Bell or Shaw HDTV

[HOOT]

Originally Posted by MrMastodonFarm

So let me get this straight, make sure I'm hearing you properly. I don't agree with you, and it's because I "don't want to believe it"?

I don't think you disagree because you don't want to believe it, I believe you had your problems with Bell and that is fine. As I'm sure many have had with Shaw.

But what kind of tests have you done to compare the two side-by-side? Honestly have you seen the two on the same channel, on the same TV?

Why do all my friends with Shaw complain about the quality when we watch HNIC at my place? You may not notice it because you are use to Shaw but when I see a game in HD on Shaw I can see a difference.

What an ignorant way of you to respond. Talking with you about Bell is like talking to an Oiler fan about the Oilers.

I could say the same thing about you regarding Shaw. No matter what I say you always come back with some comment.

Seriously. We just got round and round and round about this topic. Do you like going around in circles about the same topic?

[OilKiller]

Originally Posted by HOOT

Seriously. We just got round and round and round about this topic. Do you like going around in circles about the same topic?

Yes.

Someone has to offset you being such a Bell fanboy.

[HOOT]

Originally Posted by OilKiller

Yes.

Someone has to offset you being such a Bell fanboy.

I thought we already had you.

[Bertuzzied]

Originally Posted by fotze

I wish I was able to correct my bills myself, then I would still be with them. I actually like their product better, more channels, although the lag for channel surfing was a little much.

It was just bill after bill of extra charges that they would admit too, tell me they would reverse them (after 1.5 months and I was supposed to pay them though) that would not come off the bill. It was the same thing month after month and I had to write to some VP email that was on some website that Kenn042 sent me to. When I asked the reps after I caught on to it, they pretty much said that they were lieing to me, that the charges likely wouldn't be reversed.

Mistakes are fine we all make them, even many of them (hell, Shaw are incompetant ######s), but Bell knows what they are doing (or did, they seemed to get better toward the end). I chose 'incompetant ######' over 'evil fatahead', which is unfortunate thats what it comes down to.

I didn't hear you complaining when they messed up your postal code and ended up getting none of the Flames games blacked out. hehe

Like you said i think Bell has better channels and picture, but my stupid picture kept losing a signal every so often. Plus they charged me $75 to come out and fix the problem that their initial installer guy screwed up on.

Good riddance.

[3 Justin 3]

So I am trying to decide between the two. The problem is I don't really know who is better. Looking at the HD channels, the ones I want they look similar, I can't find TSN or TSN2 on bell's HD list, but I am sure they are there. I also want a PVR, and the Bell one seems nice since I can use an external HDD with a USB chord, so I could just use a 1 or 2 TB external for it. I don't think the Shaw one has this, which is a huge turnoff, not to mention it is $200 more. However I am with shaw now, so I think if I tell them I am going to bell they will give me a super good deal, or I hope. But I will also tell Bell "what can you do for me, for me to make the switch".

Anyone have any thoughts? I currently use Shaw internet as well, and won't budge from that, Bell internet blows. With shaw I can get the HD stuff for $66.95 a month (the site I could probably get half price for 6 months or something). The Bell thing is confusing with the packages, because I want what I have now, but all in HD, plus all the HD channels I am missing, plus the time shift channels. I am pretty sure the Shaw one covers all of this because it includes all the digital channels, the ones I have right now.

I am leaning on Shaw with this basis, plus the fact that I am already with them and can probably get it cheaper bundled with my internet.

Thoughts?

[ken0042]

Justin, I merged your thread with the existing one to save all of us a lot of typing.

[Wookie]

I just got Bell, like it so far.

I hate TV though. What happened to CBC on 6, 2&7 on 2 and 7, much music on 20, superchannel on 24, TSN on 14.

Seriously, in order to get a few channels I feel like I'm bouncing around in 400's, 600's, 300's.

Does TV guide still get issued? Haha.

I need to print out a list of Bell TV's stations so I know where my channels are.

Do people remember these numbers after awhile? I haven't had TV in years so I'm finding it tough right now

Justin, got nothing for ya. But Shaw annoyed me because I can't turn it on and off as I please, they have to come to my "area" and disable the box. Also planning on going the FTA route, so I've got my bell going and that'll be the backup once I get the FTA going.

[ken0042]

Wookie, have you set yourself up a favourites list? I have a couple- the "Ken" list has all the channels I might watch, and then I also have a "Short" list which has about 20 channels on it.

To me that was one of the best things about Bell over Shaw- being able to create favourite lists. Because I really don't care about what is on channels that I don't get; nor do I want to see the PPV channels.

[Rathji]

Originally Posted by 3 Justin 3

So I am trying to decide between the two. The problem is I don't really know who is better. Looking at the HD channels, the ones I want they look similar, I can't find TSN or TSN2 on bell's HD list, but I am sure they are there. I also want a PVR, and the Bell one seems nice since I can use an external HDD with a USB chord, so I could just use a 1 or 2 TB external for it. I don't think the Shaw one has this, which is a huge turnoff, not to mention it is $200 more. However I am with shaw now, so I think if I tell them I am going to bell they will give me a super good deal, or I hope. But I will also tell Bell "what can you do for me, for me to make the switch".

Apparently Shaw has a new PVR box that supports USB external drives?

Personally, after dealing with Bell for a year and the fiasco known as trying to order a PPV without a landline phone I will never consider them for my TV needs.

My experience with Bell is that is is slightly cheaper for the same amount of channels, or significantly cheaper if you only want specific ones since Bell seemed to have smaller 'packages'. However, since it wasn't bundled with my Shaw internet/phone, the total cost difference was pretty much a wash either way IIRC.

[Wookie]

Originally Posted by ken0042

Wookie, have you set yourself up a favourites list? I have a couple- the "Ken" list has all the channels I might watch, and then I also have a "Short" list which has about 20 channels on it.

To me that was one of the best things about Bell over Shaw- being able to create favourite lists. Because I really don't care about what is on channels that I don't get; nor do I want to see the PPV channels.

Yeah I know, just got this going last week. Haven't been bothered to figure it out.

Right now I've got the big 6 page pamplet opened and I write a number beside the pictures haha. Also got a harmony remote for all mee crap.

Does shaw have the TSN extra? That's pretty cool too!

[Top Shelf]

I'm currently with Bell, contemplating moving to Shaw with there Satelite Winback promo.

I called into Bell about 10 months ago, and was able to get a pretty good deal from them when I told them I was going to cancel. Free HD PVR rental for a year, 40% off all programming, and free move and installation. Since this is about to expire, i'm looking to jump ship.

Shaw recently adjusted there Winback promo to include people who just rent their equipment. It almost seems like a no brainer to me that Shaw is going to give me equipment for free, especially when I haven't been paying for that equipment on the Bell side.

I did call Bell yesterday, but they can't even come close to matching Shaw.

Hopefully the PQ is comparable, I am a bit worried about the PVR, the 9242 I have has been rock solid and is widely regarded as one of the better PVR's out there.

EDIT - Forgot to add, I have had serious nightmares with Bell trying to get all the discoutns they prmosied me applied. I have spent many, many hours with the billing department. Really not impressed with that area of Bell, their customer service downright blows.

[RW99]

Well I can't wait to go back to Bell. EAHD on Shaw is unwatchable, constant audio dropouts. Most other channels have dropouts as well, very frustrating. This has been going on for years now, both here in Calgary and in Banff.

Plus their TV Guide is horrible. For example it is impossible for me to record just NEW Simpson episodes. I will get a whole bunch of reruns recorded before the new episode comes around.

/rant 2

[Titan]

Originally Posted by Wookie

Yeah I know, just got this going last week. Haven't been bothered to figure it out.

Right now I've got the big 6 page pamplet opened and I write a number beside the pictures haha. Also got a harmony remote for all mee crap.

Does shaw have the TSN extra? That's pretty cool too!

I think the current brochures at the Bell stores have the channel name and number. I had a big problem with that when I got mine. It only had the name. Thanks for the help.

I am surprised you did not get one with your new unit but next time you are at a store or kiosk pick one up.

[Wookie]

Originally Posted by Titan

I think the current brochures at the Bell stores have the channel name and number. I had a big problem with that when I got mine. It only had the name. Thanks for the help.

I am surprised you did not get one with your new unit but next time you are at a store or kiosk pick one up.

Really? Both of mine I've gotten in the last two weeks. Brutal, lol... Guess I'll have to go back!

I asked the guy about it, he said "well the guide shows all the channels" knob... that's helpful.. sheesh!

Thanks

[Top Shelf]

Was just doing some reading on the digitalhome.ca website about the Shaw audio drops. Is this dependant on what market you are in? Has anyone on here (in Calgary) expereinced the audio droppping issue?

[3 Justin 3]

Originally Posted by ken0042

Justin, I merged your thread with the existing one to save all of us a lot of typing.

I knew there was another one, just couldn't find it.

So for comparison, are both picture qualities about the same? I read all the posts in the thread, but they are like 3-9 months old. From what I get it goes like this:

Bell has more HD channels than Shaw.
Bell's HD PVR is better than Shaw's.
Shaw has much better support than Bell.
But I am unsure on picture quality.
Are there any current problems people are having? I want to watch HD Flames games finally, but without problems.

[Vulcan]

I think Bell's picture quality is iffy right now because they are trying to put too many channels on each transponder. Some programs are pretty good, some I have a hard time telling it's HD.

This April they are switching over to 8PSK, so their quality should return to what it was a couple of years ago, if they don't add a whole bunch of new channels.

[TSXCman]

I've had shaw, then US sat. , now Bell sat.

Bell is the worst TV provider i've ever had, i would be just as satisfied with the old 1-22 channels.

shaw is fantastic. just as much content, PLUS tons of free Shaw on Demand items, like whole seasons of shows and new movies all for free

[3 Justin 3]

Originally Posted by TSXCman

I've had shaw, then US sat. , now Bell sat.

Bell is the worst TV provider i've ever had, i would be just as satisfied with the old 1-22 channels.

shaw is fantastic. just as much content, PLUS tons of free Shaw on Demand items, like whole seasons of shows and new movies all for free

Ok sounds good, I will give shaw a call tomorrow, and see if they will throw in a hd pvr for free or cheap.

[goeagles]

Originally Posted by RW99

Well I can't wait to go back to Bell. EAHD on Shaw is unwatchable, constant audio dropouts. Most other channels have dropouts as well, very frustrating. This has been going on for years now, both here in Calgary and in Banff.

Plus their TV Guide is horrible. For example it is impossible for me to record just NEW Simpson episodes. I will get a whole bunch of reruns recorded before the new episode comes around.

/rant 2

Really? I'm able to specify in my series recordings that I only want new episodes...