Bell / Shaw / Star Choice?

[CrzyCanuck]

I was thinking of getting in this order:

A) Bell HDTV
http://www.bell.ca/shop/61065.details?DV7=...UNE_promosquare

b) Shaw HDTV
http://www.shaw.ca/en-ca/ProductsServices/...V/Shaw+HDTV.htm

c) Startcoice HDTV
http://www.starchoice.com/english/le...are/dsr500.asp

From what I have read, the pricing for one of these systems is also ranked in this order. (lowest to highest) Bell lists the most HDTV channels. I have a 2-year old 57in widescreen\Hdtv ready tv. I have also ruled out the PVR-HDTV. $700 is too much to spend on TV.

Anyone have good/bad experiences, or have already done the homework? Installation problems?

Thanks.

[Mccree]

Originally posted by CrzyCanuck@Jun 13 2005, 08:15 AM



b) Shaw HDTV
http://www.shaw.ca/en-ca/ProductsServices/...V/Shaw+HDTV.htm

I have Shaw HDTV. Very limited number of channels in HDTV but overall pretty happy. The box is easy to install although I did have some trouble with it freezing and losing sound but that has all been fixed. I did get the PVR and I love it.

[Indi]

saying bell has the most hdtv is kinda incorrect...they have the most channels assigned to hdtv, but the majority of those are 4:3 upconverts....so in actual fact, all 3 players have about the same number of true 16:9 hdtv channels. Don't rule out the hdtv pvr, for $700 you get alot for your money. It is a dual tuner, you can watch one channel and record another at the same time....big plus, also the pvr function, once you've had it, you never want to be without it. The rumor is that Shaw may spin off starchoice within the next year or so, probably the best thing that could happen to it. Bell uses dtv equipment, echostar I think, which is continually getting hacked, forcing bell to adopt ecm measures...paying subas are constantly getting hit by accident. Bell forces you to plug all of your receivers into the phone jack, or they cut you off....all in all, Bell is very nazi'ish when it comes to paying to watch their programming. Bell has better pick and pay, but I like the packages of Starchoice better....Bell offers NHL CI, while Starchoice offers the NFL equivalent.

Tough choice, but in the end it will be worth it

good luck

[Mccree]

Originally posted by Indi@Jun 13 2005, 08:26 AM
Don't rule out the hdtv pvr, for $700 you get alot for your money. It is a dual tuner, you can watch one channel and record another at the same time....big plus, also the pvr function, once you've had it, you never want to be without it.

I agree with that. I almost never bought the PVR model and now that I have it I would never go without.

[Dirty Mr. Clean]

The problem with HDTV is Canada's CRTC is fighting a quick adoptation of it because of cost to the public. They want HDTV to be avaliable to all people before there are lots of these channels. The USA has taken a different approch and they have to be converted to HDTV by the end of 2006. I feel in 2007 is when Canada will see major changes towards HDTV. So it's just a guessing game who will have the best HDTV in the end.

[Eagle Eye]

hmmm, I had the same question. I just bought a 46" Samsung DLP, and I was looking at either Shaw or Bell. I am not really into all those extra specialty digital channels from either. If you get Shaw you can still watch full regular cable on any other TV in the house where as Bell you can not (unless you buy extra boxes). The 5 HDTV channels from shaw don't cost you anymore then if you just had full digital cable.

Through in the fact that I have high speed internet from Shaw, I think that I am going to stick with Shaw.

[CrzyCanuck]

I think I am going to go with Shaw Hdtv/Pvr. For the simple fact that I also have internet through them. Everyone I talk to that has the hd/pvr loves it. Anyone have problesm with it?

I'll probably drop into Future shop and pick one up. Does a shaw rep need to hook it up?

[Indi]

probably a good choice, good going for getting the pvr....its a shame that starchoice is the only one with the dual tuner though...

[CrzyCanuck]

I've had a busy day here at work reading about shaw and there lack of HD content. Seems that many of the guys complain about getting only 4 HD stations.

[Eagle Eye]

Originally posted by CrzyCanuck@Jun 14 2005, 08:55 AM
I've had a busy day here at work reading about shaw and there lack of HD content. Seems that many of the guys complain about getting only 4 HD stations.

Is there any talk about them adding more in the future?

[photon]

http://www.digitalhomecanada.com/

The forums have lots of opinions on the Canadian HD providers.

I've read that about Shaw too. I don't have a HD set yet, but need a TV provider and can't decide to go to Shaw short term and then Bell or Starchoice when I get an HD set, or just go with whom I want to start off.. I'm leaning towards Starchoice at this point.

[Mccree]

Originally posted by Indi@Jun 14 2005, 09:41 AM
probably a good choice, good going for getting the pvr....its a shame that starchoice is the only one with the dual tuner though...

Not true the Shaw PVR+HDTV is a dual tuner.

There is talk about adding new channels. They guy that installed our phone thru shaw said they are testing 3-4 new HDTV channels right now.

Also you can install the box yourself. No need for a Shaw rep to come to your house.

They only problem I have had with the Shaw PVR is that if froze on me and I lost sound a few times but that has been all fixed

[calgaryred]

I'm not a huge Digital Cable fan, but if I lived in an area that satellite wouldn't work in, or if the weather was so bad it would kick me off it's the alternative. My first choice would be Star Choice though having had both Express Vu and SC I like the packages they offer. The bonus of Express Vu is they do a good job giving details for upcoming programs , but I like the selection of channels SC offers more.

[JD]

I've had the Shaw HD box for a year and a half now. It's pretty OK. HD is awesome, but of course, there's not enough of it for my liking. It'd be nice to get TSNHD.

Biggest complaint was that they don't have an upgrade program for going to the PVR box. I paid $500 for my box, but now that the PVR is out, I'd be lucky if my box is worth a quarter of that. :angry:

My decision at the time was made on the fact that Shaw offers NFL Sunday Ticket. I had to have that, and after a season of having it, I'm glad I did!!

[CrzyCanuck]

Well, I think I finally have this nailed down. I am going to wait until I can pick up the new Bell HDTV/PVR announched for release today by Bell. For $599, you get the most high def programming, for a comparible monthly price.

http://www.bce.ca/en/news/releases/b.../15/72486.html