Hi all,

Thanks to the info gleemed from this site, I've decided to take the IPTV plunge and get service from these folks. I ordered the "Super" package and have ordered only 1 additional IRD.

Now I'm just trying to figure out the best way to wire things as I really want to route the internet side through my existing setup which uses PFSense. (freeBSD based firewall) Does anybody here know if the router they provide has a DMZ function? If yes, I should be able to do what I want.

Anyway - I'll be sure to post a review after things are setup. I've got Rogers VIP Ultimate + Movies now with Extreme (10mbit) internet.

-- Phob

Hello all,

Just thought I'd let you all know that the install went as hoped :

1) Dry Line install
2) Coax to TVs
3) Router in networking closet plugged into my home network via DMZ for Internet

Bell sent two techs to perform the install, and they were there from about 10am until 4pm due to the complexity of the install. (had to pull a new pair from the pole for the service) The physical install went OK. They didn't honestly do the cleanest job with the install of the cables etc., but it works so I guess I can't complain too much. Just wish it was tidier - I'm going to have to climb a ladder outside to tack down a couple stretches of cable, and caulk the holes.

The router took a bit of work too - turned out to be a bit of a problem with the account info, but after that was sorted out, the router went online. I have a 27/10Mbit sync for my setup.

I haven't had much time to actually watch TV yet, but I'm watching the Bills game as I type this and I'm flipping back and forth between my Rogers HD setup and my BES HD setup.

I'll start by saying I'm being VERY picky here. There is definitely a difference, and I think the nod goes to Rogers for overall picture quality. Its just a tad sharper, and there is more detail, especially for the background images. The BES picture quality can only be described as a bit softer. That being said, the PQ isn't the best on Rogers for this particular show either. I think more comparison will be in order on less obviously compressed sources.

PQ Verdict - Rogers (for now)

In terms of Internet performance, this is where the BES service really shines. Even with this HD show going, I am able to download 20mbit/s and upload at 8mbit/s. That is lightning compared to my 10mbit/1mbit Rogers service.

Internet Verdict - BES by a HUGE margin

Cost comparison :

Rogers $180/month
BES $90/month

Umm... well, yeah - BES will be more in subsequent years, but that is a TON of savings in year 1.

I'm tempted to downgrade to the base Bell package to keep the Internet on BES, and keep the cable with Rogers. I wouldn't save anything, but I'd be getting a pretty huge upgrade for Internet, but my wallet wants me to stick with BES and cancel my Rogers services.

Anyway - I'll keep watching both services for now and will update my post in a few days if my perspective changes greatly.

-- Phob

Not for nothing but I love how slow the installers for bell are. Obviously they get paid hourly. I work for a cable company and get paid piece work. I could do a new install at a house including new drop from pole, dvr, 2 digital boxes, hsi modem and telephone modem in 3 hours and have everything to spec. How it takes 2 techs 6 hours for a single install is beyond me.

I will agree with you that bell phone and hsi service is superior if your in the right area.

Re: Installation

While I can't disagree that I expected it to go quicker, the techs were certainly working hard the whole time, and took plenty of time to answer my (many) questions.

With a cutting edge service like this, I don't think its fair to expect perfection, so I fully expected to experience a few snags during installation, and so I can't really express disappointment about the time it took.

I planned to work from home that day, and it ended up taking the majority of the day, though the AM was spent outside working on pulling a new line to my house.

At any rate - I think its just one of those things. This service takes a bit longer to get going due to it being a little more finicky about line quality etc..

I only wish they had tacked down the cables outside, and filled the holes they drilled with caulking. I'll have to do this myself now, which isn't the end of the world.

Rogers just launched 13(!) more HD channels - I'm more than a little annoyed by the smaller selection with IPTV. I seriously hope that Bell adds more channels to their lineup soon!

-- Phob

Thanks for the comparision between Rogers & Bell. I am just giving up Rogers after 10+ years and getting Bell on Friday. I'am a bit disappointed about your comments on Bell PQ. I hope they improve (I agree Rogers HD is quite good). Please update on your recent experiences.

I understand Game TV is included in the basic package yet somewhere I read it needs special hardware. Does it work on yours?

thanks

Suresh