DIRECTV Activates HD Local Channel Service In the Seattle DMA; Local Channels in HD Have More Vivid Colors, Wider Images and Clearer, Crisper High-Resolution Digital-Quality Pictures.

DIRECTV, Inc. (NYSE:DTV):

WHAT:   DIRECTV, Inc. (NYSE:DTV), the nation's leading digital
        television service provider, announced today that it has begun
        offering local HD channels via satellite to customers in the
        Seattle DMA. The following local TV channels are available:
        KING/NBC and KIRO/CBS. DIRECTV is in discussions with the
        owners of the ABC and FOX affiliates and hopes to add these
        stations to the DIRECTV lineup in the near future.

        DIRECTV's roll out of local HD channels in Seattle is part of
        a nationwide expansion of HD programming that will culminate
        in 2007, when DIRECTV will have the ability to deliver more
        than 1,500 local HD channels and more than 150 national HD
        channels, establishing DIRECTV as a leading provider of HD
        programming. DIRECTV customers today have access to more than
        900 hours of HD programming each week, as well as hundreds of
        hours of special event, movie and sports coverage.

        DIRECTV offers local HD broadcast channels in 26 cities with
        plans to launch in an additional 24 cities later this year,
        offering access to DIRECTV-delivered local HD channels in more
        than 65 percent of U.S. television households.

WHEN:   Beginning today, Wednesday, May 31, 2006

HOW:    Customers who subscribe to a programming package that includes
        local channels receive both the standard and HD signals at no
        extra monthly charge. Seattle customers can receive local HD
        channels by purchasing a new H20 HD receiver and satellite
        dish. Existing HD customers can upgrade their HD receiver and
        dish for $99 per receiver.  New residential customers can take
        advantage of a $100 Advanced Product Rebate through July 1,
        2006.  Receiving equipment is available at major consumer
        electronics retailers like Best Buy or Circuit City, and
        through DIRECTV.

Eligibility for local channels is based on service address within certain designated market areas as defined by Nielsen Media Research, Inc. Visit DIRECTV.com for more information.