Question about DirecTV's switch to mpeg4

[Mammoth]

I understand that sometime this year, DirecTV will be making the move from mpeg2 HD to mpeg4. Additionally, it is my understanding that this will require you to swap out your old HDTV receiver (I was given the impression that DirecTV would be swapping the receivers for free for existing customers).

My question is, I have 38" RCA F38310 High Definition TV with DirecTV's HD Receiver built into the television set. If it is true that we are going to be forced to "swap out" HD receivers so that we can receive the new mpeg4 format, what will happen to me? Obviously, I can't swap out a BUILT-IN receiver, and I don't believe my television set has any HD inputs or outputs. Is there anything I can do in this situation short of buying a new TV (since I just bought this TV two years ago for $2500, I'm not to eager to buy another one).

Thanks in advance for your help.

[RiseStar]

The manufacturer may offer some sort of upgrade for your integrated unit, you will need to ask. Most integrated units are designed to be removable for service, so it is likely that you may be able to purchase a new built in dtv module. If not, I believe that you will be required to purchase an external decoder for HDTV signals. Your current one will be fine for all standard def signals, however it won't be compatible with the new one.


In my opinion, this is one of the dumbest things directv has ever done. The smart move would have been to simalcast the new channels on the new satellites, that way at least people that have older hdtv receivers can continue to receive what they are getting now and you would only need to upgrade if you wanted the newer channels. But instead, they are planning to offer a short grace period and then shut down the old feeds.

Their move is also related to the different satellites that they will be using, which will be linear polarized ones, which will require a hybrid circular/linear polarized dish and LNBF assembly