I'm sure this is answered somewhere on this forum, but I couldn't find the answer easily. Just expiring my options right now, but DirecTV have an estimated time for the launch and activation of their new birds, and specifically making HD RSNs CONUS? Thanks in advance.

"Soon".

"Soon".
Hmmm... I sense a bit of sarcasm.

I also have a Directv HD question, so I hope no one minds if I slightly hijak this thread.

Currently I have my living room set up with the HD Tivo DVR and since I live in Los Angeles I get my networks via the dish. Everything, as I understand it, is MPEG 2. I know that the knew Directv DVR is MPEG 4 and that is the direction they are going with their new HD content. My questions is, if I get the new directv DVR that is MPEG 4, will both continue to work for the forseeable future? In other words can I hook the directv dvr into another room and TV and continue to use the MPEG 2 Tivo HD DVR? Is it the same dish that provides the feed to both units or will I be put into an either/or situation?

I apologize if this is a silly question as I am not that technically gifted when it comes to this stuff.

Mike

They will both work fine. The MPEG2 unit will not pick up the MPEG4 programming, but the MPEG4 unit can also pick up MPEG2.

I also have a Directv HD question, so I hope no one minds if I slightly hijak this thread.

Currently I have my living room set up with the HD Tivo DVR and since I live in Los Angeles I get my networks via the dish. Everything, as I understand it, is MPEG 2. I know that the knew Directv DVR is MPEG 4 and that is the direction they are going with their new HD content. My questions is, if I get the new directv DVR that is MPEG 4, will both continue to work for the forseeable future? In other words can I hook the directv dvr into another room and TV and continue to use the MPEG 2 Tivo HD DVR? Is it the same dish that provides the feed to both units or will I be put into an either/or situation?

I apologize if this is a silly question as I am not that technically gifted when it comes to this stuff.
The HDTivo (HR10-250) is mpeg-2 only, and will not see mpeg-4 channels.

The HD-DVR (HR20) is mpeg-4 but it backwards compatible to mpeg-2. Basically, it can see everything.

The HDTivo will still be useful for getting both OTA and other mpeg-2 D* channels until D* moves all their channels off of mpeg-2. But don't expect that anytime soon. Even if you have the new 5-lnb dish the HDTivo will still not be able to see mpeg-4 channels.

Hmmm... I sense a bit of sarcasm.
Not at all. That's just what D* has said. Sarcasm would have been saying "Monday, but not this one".

Not at all. That's just what D* has said. Sarcasm would have been saying "Monday, but not this one".
LOL, thanks. I did a little more research, and I'm gathering that the new satellites won't be ready until September.

LOL, thanks. I did a little more research, and I'm gathering that the new satellites won't be ready until September.
Of course, they have to launch one first. Until one makes it into orbit safely, dates are irrelevent. Hence "soon".

Of course, they have to launch one first. Until one makes it into orbit safely, dates are irrelevent. Hence "soon".
Thanks.

On a bit of a different note, does anyone have information on when Dish Network may offer Hartford locals in HD?