DIRECTV to Launch World’s First Fully Integrated, Portable Satellite and TV System – DIRECTV Sat-Go
Going where no other television service provider has gone before, DIRECTV, the nation’s leading digital satellite television service, is introducing the world’s first fully-integrated, portable satellite and TV system – DIRECTV Sat-Go (Satellite-To-Go). This new product, created by DIRECTV and TV producer/writer, Rick Rosner, was unveiled today at the 2007 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
Scheduled to launch in spring 2007, DIRECTV Sat-Go will come in an easy-to-carry, briefcase-like design that includes a 17-inch LCD monitor with integrated DIRECTV Receiver, flat antenna and replaceable/rechargeable laptop-style battery. Once the DIRECTV Sat-Go unit is opened, its quick and simple setup makes it easy for customers to find line-of-sight with DIRECTV satellites and receive DIRECTV programming within minutes (provided the user is within range of the DIRECTV signal).
DIRECTV Sat-Go is specifically designed to be compact and highly portable for a variety of outdoor and indoor settings, including camping and hiking trips, RVing, tailgating, college dormitories, hospital rooms, hotels/motels, emergency response, and in-home as a second TV set.
“DIRECTV Sat-Go will revolutionize the way people stay connected to news and information no matter where they are in the United States,” said Eric Shanks, executive vice president, DIRECTV Entertainment. “Not only is this product a die-hard sports fan’s dream and an absolute essential for the ultimate tailgate party, but it will also provide an important value for emergency services who need to stay connected to up-to-the-minute news and information while they are stationed remotely.”
DIRECTV Sat-Go was conceived by television producer and first DIRECTV West Coast customer, Rick Rosner. Rosner, who was trying to find an alternative to bringing his DIRECTV Dish and Receiver with him while traveling to different location shoots across the country, teamed up with DIRECTV engineer, David Kuether, to develop the DIRECTV Sat-Go prototype.
“Lugging that equipment with me and trying to set it up in my hotel room was exhausting and I knew there had to be a better way to bring my DIRECTV service with me everywhere I went,” said Rosner, producer, Rosner Television. “DIRECTV Sat-Go is the answer that I, others in the industry, and many travelers have been searching for. It delivers everything my DIRECTV System at home gives me – the ultimate in TV viewing – in a portable and affordable travel system. Now I can take DIRECTV with me wherever I go and watch television in minutes.”
When not being used as a portable/travel unit, DIRECTV Sat-Go can also be utilized as a stand-alone, in-home DIRECTV Receiver and television. The LCD TV screen has a built-in DIRECTV Receiver, which can be separated from the DIRECTV Sat-Go antenna casing and connected to a customer’s existing DIRECTV Satellite Dish.
Current DIRECTV customers can mirror the authorized DIRECTV programming that they receive at home to their DIRECTV Sat-Go receivers for an additional $4.99 per month. DIRECTV Sat-Go customers will have access to DIRECTV’s programming lineup, including the premium sports subscription packages, such as NFL SUNDAY TICKET™ and MEGA MARCH MADNESS. For information on pricing for DIRECTV programming, please visit directv.com.
Key DIRECTV Sat-Go features include:
- Integrated 17-inch LCD monitor and satellite receiver with two speakers
- Compact and portable flat antenna and satellite receiver
- DIRECTV programming accessed through a platform based on DIRECTV’s D11 set top box
- Small profile IR remote
- Component and composite A/V inputs
- Composite A/V out
- Satellite in connection
- Phone Jack
- USB connection
- AC and DC capable (cigarette lighter adapter included)
- Rechargeable, replaceable, laptop-style battery
Winner of an honoree award for “Most Innovative Portable Audio-Video Award” of the 2007 International Consumer Electronics Show, DIRECTV Sat-Go will be available through DIRECTV.com and select retailers across the country. Pricing details for DIRECTV Sat-Go will be released at a later date.
About DIRECTV, Inc.
DIRECTV, Inc., the nation’s leading satellite television service provider, presents the finest television experience available to more than 15.6 million customers through exclusive content, industry-leading customer service (which has surpassed cable for six years running) and superior technologies. Each day, DIRECTV subscribers enjoy over 250 channels of 100% digital picture and sound; exclusive programming and the most comprehensive collection of sports programming available anywhere including NFL SUNDAY TICKET™, and MLB EXTRA INNINGS™. DIRECTV (NYSE:DTV) also leads the digital television technology revolution with exclusives such as NFL SUNDAY TICKET SuperFan™, US Open Interactive and YES Network Interactive and will soon have the capacity to offer over 150 channels in HD. For the most up-to-date information on the Company, please visit www.directv.com.
