Hmmmm.... I had always speculated that we could see a system-wide replacement of receivers, with a better codec for compression. Both DirecTV and Dish use compression systems that are several years old. They were probably state-of-the-art at implementation.
What wasn't mentioned, but could also be a possibility is better security than what currently exists. Some possible security fixes include:
* Having receivers "expire" if no authorization code received. (Dish receivers do not do this, they rely on a kill code sent through the stream)
* Hard to hack security system (Both Dish and DirecTV have had hacks)
* Better reporting of PPV events. (It is currently possible to have a PPV movie sit on your receiver for years without being called in-that's lost revenue!)
Just my two cents...