The DirecTV Group (DTV)

Investments and Financial Instruments

        We maintain investments in equity securities of unaffiliated companies. We carry non-marketable equity securities at cost. We consider marketable equity securities available-for-sale and they are carried at current fair value based on quoted market prices with unrealized gains or losses (excluding other-than-temporary losses), net of taxes, reported as part of OCI. We continually review our investments to determine whether a decline in fair value below the cost basis is "other-than-temporary." We consider, among other factors: the magnitude and duration of the decline; the financial health and business outlook of the investee, including industry and sector performance, changes in technology, and operational and financing cash flow factors; and our intent and ability to hold the investment. If we judge the decline in fair value to be other-than-temporary, we write-down the cost basis of the security to fair value and recognize the amount in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as part of "Other, net" and record it as a reclassification adjustment from OCI.

        We account for investments in which we own at least 20% of the voting securities or have significant influence under the equity method of accounting. We record equity method investments at cost and adjust for the appropriate share of the net earnings or losses of the investee. We record investee losses up to the amount of the investment plus advances and loans made to the investee, and financial guarantees made on behalf of the investee.

        The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, investments and other assets, accounts payable, and amounts included in accrued liabilities and other meeting the definition of a financial instrument approximated their fair values at December 31, 2008 and 2007.

Investments and Financial Instruments

        We maintain investments in equity securities of unaffiliated companies. We carry non-marketable equity securities at cost. We consider marketable equity securities available-for-sale and they are carried at current fair value based on quoted market prices with unrealized gains or losses (excluding other-than-temporary losses), net of taxes, reported as part of OCI. We continually review our investments to determine whether a decline in fair value below the cost basis is "other-than-temporary." We consider, among other factors: the magnitude and duration of the decline; the financial health and business outlook of the investee, including industry and sector performance, changes in technology, and operational and financing cash flow factors; and our intent and ability to hold the investment. If we judge the decline in fair value to be other-than-temporary, we write-down the cost basis of the security to fair value and recognize the amount in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as part of "Other, net" and record it as a reclassification adjustment from OCI.

        We account for investments in which we own at least 20% of the voting securities or have significant influence under the equity method of accounting. We record equity method investments at cost and adjust for the appropriate share of the net earnings or losses of the investee. We record investee losses up to the amount of the investment plus advances and loans made to the investee, and financial guarantees made on behalf of the investee.

        The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, investments and other assets, accounts payable, and amounts included in accrued liabilities and other meeting the definition of a financial instrument approximated their fair values at December 31, 2008 and 2007.

Investments and Financial Instruments

        We maintain investments in equity securities of unaffiliated companies. We carry non-marketable equity securities at cost. We consider marketable equity securities available-for-sale and they are carried at current fair value based on quoted market prices with unrealized gains or losses (excluding other-than-temporary losses), net of taxes, reported as part of OCI. We continually review our investments to determine whether a decline in fair value below the cost basis is "other-than-temporary." We consider, among other factors: the magnitude and duration of the decline; the financial health and business outlook of the investee, including industry and sector performance, changes in technology, and operational and financing cash flow factors; and our intent and ability to hold the investment. If we judge the decline in fair value to be other-than-temporary, we write-down the cost basis of the security to fair value and recognize the amount in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as part of "Other, net" and record it as a reclassification adjustment from OCI.

        We account for investments in which we own at least 20% of the voting securities or have significant influence under the equity method of accounting. We record equity method investments at cost and adjust for the appropriate share of the net earnings or losses of the investee. We record investee losses up to the amount of the investment plus advances and loans made to the investee, and financial guarantees made on behalf of the investee.

        The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, investments and other assets, accounts payable, and amounts included in accrued liabilities and other meeting the definition of a financial instrument approximated their fair values at December 31, 2008 and 2007.

Investments and Financial Instruments

        We maintain investments in equity securities of unaffiliated companies. We carry non-marketable equity securities at cost.
We consider marketable equity securities available-for-sale and they are carried at current fair value based on quoted market prices with unrealized gains or losses (excluding
other-than-temporary losses), net of taxes, reported as part of OCI. We continually review our investments to determine whether a decline in fair value below the cost basis is
"other-than-temporary." We consider, among other factors: the magnitude and duration of the decline; the financial health and business outlook of the investee, including
industry and sector performance, changes in technology, and operational and financing cash flow factors; and our intent and ability to hold the investment. If we judge the decline in fair value to be
other-than-temporary, we write-down the cost basis of the security to fair value and recognize the amount in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as part of
"Other, net" and record it as a reclassification adjustment from OCI.

        We
account for investments in which we own at least 20% of the voting securities or have significant influence under the equity method of accounting. We record equity method investments
at cost and adjust for the appropriate share of the net earnings or losses of the investee. We record investee losses up to the amount of the investment plus advances and loans made to the investee,
and financial guarantees made on behalf of the investee.

        The
carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, investments and other assets, accounts payable, and amounts included in accrued liabilities and other meeting the
definition of a financial instrument approximated their fair values at December 31, 2008 and 2007.

Investments and Financial Instruments

        We maintain investments in equity securities of unaffiliated companies. We carry non-marketable equity securities at cost.
We consider marketable equity securities available-for-sale and they are carried at current fair value based on quoted market prices with unrealized gains or losses (excluding
other-than-temporary losses), net of taxes, reported as part of OCI. We continually review our investments to determine whether a decline in fair value below the cost basis is
"other-than-temporary." We consider, among other factors: the magnitude and duration of the decline; the financial health and business outlook of the investee, including
industry and sector performance, changes in technology, and operational and financing cash flow factors; and our intent and ability to hold the investment. If we judge the decline in fair value to be
other-than-temporary, we write-down the cost basis of the security to fair value and recognize the amount in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as part of
"Other, net" and record it as a reclassification adjustment from OCI.

        We
account for investments in which we own at least 20% of the voting securities or have significant influence under the equity method of accounting. We record equity method investments
at cost and adjust for the appropriate share of the net earnings or losses of the investee. We record investee losses up to the amount of the investment plus advances and loans made to the investee,
and financial guarantees made on behalf of the investee.

        The
carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, investments and other assets, accounts payable, and amounts included in accrued liabilities and other meeting the
definition of a financial instrument approximated their fair values at December 31, 2008 and 2007.

Investments and Financial Instruments

        We maintain investments in equity securities of unaffiliated companies. We carry non-marketable equity securities at cost. We consider marketable equity securities available-for-sale and they are carried at current fair value based on quoted market prices with unrealized gains or losses (excluding other-than-temporary losses), net of taxes, reported as part of OCI. We continually review our investments to determine whether a decline in fair value below the cost basis is "other-than-temporary." We consider, among other factors: the magnitude and duration of the decline; the financial health and business outlook of the investee, including industry and sector performance, changes in technology, and operational and financing cash flow factors; and our intent and ability to hold the investment. If we judge the decline in fair value to be other-than-temporary, we write-down the cost basis of the security to fair value and recognize the amount in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as part of "Other, net" and record it as a reclassification adjustment from OCI.

        We account for investments in which we own at least 20% of the voting securities or have significant influence under the equity method of accounting. We record equity method investments at cost and adjust for the appropriate share of the net earnings or losses of the investee. We record investee losses up to the amount of the investment plus advances and loans made to the investee, and financial guarantees made on behalf of the investee.

        The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts and notes receivable, investments and other assets, accounts payable, and amounts included in accrued liabilities and other meeting the definition of a financial instrument approximated their fair values at December 31, 2007 and 2006.

Investments and Financial Instruments

        We maintain investments in equity securities of unaffiliated companies. We carry non-marketable equity securities at cost. We consider marketable
equity securities available-for-sale and they are carried at current fair value based on quoted market prices with unrealized gains or losses (excluding
other-than-temporary losses), net of taxes, reported as part of OCI. We continually review our investments to determine whether a decline in fair value below the cost basis is
"other-than-temporary." We consider, among other factors: the
magnitude and duration of the decline; the financial health and business outlook of the investee, including industry and sector performance, changes in technology, and operational and financing cash
flow factors; and our intent and ability to hold the investment. If we judge the decline in fair value to be other-than-temporary, we write-down the cost basis of
the security to fair value and recognize the amount in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as part of "Other, net" and record it as a reclassification adjustment from OCI.

        We
account for investments in which we own at least 20% of the voting securities or have significant influence under the equity method of accounting. We record equity method investments
at cost and adjust for the appropriate share of the net earnings or losses of the investee. We record investee losses up to the amount of the investment plus advances and loans made to the investee,
and financial guarantees made on behalf of the investee.

        The
carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts and notes receivable, investments and other assets, accounts payable, and amounts included
in accrued liabilities and other meeting the definition of a financial instrument approximated their fair values at December 31, 2007 and 2006.

Investments and Financial Instruments

        We maintain investments in equity securities of unaffiliated companies. We carry non-marketable equity securities at cost. We consider marketable equity securities available-for-sale and they are carried at current fair value based on quoted market prices with unrealized gains or losses (excluding other-than-temporary losses), net of taxes, reported as part of OCI. We continually review our investments to determine whether a decline in fair value below the cost basis is "other-than-temporary."

        We consider, among other factors: the magnitude and duration of the decline; the financial health and business outlook of the investee, including industry and sector performance, changes in technology, and operational and financing cash flow factors; and our intent and ability to hold the investment. If we judge the decline in fair value to be other-than-temporary, we write-down the cost basis of the security to fair value and recognize the amount in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as part of "Other, net" and record it as a reclassification adjustment from OCI.

        Short-term investments include investments in auction rate securities, which are considered available-for-sale and carried at fair value.

        We account for investments in which we own at least 20% of the voting securities or have significant influence under the equity method of accounting. We record equity method investments at cost and adjust for the appropriate share of the net earnings or losses of the investee. We record investee losses up to the amount of the investment plus advances and loans made to the investee, and financial guarantees made on behalf of the investee.

        The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts and notes receivable, investments and other assets, accounts payable, and amounts included in accrued liabilities

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and other meeting the definition of a financial instrument approximated their fair values at December 31, 2006 and 2005.

Investments and Financial Instruments

        We maintain investments in equity securities of unaffiliated companies. We carry non-marketable equity securities at cost. We consider marketable equity securities available-for-sale and they are carried at current fair value based on quoted market prices with unrealized gains or losses (excluding other-than-temporary losses), net of taxes, reported as part of OCI. We continually review our investments to determine whether a decline in fair value below the cost basis is "other-than-temporary." We consider, among other factors: the magnitude and duration of the decline; the financial health and business outlook of the investee, including industry and sector performance, changes in technology, and operational and financing cash flow factors; and our intent and ability to hold the investment. If we judge the decline in fair value to be other-than-temporary, we write-down the cost basis of the security to fair value and recognize the amount in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as part of "Other, net" and record it as a reclassification adjustment from OCI.

        Short-term investments include investments in auction rate securities, which are considered available-for-sale and carried at fair value.

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        We account for investments in which we own at least 20% of the voting securities or have significant influence under the equity method of accounting. We record equity method investments at cost and adjust for the appropriate share of the net earnings or losses of the investee. We record investee losses up to the amount of the investment plus advances and loans made to the investee, and financial guarantees made on behalf of the investee.

        The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts and notes receivable, investments and other assets, accounts payable, and amounts included in accrued liabilities and other meeting the definition of a financial instrument or debt approximated their fair values at December 31, 2005 and 2004.

Investments and Financial Instruments

We maintain investments in equity securities of unaffiliated companies. We carry non-marketable equity securities at cost. We consider marketable equity securities available-for-sale and carried at current fair value based on quoted market prices with unrealized gains or losses (excluding other-than-temporary losses), net of taxes, reported as part of OCI. We continually review our investments to determine whether a decline in fair value below the cost basis is “other-than-temporary.” We consider, among other factors: the magnitude and duration of the decline; the financial health and business outlook of the investee, including industry and sector performance, changes in technology, and operational and financing cash flow factors; and our intent and ability to hold the investment. If we judge the decline in fair value to be other-than-temporary, we write-down the cost basis of the security to fair value and recognize the amount in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as part of “Other, net” and record it as a reclassification adjustment from OCI.

We account for investments in which we own at least 20% of the voting securities or have significant influence under the equity method of accounting. We record equity method investments at cost and adjust for the appropriate share of the net earnings or losses of the investee. We record investee losses up to the amount of the investment plus advances and loans made to the investee, and financial guarantees made on behalf of the investee. In certain instances, this can result in our recognizing investee earnings or losses in excess of our ownership percentage.

The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts and notes receivable, investments and other assets, accounts payable, and amounts included in accrued liabilities and other meeting the definition of a financial instrument or debt approximated fair value at December 31, 2004 and 2003.

We carry all derivative financial instruments in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value based on quoted market prices. We use derivative contracts to minimize the financial impact of changes in the fair value of recognized assets, liabilities and unrecognized firm commitments, or the variability of cash flows associated with forecasted transactions in accordance with internal risk management policies. We recognize changes in fair value of designated, qualified and effective fair value hedges in earnings as offsets to the changes in fair value of the related hedged items. We defer changes in fair value of designated, qualified and effective cash flow hedges and record these charges as a component of OCI until the hedged transactions occur and we recognize them in earnings. We immediately recognize the ineffective portion and changes related to amounts excluded from the effectiveness assessment of a hedging derivative’s change in fair value in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in “Other, net.” We assess, both at the inception of the hedge and on an on-going basis, whether the derivatives are highly effective. We discontinue hedge accounting prospectively when hedge instruments are no longer highly effective.