This DIRECTV press release has details:
DIRECTV named 14 more markets where it will offer local HD programming later this year. When the markets are added, DIRECTV will offer local HD programming in 50 major metropolitan areas, representing more than 65 percent of U.S. TV households. The rollout is scheduled to begin in the third quarter.
One of those 14 markets is the one where I live. Hallelujah.
The press release doesn’t mention whether new dishes or new set-top boxes will be required or what happens to owners of DirecTiVo units. Presumably, nothing has changed since last October and tuning into the new channels will require a major hardware update.
Yes, new hardware will be required. But given how desperate people are for the DirecTiVo units, I imagine you should be able to make a good chunk of change reselling those DirecTiVos…assuming DirecTV will activate TiVo service for new customers.