Question from a new customer

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cegmar

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We have made the switch from Rogers. This will be our first satellite experience, so I am hoping we won't be disappointed.

One issue I have, which came very close to stopping the switch to BEV is the fact that the PVR receivers can only record the show you are watching. That is one feature that both my wife and I really enjoy from Rogers, so it will be tough giving it up.

But my question is why can't the BEV hardware let you record and watch something else? Is it that advanced that it is currently not even feasible with satellite signals?

I mean I understand that with the dual tuner, I can record on my other tv and watch live tv on the other, but I see it being a pain in the behind.

But despite that, we will be Bell customers for the next 2 years.
 
You kind of answered your own question. You can set the dual tuner to single mode allowing you to watch show A and record show B.
 
So if I understand correctly, setting to single mode will allow me to watch and record at the same time on the same TV? But I imagine that would mean that the other TV would not be available unless I get another receiver for it.

Is this correct?
 
Perhaps you should clarify.

If you have the standard def PVR (reg $10/mth and included in Digital Extras), you have one tuner, period. You can watch what you are recording or watch something ALREADY recorded.

If you have the hi-def PVR (reg $20/mth and included in HD Extras), you have two tuners, more recording space, and HD capability. You don't need to use the HD of course. Then you CAN record a show, and watch another, live. Just as you did with the standard def PVR you used to have from Rogers.

Why not ask Bell to swap out the SD PVR for an HD PVR and just pay the $10/mth difference? You can justify it by getting twice the recording space and be "HD ready" when the day arrives.
 
EV will not usually do this once the receiver is activated. There may be a very brief interval (14 days?) when this is possible. With a single tuner PVR, it is possible to watch a recorded program while recording another. I sometimes start watching a recording in progress, some 15 minutes or more after it has started.

The 9200 remains the best value in PVRs (with the exception of the, as yet, unavailable replacement.)
 
And, trying not to sound dis-respectful, this is a stupid, anti-customer policy.

If a customer signs a two year contract for Bell's inadequate single-tuner PVR and, after three months, figures out the only PVR worth paying for has TWO tuners, and he calls in and wants to upgrade, and SPEND $120/yr more, and Bell replies, "no way!" ... what the heck is that?

Bell ought to realise its single tuner PVRs might be cheaper to manufacture but no consumer who understands the limitations wants one.

The whole point of recording something for later is that I want to watch something ELSE right now. Record CSI; lemme watch the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Not a SINGLE Bell customer with the 5200 -- the only non-HD PVR Bell offers -- can do this basic function.

Frank and Gordon ought to be seething on the couch: recording those wallpaper tips means missing the final goal.

So, ok: the accountants running Good Ship ExpressVu don't want customers to downgrade. But what the %*&^&#$ is behind REFUSING them, or PENALIZING them, from spending MORE on better hardware?
 
I agree with you point SensualPoet

I WANT MY HD TV is right taught...that's the compagny's policy
 
Thanks for everyone's response, I truly appreciate it. But I must admit that I am still a little confused. You can call me slow.:)

To clarify, we did opt for the HD PVR because of the dual tuner. But my understanding in speaking with the Bell CSR was that although I could record at the same time on two different tvs, the PVR did not allow me to record a channel but watch another one on the same tv.

Is this accurate? Or as was stated before, if I use the single tuner mode, I will be able to have the exact same functionality as the Rogers HD PVR?

Sorry for repeating my question again

Thanks again
 
Well, ok, this is more Bell smudging the facts in marketing messages.

The 9200 HD PVR is a good, solid dual-tuner HD PVR. Use it that way and you'll be happy: record something, watching something else live -- on ONE TV.

When you switch to 2 TV mode, you lose functionality. You are much better off getting a second standard SD receiver for the second set and let the 9200 HD PVR do its thing attached solely to your shiny new HD set.
 
Not a good answer, sorry. I have a TV in my office, and use dual-mode so that I can watch stuff from my pool of recordings no matter what my kids watch on the main set, or so that I can record to my DVD recorder while being able to watch another show in the main room. It's all about your needs, and the ability to be both a dual tuner PVR and a two-receivers-in-one box (just not at the same time) is great.
 
In dual mode, you can set the 9200 to record a program on "TV2" while watching a live program on "TV1". I do this all the time from TV1. It just means that live programming cannot be watched on TV2. If you have frequent viewers on both TVs it pretty much turns the 9200 into two single tuner PVRs. Time shifting and PVR features can be used to move recordings to off-peak hours but it takes some effort. Just figure out what two 5900s will cost and you are still ahead with a 9200, considering the HD and other features. OTOH, you could get a 9200 and 5900 or two 9200s if that is required.

The contracts just protect EV from excessive receiver churn and extra overhead. Someone who rents a 5900 and gets a HDTV later can rent or buy a 9200 for the HDTV and put the 5900 and SDTV in another room until the contract is up. I expect the 5900 will soon be discontinued, once existing stock is gone. I doubt the 5900 has been made for a couple of years.
 
Just to confuse you even more, the 9200 can record 2 shows at the same time while either watching 2 pre-recorded shows or watching Live TV from an Off Air source, even live HD, depends on your location.
 
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