12-06|website=Variety|language=en-US}}

In 2000, DirecTV introduced the first live in-flight television service for airlines; the system was first used by JetBlue and defunct startup carrier Legend Airlines.{{cite magazine |last=Goetzl |first=David |date=1 May 2000 |title=Airlines and Airwaves |magazine=Advertising Age |location=New York City |volume=71 |issue=19 |pages=18–20 }}

Since 2022, DIRECTV has partnered with Ronald McDonald House Charities and its network of local chapters.{{cite web|url=https://rmhc.org/about-us/our-partners|title=Our Partners|website=Ronald McDonald House|access-date=November 22, 2023}} DirecTV has also partnered with the Hispanic Federation, Kids in the Spotlight, the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission, and the Plus Me Project.{{cite web|url=https://www.lasec.net/directv-makes-long-term-commitment-to-support-championla/|title=DirecTV Makes Long-Term Commitment To Support ChampionLA|website=Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission|date=January 13, 2022|access-date=November 22, 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://www.kitsinc.org/post/kits-receives-directvxchampionla-award-at-the-chairman-s-party-in-lead-up-to-super-bowl-lvi|title=KITS Receives DirecTVxChampionLA Award at The Chairman's Party in Lead Up to Super Bowl LVI|website=Kids in the Spotlight|date=February 15, 2022|access-date=November 22, 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://www.hispanicfederation.org/our_funders/our_funders/|title=Our Funders|website=Hispanic Federation|access-date=November 22, 2023}}

Yahoo and DirecTV announced an advertising deal in June 2022; under this partnership, Yahoo's omnichannel demand-side platform provided advertisers access to DirecTV's programmatic inventory on linear addressable and connected TV platforms while DirecTV gained access to Yahoo's supply-side platform, making its streaming inventory available across the Yahoo Exchange.{{cite web|url=https://www.thedrum.com/news/2022/06/20/directv-yahoo-adtech-partnership-addresses-fragmented-digital-video-landscape|title=DirecTV-Yahoo adtech partnership addresses fragmented digital video landscape|website=The Drum|date=June 20, 2022|author=John Glenday |access-date=September 27, 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/378803/yahoo-directv-advertising-expand-deal-to-include.html|title=Yahoo, DirecTV Advertising Expand Deal To Include STB Data|website=Digital News Daily|date=October 17, 2022|author=Karlene Lukovitz|access-date=September 27, 2023}}

In August 2022, DIRECTV and Amazon Prime announced a multi-year agreement for airing NFL Thursday Night Football games in over 300,000 venues. Amazon Prime holds exclusive rights to TNF games for 12 seasons beginning in 2022.{{cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2022/08/23/amazon-signs-deal-with-directv-to-air-thursday-night-football-games-in-bars.html|title=Amazon Prime signs deal with DirecTV to air 'Thursday Night Football' games in bars, restaurants|website=CNBC|date=August 23, 2022|author=Lilliam Rizzo|access-date=September 27, 2023}} DirecTV is also the national provider of MLS Season Pass, a new subscription service from Apple and Major League Soccer, to commercial establishments such as bars, lounges and restaurants. The offering is known as DirecTV for Business.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/directv-tmajor-league-soccer-apple-1235525189/|title=DirecTV To Provide Major League Soccer Games to Bars, Hotels for 2023 Season|website=Variety|date=February 16, 2023|author=Brian Steinberg|access-date=September 27, 2023}}

Yahoo expanded its partnership with DirecTV advertising to include set-top box data in October 2022.{{cite web|url=https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/378803/yahoo-directv-advertising-expand-deal-to-include.html|title=Yahoo, DirecTV Advertising Expand Deal To Include STB Data|website=Digital News Daily|date=October 17, 2022|author=Karlene Lukovitz|access-date=November 22, 2023}}

In June 2023, Southwest Airlines and DirecTV partnered together to support RMHC by providing meals for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House in Dallas, Texas.{{cite web|url=https://www.swamedia.com/southwest-stories/southwest-airlines-directv-partner-together-to-serve-ronald-mcdonald-house-chari-MCXZPIXIUEDBHCZB2SNKZP3DPF3I|title=Southwest Airlines & DirecTV Partner Together to Serve Ronald McDonald House Charities|website=Southwest Airlines|date=June 2, 2023|access-date=November 22, 2023}} The same month, DirecTV announced a multi-year renewal of its affiliation agreement with NFL Media that will extend its existing carriage of NFL Network on DirecTV and will add distribution via DirecTV Stream and U-verse.{{cite web|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/directv-announces-renewal-expansion-of-carriage-agreement-with-nfl-media|title=DirecTV announces renewal, expansion of carriage agreement with NFL Media|website=NFL|date=June 27, 2023|access-date=November 22, 2023}}

In August 2023, Big Ten Network and Big Ten Conference announced a multi-year sponsorship agreement with DirecTV.{{cite web|url=https://btn.com/2023/08/29/directv-and-big-ten-conference-announce-landmark-sponsorship/#:~:text=BTN%20Communications%2C%20August%2029%2C%202023,most%20storied%20collegiate%20athletic%20conference.|title=DirecTV and Big Ten Conference Announce Landmark Sponsorship|website=BTN|date=August 29, 2023|access-date=September 27, 2023}} DirecTV became the exclusive provider of NFL Sunday Ticket across Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands in September 2023.{{cite web|url=https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2023/09/08/nfl-sunday-ticket-puerto-rico-virgin-islands-directv.aspx|title=DirecTV to offer 'Sunday Ticket' in P.R., USVI|website=Sports Business Journal|date=September 8, 2023|author=John Ourand|access-date=September 27, 2023}} DirecTV sponsored the US Baseball Team in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.{{cite web|url=https://www.usabaseball.com/news/topic/professional/directv-is-sponsoring-team-usa-in-the-2023-world-baseball-classic|title=DirecTV Is Sponsoring Team USA in the 2023 World Baseball Classic|website=USA Baseball|date=March 10, 2023|access-date=November 22, 2023}}

In January 2025, it was announced that the MLS Season Pass would be available to DirecTV residential streaming customers via a partnership with Apple TV.{{cite web|url=https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2025/01/29/mls-season-pass-apple-tv-xfinity-directv/|title=MLS, Apple make Season Pass available through Xfinity, DirecTV|website=Sports Business Journal|date=January 29, 2025|author=Alex Silverman|access-date=June 14, 2025}}

{{main|DirecTV satellite fleet}}

{{As of|2020|02}}, DirecTV manages a fleet of 12 satellites in geostationary orbit at positions ranging from 95°W to 119°W, ensuring strong coverage of the North American continent.

File:Gemini GP.jpg

File:HR54 GP.jpg

DirecTV's initial service offering was characterized by the delivery of all-digital standard definition national channels to locations in the lower 48 states. This allowed households without available cable television service to receive national channels. In these early years, receivers were manufactured with brands including RCA and GE (Thomson of France) and Sony Electronics.{{cite web|publisher=DirecTV|url=http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global/contentPage.jsp?assetId=P4900010|title=DirecTV and TiVo to Launch New HD DirecTV DVR with TiVo Service|date=September 3, 2008|access-date=September 4, 2008}} When DirecTV launched a few High Definition channels in the late 1990s, other CE manufacturers joined in with HD capable receivers under their own brands which helped promote sales of their early generation HD television products. These additional company brands included Samsung Electronics, Philips, Panasonic, Mitsubishi Electronics, and Toshiba. Features that were innovative at the time included: a fully interactive program guide, parental controls (i.e. allowed parents to passcode protect channels having R-rated content), and pay-per-view (allowing rentals via remote control instead of having to call DirecTV for authorization). The initial generation of antennas was 18-inch diameter (46 cm) with a single feed (consisting of a feedhorn and LNB electronics) that could downlink digital television signals from DirecTV's satellites at the 101 degrees West geostationary orbital position.{{cite web|url=https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-45704A1.txt|title=Mitre Technical Report|website=FCC|date=April 2001|access-date=October 12, 2023}}

DirecTV receiver modifications accommodated local channels, including multi-orbital slot reception and an improved electronic program guide featuring TV listings up to two weeks. The first locals-era DirecTV outdoor antenna was a follow-up generation with a 18x24-inch diameter (46x61 cm) elliptical reflector and three feeds that additionally allowed “multi-sat” reception from DIRECTV satellites at the 119W and 110W positions.

DirecTV launched new network components dedicated to HD channels. The new network components allowed DirecTV to address challenges with customers experiencing different user interfaces depending on the brand of DirecTV receiver they used, by specifying a “common user experience.” DirecTV's designs were built with companies including Pace Micro Technology of Britain, LG of South Korea (which had manufactured boxes under the LG and Zenith Electronics names), Thomson, GE (under license), and ProScan.

DirecTV's initial satellites used Ku band frequencies. With the launch of new satellites utilizing Ku band frequencies, DirecTV increased its available signal bandwidth more than six-fold to meet the requirements of the higher resolution HD television pictures. DirecTV also maintained its original fleet of satellites in operation at 101W, 110W and 119W longitudes and simulcasted the SD and HD versions of channels once made available. These new DirecTV HD channels required an H20/HR20 or later model set top box capable of supporting the MPEG-4 standard for HD programming. These models also introduced HDMI support for HDTVs with an HDMI port.

A new “Slimline” outdoor antenna design was introduced, capable of receiving both the Ka Band satellites located at 99W and 103W longitude as well for a total of 5 LNBs. Over time, DirecTV has consolidated HD programming onto solely the 99W, 101W and 103W slots allowing for the use of a Slimline antenna having 3 LNBs instead of 5.

Video On-Demand (VOD) features were enabled, allowing a viewer to “start over” a program, “look back” at a program that had recently aired, watch prior episodes that weren't presently aired, and see advertising according to that viewer's characteristics. “Whole-home” viewing allowed viewers to access and view their DVR recordings from any room in the house, not just the room where the DVR receiver was located.

In 2012, DirecTV launched its “Genie” family of receiver models, consisting of a “Genie” home server and “mini Genie” devices. Having 5 satellite tuners, the Genie offered live viewing of up to four channels while simultaneously recording a program on a fifth channel. Up to eight mini-Genies could be installed in a home, however simultaneous live viewing was possible on any four of the devices (including the Genie itself).{{cite web|url=http://forums.solidsignal.com/showthread.php/3860-Solid-Signal-goes-quot-Hands-On-quot-with-the-new-HR44-Genie-DVR |title=Solid Signal goes "Hands On" with the new HR44 Genie DVR – The Solid Signal Blog |date=January 18, 2013 |publisher=Forums.solidsignal.com |access-date=2016-01-07}}{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2012-10-11-directv-genie-dvr-and-interface-launch-with-advice-for-indecisive.html|title=DirecTV Genie DVR and interface launch with advice for the indecisive|website=Engadget|date=July 19, 2019|author=Jon Fingas|access-date=October 12, 2023}}

In addition, DirecTV integrated WiFi wireless home networking to connect set-top boxes to broadband services. DirecTV incorporated RVU remote user interface technology, allowing a single DirecTV receiver to transmit both video/audio and user screen direction to compatible television sets.{{cite web|url=https://rvuproject.org/history-rvu|title=History of RVU|website=RVU|access-date=October 12, 2023}} DirecTV also developed capabilities to “download and go” DVR recordings (“GenieGo”) and to stream recordings to devices while out of home.

File:DirectTV service van Ypsilanti Township, Michigan.JPG. DirecTV equipment is installed and maintained by private contractors such as Multiband, as shown here. In most areas of the United States, installation, upgrades, and service are performed by DirecTV Home Services, a division of DirecTV corporate.]]

DirecTV introduced limited 4K UltraHD and High Dynamic Range broadcasts. The first nationwide 4K UltraHD broadcasts were made available by DirecTV, and DirecTV offered large sporting events in the format as well as PPV movie rentals and 4K channels. The 4K capable DirecTV miniGenie client (model C61K-700) also became available.

A “Genie 2” device, HS17, was introduced in 2017 that added more satellite tuners and integrated the WVB functionality.{{cite web|url=https://manuals.plus/directv/directv-genie-2-product-manual#google_vignette|title=DirecTV Genie 2 Product Manual|website=Manuals Plus|date=March 20, 2021|access-date=October 12, 2023}}

DirecTV began delivering broadband-only services requiring no DirecTV branded equipment whatsoever. Under its new owner AT&T, mobile-device-only television packages were developed (i.e. WatchTV). Model C71KW became available in 2019 to customers of over-the-top (OTT) streaming service.{{cite web|url=https://www.att.com/ecms/dam/att/consumer/support/landingpage/userguides/pdf/ATT-TV-Device-Remote-Control-Manual.pdf|title=User Manual|website=AT&T|access-date=October 12, 2023}}

In 2023, DirecTV released Gemini, a set-top box based on Android TV hardware; it is distributed in two versions, with one relying solely on OTT services, and a second designed to also function as a client for the Genie system. It is designed to aggregate live TV and OTT content in a singular interface.{{Cite web |title='Gemini' is DirecTV's super aggregation box |url=https://www.lightreading.com/business-management/-gemini-is-directv-s-super-aggregation-box |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=www.lightreading.com |language=en}}

Gemini Air, a compact pendant and integrated voice remote that provides access to 4k content streaming, was released in August 2023.{{cite web|url=https://tech.yahoo.com/streaming/articles/directv-just-launched-gemini-air-205529417.html|title=DirecTV just launched the Gemini Air—its new device for 4K content streaming|website=Yahoo Tech|date=August 7, 2023|author=Jada Kennzie|access-date=June 14, 2025}}

DirecTV transmits programming with encryption to mitigate signal piracy. The receiver (also known as an IRD, or "integrated receiver-decoder") utilizes ISO/IEC 7816 smart cards which tell the receiver how to decrypt the programming for viewing. In a continuing effort to combat piracy, an access card generation is created approximately every two years, superseding the old set. DirecTV is now utilizing the fifth generation of access cards.

• P1, also known as F cards, were used until 1997. F cards have a picture of a satellite and the DSS logo on the front.
• P2, also known as H cards, were introduced in 1996 and eventually replaced F cards. H cards look the same as F cards. H cards were in use until 2002.
• P3, also known as HU cards, were introduced in 1999 and were used until April 2004. HU cards have a picture of a football player, a basketball, a clapperboard, and a film canister on the front. HU cards originally shipped with receivers with serial numbers above 0001 700 000. These were removed from circulation because piracy plagued the system.
• P4 cards were introduced in 2002 and are currently still in use. P4 cards are labeled "Access Card: 4."
• D1 cards were introduced in 2004 following compatibility problems with the P4 cards in some receivers. These cards can be identified by the silver edges, and simply bear the word "DirecTV" on the front (no number). Usually found on DirecTV TiVo Series 2 DVRs (DirecTiVos), the D10 and H10 series receivers.
• D2/P12 cards were introduced in 2005. D2 cards can be identified by a two-toned blue dot pattern resembling the DirecTV logo in addition to the DirecTV logo and the words "DirecTV Access Card," while the P12 card has a picture of a satellite on the front. The P12 card is the only card that will work with R15, H20, and HR20 series receivers.
• O cards are the current "standard issue" card. They can be identified with the words "Now part of the AT&T family."

DirecTV has battled with an active signal piracy underground for many years. One infamous event that temporarily hampered pirates was known as 'Black Sunday', which took place one week before Super Bowl Sunday in 2001. Hackers saw a string of software updates starting in late 2000 which each contained a few innocuous bytes. However, when the innocuous bytes from all those updates were combined, they became code that searched for and destroyed 98% of hacked smart cards and then wrote the text "GAME OVER" to the first 8 bytes of the hacked cards memory. Hacks continued after that event.{{cite web|last=Poulsen|first=Kevin|url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2001/01/25/directv_attacks_hacked_smart_cards/|title=DirecTV attacks hacked smart cards|publisher=Theregister.co.uk|date=2001-01-25|access-date=2012-08-26}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/politics/security/news/2008/05/tarnovsky?currentPage=all |magazine=Wired|title=From the Eye of a Legal Storm, Murdoch's Satellite-TV Hacker Tells All|date=May 30, 2008}}{{cite web |last=Atwood |first=Jeff |url=http://www.codinghorror.com/blog/2008/05/revisiting-the-black-sunday-hack.html|title=Revisiting the Black Sunday Hack|publisher=Coding Horror|date=2008-05-31|access-date=2012-08-26}}

{{cite news |last=Huffstutter |first=P.J. |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-jan-27-mn-17728-story.html |title=Satellite Blows TV Pirates Right Off the Tube |newspaper=LA Times|date=2001-01-27|access-date=2024-01-04}}

File:DirecTV 5 LNB Slimline 2012 06 08.jpg]]

File:Directv 5lnb dish.jpg]]

File:DirecTV Dish Antenna HD.jpg, used only in Latin America and the Caribbean]]

Like its competitors, DirecTV offers high-definition television (HDTV) and interactive services.

To handle the proliferation of bandwidth-intensive HDTV broadcasting, DirecTV rebroadcasts local HDTV stations using the H.264/MPEG-4 AVC codec while employing a newer transmission protocol (DVB-S2) over the newer satellites. This allows the service to transmit high-definition television faster over satellite signal than was previously feasible using the older MPEG-2 compression and DSS protocol.

Receiving channels encoded in MPEG-4 requires newer receivers, such as the H20 as well as the 5-LNB K_a/K_u dish. Contracts such as Pace Micro Technology, LG Electronics and Thomson have manufactured MPEG-4 receivers for the company. Pace developed the DirecTV Plus HD DVR (Model HR20-700, and HR21-700), LG Electronics the Model H20-600 receiver, and Thomson the Model H20-100 and HR20-100 DVR receivers.

DirecTV has admitted to software issues with some of the H20 receivers and HR20 DVRs, which have been plagued with problems since they were released in mid-2006.

In November 2014, DirecTV became the first television provider to begin offering 4K ultra-high definition content. On launch, 4K content was limited to renting a small library of on-demand films, downloaded to the subscriber's Genie DVR (some 4K content can also be pre-loaded automatically to the set-top box via the Genie Recommends feature). The 4K service could also only be used on "DirecTV 4K Ready" televisions, which support RVU protocol; this was limited to selected Samsung 4K televisions released in 2014.{{cite web|title=DirecTV launches 4K exclusive to Samsung TVs|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/directv-launches-4k-exclusively-to-samsung-tvs/|website=CNET|access-date=15 April 2016}}

In 2015, DirecTV introduced 4K Genie Mini set-top boxes, which can be connected to any HDMI 2.0/HDCP 2.2-compliant devices to provide 4K video.{{cite news|title=DirecTV solves its 4K TV compatibility problem with new Genie Mini set-top boxes|url=http://www.techhive.com/article/2973627/video-players/directv-solves-its-4k-tv-compatibility-problem-with-new-genie-mini-set-top-boxes.html|website=TechHive|publisher=IDG|access-date=15 April 2016}}

In April 2016, DirecTV began live sports broadcasts in 4K to eligible subscribers, including coverage from the 2016 Masters Tournament,{{cite web|title=DirecTV's first live 4K show is the Masters golf tournament|url=https://www.engadget.com/2016/03/09/directv-first-live-4k-show/|website=Engadget|date=March 9, 2016 |access-date=12 March 2016}}{{cite web|title=The Masters in 4K: DirecTV, CBS Sports Tee Up First Live 4K UHD Broadcast in U.S.|url=http://www.sportsvideo.org/2016/03/09/directv-tees-up-first-live-4k-production-at-the-masters/|website=Sports Video Group|date=March 9, 2016 |access-date=12 March 2016}} 25 MLB Network Showcase baseball games in the 2016 season (subject to local blackout restrictions) beginning April 15, 2016,{{cite web|title=DirecTV to Carry MLB Network Games in 4K Ultra HD|url=https://variety.com/2016/digital/news/directv-mlb-4k-ultra-hd-1201751249/|website=Variety|date=April 12, 2016 |access-date=14 April 2016}} and all Notre Dame college football home games during the 2016 season.{{cite web|title=DirecTV To Offer Notre Dame Football Telecasts In 4K|url=http://www.multichannel.com/news/content/directv-offer-notre-dame-football-telecasts-4k/407605|website=Multichannel News|date=September 8, 2016 |access-date=12 September 2016}}

{{See also|Audience (TV network)}}File:JetBlue DIRECTV.jpg File:DTV-plane2.jpgDirecTV's exclusive general entertainment channel Audience Network broadcasts dozens of original and acquired programs. The channel ceased operations in 2020. Separately, DirecTV had its own exclusive 3DTV channel, n3D, that launched in 2010 and was shuttered in 2012.

DirecTV serves American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines.

DirecTV offers movie and special event programming through the DirecTV Cinema service; originally a pay-per-view service (with programs purchased either over the phone, or via remote if a phone line was connected to the DirecTV receiver), advances in technology have enabled DirecTV to expand the format into a video on demand service; access to this service requires an internet connection.

Starting with the launch of its bars and restaurants unit in the 1990s, DirecTV has become an alternative for commercial establishments to show sports games under license by streaming services. This provides a loophole in the streaming providers' terms of service that normally prohibit their use in commercial establishments where the business makes money. In addition, these establishments do not have to reconfigure their systems to accommodate a streaming-only platform.

Beginning in 2021, DirecTV for Business became an exclusive provider of ESPN+ for Business, which carries limited live sporting events that are otherwise streamed on an ESPN+ consumer account. This package is sold directly by Joe Hand Promotions.{{cite news |last1=Kohler |first1=Katie |title=Joe Hand Promotions Still Fighting After 50 Years Thanks To Added Punch From Streaming, Barstool, and Streaming |url=https://www.playpennsylvania.com/joe-hand-promotions-50-streaming-rough-rowdy/ |access-date=5 October 2022 |work=Play Pennsylvania |publisher=Catena Media |date=21 October 2021 |location=Feasterville, PA}} On August 23, 2022, Amazon and DirecTV for Business entered into a multi-year carriage agreement to broadcast Thursday Night Football only to business customers at no extra cost.{{cite web |title=DirecTV and Prime Video to Host Thursday Night Football |url=https://www.directv.com/insider/directv-and-prime-video-thursday-night-football/ |website=DirecTV Insider |date=23 August 2022}} In 2023, DirecTV for Business signed an exclusive deal with Apple TV+ to broadcast MLS Season Pass and Friday Night Baseball, which both packages include in-market and out of market teams from each respective league, to its business customers only.{{cite web |title=DirecTV for Business to make MLS season pass available to commercial locations in the U.S. |url=https://www.directv.com/insider/directv-for-business-and-mls-season-pass/ |website=DirecTV Insider |access-date=27 February 2024 |date=16 February 2023}}{{cite web |title=DirecTV for Business To Bring Apple TV+ 'Friday Night Baseball' Doubleheaders Exclusively To Commercial Locations Across The U.S. |url=https://www.directv.com/insider/directv-for-business-apple-mlb-partnership/ |website=DirecTV Insider |access-date=27 February 2024 |date=22 March 2023 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240227093722/https://www.directv.com/insider/directv-for-business-apple-mlb-partnership/ |archive-date= 27 February 2024 }} Later in 2023, it was also announced that DirecTV for Business would retain the rights to NFL Sunday Ticket for business customers only.{{cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/directv-will-keep-nfl-sunday-ticket-in-bars-restaurants-hotels/|title= DirecTV Will Keep NFL Sunday Ticket in Bars, Restaurants and Hotels

|website=CNET|date=May 25, 2023|author=Eli Blumenthal|access-date=September 27, 2023}}

In 2023, DirecTV for Business deployed its first satellite receiver, the H26K.{{cite web|url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/directv-business-deploys-first-ever-192918423.html|title=DirecTV for Business Deploys Its First Ever Commercial Use-Only Satellite Receiver|website=Yahoo Entertainment|date=August 31, 2023|author=Daniel Frankel|access-date=June 14, 2025}}

In July 2024, DirecTV for Business announced a new next-generation set-top box as part of its Advanced Entertainment Platform, which delivers a mix of live TV, app-based, and on-demand content.{{cite web|url=https://www.hotelmanagement.net/tech/directv-unveils-next-generation-advanced-entertainment-platform|title=DIRECTV unveils next-generation Advanced Entertainment Platform|website=Hotel Management|date=July 3, 2024|author=Esther Hertzfeld |access-date=June 14, 2025}}

Beginning in 2006, DirecTV began a series of commercials in which characters from popular movies and television shows break the fourth wall to tout the service's picture quality and the number of channels available in high definition. Instead of using CGI, the original actors normally reprise their roles on recreated sets, and resulting footage is mixed with the original scenes. The productions are recent and appeal to DirecTV's "male-oriented marketing message."Farhi, Paul. "[https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/06/AR2007080601540.html Scene 1, Double Take 2]" The Washington Post, August 7, 2007. These characters include Captain Kirk (William Shatner, Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country), Bill Harding (Bill Paxton, Twister), The Economics Teacher (Ben Stein, Ferris Bueller's Day Off), Dr. Emmett Brown (Christopher Lloyd, Back to the Future), Burton Guster (Dulé Hill, Psych), C.J. Parker (Pamela Anderson, Baywatch), Rick "Wild Thing" Vaughn (Charlie Sheen, Major League), Beyoncé (Upgrade U music video), Nadia (Shannon Elizabeth, American Pie), Turtle (Jerry Ferrara, Entourage), Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver, Aliens), Steve Freeling (Craig T. Nelson, Poltergeist), Annie Wilkes (Kathy Bates, Misery), Mini-Me (Verne Troyer, Austin Powers in Goldmember), The Girl in the Ferrari (Christie Brinkley, National Lampoon's Vacation), Daisy Duke (Jessica Simpson, The Dukes of Hazzard), T-1000 (Robert Patrick, Terminator 2: Judgment Day), Ann Darrow (Naomi Watts, King Kong), Hellboy (Ron Perlman, Hellboy), Richard Hayden (David Spade, Tommy Boy), The Black Eyed Peas ("Meet Me Halfway" music video), Christina Aguilera ("Keeps Gettin' Better" music video) and Honey Hornee (Kim Basinger, Wayne's World 2). Also in the series of commercials Don't be like this, Rob Lowe were Peyton Manning, Eli Manning, Tony Romo, Andrew Luck, Randy Moss and Archie Manning promoting NFL Sunday Ticket, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. promoting NASCAR Hot Pass. Cartoon characters have also been used in the ads, beginning with Scooby-Doo and the Mystery, Inc. gang. Recent commercials have also featured model Hannah Davis and a "talking" horse.

DirecTV during that time also ran a series of ads that take shots at cable television's service (or lack of service). Beginning in March 2010, they did a spoof of the classic game show To Tell The Truth with Alex Trebek hosting the show. The series of commercials both pays homage to the Goodson-Todman game show and take shots at both cable and DirecTV's archrival Dish Network, who later sued for false advertising. Another series of commercials, promoting the 2010 NFL Sunday Ticket package of all-football programming, featured neighbors committing uncivil acts to neighbors who watched the "wrong" football team. One spot had a woman leaving a snack platter for a neighbor on which the food spelled out "DIRT BAG"; another showed a dog trashing a neighbor's property; yet another showed an on-duty policeman knocking on a DirecTV customer's door, stunning him with a taser and leaving him passed out in his open doorway. In August 2011, Deion Sanders began appearing in DirecTV's ads for NFL Sunday Ticket, urging people to switch from cable. These ads originally claimed NFL Sunday Ticket is now "free" for new customers for one year with a subscription to their Premiere package and a two-year contract. In response, on August 4, 2011, Comcast sued DirecTV for false advertising.[http://www.multichannel.com/article/472011-Comcast_Looks_To_Sack_DirecTV_s_Sunday_Ticket_Campaign.php Comcast Looks To Sack DirecTV's Sunday Ticket Campaign] Multichannel News August 4, 2011 Comcast dropped the case on August 19, 2011, after DirecTV altered the ads to remove the word "free", changing it to "at no extra charge".[https://web.archive.org/web/20120621201232/http://www.multichannel.com/article/472609-Comcast_Drops_Suit_Against_DirecTV_Over_NFL_Sunday_Ticket_Ads.php Comcast Drops Suit Against DirecTV Over NFL Sunday Ticket Ads] Multichannel News August 20, 2011

File:DirecTV Blimp over Las Vegas.jpg 2015]]

The DirecTV blimp named "lefty" was launched in October 2007 at the MLB World Series in Boston and has been seen all over the United States since its inception. The blimp flies mainly over live sporting events but has also been seen at other entertainment and charitable venues. This second-generation A-170LS Video Lightsign Lightship features a state-of-the-art video screen that displays full-color video images day or night. This lightsign, the only one of its kind in the world, is used to display messaging and advertising for DirecTV. The blimp has been recently spotted on Twitter as followers track the journeys of the blimp from one event to another. The airship is owned and operated by The Lightship Group, an advertising company based in Orlando, Florida.{{cite web|url=http://www.lightships.com/tlgdirectv.php|title=Client Highlights >> DirecTV|publisher=Lightships|access-date=2012-02-13}}

DirecTV was awarded a J.D. Power award for residential cable and satellite TV customer satisfaction in 2007.[http://www.cable360.net/voice/DirecTV-Sweeps-J-D-Power-Survey_25138.html DirecTV Sweeps J.D. Power Survey] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716170431/http://www.cable360.net/voice/DirecTV-Sweeps-J-D-Power-Survey_25138.html |date=July 16, 2011 }} Cable360.net August 15, 2007

DirecTV's customer service is provided by many third-party owned call centers both inside and outside the United States. Most of the call centers are contracted to provide agents to answer customer phone calls regarding programming, billing, or technical questions.

{{As of|2012|November}}, DirecTV does not offer a 30-day grace period for those who wish to try the service. "If you do not fulfill your Programming Agreements, DirecTV may charge a pro-rated fee of up to $480."[http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global/contentPage.jsp?assetId=1100106 Agreements] DirecTV official site accessed November 4, 2012

In August 2008, The Boston Globe reported that DirecTV received 20,000 complaints in less than three years to the Better Business Bureau on DirecTV slipping in cancellation fees.{{cite web |url=https://www.boston.com/business/articles/2008/08/31/directv_says_its_cancellation_fee_is_fair_since_installation_is_free/ |title=DirecTV says its cancellation fee is fair since installation is free |website=The Boston Globe |date=August 31, 2008 |first1=Mitch |last1=Lipka |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090428103000/http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2008/08/31/directv_says_its_cancellation_fee_is_fair_since_installation_is_free |archive-date= Apr 28, 2009 }}

In August 2010, the BBB reported that it had received 39,000 complaints against DirecTV in the previous three years, and the BBB gave it an F (failing) grade. Many of the complaints concerned DirecTV's early termination fees, billing and service issues.{{cite web |url=http://www.bbb.org/us/post/directv-customer-service-fail-5588 |access-date=2013-03-20 |title=DirecTV Customer Service: Fail |website=U.S. BBB |first1=Greg |last1=Hudson |date=August 6, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130425234855/http://www.bbb.org/us/post/directv-customer-service-fail-5588 |archive-date=April 25, 2013 |df=mdy }}

• Sky PerfecTV! – sold to SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation
• DirecTV Latin America – renamed Vrio in 2018, sold to Grupo Werthein
• Sky Brasil – sold to Grupo Werthein
• Sky México – sold to AT&T Mexico (41.3%) and Televisa (58.7%)

• High-definition television in the United States
• Out-of-market sports package

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