DIRECTV Embraces Interoperability; DIRECTV to Implement DLNA and UPnP Interoperability into Next Generation Set-Top Boxes; Will Also Introduce SVP Compatible Silicon as It Becomes Available.

LAS VEGAS -- With the promise to significantly enhance home entertainment for DIRECTV customers across the country, DIRECTV, Inc., the nation's leading digital television service provider, announced today a number of steps it has taken that embrace interoperability.

DIRECTV has recently joined the Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA). DLNA is focused on delivering an interoperability framework of design guidelines based on open industry standards to complete the cross-industry digital convergence. DIRECTV will implement DLNA interoperability guidelines in its next generation set-top boxes that will enable the secure transfer of content within individual DIRECTV customer homes.

DIRECTV has also recently joined the Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) Forum and announces its support for UPnP functionality as described in the DLNA interoperability guidelines. DIRECTV incorporation of UPnP technology will provide the base for DIRECTV product interoperability in digital home networks.

"Building upon DLNA and UPnP, DIRECTV will continue to lead in delivering the best experiences and ease of use that emerging technologies offer to our more than 15 million customers nationwide," said Romulo Pontual, executive vice president and CTO, DIRECTV, Inc.

In addition, DIRECTV, along with conditional access provider, NDS, will begin implementing SVP technology into DIRECTV next generation set-top boxes. As silicon integrating SVP technology becomes available, DIRECTV plans to introduce compatible silicon into newly manufactured DIRECTV set-top boxes.

"As a leading distributor of premium entertainment, content security is of paramount importance to DIRECTV," added Pontual.

About DIRECTV, Inc.

DIRECTV, Inc. is the nation's leading digital television service provider with more than 15 million customers. DIRECTV and the Cyclone Design logo are registered trademarks of DIRECTV, Inc. DIRECTV (NYSE:DTV) is a world-leading provider of digital multichannel television entertainment services. DIRECTV is approximately 34 percent owned by News Corporation.