Echostar/DirecTV MPEG-4 Support from CES

[klaatu]

Hi All, I was reading this"

http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/article.asp?section_id=2&article_id=752

"To enable this explosion of HDTV, both satellite systems will gradually convert their broadcasts to the MPEG-4 digital encoding system, which is more efficient and flexible than the MPEG-2 system used for DVDs and for HDTV broadcasting by ground-based TV stations. Initially, only viewers desiring high-definition programming will need to discard their existing receivers in favor of new MPEG-4 models, but the satellite companies plan to ultimately change over their entire operations, requiring all subscribers to trade up to new receivers. Dish sounded more amenable to allowing users to trade in older models, while DirecTV assumed subscribers would purchase new receivers."

Any opinions?

[Scott Greczkowski]

I was at both Press Confrences, and both basically said the same things.

[olgeezer]

Without starting a peeing contest, Dish's business model is showing a profit and they are currently upgrading customers receivers, some at reduced cost, some at no charge. Direct's business model is yet to show a profit and they have been reluctant to upgrade existing customers without full compensation (unless under duress). It seem's unreasonable to do the switch at cost to anyone, but "who knows what evil lurks in the hearts and minds of men"

[Mark Lamutt]

Moving to General Discussion - not 921 related.

[Jacob S]

If DirecTv would charge their customers to upgrade then I can forsee them switching to Dish Network getting their offer.