Directv11
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DirecTV 11 starts broadcasting HD, simulcast of MPEG2 HD channels are live
Ever since DirecTV 10 went operational and started broadcasting MPEG-4 HD to fans everywhere, many have wondered, "what about the older HD channels?" DirecTV was one of the first to broadcast some of our favorite HD channels, like HD.net and ESPN HD, but HD Lite has taken most of the fun out of 'em. So while DirecTV would love to just move everything to MPEG-4, all the existing MPEG-2 customers wouldn't be that happy -- specifically all those DirecTiVo HD holdouts. Starting today DirecTV started broadcasting a simulcast of the most popular MPEG-2 HD channels in MPEG-4 using DirecTV 11. So far the response has been great, and many are wondering how they ever got by watching all that HD lite for this long. So while this is a step in the right direction, we'll be a bit more excited when DirecTV starts making good on their recent promises and launches the rest of the HD channels needed to get to the promised 130.
Boeing delivers DirecTV 11, DirecTV signs for it and waves goodbye
We'll be totally honest -- we have absolutely no idea what significance lies in DirecTV "taking on-orbit delivery" of the DirecTV 11 satellite, but regardless, it has happened. Boeing announced today that it had done its part in delivering the bird to the satcaster, even though it launched back in March and isn't expected to start dishing out HD content until September. We'll just take this as a sign that things are humming along nicely up there, cool?
DirecTV 11 satellite tests out 17/24 GHz BSS bands
DirecTV looks to make the most of DirecTV 11's test period, before things go live in September, testing out an experimental payload at a second test location. While the satcaster collects readings on recently-allocated bandwidth and other satellite traffic to plan future launches (adding even more channels, or maybe 1080p broadcast television), we'll just keep twiddling our thumbs. Specifications, speculation and all other data necessary to satisfy the satellite geek within resides beyond the read link.[Thanks, sixto]
FCC grants DirecTV 30 day test period for DirecTV 11 satellite
As our tipster Rob so eloquently put it: "Gentlemen, start your satellite." According to fresh documentation from the FCC, the agency has granted DirecTV "temporary authority" to operate its recently launched DirecTV 11 satellite and "conduct in-orbit testing." The satcaster will also be allowed to "conduct telemetry, tracking and control operations" when the window opens on May 25th. September's getting closer all the time, eh? [Warning: PDF read link][Thanks, Rob]
DirecTV 11 expected to begin serving up HD in September
Just as soon as the HD clock began ticking, now we've got something to pencil in on our 2008 calendar. According to a new release from DirecTV, the recently launched DirecTV 11 satellite isn't expected to become "operational" (read: start dishing out new HD channels to more subscribers in more locales) until sometime in September. If you'll recall, the same estimate was given last year on the DirecTV 10, though it lifted off several months later (in July) than the D11. Reportedly, D11 is set to "provide capacity for up to 50 additional national HD channels," and if that doesn't get your motor running, you can also look forward to seeing another bird take flight in 2009 in order to offer up space for 200 national high-def channels. Not quite 900 or anything, but we reckon there's still a few years to go.[Via gadgetell, thanks Keith]
DirecTV 11 phones home, HD clock starts ticking
Normally, we wouldn't go out of our way to pass along news that a recently launched satellite had phoned home, but given the nervousness felt by many after DISH Network's AMC-14 failed to reach its intended orbit, we figured we'd toss out some extra reassurance. As of early this morning, the D11 satellite made contact with a ground station in Hartebeesthoek, South Africa, signaling that it was "healthy and operating normally." Of course, there's no way to tell exactly what day the sat will begin dishing out more HD to more subscribers, but we reckon the conjecturing can officially begin. Psst... it took 81 days before DirecTV 10 began serving up HD.[Thanks, K Shoup and syphix]
DirecTV 11 satellite launch deemed a success
Unlike the AMC-14 launch that went awry just days ago, the DirecTV 11 launch went off sans a hitch. According to a new release on Sea Launch's website, D11 was "successfully delivered into orbit" after lifting off right on schedule, and all systems were said to have "performed nominally throughout the flight." Currently, the crew is awaiting acquisition of the spacecraft's first signals from outer space, which should occur within the next few hours. So far, so good -- the countdown to more HD for more DTV subscribers starts now.
Watch DirecTV 11 liftoff at 6:30PM EDT today
Unfortunately, the recently rescheduled launch of the DirecTV 11 won't make our list of things to watch in HD tonight, but for those anxious to see the sat provider's next bird take flight, here's the skinny. Today at around 6:30PM EDT (3:30PM for those of you on the left coast), live coverage is slated to start on DirecTV channel 573. For those operating sans DTV (or simply not near your television), you can click here to view the launch online. T-minus four hours and counting 'til liftoff -- consider our fingers crossed that things go smoother than they did for the AMC-14.[Thanks, Vanbrothers]
DirecTV 11 launch officially on for tomorrow
Confirming previously uncovered information, Boeing has officially announced the oft-delayed DirecTV 11 will launch tomorrow, in a 58-minute window starting at 3:48 p.m. (PDT). Hopefully everything is ready to go this time, we wouldn't want any unexpected issues causing further delays in getting more HD channels to the people.[Thanks, Rob]
DirecTV 11 satellite launch rescheduled for March 19th?
We aren't booking this one as fact just yet, but according to a database of upcoming launches, the recently delayed DirecTV 11 is now set for a March 19th liftoff. Based on Earl Bonovich's own snooping, he found that the setback was less of a disaster and more of a last minute checkup, so all that jives as well. Nevertheless, we -- along with every other DirecTV subscriber out there -- will be counting down the hours and hoping for the best.[Thanks, Dante]
DirecTV 11 satellite launch officially delayed
Say it ain't so! Just hours after DISH Network's AMC-14 launch went awry, along comes word that the looming DirecTV 11 launch has officially been delayed (again, sort of). According to a blurb on Sea Launch's own website, the "mission is now on hold." Further reports clarify that an undisclosed "issue" is causing the holdup, and Sea Launch will be updating with information as its team investigates. Unfortunately, your guess is as good as ours as to when this bird will finally get airborne.[Thanks, Tig]Read - Sea Launch postpones DirecTV 11 satellite launchRead - Sea Launch's statement
DirecTV 11 undergoes mission preparation, gets pictured
Considering that DirecTV 11 was actually delayed until Q1 of 2008, we're a bit antsy to see it actually lift off this go 'round. Needless to say, the half dozen images of the rocket being rolled onto the launch deck and erected on the launch pad during final testing is a pretty good sign that things are going to plan. No word yet on exactly when this thing will head for space, but judging by the shots in the read link, we're guessing it'll be sooner rather than later.[Thanks, Vanbrothers]
Sea Launch officially preparing for DirecTV 11 launch in March
We had a hunch DirecTV's next bird would be departing from our sight sometime in March, and sure enough, a new note on the Sea Launch website confirms that preparations are being made to blast D11 off into orbit next month. As if that wasn't proof enough, the "Current Launch" section of the site details the entire mission and provides a link to tune in via streaming video once the trip is underway. Hang tight, DTV subscribers -- it seems that even more HD will be on the way sooner rather than later.[Thanks, Jeremy K.]
DirecTV 11 satellite set to launch in March?
If the successful launch of the Thuraya-3 mobile communications satellite -- combined with Earl Bonovich's expertise -- is any indication of the future, we'd say the DirecTV 11 has a decent shot of lifting off in March. Apparently, the aforementioned bird was the only one left to be launched before the D11 was given its turn, and sure enough, Sea Launch has just recently issued a release confirming that the Thuraya-3 has found its way into orbit. Of course, we won't see any new channels for awhile even after it goes galactic, but folks over at DBSTalk are already placing wagers as to the when D11 will head for the stars. Gear up, DirecTV users -- it seems that even more programming (or at least broader coverage) is coming soon(ish).Read - DBSTalk: Q1 D11 launchRead - Sea Launch Delivers Thuraya-3 Satellite to Orbit
DirecTV 11 delayed till Q1 2008
With all the new HD channels DirecTV is launching each week, it's easy to forget they have another satellite in the works. DirecTV 11 -- not to be confused with D10 that's already operational -- was scheduled to launch this year, but due to a delay at the launch company, it has been delayed till Q1 2008. We're not sure how much this will affect their plans for 150 HD channels, but if D10 is any indication, it will take just over two months after the launch to become operational.
DirecTV 11 to launch this December?
Hot on the heels of the successful launch of DirecTV 10, it seems that the next satellite has already been dated for takeoff. According to Spaceflight Now, the "Sea Launch Zenit 3SL rocket will carry the DirectTV 11 direct-to-home television broadcast satellite" into orbit, where it will then be used to disseminate HDTV broadcasts to subscribers. The calendar was updated on July 15th, and current estimates peg the launch to take place sometime in December. You won't find us complaining about a delightful Christmas gift from DirecTV -- in the form of more HD channels, of course.[Via SatelliteGuys]
