The DirecTV 10 satellite's transponder payload also includes spot-beam capacity that will support the expansion of DirecTV's local HD channel services. While testing of DirecTV 10's capability continues, it appears that a portion of the anticipated spot-beam capability may not be fully available.
The investigation to determine the cause of the reduced capability and potential means to mitigate its effect is on-going. However, the planned expansion of HD local programming as previously announced should not be materially affected. The launch of DirecTV 11 11 is still scheduled for late this year or early next year, on a Sea Launch launch vehicle.
Source:
Press Release
Written by: James Delahunty @ 15 Sep 2007 19:13