I submitted a complaint to the FCC regarding HD-Lite, they apparently have no regulations regarding DBS...
"Material Degradation
* The Report and Order finds that a cable operator would not necessarily be
materially degrading a digital television signal if it carries less than
the full 19.4 mbps transmitted by a broadcaster.
* The Report and Order finds that a cable operator may not carry a digital
television signal in a lesser format or lower resolution than that afforded
to a non-broadcast digital programmer carried on the cable system. However,
a digital-only television station may demand that a cable operator carry its
digital signal in an analog format without the prohibition against material
degradation being violated. If a television station chooses to be carried
in this manner, it is treated in the same manner as an analog signal.
* Cable operators are permitted to remodulate digital broadcast signals from
8 VSB to 64 or 256 QAM. Cable operators are not required to pass-through 8
VSB."
Looks like only we customers can push companies to market and advertise for true HD services.
"Material Degradation
* The Report and Order finds that a cable operator would not necessarily be
materially degrading a digital television signal if it carries less than
the full 19.4 mbps transmitted by a broadcaster.
* The Report and Order finds that a cable operator may not carry a digital
television signal in a lesser format or lower resolution than that afforded
to a non-broadcast digital programmer carried on the cable system. However,
a digital-only television station may demand that a cable operator carry its
digital signal in an analog format without the prohibition against material
degradation being violated. If a television station chooses to be carried
in this manner, it is treated in the same manner as an analog signal.
* Cable operators are permitted to remodulate digital broadcast signals from
8 VSB to 64 or 256 QAM. Cable operators are not required to pass-through 8
VSB."
Looks like only we customers can push companies to market and advertise for true HD services.