ExpressVu For Condos - PVR a pipedream?

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Does anyone know if Bell plan to offer a PVR service on their Expressvu For Condos system?
 
If your building has Bell service in it allready that means that the signal can come in and you can put any receiver you want on it ? does this make sense, is this what you are asking the PVR are stand alone receivers that you would buy , is that what you are asking .Are you in Vancouver ? I know all the buildings if so.
 
if you are in an MDU (multi dwelling unit), you can use any receivers you want, so a PVR is no problem...but i think by your post you are using the VDSL service...it uses different hardware than the standard satellite receivers use...VDSL service has been around from Bell for a few years now, but isn't available in very many areas...stay tuned as IPTv will be out around the middle of next year, and will offer more features (PVR, HD, onDemand services, etc).
 
I had a chance to see BEV TV for Condos recently. Not bad. But I am into HD and that's not an option as you point out for VDSL right now. I was also told that if you happen to live in an apt building that is wired for VDSL Bell no longer allows you to install a satellite dish. So forget HD PVR.

Now that hockey is back, and in HD, I couldn't consider SD only. Your mileage might vary.
 
Yes I am talking about the VDSL...

I suppose they are holding off rolling anything more out considering iptv is on the horizon, as (to my knowledge) it works on the same infrastructure.

and iptv can support hd, and pvr functionality right?

next summer you say? exciting!
 
"Update for those of you that have Expressvu for condo service (VDSL) Bell is now installing HD receivers from Motorola. I know of at least a dozen installs to date. No PVR yet (maybe in the fall) but if you want your HDTV to look it's best this receiver is a must."

thanks for the info John. I was wondering if you could clarify. Are these receivers avaliable now? If so, which division of bell do we contact to get one?
 
Bell is in the process of trialing an VDSL HDTV receiver in 2006 for condos. It's MPEG2 and not the way the industry is moving. Bell may or may not release this receiver next year. An MPEG4 receiver with multi-headed outputs is in the works with Bell's vendor but not slated for release until about a year from now.

John
 
I just talked with a VDSL rep from Bell and they began testing the RG3000. The rep gave his personal opinion that it would be widely avaliable within the next 6 months. Testing for the box began on Dec. 21 and so far the testing has produced pixelization, intermitent blackouts, and so on. So basically your normal testing quarks. I am just excited that it is this close.
 
Sorry, iis the MPEG 4 receiver you are talking about for Bell Expressvu or for TV for Condos?
 
I also live in a apartment/condo. Our common room in our building has satalite channels, therefore can I contact Bell and hook into the dish that is on the roof? If it matters its 332 Lonsdale Ave.

Thanks,
 
The MPEG4 receiver is for VDSL in Condos. Expressvu is the source for both IPTV (not here yet) and condos.

John
 
Jon, you are absolutely correct, they are testing with Motorola now. They have test subscribers in one condo location in Etobicoke. There are firmware glitches that have to be solved. Also, the specs for the RG3000 provide component outputs for HD, no DVI/HDMI that I can tell at this time. This may change though by the time these are rolled out.

Forgot to mention that this is a single set top box receiver. There are plans later this fall for a multi-unit receiver.

John
 
The lack of HDMI/DVI will probably not be a loss to many even though it can offer the potential for greater fine detail. I am just glad there is finally some movement with regard to this service. We now have the prospect of HDTV, mutli-unit receivers, a PVR, and I think an MPEG4 unit was mentioned earlier in this thread as well. The info provided by John is invaluable here and very much appreciated.
 
thanks for the info johnny. Where do you get your info if you do not mind me asking. I have asked Bell about this stuff and they just blow me off. I just wish they would provide people with more info. I am about ready to jump ship back to Rogers because Bell just does not seem to be very concerned about their customers. I would not mind if HDTV for VDSL was 6 months or a year away, it is the lack of feed back or updates that bothers me.
 
I want to thank you all for your input on this subject.

I am in Marina Del Rey in Toronto which is a MDU VDSL buidling. I am waiting for HD receivers and hopefully PVR ones at that!
 
Jon,

Let's just say I work as a Network Planner at said company. Just don't spread it around.:)

John
 
Hey I'm in Phase 3 at Marina Del Rey and just got my new box today. A Motorola RG2400

No HDMI or DVI outlets on it unfortunately so I guess I'm stuck with S-Video.

I'm new to all this, but is there such a thing as a TV that upscales? I know my DVD player doesn't, but I've heard rumblings that some TVs do, resulting in better picture quality for those people with Expressview and no DVI/HDMI jacks on their boxes. I've got a Daytek 3220.

When I asked him, the guy that installed the new box said that they couldn't provide HD service yet. Don't know whether he meant to our building, or in general.

Bit of a bummer, since I seem to recall that being one of the reasons the BoD was pushing for Expressview in the first place.
 
The bulk of this thread concerns when the TV service for Condos will go HDTV. HDTV for this service is coming soon. You will need the RG3000 box which I am sure you will be able to switch for your current box when it is avaliable. As for your TV it is currently taking the 480i image from your RG2400 and upscaling it to what looks like 720p, so in essence upscaling and de-interlacing. Your TV will also be upscaling your DVD image just by being connected to your TV. The issue is that most TVs do not upscale and de-interlace as well as when it is done by a good DVD player or other such external device. Hope that helps.
 
I was just curious now that we are in a new year whether or not there is any new info. on the upgrades for Condo TV from Bell.


thanks, John
 
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