DirecTV to Intro Disney HD

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- DIRECTV, the nation's leading satellite television provider, ends the summer on a high note with the exclusive HD broadcast of the premiere of Disney Channel's hit movie High School Musical 2 on August 24 at 6 p.m., 9 p.m., and midnight EST. Only DIRECTV customers can watch the three screenings in HD, with 5.1 digital audio, by tuning into DIRECTV's original entertainment channel, The 101. Fans without DIRECTV can call 1-800-DIRECTV or log on to directv.com to make sure they don't miss out on all the fun while at the same time securing the finest television experience in the country.

"Come this fall, we will offer more national HD channels than any other TV service provider, so it makes sense that DIRECTV is the only place to see the HD premiere of this immensely successful pop culture phenomenon," said Eric Shanks, executive vice president, DIRECTV Entertainment. "This is just one of many ways DIRECTV will continue to be the HD leader in the industry in the months and years to come."

"We are excited to bring High School Musical 2 in high-definition to DIRECTV's customers," said Nathalie Lubensky, senior vice president, affiliate marketing, Disney and ESPN Media Networks Affiliate Sales and Marketing. "Making Disney Channel's latest blockbuster available for these special HD showings is not only great for fans of the movie, but is a perfect example of how we are dedicated to working with our affiliates to help drive their key business priorities."

High School Musical first premiered on Disney Channel in January 2006 and has since been seen by more than 200 million people around the world. In the sequel, it is summertime, school's out and the East High Wildcats yet again take center stage - this time at the Lava Springs Country Club, where Sharpay tries to lure Troy away from Gabriella and his friends and into a duet with her for the club's Midsummer Night's Talent Show.

High School Musical 2 will air three times on The 101, providing multiple opportunities for viewers to catch the HD adventures of some of their favorite high school heroes. In between each airing, The 101 will also feature additional Disney Channel programming including a sneak peek of the brand new upcoming animated comedy series Phineas and Ferb, High School Musical: The Concert and a variety of the channel's short form programming. The 101 is home to DIRECTV's original entertainment featuring hit shows like Project MyWorld, Championship Gaming Series, DIRECTV Concert Series, and the Passions.

In early 2008, DIRECTV will launch Disney Channel HD, a simulcast of Disney Channel featuring the channel's blockbuster Disney Channel Original Movies in high-definition as well as original live action and animated series for older kids and Playhouse Disney programming for preschoolers.

DirecTV Group Inc. (NYSE: DTV)