DirecTV: Difference between revisions

| former_name = The DirecTV Group, Inc. (2005–20152004–2015)

| foundation = {{Start date and age|1994|06|17}} {{small|(as DirecTV)}}

| hq_location_country = [[United States]]

| subsid = {{hlist|[[U-verse TV]]<br>|[[DirecTV Stream]]}}

'''DirecTV''', (trademarked as '''DIRECTVLLC''') is an American [[Multichannel television in the United States|multichannel video programming distributor]] based in [[El Segundo, California|El Segundo]], [[California]]. Originally launched on June 17, 1994, its primary service is a digital [[Satellite television|satellite service]] serving the United States. It also provides traditional linear television service delivered by IP through its [[U-verse TV]] brand and a [[Multichannel television in the United States#Virtual MVPD, TV Everywhere, and over-the-top media services|Virtualvirtual MVPDmultichannel video programming distributor]] service through its [[DirecTV Stream]] brand.<ref name="AT&T Spinoff Press Release">{{cite web|url=https://about.att.com/story/2021/att_directv.html|title=AT&T & TPG Close DIRECTVDirecTV Transaction|date=August 2, 2021|access-date=December 29, 2021}}</ref> Its primary competitors are [[Dish Network]], traditional cable television providers, [[Multichannel television in the United States#Wireline and broadband|IP-based television services]], and other [[Over-the-top media service|over-the-top]] video services.

On February 25, 2021, AT&T announced that it would spin-off DirecTV, U-Verse TV, and DirecTV Stream 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.<ref name="Goldsmith">{{Cite web |last=Goldsmith |first=Jill |date=February 25, 2021 |title=WarnerMedia Parent AT&T Sells DirecTV Stake To Private Equity Firm TPG |url=https://deadline.com/2021/02/att-deal-directv-with-private-equity-firm-tpg-1234701305/ |website=Deadline}}</ref><ref name="Hayes">{{cite web|title=AT&T Completes DirecTV Spinoff; Satellite Operator Unites Its Internet-Delivered Bundles Under New Brand DirecTV Stream |url=https://deadline.com/2021/08/att-directv-spinoff-tpg-streaming-bundles-warnermedia-1234807615/ |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|first=Dade|last=Hayes|date=August 2, 2021}}</ref>

[[Hubbard Broadcasting|Stanley E. Hubbard]] founded [[United States Satellite Broadcasting]] (USSB)<ref>{{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}}</ref> and was a leading proponent for the development of direct-broadcast satellite service in the United States.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Stanley S. Hubbard|url=https://www.pavekmuseum.org/HubbardSS.htm|access-date=2020-10-23|website=www.pavekmuseum.org}}</ref> HHMI and other companies believed in the early 1990s that technology would soon make digital satellite television affordable.<ref name="bloomberg19950305">{{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}}</ref> HHMI created DIRECTVDirecTV as a separate division and secured an agreement with USSB to build and launch the first high-power direct-broadcast satellite system.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://articleswww.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-02-22/news/-mn-1704_1_cable1704-operatorstory.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 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=POLETTI|first=THERESE|title=NEWNew SATELLITESatellite TV SERVICEService OFFEREDOffered WITHWith 18-INCHInch DISHDish|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}}</ref>

The USSB and DirecTV programming services were launched on June 17, 1994.<ref>{{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=FEDERALFederal COMMUNICATIONSCommunications COMMISSIONCommission|date=January 13, 1995|access-date=November 22, 2023}}</ref>

On November 11, 1997, DIRECTVDirecTV signed a two-year deal with Action Adventure Network to offer original series and telefilms for pay-per-view viewing, for $2.99 with the intent to expand.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

[[File:DirecTV 1993.svg|thumb|200px|DirecTV logo used from 19931994 to 20042005]]

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 Network Systems|Hughes]], including GM's entire share of the company, for $6.6&nbsp;billion, subject to SEC approval.<ref name=newscorp>{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/3763546wbna3763546 |title=FCC OKs News Corp. purchase of DirecTV|newspaper=MSNBC|date=December 19, 2004}}</ref>

[[File:DirecTV logo (2004-2011).svg|thumb|210px|DirecTV logo 20042005 to 2011. The "D" symbol was used in some capacity from 1994 to 20162015.]]

InOn FebruaryJanuary 200431, 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, 20042005, and changing its ticker symbol from "HS" to "DTV".<ref>{{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 }}</ref> In April of that year, it sold its controlling interest in PanAmSat to a private consortium led by [[Kohlberg Kravis Roberts]] for $3.53&nbsp;billion.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://articleswww.latimes.com/2004archives/la-xpm-2004-apr/-21/business/-fi-panamsat21-story.html |title=DirecTV Agrees to Sale of PanAmSat Unit |newspaper=L.A. Times |date=April 24, 20042005 }}</ref> 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&nbsp;million in the transaction.<ref>{{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 }}</ref> In January 2006, DirecTV sold its remaining 50% share in Hughes Network Systems to SkyTerra for $100&nbsp;million.<ref>{{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 }}</ref>

In 2004, DIRECTV exited the Mexican market, even though it maintained 41% ownership of [[SKY México]].<ref name="DTV Q4/Y2006">{{cite web|title=The DIRECTVDirecTV Group Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2006 Results |url=http://investor.directv.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=286317 |publisher=DirecTV |access-date=2013-02-08 }}</ref> On November 15, 2005, DirecTV stopped carrying [[Music Choice]] audio-only channels, replacing it with 73 channels of [[XM Satellite Radio]]. In 2007, DIRECTV exited the Brazilian market, with the customers being migrated to the 74% DirecTV-owned Brazilian affiliate of [[SKY Brasil]].<ref name="DTV Q4/Y2006"/>

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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> The merger was completed on November 19, 2009, with The DirecTV Group and Liberty Entertainment becoming subsidiaries of a new company named DIRECTVDirecTV.<ref>{{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}}</ref> On June 16, 2010, Malone exchanged his [[preferred stock]] in DirecTV with equivalent amounts of [[common stock]], with Malone ending his managerial role at DIRECTVDirecTV.<ref>{{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/ }}</ref>

The case brought by Washington state was settled in December 2010, with DirecTV agreeing to pay over $1&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://atg.wa.gov/pressrelease.aspx?id=26982|title=Washington Attorney General's 1 million DIRECTVDirecTV settlement sends clear signal |publisher=Atg.wa.gov |date=December 14, 2010 |access-date=2013-01-16}}</ref> DirecTV subsequently settled a similar suit with the other 49 states and the District of Columbia for $13.25&nbsp;million.<ref>[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).</ref><ref>[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 DIRECTVDirecTV over Allegations of Deceptive Advertising], ''Gant Daily'' (December 15, 2010).</ref>

[[File:Full Directv logo.png|thumb|right|200px|DirecTV transitional logo following purchase by AT&T from July 24, until December 31, 2015]]

[[File:DirecTV logo new.svg|thumb|Logo used from January 1, 2016, to August 1, 2021]]

On May 18, 2014, [[AT&T]] announced that it would purchase DIRECTVDirecTV for approximately $67.1 billion.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref name="nyt-atatdirectv">{{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}}</ref> 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".<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref>

On December 2, 2015, DIRECTVDirecTV adopted a new logo, replacing its previous emblem with that of AT&T.<ref name="Farrell">{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref>

On March 1, 2016, AT&T announced plans for several DirecTV-branded [[over-the-top content|over-the-top]] services, including AT&T TV, DIRECTV Mobile, and DIRECTV Preview to be offered under one platform called [[DirecTV Stream|DIRECTV Stream]].<ref name="OTT1">{{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}}</ref><ref name="OTT2">{{cite web|url=http://www.legitreviews.com/att-allows-directv-video-services-internet-connection_179547|title=AT&T Allows DIRECTVDirecTV Video Services Over a Your Internet Connection|last=Kirsch|first=Nathan|work=Legit Reviews|date=March 1, 2016|access-date=March 1, 2016}}</ref><ref name="OTT3">{{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}}</ref> DIRECTVDirecTV Stream launched on November 30, 2016, and was directly competing against [[Sling TV]].<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref>

On July 13, 2017, it was reported that AT&T would introduce a cloud-based [[Digital video recorder|DVR]] streaming service as part of its effort to create a unified platform across DIRECTV and its DIRECTV Stream service.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2017/07/13/att-directv-now-next-gen/|title=AT&T's 'next-gen' TV platform rollout will start on DirecTV Now|last=Lawler|first=Richard|work=Engadget|date=July 13, 2017|access-date=July 13, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2017/07/att-offer-cloud-based-dvr-streaming-services-1202127918/|title=AT&T To Offer Cloud-Based DVR To Streaming Services|last=Lieberman|first=David|work=Deadline Hollywood|date=July 13, 2017|access-date=July 13, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fiercecablestreamtvinsider.com/cable/directv-now-to-finally-get-cloud-dvr-as-part-at-t-video-platform-rollout|title=DirecTV Now to finally get cloud DVR as part of AT&T video platform rollout|last=Frankel|first=Daniel|work=FierceStreamTV CableInsider|date=July 13, 2017|access-date=July 13, 2017}}</ref>

DIRECTVDirecTV Stream, which offers Live TV and On Demand content, launched in August 2021.<ref>{{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}}</ref> Soon after, DIRECTV’sDirecTV's “Get Your TV Together” ad campaign launched, which featured [[Serena Williams]] and cast members of [[The Real Housewives]] alongside NFL players.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://adage.com/creativity/work/serena-williams-wonder-woman-directv-stream-ad/2361186|title=SERENASerena WILLIAMSWilliams ISIs WONDERWonder WOMANWOman INin FIRSTFirst CAMPAIGNCampaign FORfor DIRECTVDirecTV STREAMStream|website=Ad Age|date=August 27, 2021|author=Ann-Christine Diaz|access-date=November 22, 2023}}</ref>

In January 2022, the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission announced that DIRECTVDirecTV would serve as Presenting Sponsor of ''The Chairman’sChairman's Party'', a [[Super Bowl]] after-party inside [[SoFi Stadium]].<ref>{{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=DIRECTVDirecTV 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}}</ref>

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

In February 2023, DIRECTVDirecTV presented and sponsored the third annual [[American Cornhole League]] (ACL) Pro Shootout Series, where [[Tyler Lockett]] represented DIRECTVDirecTV.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

[[File:DIRECTV Cares Logo.png|thumb|DIRECTVDirecTV Cares logo]]

Since 2022, DIRECTV has partnered with Ronald McDonald House Charities and its network of local chapters.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://rmhc.org/about-us/our-partners|title=Our Partners|website=Ronald McDonald House|access-date=November 22, 2023}}</ref> DIRECTVDirecTV has also partnered with the [[Hispanic Federation]], Kids in the Spotlight, the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission, and the Plus Me Project.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lasec.net/directv-makes-long-term-commitment-to-support-championla/|title=DIRECTVDirecTV Makes Long-Term Commitment To Support ChampionLA|website=Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment CommisssionCommission|date=January 13, 2022|access-date=November 22, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hispanicfederation.org/our_funders/our_funders/|title=Our Funders|website=Hispanic Federation|access-date=November 22, 2023}}</ref>

[[Yahoo!|Yahoo]] and DIRECTVDirecTV announced an advertising deal in June 2022; under this partnership, Yahoo’sYahoo's [[omnichannel]] [[demand-side platform]] provided advertisers access to DIRECTV’sDirecTV's programmatic inventory on linear addressable and connected TV platforms while DIRECTVDirecTV gained access to Yahoo’sYahoo's [[supply-side platform]], making its streaming inventory available across the Yahoo Exchange.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref>

In August 2022, DIRECTV and [[Amazon Prime]] announced a multi-year agreement for airing [[National Football League|NFL]] ''[[Thursday Night Football]]'' games in over 300,000 venues. Amazon Prime holds exclusive rights to TNF games for 12 seasons beginning in 2022.<ref>{{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}}</ref> DIRECTVDirecTV is also the national provider of MLS Season Pass, a new subscription service from [[Apple TV|Apple]] and [[Major League Soccer]], to commercial establishments such as bars, lounges and restaurants. The offering is known as ''DIRECTVDirecTV for Business''.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

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

In June 2023, [[Southwest Airlines]] and DIRECTVDirecTV partnered together to support RMHC by providing meals for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House in [[Dallas]], Texas.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://community.southwest.com/t5/Blog/Southwest-Airlines-amp-DIRECTV-Partner-Together-to-Serve-Ronald/ba-p/159453|title=Southwest Airlines & DIRECTVDirecTV Partner Together to Serve Ronald McDonald House Charities|website=Southwest Airlines|date=June 2, 2023|access-date=November 22, 2023}}</ref> The same month, DIRECTVDirecTV announced a multi-year renewal of its affiliation agreement with NFL Media that will extend its existing carriage of NFL Network on DIRECTVDirecTV and will add distribution via DIRECTVDirecTV Stream and U-verse.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/directv-announces-renewal-expansion-of-carriage-agreement-with-nfl-media|title=DIRECTVDirecTV announces renewal, expansion of carriage agreement with NFL Media|website=NFL|date=June 27, 2023|access-date=November 22, 2023}}</ref>

In August 2023, [[Big Ten Network]] and [[Big Ten Conference]] announced a multi-year sponsorship agreement with DIRECTVDirecTV.<ref>{{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=DIRECTVDirecTV ANDand BIGBig TENTen CONFERENCEConference ANNOUNCEAnnounce LANDMARKLandmark SPONSORSHIPSponsorship|website=BTN|date=August 29, 2023|access-date=September 27, 2023}}</ref>

DIRECTVDirecTV became the exclusive provider of NFL Sunday Ticket across [[Puerto Rico]] and the [[Virgin Islands|U.S. Virgin Islands]] in September 2023.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

DIRECTVDirecTV is sponsoring the [[United States national baseball team|US Baseball Team]] in the [[2023 World Baseball Classic]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usabaseball.com/news/topic/professional/directv-is-sponsoring-team-usa-in-the-2023-world-baseball-classic|title= DIRECTVDirecTV Is Sponsoring Team USA in the 2023 World Baseball Classic|website=USA Baseball|date=March 10, 2023|access-date=November 22, 2023}}</ref>

DIRECTV’sDirecTV'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 ([[Vantiva|Thomson]] of France) and [[Sony|Sony Electronics]].<ref name=DTV>{{cite web|publisher=DIRECTVDirecTV|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}}</ref> When DIRECTVDirecTV 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 Electric|Mitsubishi Electronics]], and [[Toshiba]].<ref name=DTV/> 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 DIRECTVDirecTV for authorization). The initial generation of antennas was 18-inch diameter (46&nbsp;cm) with a single feed (consisting of a feedhorn and LNB electronics) that could downlink digital television signals from DIRECTV’sDirecTV's satellites at the 101 degrees West geostationary orbital position.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-45704A1.txt|title=MITREMitre TECHNICALTechnical REPORTReport|website=FCC|date=April 2001|access-date=October 12, 2023}}</ref>

DIRECTVDirecTV 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 DIRECTVDirecTV 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.

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

DIRECTV’sDirecTV's initial satellites used Ku band frequencies. With the launch of new satellites utilizing [[Ku band]] frequencies, DIRECTVDirecTV increased its available signal bandwidth more than six-fold to meet the requirements of the higher resolution HD television pictures. DIRECTVDirecTV 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 DIRECTVDirecTV HD channels required an H20/HR20 or later model set top box (STB) 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, DIRECTVDirecTV 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’sviewer'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, DIRECTVDirecTV 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).<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref>

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

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

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

DIRECTVDirecTV began delivering broadband-only services requiring no DIRECTVDirecTV branded equipment whatsoever. Under its new owner AT&T, mobile-device-only television packages were developed (i.e. WatchTV). The DIRECTVDirecTV Stream device (model C71KW) became available in 2019 to customers of over-the-top (OTT) streaming service.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

In 2023, DIRECTVDirecTV released GEMINIGemini, combining mini-Genie capabilities with the same features developed for the DIRECTVDirecTV Streamstream device.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/reviewed/2023/07/27/directv-stream-gemini-air/70478696007/|title=DirecTV just launched the Gemini Air—its new device for 4K content streaming|website=USA Today|date=|author=Jada Kennzie|access-date=October 12, 2023}}</ref>

<ref>{{cite webnews |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 |publishernewspaper=LA Times|date=2001-01-27|access-date=2024-01-04}}</ref>

DirecTV has phased out its original [[TiVo]]-branded HD DVR, the HR10-250, which can only decode the older MPEG-2 signals. All DirecTV-delivered local HDTV stations (outside of the NYC and LA network stations) are encoded in MPEG-4. The HR10-250 cannot receive the MPEG-4 local HDTV stations in these markets but can still receive over-the-air [[ATSC Standards|ATSC]] broadcasts in these markets. After a multi-year hiatus, TiVo and DirecTV are developing a new TiVo-enabled HD DVR that will be able to receive/decode DirecTV's current MPEG-4 satellite signals. Originally slated for release in the second half of 2009, it is now available in select markets.<ref name="2011-12-08-tivo">{{cite web |url=http://www.tivo.com/products/source/satellite/tivo-directv/ |title=DIRECTVDirecTV TiVo – DIRECTVDirecTV DVR with TiVo service – TiVo |publisher=TiVo |date=December 8, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120125073343/http://www.tivo.com/products/source/satellite/tivo-directv/ |archive-date=January 25, 2012 |df=mdy }}</ref><ref name="2011-12-08-directv">{{cite web|title=HD DVR – Tivo® for DIRECTVDirecTV |url=http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/content/technology/tivo_receiver|publisher=DirecTV| date=December 8, 2011}}</ref>

With streaming providers such as [[ESPN+]] and, [[Amazon Prime Video]], and [[Apple TV+]] signing deals to exclusively stream selected sports events, DirecTV has become an alternative for commercial establishments, such as bars, restaurants and casinos, to show these games. This provides a loophole in the streaming providers' licensing terms that normally prohibit their commercial 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.<ref name="cnet"/>

Beginning in 2021, DirecTV became an exclusive provider of [[ESPN+ for Business]], which carries limited live sporting events that are otherwise streamed on aan ESPN+ consumer account. This package is sold directly by [[Joe Hand Sr.#Joe Hand Promotions|Joe Hand Promotions]].<ref>{{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}}</ref> On August 23, 2022, [[Amazon (company)|Amazon]] and DirecTV entered into a multi-year carriage agreement to broadcast ''[[Thursday Night Football]]'' only to business customers at no extra cost.<ref name="cnet">{{cite web |title=DIRECTVDirecTV ANDand PRIMEPrime VIDEOVideo TOto HOSTHost THURSDAYThursday NIGHTNight FOOTBALLFootball |url=https://www.directv.com/insider/directv-and-prime-video-thursday-night-football/ |website=DirecTV Insider |date=23 August 2022}}</ref> In 2023, DirecTV 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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 }}</ref> Later in 2023, it was also announced that DirecTV would retain exclusivethe rights to NFL Sunday Ticket for business customers only.<ref>{{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

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 [[computer-generated imagery|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."<ref name="farhi">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.</ref> These characters include [[James T. Kirk|Captain Kirk]] ([[William Shatner]], ''[[Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country]]''), Bill Harding ([[Bill Paxton]], ''[[Twister (1996 film)|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 (film)|Major League]]''), [[Beyoncé Knowles|Beyoncé]] ([[Upgrade U]] music video), Nadia ([[Shannon Elizabeth]], ''[[American Pie (film)|American Pie]]''), [[Turtle (Entourage)|Turtle]] ([[Jerry Ferrara]], ''[[Entourage (U.S.American TV series)|Entourage]]''), [[Ellen Ripley]] ([[Sigourney Weaver]], ''[[Aliens (film)|Aliens]]''), Steve Freeling ([[Craig T. Nelson]], ''[[Poltergeist (1982 film)|Poltergeist]]''), [[Annie Wilkes]] ([[Kathy Bates]], ''[[Misery (film)|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 (film)|The Dukes of Hazzard]]''), [[T-1000]] ([[Robert Patrick]], ''[[Terminator 2: Judgment Day]]''), Ann Darrow ([[Naomi Watts]], ''[[King Kong (2005 film)|King Kong]]''), [[Hellboy]] ([[Ron Perlman]], ''[[Hellboy (2004 film)|Hellboy]]''), Richard Hayden ([[David Spade]], ''[[Tommy Boy (film)|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 thisthe series of commercials [[Don't be like this me]], [[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 (model)|Hannah Davis]] and a "talking" horse.

DirecTV was awarded a [[J.D. Power award]] for residential cable and satellite TV customer satisfaction in 2007.<ref>[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</ref>

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.<ref>[{{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 }}</ref>

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.<ref name="DirecTV Customer Service: Fail">{{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 }}</ref>

* [[Sky México]] – nowsold part ofto [[AT&T Latin AmericaMexico]] (41.3%) and [[Televisa]] (58.7%)