Now here's what I want to know about D*. When will they carry an HD feed of the 4 major networks? AND..when will their DVR be out?????

I hear the DISH DVT will be avalible next week...that may be the way to go...

I'm not sure what the time frame is for the second part of your question, but I am pretty confident that the time frame for receiving HD Networks is...never.

The DirecTivo's arrival date is sometime 1Q 04, but we all know how that goes.

As far as networks- DirecTV recently launched (or announced upcoming launches) that will provide enough bandwidth to significantly increase the number of available HD channels. DirecTV has made announcements to the effect that this increased bandwidth will be used to provide Local HD channels. Someone more knowledgable than me can comment on the feasability of this, but if you click on the HDTV news link at the top of the page I'm sure you'll find a link to the DirecTV press release about the new Sats.

It's unfortunate that it comes to this but you must read press releases carefully. The new sats are to be used for more locals being added....but they never said it would be HD locals. Until they come up with cost effective ways to compress the signals it is pretty safe to assume that Local HD channels will not be on DirecTV or Dish.

Mark

I agree this could be smoke signals, but the article states the following:

"The shift in strategy, on the eve of the planned takeover of Hughes by News Corp. Ltd. at the end of the year, shows that DirecTV is focusing on offering next-generation television services like providing local television channels in high-definition format rather than on consumer Internet access. "

full story here:

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=597&e=1&u=/nm/20031104/tv_nm/media_hughes_satellite_dc

At least they are talking about adding HD locals. Now, as to whether they will have the capacity to do this is another question altogether. Those more knowledgable will have to discuss that aspect of the announcement. I, for one, encourage dumping all shopping, religious, and Music channels to free more bandwidth- but they didn't ask me.

I have a question regarding the bandwidth issue.Is it technically possible to have Directv show the network HD feeds on one location for each network and then switch everyone to digital locals for their specific local commercials etc.?.Perhaps this is impossible (likely)...on the other hand if D expects anyone to stay with them while cable drives HD locals then they'll need to do something.

D* will provide one channel of HD on each network...CBS, NBC ,ABC and Fox....that way they have prime-time programming in HD to compete with Cable...not rocket science. They will add 4-5 channels not 150.

That DVR will get a real late start compared to DISH's deal! I see many customers switching to the DISH. For some reason TIVO always has problems getting things done?