Satellite : DIRECTV Launches PBS HD Locals

[evd]

On Wednesday, DIRECTV began launching local public TV stations in high-def format in markets across the country.

The HD launch of local public stations started in 14 markets and will continue to roll out to additional markets through the end of the year and in 2009, ahead of the nation's Feb. 17 digital TV transition, the company said.

Markets getting the local PBS HD feeds from DIRECTV are: Cedar Rapids-Waterloo-Iowa City-Dubuque, Iowa; Chicago; Davenport, Iowa-Rock Island-Moline, Ill.; Detroit; Houston; Los Angeles; Miami-Fort Lauderdale; Minneapolis-St. Paul; New York, Norfolk-Newport News, Va.; Phoenix; Portland, Ore.; Rochester, N.Y.; and Waco-Temple-Bryan, Texas.

The local public television HD launch follows a deal struck by DIRECTV, the Association of Public Television Stations and PBS. Under the agreement, DIRECTV will offer HD programming from local public stations in markets where it now provides local HD channels to customers.

DIRECTV said it offers local high-def programming in 115 markets, representing more than 87 percent of U.S. TV households.