Press Release today..

TORONTO, Jan. 2 /CNW/ - Bell ExpressVu today announced it will begin
broadcasting an expanded line-up of services from two DTH satellites this
Spring, following the successful launch of Nimiq 2 on December 29.
"This is a new milestone in our history," said Tim McGee, Bell ExpressVu
President. "Nimiq 2 makes Bell ExpressVu the only Canadian DTH service
provider with two dedicated, high-power DBS satellites."
Nimiq 2 is a twin of Nimiq 1 with the exception of a more powerful signal
for Canadian subscribers. "Nimiq 2 provides a back up for Bell ExpressVu's
Nimiq 1 and will allow Bell ExpressVu to greatly expand its range of program
services to our customers," Mr. McGee said. "It will allow us to double our
program carrying capacity when fully illuminated."
Mr. McGee said Nimiq 2 will allow Bell ExpressVu to expand its HDTV
lineup to become the premier HDTV service in Canada. "In addition, we will be
able to add new Canadian local channels, new English and French Specialty
Channels and additional third language programming to our program line-up,"
he said.
The added bandwidth made available from Nimiq 2 will also allow Bell
ExpressVu to dramatically expand its interactive television offerings and roll
out its planned video on demand service.

Mr. McGee said Nimiq 2 will allow Bell ExpressVu to expand its HDTV
lineup to become the premier HDTV service in Canada.

The line that every one around here zooms in on. Rogers anounced 10. 7 was the last anouncement from BEV. They are gonna have to turn it up a notch. Every one is waiting for the details now. All in all good news.

Well Rogers includes the PPV channels in their numbers.

A few months ago, some ExpressVu dealers were saying that Bev would have something like 16 HD channels so we'll have to wait and see.

The reality is that once they have the bandwidth, I'm sure BEV will try and offer as many as is available in Canada in order that they can market themselves as the HDTV leaders.

Very cool indeed. But I have a newbie question... will both birds be located in the same orbital and, in other words can they both be picked up with the same antennae? Or will you have to go out and buy one of those dual-focal antannae that people who subscribe to DISH 500 down in the states have to use?

As for the additional channels adding HDTV is great - if only the programming were there (HDTV and otherwise - being patient here). Too bad BEV has run out of specialty channels (I know there are a few left) and all the providers will be able to offer will be international channels. I'm going out tonight to get myself some lederhosen so I can be ready for Radio Herz. :D

But I have a newbie question... will both birds be located in the same orbital and, in other words can they both be picked up with the same antennae? Or will you have to go out and buy one of those dual-focal antannae that people who subscribe to DISH 500 down in the states have to use?

You'll need a Dish 500 as the new (old) sat is going to be at 82 degrees...

There's another thread floating around here regarding this. It seems that BEV is gonna offer the original less attractive version of the Dish 500, rather than the new and improved version.

A few months ago, some ExpressVu dealers were saying that Bev would have something like 16 HD channels so we'll have to wait and see.

I think this is rather optomistic for this spring. Last fall BCE also announced 7 BEV HD channels for the Q2 2003. Rogers currently has 9 including HD TMN and 2 HD PPV. I've heard Rogers is planning on adding a couple of premium channels when they become available. We can hope that BEV decides to match Rogers and do national time shifting for the US nets. This would be a good move if they want to take customers from the cable companies. It certainly would get me thinking seriously about a switch in services.

Also note the reference to extra channels and expanded services such as VOD and ITV. These are real revenue generators compared to HDTV unless they plan to start charging some fairly hefty fees for HD channels.

Does anybody know what the channels would be? I am particularly intersted in the channel called "Sun TV" which is being telecast in the U.S. All my friends have got illegal transmission of this channel. I am waiting for BEV to get this because Kbs-Tv, the provider in the U.S has mentioned that they r working closely with BEV to provide this channel in Canada.

Any info would be appreciated. Thanks.

Is Sun-Tv a foreign language channel?

Looks like it's an Indian channel
http://www.sunnt.com/

On another note, the release scares me a little bit. It looks like Nimiq2 will be quickly filled up ifit's to become a backup for Nimiq1. Refresh my memory-- why is nimiq2 going to be a backup for nimiq1?

Yes, Sun Tv is an Indian channel.

www.sunnt.com

Oh Boy ! Can't wait for that channel! ............Yawn!

Last news is that BEV is going to go with 4 boston and 4 seattle HDTV channels in the spring. :D

Now if we could only get a fix on whether they will allow us the opportunity to get the 200 gig HDTV PVR that dishnet will be selling in the summer.

Sounds great! Where did you hear this from? What other channels have you heard about?

Express VU has the new HD Channels up and running .....but you need the
switch in order to receive them ....Does any one have the switch yet?
this happened today....... :-?

Well Rogers includes the PPV channels in their numbers.

A few months ago, some ExpressVu dealers were saying that Bev would have something like 16 HD channels so we'll have to wait and see.

The reality is that once they have the bandwidth, I'm sure BEV will try and offer as many as is available in Canada in order that they can market themselves as the HDTV leaders.

Which begs the question about the reaction from cable providers. For instance, will Rogers be able to increase the number of HD channels they can provide? Do they have the bandwidth?

Which begs the question about the reaction from cable providers. For instance, will Rogers be able to increase the number of HD channels they can provide? Do they have the bandwidth?
Yes and Yes (on rebuilt areas that have HD). See item 1 in the following thread.

http://www.digitalhomecanada.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=6336&highlight=online

Thanks. I guess there are no real bandwidth problems with the Rogers pipe.

All this choice is great for consumers and at a small premium to regular cable. Frankly, I don't know if I'd even be considering getting into an HDTV without the broad range of competitive choices.