DirecTV in the News

Interactive Service With Music Choice and Wink Communications

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., and HORSHAM, Pa., Nov. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- DIRECTV, Inc., Music Choice and Wink Communications announced today the launch of commerce capabilities on a series of interactive music channels available through DIRECTV INTERACTIVE(TM) Powered by Wink. Music Choice's new interactive service allows viewers to buy the CD containing the song they're listening to right from their remote control.

Music Choice now offers commerce capabilities on 12 enhanced interactive audio channels including 80s, 70s, Rap, Metal, R&B Hits, Alternative Rock, Hit List, Today's Country, Showcase, Blues, Progressive and Classic Rock. Music Choice also launched a new logo to accompany the new look and feel of the music channels. In addition to buying CDs, viewers can also access a host of music-related information that will rotate on the screen. The new features include artist facts, music news, new releases, artist birthdays, music history, gossip, artists' birth names and album cover art.

"Music Choice is happy to join DIRECTV and Wink Communications on creating the first interactive music commerce service," said Dave Del Beccaro, president and CEO, Music Choice. "We believe that we will deliver a convenience that has never been available to consumers. For the first time, people will have the ability to buy music when they hear it -- simply with their remote control. We think this will change the way people buy music."

"This is an all around win for DIRECTV, its customers and its partners," said Brad Beale, senior vice president, DIRECTV, Inc. "The interactive enhancements to the Music Choice service will allow customers to make impulse purchases of the very music they are most passionate about while creating new revenue opportunities for DIRECTV and its partners, Music Choice and Wink."

"We are pleased to work with DIRECTV to bring commerce opportunities to Music Choice viewers," said Melinda White, executive vice president of Programming and Distribution, Wink Communications. "This partnership creates a quick and easy method for viewers to review and instantly purchase their favorite Music Choice selections -- simply by pressing a button on their remote control. This initiative also serves to reinforce Wink's commitment to bring 24x7 interactive commerce to all viewers."