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).

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!

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

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,

Sorry, iis the MPEG 4 receiver you are talking about for Bell Expressvu or for TV for Condos?

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

John

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.

Jon,

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

John

You can likely use a TiVo with that.

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

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.

John;)

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.

John;)

Although I happen to like Rogers, I live in a Toronto downtown building which cannot have a satellite dish. I do know that VDSL is available in a couple of neighbouring buildings. When they reeach mine, I'll be checking it out. Are all 30 Bell HD channels available over VDSL on these boxes? on multiple TVs?

"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?

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.

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.

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!