MUMBAI: Showcasing the strength and breadth of its position in digital TV products and services, US pay TV service provider DirecTV, is showcasing original programming, high-definition (HD) services and advanced products at the 2006 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

DirecTV says that the introduction of new advanced products and services opens the door for an entirely new wave of programming on its that will lead its category in new directions. As the television viewing experience evolves, DirecTV says that it continues to innovate, delivering new and expanded services that will provide the best television viewing experience - when, where and how customers want it.

From the first quarter of 2006, DirecTV will provide consumers with access to programmes of NBC and its cable entertainment networks, USA, SCI FI and Bravo, within hours after they air, commercial free, for just 99 cents. The programmes will be available on demand through the new DirecTV Plus interactive DVR. DirecTV will provide in-booth demonstrations of the DirecTV Plus DVR, including its ability to deliver on-demand programming.

The company claims that its DirecTV Plus DVR is the most advanced DVR available on the market, with features such as 100 hours of recording capacity, interactive functionality, one-touch recording and Viewmarks, which enable viewers to mark favorite places in recorded programs and jump directly to them. The DirecTV Plus DVR claims to take the viewing experience to new levels by offering the widest array of network primetime programming available on demand.

Throughout this year, DirecTV will roll out new products, including DirecTV 2Go. This is a new service for portable media players. It will also come out with a a new HD DVR and a professional home theatre system, as well as expand many of its advanced products and services, including HD local broadcasts and new on-demand features. DirecTV customers will also have access to original programming, including a new channel dedicated to original entertainment, developed exclusively for DirecTV customers.

The 2Go service will allow customers to transfer programming content from their DirecTV Plus DVR to a wide variety of portable media players. Supporting DirecTV specific audio and video formats, the service will enable customers to connect a DirecTV compatible portable media player directly to DirecTV receivers. DirecTV 2Go devices will also display content in a separate menu area with a branded user interface. the company says that these new media players further demonstrate its commitment to providing consumers with the content they want, how they want it, and where they want it. 2Go wil launch later this year.

The cornerstone of DirecTV's original programming venture is CD USA, which will premiere on 21 January, 2006, and will a selection of back-to-back-to-back performances available on television. Broadcast in standard and high-definition, the weekly hour-long show will feature live performances from a mix of music genres, including pop, indie, rock and urban. CD USA will entertain DirecTV's more than 15 million customers with the latest news on new releases, interviews, gossip, behind-the-scenes reports, and a private peek inside the world of music idols.

In addition to the interviews and performances of CD USA, customers can also access exclusive entertainment programming through Network Live, a joint venture with Network Live, America Online, XM Satellite Radio, AEG and DirecTV. Broadcast in standard and high-definition, Network Live brings DirecTV customers live performances from both multi-platinum and emerging artists.

Massive Gaming League: Using new technology that allows for the placement of cameras within an actual videogame, DirecTV will produce a video game tournament and cover it as a sporting event, complete with producer, director and technical crew. Stories of the competitors will be told via interviews and features, complemented with coverage of their exploits in actual competition. DirecTV plans to launch the Massive Gaming League in 2006.

Menawhile DirecTV Pro combines the latest HD and DVR technologies, and differs from all other DTV products as it is designed to mount in a 19-inch rack, which is common in the home theater, custom installation market. Additionally, the Pro Home Theater has new features such as a front panel, HD LCD display, front panel transport controls, and additional control ports on the front and back. It plans to launch DirecTV Pro at the end of the year.