cut and paste from Directv.com

[quaddawg]

The new equipment design is still undetermined, but any equipment replacement would be at no cost to customers.
With millions of receivers potentially needing replacement, customer conversion could take several years.

[lars]

Well,

from an Economic standpoint, it would take so much money, because i guess they want to switch most subscribers to be in the Dish scheme, so they would have more controll over the receivers, and hence piracy.

But, the thing is that they would have to change SO MANY contracts with the equipment vendors and manufacturers, as well as with retailers, so with all this over their shoulders... I guess they would better stick handling both schemes.. they are already setup and running... somehow this is called in economics "Ceteris Paribus" which means "If everthing elses stays the same".

Enjoy !!!

lars