Anyone got any idea of when we will have VOD on the HD STBs? :confused:

Was told by a Shaw contact that they have received the software upgrade and it is in the trial stage with Shaw employees.

Don't suppose they'd be trialing a network PVR too?

Was told by a Shaw contact that they have received the software upgrade and it is in the trial stage with Shaw employees.
When do you think they will deploy it?

He did not know how long the trial would be but if there are no bugs then I am guessing we would see it fairly soon.

expect it next week, or week after at the latest. downside... no HD though, so I won't be ordering it.

He did not know how long the trial would be but if there are no bugs then I am guessing we would see it fairly soon.

Careful zzzman.

That's a dangerous assumption to make when we're talking about Shaw's implementation of firmware updates on STBs.

I'm not just taking a shot at them. Their track record shows a consistent history of slow, few-and-far between updates and persistent bugs.

I hope you're right, but then again, unless the update comes with an annoucement of the availability of HD vod, they won't make a penny off me. I would rather pay blockbuster $5 for DVD quality than Shaw for digital channel quality (subpar compared to DVD).

Don't suppose they'd be trialing a network PVR too?

Not yet, but it might roll late '06...It's in the works though. :D

expect it next week, or week after at the latest. downside... no HD though, so I won't be ordering it.


Will it be at least 16:9 format?

Don't suppose they'd be trialing a network PVR too?


What is a network PVR?

likely not 16:9. same as PPV. I could maybe live with 16:9 sd, but sounds like it will be 4:3.

jtanky, subscribers could use a Shaw Network server to record their favourite shows and play-back at their convenience. Probably would be subject to a size limit.

jtanky, subscribers could use a Shaw Network server to record their favourite shows and play-back at their convenience. Probably would be subject to a size limit.


So if I have a 6412 there will be an option to record on the local HDD of 6412 OR to Shaw's server?

Thank you,

Toque where are you? I'm over my head here! jtanky, I'm guessing that sounds reasonable, if you want to pay for the NPVR service.

The basic idea behind the Network PVR is you record your shows just like a regular PVR, but you could then play the shows back on any TV in your house...No more only being able to watch recorded shows on the TV they were recorded on (unless you want to physically tote your PVR around), and no more having to buy a PVR for every TV (you'd still need a DCT though I think). As to where the show would be recorded, that remains to be determined. From what I understand, you could either record the shows to a Shaw server, and then stream them back out from there or you record to your regular PVR but then stream the feed to another TV in your house, just like VOD.

My wife would love to be able to watch programs from our pvr on the bedroom tv. She hates not being able to skip commercials on the upstairs tv with just a DCT2500.

Wow that's a great idea! I'd love to play back shows on my 6412 in the family room on another tv! Would they charge extra for this?

Interesting idea the network PVR. I could see the Shaw server as the best technology but I could see stations/networks freaking out about it. Rebroadcasting of copyright material kind of argument. If the recorder is in your own home they would have no such argument. Not really doing anything were not already doing.

Network pvr to me Id rather have it so I can access the hard drive on the 6412 on my home pc. So i can offload shows.

This article (http://www.cable-satellite.com/features/march%20april%2004/19.pdf) explains the basic concept better.

Shaw is trying to find the best solution to the broadcasting issues, but personally I think the home storage (PVR) and then streaming to only specific DCTs in the home for example is the best solution...only time will tell though.