akm3 said:
So, Dish had hinted strongly that this would be out in February, Q1 at the latest. But we haven't heard ANYTHING since then.
Has Dish pulled a(NOTHER) Dish? Is this thing officially vaporware yet?
-Allen
In 31 days, I predict that we will see posts from people that have just had their 942's installed with NBR and local HD channels programing guide working. We should also be seeing posts about the new HD channels that E* has just added: Universal HD, ESPN2 HD, Starz HD, Cinamax HD, and Encore HD. And we might see some posts about the NBR capability on the 506, 508, and 510 DVR's and a real local channel guide for local HD channels on the 921.
However, since 31 days from now is AFD, we will not be able to take those posts seriously. However, E* will be getting in a bind as the release date of the 942 becomes closer and closer to the initiation of new HD channels with MPEG-4 compression, which the 942 cannot handle. I really expect to see some 942's soon, even if they are in pre-alpha state. E* recent record with HD receivers is pretty dismal. I am really hoping that the 942 arrives in a decent state (post beta) and that I can lease it for $250 down (sell my 6000 for that) plus $5 or $10 a month.
Unfortunately, it appears that E* HD plans are frozen until the outcome of the 61.5 satellite from VOOM is approved (or disapproved). If that purchase is approved and their new satellite launch this summer is successful, they will have all the capacity they need for many national HD channels, HD locals in the top markets, more foreign language channels, more clock channels, and many, many more shopping channels.