So, let's say there's someone who's on the fence to dump cable and go DBS...like, say, me...and this person is debating between the following:
1. Tell cable to {bleep} off tomorrow, call D* to come install a SD DVR (net cost $50) and another non-HD receiver, and then wait till HD/MPEG-4 equipment comes out before deciding what HD option to slap on my HDTV (plasma);
2. Wait till Aug 1,
then tell cable to {bleep} off, call D* to come install a SD DVR (net cost, expected to be $0) and another non-HD receiver, and then wait till HD/MPEG-4 equipment comes out before deciding what HD option to slap on my HDTV;
3. Wait till Aug 1, tell cable to {bleep} off,
then call D* to come install
an HD DVR (assuming net cost drops below $500) and another non-HD receiver, and then pray D* will swap out for MPEG-4 HD DVR at some point in the (not too distant) future; or
4. Suck it up with cable and wait till this mess settles out.
...it seems like there may not be a big advantage to waiting until Aug to buy a simple DVR + 1 system beyond saving $50. Does anyone have an idea whether being a D* customer before Aug. 1 would serious hinder efforts to upgrade to HD equipment later (either before or after MPEG-4 conversion)? Would D* swap out (preferably for free
) a plain-old round dish with a 5-LNB one if I upgrade to HD after MPEG-4 is out?
I read the whole thread (23 pages is impressive) and after being really excited at first, I'm now feeling like it may not be that big a deal. Thoughts?