So we know that JR is currently offering DSMJ modulation for the Japanese home market due to regulatory restrictions on fixed-channel 2.4Ghz transmitters. DSMJ has to be frequency hopping in order to meet the requirements for higher output transmission.
We also know that JR is planning on releasing FHSS air radios beginning with the upcoming XG7:
From TREXMad's website:
"Preview of the brand new XG7 radio from JR. This seven channel set is due this Autumn.
This radio heralds the introduction of JR's very own DMSS 2.4GHz technology. DMSS stands for Dual Modulation Spread Spectrum, which basically means that JR can adapt it to be either a full 'frequency hopping spread spectrum' system (FHSS) or a 'direct sequence spread spectrum' system (DSSS).
It is our understanding that FHSS will be used for JR's aircraft radios, starting with the XG7. This stylish transmitter is based on JR's well-proven X2720 35MHz radio, but with the addition of a scroll bar interface and telemetry.
As standard the XG7's telemetry system monitors receiver battery voltage. When the receiver battery reaches a pre-set level the transmitter will sound a warning. The receiver battery voltage is also shown on the transmitter's large, clear display. Additional telemetry sensors for RPM and temperature measurement will be available early next year.
Each set will come supplied with 1500 mAh Ni-MH transmitter and receiver batteries and a genuine JR charger, now fitted with a UK style 3-pin plug. The charger and receiver battery has a temperature sensor, which will automatically stop the charge once the battery is full.
There is also a servo test mode, where the servos' neutral positions can be adjusted via the transmitter.
Each XG7 will be supplied with one of JR's new eight channel FHSS receivers, fitted with a remote antenna. A heavy-duty switch harness and bind plug will also be included.
The final prices are still to be fixed but our target retail price is under £300 for a Tx/Rx Combo."
What isn't known is how any of this will shake out in the North American market. Horizon Hobby is the exclusive distributor of JR radio systems. They may choose to pick up the new FHSS line, or they may not. JR might change their North American distribution arrangements to get this new radio technology to market in North America, or they may not.
Horizon Hobby happily distributes Hitec FHSS radio products, even though they don't have exclusive rights to them. It's quite possible that they'll be happy to sell JR FHSS systems as well as Hitec. As long as you're buying it from Horizon, Horizon shouldn't be all that concerned about what "it" is.
JR may be introducing the new product line to Europe due to regulatory concerns. Computer manufacturers have much deeper pockets with which to manipulate politicians; JR may simply regard reshuffling their EU product line as a smart pre-emptive move. If this is the primary motivation for JR's change, they may not even worry about offering FHSS in North America, much less altering their current distribution arrangements with Horizon Hobby.
Horizon Hobby will have to decide if it's more important to continue championing DSM2, or if they'd rather offer JR FHSS products to grab a larger slice of the overall market.
JR will have to consider North American sales trends, and whether or not they will benefit by bringing FHSS products here.
Folks who love DSM2 think JR FHSS systems are unnecessary, folks who don't love DSM2 have by and large already selected a different brand of radio. Given the market leadership that JR and Horizon enjoy in North America, they may be completely happy with the status quo and won't change anything.
About the only thing anyone can do is contact Horizon Hobby about pre-ordering an XG7 radio system and seeing what kind of response you get. Their answer would probably indicate how things will unfold on this side of the globe.