Starting next month, DIRECTV will begin adding dozens of new high-def channels such as CNN HD, TBS HD and The Weather Channel HD.
But DIRECTV is planning to use a transmission system (MPEG4) that's not compatible with the HR 10-250.
"New high-def will be available only on MPEG 4-compatible boxes (H20, HR20, HR21) and the Ka/ku band dishes," DIRECTV spokesman Robert Mercer told TVPredictions.com today.
TiVo HR 10-250 owners will still be able to view existing high-def channels such as HDNet and Discovery HD Theater. But DIRECTV says that eventually all high-def channels will be delivered via MPEG4.
The satcaster announced this week that in early 2008 it will deliver a software download to all DIRECTV/TiVo DVRs (including the HD DVR) that will add features such as a list of recently deleted shows and "DIRECTV Remote Booking" so users can set recordings away from home.
However, the features will not work for the new high-def channels on the DIRECTV-TiVo HR 10-250.
Mercer said DIRECTV is offering an upgrade program for HR 10-250 owners to switch to the DIRECTV-only HD DVR, the HR20. For $99, the HR 10-250 owner can get a new HR20, including installation. and relocation of the HR 10-250 to a different room if requested.
"HR10-250 customers can still use the receiver in an additional room to receive standard DIRECTV programming," Mercer added.
Comment on this article!
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
Click
TVPredictions.com to see today's Swanni
Sez.
©
TVPredictions.com
____________________________________________
Swanni (Phillip Swann) is
president and publisher of TVPredictions.com. He has been quoted in
dozens of publications and broadcast outlets, including CNN, Fox
News, Inside Edition, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The
Chicago Tribune, The Financial Times, The Associated Press and The
Hollywood Reporter. He can be reached at
swann@tvpredictions.com
or at 703-505-3064.
Click
TVPredictions.com
to read more news and features on TV
technology.