DirecTV announced that its latest digital video recorder, DirecTV Plus, is available at retail locations nationwide. The recorder can store up to 100 hours of DirecTV programming, as well as pause and rewind live television for up to 90 minutes. The unit is available to new and existing DirecTV customers at no cost, after a $100 mail-in rebate.

Separately DirecTV announced the launch of Russiandirect, a 24-hour-a-day Russian-language programming package, intended to provide the Russian community living in the United States with the Russian news and entertainment programming.

The package, which includes C1RW, Dom Kino, Vremya and Muzika Pervogo, will be available for $29.99 per month, and customers also can purchase C1RW or RTR Planeta on an a-la- carte basis for $14.99 per month apiece.