I just did a quick count using "The List" at the top, and on Satellites 110 and 119, there about 28 transponders that are QPSK with national SD channels. Once all those are converted to 8PSK, that would mean they could fit more SD channels per transponder. And if they reclaim about 30%, does that mean they basically have freed up 8 transponders that they could use for other purposes, maybe more room for national HD channels? Or is there more to it than I am thinking of?
8PSK or 16-QAM. 77W is on 16-QAM which might be a good fit for the dry air in the west.