Phased upgrade to HD

  • Thread starter Thread starter MaxHeadroom
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MaxHeadroom

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I own a 3100 and 4700. Been a customer since 2004. I'm on the Digital Standard with grandfathered theme pack Sports 1. I'm thinking about upgrading to a new receiver, since the 4700 is not working the best anymore (although parting with the UHF remote is going to be tough)

I was thinking of replacing it with a HD receiver, although I don't yet have an HDTV, but am considering it in the near future. The 6131 for $149* with EHD capability looks intriguing.

Questions:

1) Can I run SD off an HD receiver to a SD TV via S-Video? Will the programming guide fit on a 4:3 screen?

2) I currently have a 22" dish. I'd like an upgrade for 82, to get a few SD channels that I can receive but currently don't, and of course eventually for HD. I don't want to become a renter - is there a way for me to get a free upgrade from Bell? Or am I best to source all the parts (LNB, SW44, etc) and do the upgrade myself?

3) For those SD channels that have an HD equivalent, do I automatically get those HD channels with an HD receiver, or do I need to subscribe to more packages?

4) What's the best deal on an HD receiver for an existing customer right now? Preferably one with UHF remote capability. Not interested in renting equipment.

Thanks.
 
1. Yes. Yes.

2. I assume you mean 20" dish. Bell offers free upgrades if you sub to channels on 92. That includes HD.

3. Maybe, depending on the channel. US and Canadian networks are included in "free" HD. Generally speaking, you get the specialty HD channels for the HD subscription fee. Sports channels require a subscription to the SD channel plus a subscription to the HD channels.

4. BB and FS have them on sale occasionally for $50 off. Other than that, it's probably $149*. It's probably less hassle to them up at BB or FS anyway. Bell sometimes requires installation, even with a purchase, and/or shipping charges.
 
Personally, I would wait and get the HD receiver at the same time as the TV if you can. You may get a better deal purchasing both at the same time.

As mentioned, you likely have an 18" dish (single LNB support). or a 20" dish (with the y-adapter) as these are the most common. Bell will (usually/currently) upgrade the hardware to support HD for free. Read the threads about "basic" install though. I prefer to do the work myself.
 
I agree with Dosborne.

I am a sales person at Sears and when a person purchases an HD tv, they will receive a Bell TV kit which gives them a free HD receiver for 1 year and 4 HD theme packs free for a year. Even if you want to purchase your receiver, your best option is this kit, at the end of the year, return the receiver and purchase yourself an HD receiver.

I have the 6131 and have an external HD plugged in and I love it! Good-luck with your buying choice!
 
The best deal I found on the 6131 was for $149 at the source, it is still for this price:

I actually got it for $145 by Price Matching at Futureshop, who are still selling it for $199 (They price match to 110% of the difference).

Because I was a new customer I am getting the $100 credit on my bill for it too, I can't complain at picking up the 6131 for $45+tax once its all said and done. I like the receiver too, especially now I have my external hard drive plugged in.

If you are off contract and have been with them for a while (and it sounds like you are both of these things) would it pay to give them a call and see what they can do for you in terms of upgrading your equipment? I am sure they would not want to lose you as a customer if some other provider is offering you a better deal on getting HD :)

PS: Get that HDTV asap! I am spoiled with my 6131 and struggle to even watch SD channels anymore LOL
 
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