June, 1994: Hughes Electronics and United States Satellite Broadcasting introduced DirecTV, the first US all-digital direct-to-home TV service. It was carried on the high-powered DBS-1 satellite, launched in 1993 with a payload of 16 Ku-band transponders. The DirectTV system, consisting of an 18-inch (46cm ) satellite antenna and set-top receiver, quickly became America’s hottest-selling consumer electronics product of the year. In September, DirecTV launched DBS-2. The additional capacity allowed DirecTV to expand its offerings to 150 digital channels in competition with cable systems typically offering 30 analog channels

Click here to view this event in the SSPI Satellite Industry Timeline

Visit the SSPI Satellite Industry Timeline to tour the decades of the Satellite Era

The SSPI Satellite Timeline is the first interactive site on the Web to chronicle the rich and diverse history of the commercial satellite industry. Launched in October 2007 – the 50th anniversary of Sputnik – the Timeline is a learning tool for satellite professionals, students, the news media and the innovative companies that make up the industry