On April 26, 2005, DirecTV launched the first of 4 new satellites equipped to offer High Definition services to the first 33% of its subscriber’s homes.  The first markets to be covered include New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Boston, San Francisco, Dallas, Washington D.C., Atlanta, Detroit, Houston and Tampa.  Click here for the press release.

The second satellite is set to launch in June while the third and fourth are scheduled for 2007.  Together, the four satellites will provide over 1,500 local HD stations and 150 national HD channels.

Though unconfirmed, a Slashdot post indicated that the new HD satellite system would not be compatible with the only HD Tivo box currently available.

DirecTV’s press release indicates that views will require new HD equipment in order to utilize the new HD feeds.  It does not, however, explain if this hardware is the same HD dish and receivers that are currently available.

As a DirecTV subscriber, as well as a Tivo advocate, I anxiously await further information.

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Steve