Artist's concept of DirecTV-1R satellite in orbit. Photo: Hughes

DirecTV Inc. has ordered a new high-power spot beam satellite from its sister company, Hughes Space & Communications Co.

Named DirecTV-4S, the HS 601HP satellite will be the first spacecraft in the DirecTV fleet to use highly focused spot beam technology that will enable DIRECTV to expand its local channel offerings in metropolitan markets throughout the country. DirecTV-4S, which will be the fifth HSC-built satellite deployed by DirecTV, will be launched in the fourth quarter of 2001.

"With the passage of the Satellite Home Viewer Improvement Act, the last barrier for consumers to purchase satellite TV has finally been lifted," said Eddy W. Hartenstein, president of DirecTV.

"Investing in spot beam technology will benefit our customers and enable us to add additional local channels in markets we are already serving or plan to serve, as well as extend local channel services to additional smaller markets. Additionally, partnering with our sister company HSC gives us more flexibility in the development of DirecTV-4S, which allows for greater efficiencies in the design of this very complex product."

"This new satellite has far-reaching implications for Hughes Electronics," said Tig H. Krekel, president and chief executive officer of HSC.

"The unique spot beam configuration required for DirecTV-4S enables HSC to once again reinforce its technical prowess by designing and manufacturing this specialized spacecraft. More importantly for the corporation, however, is the ability to deliver additional local programming via satellite.

"That's a major step in the direct-to-home market, and clearly one that will result in DirecTV further penetrating its market, with far-reaching benefits to all of Hughes."

DirecTV-4S will be stationed with other DirecTV satellites at 101 degrees West longitude (WL), with a designed service life of approximately 15 years. A specific launch date for the satellite will be announced upon completion of negotiations with launch vehicle service providers.

DirecTV began offering local channels via satellite to its customers in New York and Los Angeles on Nov. 29. Denver, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. local channels were added in their respective markets on Dec. 4.

Over the coming months DirecTV plans to offer local broadcast network channels via satellite to additional markets, including Atlanta; Boston; Chicago; Cleveland; Dallas; Detroit; Houston; Miami; Minneapolis; Orlando-Daytona, Fla.; Philadelphia; Phoenix; Sacramento, Calif.; Seattle; St. Louis; and Tampa-St. Petersburg, Fla.

Consumers living in these designated market areas will receive their local channels via their existing DirecTV System equipment. DirecTV will continue to expand its local channel service to other markets throughout the remainder of 1999 and in 2000.

DirecTV(R) is the nation's leading digital satellite entertainment service with more than 7.8 million customers, including customers subscribing to PRIMESTAR By DirecTV. DirecTV is a registered trademark of DirecTV Inc., a unit of Hughes Electronics Corp.

HSC is the world's leading manufacturer of commercial communications satellites, having built nearly 40 percent of those in operation. It also is a major supplier of spacecraft and equipment to the U.S. government, and a builder of weather satellites for the United States and Japan.

Both HSC and DirecTV are units of Hughes Electronics Corp. Hughes Electronics is the world's leading provider of digital television entertainment, and satellite and wireless systems and services. The earnings of Hughes Electronics, a unit of General Motors Corp., are used to calculate the earnings per share attributable to the General Motors Class H common stock.