PanAmSat cheered Monday evening's launch of Galaxy XR, the company's second satellite deployment in less than five weeks and the first of the new century, during a flight from Arianespace's Kourou facility in South America. If in-orbit testing and other work is successful, the new bird will become the fifth satellite in the Galaxy cable neighborhood and the 21st in PanAmSat's global fleet. As of press time, things were running smoothly for the mission. Along with delivering programming to cable headends, the Hughes-built satellite also will provide Internet and other telecommunications throughout North America. The launch marked the 94th for Ariane and the 10th using the 42L rocket.

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DirecTV Sponsors Two NFL Events

DirecTV announced Monday it will gain a "host of benefits" by sponsoring two high-profile NFL off-season events. The company will be a presenting sponsor of the NFL Quarterback Challenge and NFL Legends Alumni Beach Bowl events, taking place Feb. 10 and Feb. 4 respectively. DirecTV said the sponsorships underscore the multi-faceted partnership between the NFL and nation's largest satellite TV provider. The most notable aspect of this partnership is DirecTV's NFL Sunday Ticket, a successful out-of-market sports subscription package. Jayne Hancock, DirecTV's vice president of sports marketing, said, "The relationship with the NFL, developed over the past five years, has been, and continues to be, an integral part of DirecTV's overall brand-building strategy." Some of the benefits DirecTV will receive as a result of the sponsorships are on-site signage and on-air advertising spots during event broadcasts. The company also will receive access to participants of both events.

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Motorola Eyes 3D With Investment

Motorola's Broadband Communications Sector, the business once known as General Instrument, made an investment in Dynamic Digital Depth and its 3D cable television technology. Motorola's investment was influenced by DDD's DeepSee two-dimensional compatible 3D transmission technology demonstrated on Motorola's DCT-5000+ advanced interactive digital set-top box. The demonstration was given at December's Western Cable Show in Los Angeles. DeepSee technology enables operators to overcome the lack of 3D content barrier by converting new and existing 2D programs into high-quality 3D that can be decoded by advanced set-top terminals. The 3D programming can be viewed in either 2D or 3D on viewer demand. DDD said it believes that it's the only company providing broadcasters and content providers with 2D or 3D programming options that can be controlled by the press of a button. Motorola Broadband Communications' relationship with DDD dates back to June 1999 when the two companies entered into a development agreement to integrate 3D into Motorola's consumer set-top terminals. The Broadband Communications business oversees development of cable set-top boxes and operates GI's C-Band business.

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AT&T Eyes Executive Cuts

In an effort to slash $2 billion in costs, AT&T may cut as much as 25 percent of its 600 executive jobs, the Wall Street Journal reported Monday. The plan, according to the financial publication, is to boost growth and improve profitability as the company's long-distance business declines. AT&T is expected to post a decline in fourth-quarter profit, blamed partly on spending associated with its cable business. Cuts could also impact other positions within the company. AT&T said earlier this month that it plans to reduce benefits for about 50,000 managers. Those cuts include eye care, free legal assistance or certain benefits for retired employees. The giant also began a hiring freeze on Aug. 19.

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TECHNOLOGY: Norsat DirecTV Sales Up