Bad time to get ExpressVu?

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sofaspud

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Bell's strategy for MPEG4 will likely be to keep the existing channel line-up the way it is now (i.e, in MPGE2), and add new programming in MPEG4. You then have a choice: keep your existing hardware and existing programming, or purchase a new MPEG4 capable receiver and have access to MPEG4 programming.

I guarantee that Bell will NOT provide new MPEG4-capable DVRs to existing customers for free. It just won't happen.
 
I am new in the HD game, and I was wondering if people recommend signing up now or waiting for a while, potentially because of a new Bell PVR release, or signup deal that may be in the works for ExpressVu...

Any inside info, or should I just go for it?

Another question: I currently have an ExpressVu dish on my house from the previous owners - does this need to be updated, or can I just install a receiver/PVR with the wires from the dish that already come into the house?

Thanks!
 
The promo right now is that you would get ALL Express Vu channels free for 2 months

Promotions varies, but often comes to the same...if you look at what we offered this year there used to be a promo where you get your programming selcetion free for 2 months, then 6 months at half price, and now that promo

The new MPEG4 receivers will come out shortly, but, as discussed in many threads they won't go MPEG4 before 2009, so no, I don't think it's worth it to wait

If the dish has only one LNBF you will need to upgrade and get a second LNBF

As a new client you will get FREE INSTALL if you take a 2 years contract, plus de promotions stated previously. If you sign only a year contract you will need to pay the install (99$) plus the upgrade of the dish (I don't know exactly how much)
 
This kind of stuff is reason enough for me NOT going with BEV, and choosing local cable company... no hidden prices, no bartering, everyone gets the same price. Bell is digging its own grave when things like this get posted and read I think!
 
If he signs up as a new client he would get free installation (and that includes the upgrade kit) if he take a 2 year contract

As for the FREE RECEIVER, I verified with the depratement that replaces the receivers usually and they said IT WAS NOT IN THE PLANS. They also said why would we replace something that is not defective, and why would we replace a receiver that is out of warranty? Future Shop and Best Buy are trying to sell a product...they don't have acces to the informatin tools that we have, and can not know in advance what's gonna happen at Express Vu
 
An existant client would pay
100$ rental certificate on a credit card->refunded on the activation of the receiver
20$/month for the rental of the receiver
The cost of the upgrade kit (depends on the current set up)->refunded once you activated programming requiring upgrade kit
 
The dish, LNBs, switches (including SW44)... All of which new and existing EV subs paid for until the 9200 was introduced and rental program started. Some new subscribers paid up to $235 for the dish with 2 LNBs and a SW44. Now, EV gives them away.

BTW, the $185 SW44 upgrade kit included 4 RG6 cables that were often defective and caused problems. Now that's a deal. :confused:
 
What research have you done?
What options are available in your area?
Whats content would make for a deal breaker?
How important is PVR?
How important is overall pricing?
How important is customer service?
How important is month to month versus a contract?
How important is rental versus purchase?

Generally I always recommend to 'go for it' as you put it so you can begin enjoying HD rather sooner than later, but since you are new, it may be worth your time to answer at least some of the questions I've posed.

Then you and I know that at least you have made an informed decision with whatever provider you choose, either national sat provider, local cable or telco or other are some choices to consider.
Bundling may also sway you one way or the other depending on your needs.
Each will of course have strengths and weaknesses and your choice should depend on how truthfully you answer the questions.

Ultimately, the provider and yourself want to be happy with the choice as it can be a long term relationship.
 
Maybe some hope for those of us who purchased the unit from FS alongwith an extended warrenty......if it stops working properly the replacement should be the newest unit available. Will just wait and see.
 
Actually we have had literally thousands of the SW44 Upgrade Kits go through our Warehouses and I can guarantee that NO Nimiq 2 Upgrade Kit (Article Number 60387) has EVER contained the 4 x Jumper Cables.

The SW21 Upgrade Kit (Article Number 60386) however DID contain these Jumpers.

Also just to agree with you "I Want My HDTV", they were indeed very often the cause of many problems, the Jumpers were also made from Vextra RG6 which is not approved for use by Express Vu for Installations, yet another wonderful example of one hand not knowing what the other was doing.

If an Installer was to use Vextra Cable on an Installation and that installation was subsequently inspected by Express Vu, the Installer would have to return and replace ALL the Cable with RG6 from the APL (approved Parts List). Heres the really stupid part, I have actually known of instances where Express Vu have insisted that the Installers return and change the Jumpers because they are Vextra.!!!!! They were not even aware that they (Express Vu) through BDI (Bell Distribution Inc) were supplying none APL materials......

They now ship the SW21 Kits with either no jumpers or jumpers made from RG6 on the APL.

The ONLY SW44 kit that contained Jumpers was the Upgrade Kit #5, can't remember the Article #, it was for installations of more than 4 Tuners and consisted of an SW44, 4 x 2 GHZ Splitters and the 4 Jumpers, again mostly Vextra. This kit is no longer available.
 
If the dish already has the second LNBF (for the Sat. that carries HD) then the free install could be as simple as plugging in your receiver.

I bet you could do that yourself, so you might not want a two year contract.
 
All 9200's come with a Dish and an SW44 so the Upgrade is not billable unless they have more than 4 tuners INCLUDING the 9200.
 
Maybe it was the SW21 kits for the 6000. In fact probably was since it was before 9200. SW21 upgrade kits, now there is another waste of money propagated by EV. I had to upgrade to a SW44 just a year after buying the SW21. Used SW21s are worthless for resale as well.
 
If he goes for the 9200, he would almost certainly have to Rent, because it is not available to buy right now, so it would still be a 2 year term as it must be installed by a pro.

Unless he can find a good used one cheap.
 
You do raise an interesting point, however if the delivery method changes I am sure they will have a clause to cover their a$$ for that eventuality.

Interesting though, I know a couple of people at FS, I will have to get hold of them and ask this question.....
 
Again it really makes you wonder.

I, like yourself, probably paid good money for the Upgrade Kit back in the day.

Now ALL customers get it Free, or as close to Free as possible.

I have spent a small fortune over the year son Receivers from Bell;

3100 x 2
5900
5200
3200
6000
6100
9200

My god, I think I just about paid for Nimiq 5 when I add the cost of all those.....lol
 
Customers in Cogeco territory get a free SD PVR or HD receiver as a bonus to a standard 2-year contract with the first 2 months free of 400 channels. That was advertised in a full-page newspaper ad in Oakville. These are not rental units; you own them outright.

Translation: Bell ExpressVu is desperate to add new clients right now.

Of course, neither unit is capable of MPEG-4.
 
Maybe we should all chip in and purchase a gigantic electro-static generator and around the right time, see how compatible the 2 machines are.

I doubt there are going to forensically examine all the chip dies to claim customer abuse.
 
Bell went from 3 months free (6 months at half price) to 2 months free...but the 3 months free was on the programming YOU SELECTED and the 2 months free gives you ALL EXPRESS VU CHANNEL
 
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