Prediction
1. Directv SAT- I
think the long term plan is Directv SAT for 4K channels in 2020, lots of them, plus any Sub that cant get High Speed internet of 60 Mps or faster for the Directv Now (what ever it will be called).
2. Directv NOW-
I think the Directv Now version will be the LITE version, less features, less channel, no 4K and a less cost.
3. Hybrid Solution- (NEW)
With the new LCC Local Channel connector AND the Cheddar channel on Directv SAT which is reall a web based channel not sat, they will offer a Hybrid solution. Bring your Own Locals and stream a lot from the web, but still get a reall good DVR and High Quality Cable package and a half way less cost (in the middle).
THis new solution will use those new Steaming boxes to connect to the Directv Now System OR the current Directv SAT Genie HS17.
Customer can start with the NOW, but later upgrade buy just adding the SAT and the local in house server HS17 (or HS27) as the user guide called it.
4. HBO
ATT/Directv owns this. This plan with all the many 4K channels starts once HBO offers all their 4K channels, if it is not in 2020, then they wait till it is could be 2022.
This will trigger the 4K waver just like it did for the HD wave (HBO and Sports).
Hence the Good, Better, Best marketing plan for 2020.
The Directv SAT version will be for those that one the best HD picture, with none of that bad cable compression or forced downgrade of channels to 720p (Comcast) and not the full resolution trick like Dish does to save on bandwidth.
It will be marketed as good better and best. I think in 2020 Directv will even INCREASE the HD quality as they draw down the old SD and MPEG2 as they will have lots of free space with that in the reverse band.
Yes Directv will sell off the un used sat space but not to Dish, contract in sale will be no direct conflict for 10 years on the sat, maybe they will even lease it.
Big Companies plan things out like this for many years, I am sure they have a plan but it is top secret, as Dish would love to see it. Opps did someone just leak it
. Google is your friend.