DirecTV Launches New Satellite for 4K Ultra HD Transmissions

The new satellite will offer support for more HD and Ultra HD content and services. 

DirecTV has announced the launch of the DIRECTV 14 satellite. The satellite is capable of providing 4K video to US customers and HD backup for the company's existing collection of six HD satellites.

"We congratulate the launch team and our partners, Arianespace and SSL, on a picture-perfect launch," said Phil Goswitz, senior vice president, Space and Communications, DIRECTV. "Today we achieved a significant milestone in the development and future adoption of 4K Ultra HD and ensured our customers will have an entertainment experience that is second to none for many years to come."

The DIRECTV 14 satellite was launched on Saturday, December 6 at 12:40 PM EST from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. All systems are now functioning properly and once operations begin in the early second quarter of 2015, the satellite is poised to become the first commercial device of its type to use the Reverse Band Direct Broadcast Satellite spectrum to deliver live 4K content. 

DirecTV also recently launched 4K VOD support for customers with Samsung Ultra HD TVs. The company is planning to launch an additional satellite, DIRECTV 15, in the first quarter of next year as well.

Source: DirecTV