Audio Video News

One of high definition TV's biggest draws will grow even more compelling thanks to a recent agreement between the National Football League and DirecTV, Inc.

On December 11, the partners announced a five-year agreement to extend and expand the direct broadcast satellite service's exclusive rights to carry "NFL Sunday Ticket," a subscription television package that delivers up to 14 games each week during the NFL season. The deal gives DirecTV exclusive satellite television rights to "NFL Sunday Ticket" through 2007 and exclusive multichannel television rights through 2005.

It also gives satellite subscribers the opportunity to enjoy what DirecTV called "exclusive enhanced technical innovations, including high definition game telecasts, viewer-selected cameras and replays, and other advanced digital technology."

"DirecTV and 'NFL Sunday Ticket' are a football lover's dream come true," said DirecTV chairman and CEO Eddy W. Hartenstein. "We are delighted to renew our long-standing partnership with the NFL. 'NFL Sunday Ticket' has been a significant programming differentiator for DirecTV, helping us build a loyal subscriber base. As we look ahead, we are excited to offer football fans nationwide compelling new programming services—including high definition and enhanced broadcasts— that they can't get elsewhere."

The agreement stipulates other fan-friendly features, including the launch next year of the NFL Channel, which will be the first year-round television programming service fully dedicated to the NFL and the sport of football. The NFL Channel will be available seven days a week, 24 hours a day.

"This agreement continues the NFL tradition of leadership in sports television technology by developing more opportunities for fans to experience high definition television and other new high-tech and interactive innovations, including a new year-round NFL Channel," said NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue. Broadcast satellite services were the first to see the potential of high definition TV, and the first to offer the new format to their customers. Professional sports are one of its most powerful market drivers.