DirecTV to launch Fox Soccer Channel in HD on August 11th

DIRECTV and its Television Partners Offer More World-Class Soccer Than Ever BeforeWorld's Most Popular Video Service Delivers More Than 320 Exclusive Live Matches; Fox Soccer Channel HD Launches Aug. 11

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Aug 10, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Soccer fans will be able to enjoy more soccer programming than ever before on DIRECTV this season. In addition to the ever increasing slate of games offered by its television partners, DIRECTV also will deliver exclusively to its customers more than 320 live matches, including up to 28 exclusive European matches a week from the world's top competitions beginning this month.

With DIRECTV scheduled to launch Fox Soccer Channel HD on Aug. 11, along with the addition of Fox Soccer Plus matches in HD and GolTV HD, soccer fans will be able to view an unprecedented number of matches in HD during the 2010-2011 season.

DIRECTV, Fox Soccer Channel, Fox Soccer Plus, Fox Sports Networks, and Fox Sports en Español/FOX Deportes will team to offer viewers every match from the UEFA Champions League beginning with the playoff round on Aug. 17 and continuing through the final match in May. Spanish first division, "La Liga" coverage will kick off Aug. 28, with at least 114 exclusive live matches, or a minimum of three each round, only on DIRECTV, in addition to those already broadcast by DIRECTV partners GolTV and ESPN. UEFA Europa League coverage with broadcasting partner GolTV will start with the group stage on Sept. 16 and continue through DIRECTV's exclusive 153-match coverage of the final on May 18, 2011.

Fans will be able to watch up to eight games from UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League simultaneously on DIRECTV's exclusive Soccer Mix Channel, in both HD and standard-definition. For more details and match schedules visit:http://www.directv.com/ soccer.

"As a leading distributor of 2010 FIFA World Cup(TM) coverage that included 25 games in 3D, we wanted to make sure soccer fans continued to have a fantastic viewing experience by offering the most comprehensive HD coverage of the major international league competitions," said Derek Chang, executive vice president, Content Strategy and Development for DIRECTV. "With the growing popularity of soccer in the U.S., and increasing demand for more soccer programming, DIRECTV, with its broadcast partners, including Fox Soccer Channel, Fox Soccer Plus, Fox Sports en Español/FOX Deportes, FSN, GolTV and ESPN, are in a great position to take advantage of this opportunity to engage these passionate fans."

The matches in each of the competitions carried exclusively by DIRECTV will be available on channels 480-489. The Soccer Mix Channel on channel 480 will provide a comprehensive view of each day's UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League coverage.

About DIRECTV

DIRECTV (NASDAQ: DTV) is the world's most popular video service delivering state-of-the-art technology, unmatched programming, the most comprehensive sports packages available and industry leading customer service to its more than 26.3 million customers in the U.S. and Latin America. In the U.S., DIRECTV offers its 18.7 million customers access to 160 HD channels and Dolby-Digital(R) 5.1 theater-quality sound (when available), access to exclusive sports programming such as NFL SUNDAY TICKET(TM), award winning technology like its DIRECTV(R) DVR Scheduler and higher customer satisfaction than the leading cable companies for nine years running. DIRECTV Latin America, through its subsidiaries and affiliated companies in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Venezuela, Colombia, and other Latin American countries, leads the pay-TV category in technology, programming and service, delivering an unrivaled digital television experience to 7.6 million customers. DIRECTV sports and entertainment properties include three Regional Sports Networks (Northwest, Rocky Mountain and Pittsburgh) as well as a 65 percent interest in Game Show Network. For the most up-to-date information on DIRECTV, please call 1-800-DIRECTV or visit directv.com.