Satellite Television News » AT&T

AT&T Launches MSG HD and MSG+ HD For U-verse TV Customers in Connecticut

admin — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 15:14:21 +0000

AT&T has announced the launch of MSG HD and MSG+ HD for U-verse TV Customers in Connecticut on Thursday, December 29.

AT&T* U-verse TV customers in Connecticut now have access to MSG HD and MSG+ HD on their channel lineup. MSG HD is available throughout the state on channel 1708 and MSG+ HD is available in parts of Connecticut on channel 1706, both for HD customers with the U100 package and above.

“After years of seeking access to this programming, we’re pleased to bring MSG HD and MSG+ HD to U-verse TV customers,” said Dan York, president of content, AT&T. “We’re delighted that our U-verse TV customers now have access to these important HD sports channels on reasonable terms. We will continue to work diligently on behalf of our customers to continue enhancing U-verse TV by adding the content they want at fair terms and prices.”

AT&T U-verse TV includes many features that enhance the game-watching experience for sports fans, including Total Home DVR, which lets you watch and manage recordings from a single DVR on any connected TV in the house; My Multiview, which lets you watch four of your favorite sports channels on your TV screen at one time; access to an extensive High Definition (HD) channel lineup with access to more than 170 HD channels and growing; picture-in-picture browse capability that lets you preview games on other channels; and the ability to follow your favorite sports teams through the AT&T U-bar.

AT&T U-verse TV is the fastest growing TV service in the country and the only 100 percent Internet Protocol-based television (IPTV) service offered by a national service provider.

NHL Network Likely To Be Removed From U-verse TV Channel Lineup

admin — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 16:39:21 +0000

AT&T issued the following statement to update its customers that NHL Network could be removed from the AT&T U-verse TV line up:

We have tried to reach a fair, long-term deal with NHL Network in order to continue delivering this channel to U-verse TV U450 and Sports Tier customers. Unfortunately, it appears that as of midnight EST, Oct. 1, NHL Network will no longer be available on U-verse TV because we will no longer have an acceptable agreement to carry the channel. We are always open to considering a fair and detailed proposal from NHL Network.

U-verse TV customers can continue to watch their home team and other teams play on NBC, Versus or on their area’s local regional sports network. These networks are delivering over 100 games this season, which is more televised live NHL hockey games than ever before.

AT&T U-verse Rewards Customers in Honor of “Hispanic Heritage Month”

admin — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 16:26:47 +0000

AT&T has announced that it is expanding its portfolio of On Demand En Espanol TV content for AT&T U-verse TV customers to mirror the lifestyles and match the interests of U.S. Hispanic consumers – the country’s fastest-growing demographic.

The expansion of the On Demand En Espanol TV content portfolio comes on the heels of a number of recent partnerships with Latin music industry leaders and recording artists, and it is part of the company’s effort to deliver fresh new content to this growing demographic. Available On Demand En Espanol are a series of private concerts, behind-the-scenes clips, rehearsals, and interviews from some of the most popular Latin recording artists.

“It’s crucial in today’s society for Hispanic consumers to feel like they have a source of information that will give them a sense of connectedness to their roots, culture and heritage,” said Roberto Garcia, executive director, Hispanic Marketing, AT&T. “Music is and will always be a very big part of who Hispanics are, and how they choose to express themselves. We’re particularly excited to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage month and are proud and honored to join the community in an extended celebration all year round.”

In recent years, AT&T has collaborated with various Latin music icons and up-and-coming talent to bring that experience to customers at home and on the go. Some of those artists include Juan Luis Guerra, Don Omar, Christian Castro, Alexis y Fido, Paulina Rubio, Thalia and Venezuelan duo Chino y Nacho. Just this past year, AT&T joined forces with global superstar JUANES, legendary Latin rock band Mana, Latin urban duo Wisin y Yandel, Spanish pop singer Natalia Jimenez, Venezuelan music icon Franco de Vita, and Puerto Rican pop singer and songwriter Luis Fonsi.

These established relationships with award-winning artists and the Latin music industry as a whole, in addition to our wide array of culturally-relevant products and services, allow AT&T and music labels to work together and design unique platforms to deliver the latest in music and enhance the overall music experience for fans.

“We at Universal Music Latin Entertainment completely embrace the AT&T motto of ‘thinking without limits’ and value the partnership that we have established with the company over the last 5 years,” said Victor Gonzalez, President of Universal Music Latin Entertainment. “Together we have helped forge a one-of-a-kind relationship that has helped us design unique platforms with which to showcase the new releases from some of our most talented artists. The campaigns that we have executed with artists such as JUANES, Wisin & Yandel, Luis Fonsi, Paulina Rubio, Don Omar, Jenni Rivera, Banda el Recodo, Pedro Fernandez, Belanova and Chino y Nacho amongst others, are just the beginning of many great things to come.”

AT&T integrates the power of music in national ad campaigns, sponsorships, and consumer engagement events in an effort to create an emotional connection with Hispanic consumers. AT&T also leverages the power of its award-wining TV service to meet the demands of U.S. Hispanic consumers. With AT&T U-verse, customers can access the content they want and when they want it, across multiple screens (TV, Online, and Mobile).

“Technology in communications has opened up many new avenues for providing access to music, and it is extremely important that communications companies recognize the power of music, especially in the Latino community,” said Ruben Leyva, president, Sony Music US Latin. “AT&T is a pioneer in that it has harnessed the power of music and has developed three-screen platforms that give fans direct access to music and unique content. We are honored to be a part of this strong partnership with AT&T and are excited about the reach that the AT&T platforms will continue to give to our artists’ music.”

Additionally, AT&T creates memorable experiences and cultural connections for avid music fans at store events and concerts and even when they are at home or on the go with U-verse TV, U-verse Online at http://uverseonline.att.net, and on smartphones with the U-verse Mobile app. U-verse subscribers interested in the world of music and fashion can access Mundo Fama, a bi-weekly Spanish entertainment magazine show, On Demand En Espanol at no additional cost. Mundo Fama presented by AT&T offers viewers a fresh look at the world of Latin entertainment with special features, interviews, and the latest celebrity scoop.

In addition, featured On Demand En Espanol content such as exclusive behind the scenes videos, private concerts, rehearsals, and interviews can be accessed by U-verse subscribers on the go through U-verse Mobile on select AT&T mobile devices. And to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, featured On Demand En Espanol content, including private concerts from Franco De Vita and Natalia Jimenez, is also available to fans online.

2011 AT&T HBCU Tailgate Tour Lineup Announced

admin — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 15:20:30 +0000

AT&T is bringing all the excitement and fun of the HBCU football season to consumers through its title sponsorship of the AT&T Nation’s Football Classic and its exclusive communications services sponsorship of the HBCU Tailgate Tour, featuring Russ Parr and Rickey Smiley.
AT&T’s support of the Nation’s Football Classic and HBCU Tailgate Tour will celebrate and showcase the rich heritage, traditions and rivalries between HBCUs.

“We are excited to celebrate this upcoming HBCU football season with our consumers and want to provide them with a great football experience,” said Jennifer Jones, vice president, AT&T Diverse Markets. “We want our consumers to know that we are committed to empowering the communities we serve through our commitment to diversity and education.”

As part of activating the Nation’s Football Classic and the HBCU Tailgate Tour sponsorships, AT&T will host various events for fans to join in on the celebration before and after the games. These activities include a digital lounge with prize giveaways, games, step shows, karaoke competitions and much more.

Here is a preview of some of the activities AT&T will host this HBCU football season:

AT&T Nation’s Football Classic

The inaugural game featuring the highly anticipated matchup between Morehouse College and Howard University will be held on Sept. 10 at Robert F. Kennedy (RFK) Stadium in Washington, D.C. There are also events scheduled around the game for consumers to enjoy. Events surrounding the football classic include:

AT&T Kickoff Rally hosted by Radio Personality Big Tigger

Featuring host Big Tigger, A-list celebrities and the respective schools, fans can participate in the free pregame event on Sept. 9 at noon in the downtown Washington, D.C. area where they can engage in fun contests and watch Greek step show performances, drumline and cheer performances.

Sound Stage and Lounge events at RFK Stadium Festival Grounds

Fitted with a celebrity DJ spinning the latest tunes, fans will get a chance to view special performances, play games and compete for prizes. At the lounge, fans will be able to recharge their devices, relax, and get hands-on with some of AT&T’s latest products. Both events take place on Sept. 10 at RFK Stadium during the Pepsi Max Fan Festival.

AT&T HBCU Tailgate Tour featuring Russ Parr and Rickey Smiley

The Russ Parr Morning Show and Rickey Smiley Morning Show are set to host the official tailgate parties for a series of HBCU football classic games and homecoming events that reach audiences of up to 60,000. The tour will stop in eight different markets – Birmingham, Ala.; Orlando, Fla.; Atlanta; Dayton, Ohio; Indianapolis; Durham, N.C.; Washington, D.C.; Richmond, Va. – and provide fans with the opportunity to participate in karaoke competitions, Greek step show performances, cookout contests, and more. The tour runs from Sept. 1-Nov. 30.

The games schedule for the HBCU Tailgate Tour can be found below, or by visiting att.com/thebridge.

2011 AT&T HBCU Tailgate Tour Lineup

Sept. 24, 2011
Atlanta Football Classic
Atlanta
Florida A&M vs. Southern University

Oct. 1, 2011
Circle City Classic
Indianapolis
Kentucky State vs. Albany State University

Oct. 8, 2011
Virginia Union Homecoming
Richmond, Va.
Virginia Union University vs. Elizabeth City State

Oct. 15, 2011
Central State’s Homecoming
Dayton, Ohio
Central State vs. Southwest Baptist

Oct. 22, 2011
Howard Homecoming
Washington, D.C.
Howard University vs. North Carolina A&T University

Oct. 29, 2011
Magic City Classic
Birmingham, Ala.
Alabama A&M University vs. Alabama State University

Oct. 29, 2011
North Carolina Central’s Homecoming
Durham, N.C.
North Carolina Central vs. Bethune Cookman University

Nov. 19, 2011
Florida Classic
Orlando, Fla.
Bethune Cookman University vs. Florida A&M University

Williams F1 Partners With AT&T To Deliver Improved Speed and Performance

admin — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 12:27:57 +0000

Williams F1 has partnered with AT&T to increase the rate of vital data transfer from the AT&T Williams’ operations at the track to the technical support team based at its headquarters.

This increase in speed allows the team to evaluate data faster and contributes to better decision making in the fast-paced environment of Formula One.

The company announced it is adding an AT&T WAN Acceleration Service – provided by AT&T – that will run its network 25 times faster than a standard broadband solution. The service:

Offers real time communication between the company and its key suppliers;
Supports the team’s 2010 agreement to cap the number of race team personnel travelling to each Grand Prix;
Better supports customers by handling the 50 percent increase in data traffic transfer that has occurred since then between the track and technical teams at each of the 20 circuits, in 18 countries that host Formula One races;
Gives engineers back at base access to the same information as if they were at the circuit;

Alex Burns, CEO of Williams F1 said “Having additional data transferred real time means we can have more staff evaluating this at our headquarters over a race weekend and we can apply greater resource to any problem without them actually being at the track. This strategy also allows us to optimize car development from one race to the next as we can evaluate components quicker and bring them onto the car at a faster rate than previously.”

Chris Taylor, IT Manager at Williams F1 said “In 2010, we increased the quantity and type of data we transferred across the AT&T VPN service by around 50% to 27GB. Using the VPN and AT&T WAN Acceleration Service today, we generate 30GB of data per event, which comes from 140 sensors on the car monitoring temperatures, pressures, speed, wheel position and loading. We can transfer files back to headquarters up to 25 times faster than traditional broadband and ISDN lines.”

AT&T U-verse TV Launches French Open Multiview

admin — Wed, 25 May 2011 13:08:29 +0000

AT&T has announced the launch of AT&T U-verse TV’s French Open Multiview.

AT&T U-verse TV’s French Open Multiview is an interactive TV app that lets U-verse customers view up to four different courts of French Open matches at one time, choosing from the Tennis Channel‘s main broadcast and five courts.

French Open Multiview gives you the ability to choose which of the six channels is the main picture, and easily select and record any French Open channel from within the Multiview. The app is available throughout the tournament on channel 661 at no extra charge to U-verse customers, and the additional courts are on channels 662-666.

To bring the French Open to even more tennis fans, U-verse TV is also giving customers a free preview of the Tennis Channel on channel 660 from May 22-31. French Open Multiview and the Tennis Channel free preview will both be available to U-verse TV customers with a U-family package or higher.

AT&T U-verse TV customers can also watch the French Open tournament for the first time in 3D. The Tennis Channel will broadcast all matches from center court in 3D during Memorial Day Weekend, May 28-30, for 21 hours of live 3D match coverage. The Tennis Channel’s French Open 3D coverage is available on channel 1667 for U-verse customers who subscribe to HD service and the 3D package.

AT&T U-verse TV uses 100-percent Internet Protocol (IP) technology, which allows AT&T to deliver advanced interactive apps such as Multiviews. AT&T introduced the award-winning Multiview app in fall 2009, and launched the My Multiview app in June, which lets customers choose and watch up to four of their favorite channels at once on their TV screen.

Customers also enjoy Sports Multiview, Kids Multiview and News Multiview at no extra cost as part of every package.

AT&T U-verse TV includes many features that improve the TV watching experience for any sports fan, including Total Home DVR, which lets you watch and manage recordings from a single DVR on any connected TV in the house; access to an extensive High Definition (HD) channel lineup with more than 160 HD channels and growing; fast channel change, which lets you channel surf without the delay experienced on other digital TV services; picture-in-picture browse capability that lets you preview games on other channels; and the ability to follow your favorite sports teams through the AT&T U-bar.

Chris Lauricella, assistant vice president of content, AT&T said “AT&T U-verse Multiview is changing how customers watch TV and watch their favorite sports. The French Open is a great event to feature in our U-verse Multiview app so, together with the Tennis Channel, we can bring customers the exciting matches from every court. With U-verse TV’s flexible IP platform, the possibilities are endless, and we continue to find new and innovative ways to put customers in the director’s seat for their favorite events and content.”

Patrick Wilson, senior vice president, distribution, Tennis Channel said “Tennis Channel has always put a priority on delivering as much tennis as possible to television audiences, and AT&T U-verse Multiview furthers that mission. We’re really excited that tennis fans who subscribe to AT&T U-verse will have so many options during this year’s French Open. It is one of the most exciting championship events in all of sports, and the more we can allow fans to watch the matches they prefer, the better.”

AT&T U-verse TV Launches Chicago Cubs Multiview

admin — Wed, 11 May 2011 14:48:43 +0000

AT&T U-verse TV has announced the launch of Chicago Cubs Multiview, an interactive TV app that lets U-verse customers view up to four different camera angles of the Chicago Cubs home games at one time, choosing from the main WGN America game broadcast and six alternate camera angles.

The app was popular with Chicago viewers last season, and this is the first time AT&T has made multi-camera angle functionality available to U-verse TV customers nationwide.

With Chicago Cubs Multiview, you can choose which of the seven channels is the main picture, and easily select and record any Chicago Cubs channel from within the app. The alternate camera angles are set up for each home game above home plate, third base, first base and center field.

For no extra charge, Chicago Cubs Multiview will be available to all U-verse TV customers subscribing to U100 and above on channel 780 and also on 1780 (HD) for customers with HD access**. The app is available for the majority of Chicago Cubs home games that air on WGN-TV and WGN America for the rest of this season, starting with the St. Louis Cardinals vs. Chicago Cubs game on Tuesday, May 10, at 7 p.m. Central.

Wally Hayward, executive vice president, chief sales and marketing officer, Chicago Cubs said “We’re very excited to offer Cubs fans across the country the opportunity to select their camera angles during all of our home games on WGN America and WGN TV. The AT&T U-verse technology puts our fans in the director’s seat to control their viewership experience throughout the game.”

Julio Marenghi WGN America’s Executive Vice President/General Manager said “Having Multiview extend nationally in U-verse homes is one more way to enjoy our Cubs telecast. We are proud to partner with AT&T to provide fans this enhanced viewing experience.”

Dan York, president of content, AT&T said “Last season, our Chicago U-verse TV customers loved having the power to choose how they watch every pitch and home run with the Chicago Cubs MultiviewWe’re proud to work with WGN and WGN America to deliver this functionality to U-verse TV customers nationwide this year. The app shows the tremendous possibilities that our advanced U-verse TV service and network can deliver, putting viewers in control of which camera angle they watch.”

AT&T Join Forces With Special Olympics To Support Athletes

admin — Tue, 10 May 2011 13:15:11 +0000

Special Olympics and AT&T have launched a new cause-related marketing initiative to support the organization and its mission to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

As part of the nationwide initiative, AT&T will make a donation to Special Olympics in the amount of $40 for each online purchase made on eligible AT&T products and services on the program’s dedicated website, www.att.com/specialolympics.

In addition, Special Olympics supporters may also participate in a text-to-donate program by texting the word UNITY to 80888, to make a one-time donation of $5 to Special Olympics. The donations program runs from May 9, 2011 through February 29, 2012.

The AT&T Special Olympics website aims to educate consumers about the new campaign, highlight Special Olympics athletes, and also features unique AT&T products and services and other helpful resources designed for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Technology can make a positive difference in the lives of people with disabilities. With this in mind, AT&T’s Universal Design Principles take into consideration the needs of all customers when designing products or interfacing with consumers through www.att.com; AT&T’s more than 2,200 company-owned retail locations in the U.S.; or through its specialized call centers for people with disabilities. AT&T has a vast portfolio of solutions for consumers with intellectual disabilities as well as solutions for their family members and educators.

AT&T offers a wide range of wireless tablets which allow consumers to access applications that offer the same features as traditional assistive communication devices; including apps that use symbols and pictures to create synthesized speech for those who have difficulty speaking. AT&T’s large portfolio of offerings include devices such as the Pantech Breeze II and Pantech Ease that offer an uncomplicated menu, large buttons and three Quick-Call keys to make it easier for customers to call frequently-dialed numbers. Additionally, the AT&T AppCenter offers families a range of useful applications including AT&T FamilyMap, an app designed to locate a family member from a wireless phone or PC.

AT&T is deeply committed to enriching and strengthening diverse communities and has a long history of supporting Special Olympics efforts, including the Northern California Special Olympics Summer Games and Celebrity Winterfest in previous years. By sharing unique moments with Special Olympics athletes and teams, while at the same time raising funds for the organization, AT&T is able to support athletes, their families and communities.

“Thanks to individuals and to unique corporate programs like this new AT&T initiative, we are able to continue to enrich and advance the lives of our athletes and their communities,” said Brady Lum, President and Chief Operating Officer, Special Olympics. “We are proud of this commitment by AT&T to show such valuable support for some of the most inspiring athletes in the world.”

David Christopher, Chief Marketing Officer, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets said “Special Olympics makes a tremendous difference in the lives of thousands of athletes and their families. AT&T has long been a proud sponsor and supporter of Special Olympics’ mission, including through the design of our technology and with products and services that connect these athletes with their families and their fans. With the help of customers and supporters, we’re excited to further assist the organization as it transforms communities with programs that drive acceptance, inclusion and respect.”

Ines Sainz and Mery de Los Rios Join Mundo Deportes To Deliver a Fresh Look at the World of Latin Sports

admin — Wed, 04 May 2011 14:04:31 +0000

AT&T has announced an exciting new host line-up for its second season of Mundo Deportes Presented by AT&T (Mundo Deportes), a Spanish-language Free On Demand TV show available exclusively to AT&T U-verse TV subscribers.

New co-hosts Mery de Los Rios and Ines Sainz join co-host Alessandra Villegas to bring fans can’t-miss interviews and some of the most original coverage in Spanish-language U.S. sports television.

Mundo Deportes covers the world of Latin boxing, soccer, baseball, American football and basketball, among others — with a fresh focus on fans, fan clubs, venues, cheerleaders, players and trainers across the Americas.

For this new season of Mundo Deportes, fans can expect more of the same original content from Season 1, but with dialed up fun and a new mix of passionate personalities.

The program will feature exclusive interviews with Latino athletes and coaches, including an intimate chat with Mexico’s newest boxing star Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, and Mexican soccer legends Enrique Borja and Alberto Garcia Aspe, among many others. The new season is now available on U-verse Free On Demand En Espanol, with new shows added regularly through September, 2011.

Mexican-born Sainz, a former TV Azteca reporter, is no stranger to the exciting world of sports. She is a black-belt in Taekwondo, having competed in her home country at the national level. She has covered a range of first-class boxing and soccer matches, martial arts competitions as well as six Super Bowls. Joining Sainz are two former Miss Venezuela contestants with longstanding modeling and broadcasting careers.

Villegas, who competed for the Miss Venezuela title in 2008, started her broadcasting career at age 12 as a children’s radio host. Currently, she serves as one of the hosts of “Levantate” on Telemundo. A lawyer by trade, Mery de los Rios has a modeling and broadcasting career and is also a former Miss Venezuela contestant, representing the State of Guarico in the 2001 competition. She has served as a presenter and appeared in many soap operas including “Valeria” from Venevision and “Decisiones” from Telemundo.

Mundo Deportes is produced by Imagina US exclusively for AT&T. The show builds on AT&T’s commitment to delivering communications and entertainment products and services that fit the needs of the Latino consumer. Part of this commitment is delivering services and content in an integrated way across the screens that Hispanic consumers use most — their phone, PC and TV.

Ines Sainz, co-host, Mundo Deportes Presented by AT&T said “I’m very happy to join Mundo Deportes. Mery, Alessandra and I promise to bring fans original content, provocative interviews, and exclusive behind-the-scenes action; coming from a Hispanic sports fan perspective.”

AT&T Launches Telemiami To AT&T U-verse TV Channel Lineup in Florida

admin — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 12:01:58 +0000

AT&T has added Telemiami to AT&T U-verse TV channel lineup in the Florida area.

Telemiami offers a unique mix of original, locally produced news and entertainment shows along with top-rated programs from Spain’s award-winning Antena 3 Internacional.

The network offers more than 50 hours of live local programming a week. Telemiami will be available on channel 20 for all residential U-verse TV customers in the Miami, Jacksonville, Orlando and West Palm Beach markets.

AT&T subscribers can choose from flexible Spanish-language U-verse packages that offer great value, including:

* Paquete Espanol, which includes up to 50 channels featuring Spanish-language novelas, movies, news, sports, children’s programming, talk shows and more.
* U200 Latino, which includes all the channels in Paquete Espanol, plus up to 220 English TV channels, including news, movies, children’s and family entertainment and local channels.

To introduce U-verse TV customers to our extensive Spanish channel lineup, all U-verse TV customers will be able to watch a free preview of the Paquete Espanol package from May 13 through May 27.

In addition, new U-verse TV customers who select U200 Latino or bundle Paquete Espanol with any standard U-verse TV package (U100 and above) will receive $10 in monthly savings for six months. Customers can also benefit from additional monthly savings or money back for bundling U-verse High Speed Internet, U-verse Voice or AT&T wireless services with U-verse TV.

U-verse TV offers several benefits for Spanish-language viewers that enhance their TV experience, including:

* The ability to view your full programming guide and U-verse TV menu in Spanish.
* Spanish “Help On Demand” videos for information on various U-verse content and features.
* The ability to choose and watch up to four of your favorite Spanish-language channels on your TV screen at one time with the My Multiview app.
* The convenience of managing your home recordings, and watching hit TV shows on more than 14 devices with U-verse Mobile, including Spanish-language programs.
* The ability to manage and playback your recorded programs from a single DVR on any U-verse connected TV in the house with Total Home DVR.
* In-language customer service and technical support, including dedicated U-verse call centers.

Judith Prado, General Manager of Telemiami said “”We are delighted that AT&T U-verse customers in Florida now have access to our outstanding programming including hit shows such as ‘DEC’, ‘Espejo Publico’, and ‘El Diario’, just to name a few. As we have for over 30 years, Telemiami will continue to offer programming that reflects the diversity and uniqueness of the Hispanic community.”

Marshall Criser, president of AT&T Florida said “We’re committed to providing the best customer experience, and with our large and diverse channel lineup, integrated features, great price and in-language support, U-verse TV is the clear choice for Florida customers. Telemiami is another great addition for U-verse TV customers who choose to watch Spanish-language channels.”