I've heard from two people in the last 4 days that they were able to talk Shaw into free HD boxes (not PVR) because they threatened to switch to MTS TV. Any truth to this?

I call B.S, simply because they could flip the box brand new for what, 300 or so bucks, and then switch companies after that, and bam, you got like 6 free months of cable?

I call B.S, simply because they could flip the box brand new for what, 300 or so bucks, and then switch companies after that, and bam, you got like 6 free months of cable?

Usually they don't give them to you for free. They "rent" them out to you for free. Meaning when you end your service with Shaw, you must return the boxes. If you don't they will charge you for the price of the boxes.

I've heard from two people in the last 4 days that they were able to talk Shaw into free HD boxes (not PVR) because they threatened to switch to MTS TV. Any truth to this?

Yes there is truth to that. But the boxes aren't entirely given out free to keep. They are given to rent for free. So Shaw takes them back after you are done with their service.

Yes there is truth to that. But the boxes aren't entirely given out free to keep. They are given to rent for free. So Shaw takes them back after you are done with their service.

I should have clarified - they weren't "giving" them for free, they were allowed them to be used for free. I don't think any of the people who mentioned it actually meant they were given ownership of the boxes. How true is that claim then, that Shaw waives the rental fee for HD boxes?

I have never heard of Shaw doing that for SD or HD boxes. It wasn't until recently that they offered a rent to buy program, so I'd be surprised if they were offering them 'free'. The other big unknown is how much leeway do CSR's have to make 'deals' like this. I suspect they don't, as first level support aren't earning the big bucks at Shaw.

I had some friends who were given Shaw Digital Cable boxes as a free rental in Calgary in the early 2000s. It was a trial type thing for their apt building. Eventually the promotion ended and they were quite sad when they had to give the box back.

Remember Winnipeg has competition with MTS...and yes I have heard of Shaw giving SD boxes for free as rentals

Remember Winnipeg has competition with MTS...and yes I have heard of Shaw giving SD boxes for free as rentals

But what about HD boxes??

Remember Winnipeg has competition with MTS...and yes I have heard of Shaw giving SD boxes for free as rentals

I have as well. A good buddy of mine was given 3 rental-free SD boxes just this past June (2006). I have never heard about this happening with the HD boxes though.

I have heard nothing about free HD boxes, and to me that doesn't make much sense...as MTS charges $350 for the HD box...so why would Shaw hand one out for free? but I don't know, so it may be happening, I just haven't heard of it yet.

Shawguy

I have heard nothing about free HD boxes, and to me that doesn't make much sense...as MTS charges $350 for the HD box...so why would Shaw hand one out for free? but I don't know, so it may be happening, I just haven't heard of it yet.


After I get some questions answered, I'm going to call Shaw and tell them I'm thinking of switching my TV, internet and phone service over, but only if they waive the rental fee for the HD box. We'll see what happens.

I tried calling today - they offered an SD box, rent-free, and an internet modem rent-free, but no HD box. I'm going to try tomorrow morning and see if I get a different CSR...

I tried calling today - they offered an SD box, rent-free, and an internet modem rent-free, but no HD box. I'm going to try tomorrow morning and see if I get a different CSR...

Any luck with that defel??

Shaw does not rent HD boxes, they are strictly purchase only. If you somehow got them to rent you an HD box then you got yourself a great deal.

Yeah, shaw does rent HD boxes... but not PVR HD boxes.. those are rent to own only.. but your still better off buying ur own equipment..

If you rent to own the HD PVR at 22 a month for 36 months you will be paying more then just to buy the box outright
22x36= 792
To buy the box directly from shaw right now is 748
Not to mention GST you would be paying more to rent to own then just to pay for it all at once

Shaw does not rent HD boxes, they are strictly purchase only. If you somehow got them to rent you an HD box then you got yourself a great deal.
You can rent to own
http://www.shaw.ca/en-ca/ProductsServices/Television/DigitalTV/Shaw+Easy+Pay.htm

Yes, but that is through a 3rd party credit supplier.

The box is fully paid for by the credit supplier, and you make repayments to the credit supplier for 3 years or until the balance is paid off, regardless of what happens to the box. If you cancel your Shaw service 6 months into it, you're still making 22 bucks a month payments towards that loan for 2.5 years.

Generally in all sales, buying outright is always better. The only expection I've seen in awhile has been GM etc. that has 0%, but even then there are some paperwork charges.

If you can't afford it, I think that's cool, but if you can save for the purchase I would highly recommend it.