I have searched the forum but not found the answer anywhere to this question. Am a newbie to the PVR world as well but not to Expressvu.
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Have a few 2700s and a 3100 from way back. Decided to rent a 5900 for a year but was wondering if I should rent the 9200 instead.

I only have standard TV sets and no HD ones at present. Could I get the 9200 instead and use it on standard TV sets and what issues would arise if it did work (ie wold it display only in letterbox size on standard TV, less features, etc) ?

By the way, they charged me $70 installation fee but offered to pay one full month for me (as a credit) of $88 to ofset installation fee. 6900 is $10 per month for one year. not sure on the 9200 unit. What is monthly fee for 9200 and is it worth it in my situation?

the only problem you will have is if you sub to the hd package the channels will be stretched past your screen.

But you do not have to buy the HD package.

Just doesn't make sense to get the 9200 without HD programming.

Get the 5200 instead, same receiver not high def.

Thanks for the quick reply.

They say all they have is 5900 now and the 5200 is no longer available. So will stick with the 5900 for now and switch when I get an HD TV.

The 9200 has a 'TV2' output that is composite video. The capacity is great in SD mode, but I don't think it really shines until you see HD on it.

Definitely get the 9200 since it is a far better receiver and will work better with an HDTV in future. The 9200 will feed a SDTV through the second set of TV outputs. Just make sure you leave it in single mode. There may be some issues with activation if it is in dual mode at that time. The 9200 will also feed a SDTV that has component DVD inputs but it must be put in 480i output mode first.

The 9200 has zoom control on the SD outputs. In normal mode, HD will be letterboxed. In zoom mode it will be cropped on the left and right.

Thanks everyoine for your responses.

I know the 5900 is $5.00 per month for one year contract. Does anyone know the price of a 9200 per month?

Found the monthly price located at

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bell_ExpressVu

Says 5900 is $10 per month and 9200 is $25 per month.

They have dropped the rental price of the 9200 to $20 / month.

At $5/mo, it might be better to rent a 5900 than buy a 9200. EV will likely have a newer HD PVR in a year or two and prices for HD equipment could drop.

For the AIO package - The 5900 is $10 / month.

From the Bell page: http://www.bell.ca/shopping/PrsShpTv_AIO_Pkg.page
All packages include a dish and remote control. Additional receivers available: Standard $3/month, PVR $10/month, HD $10/month, HD PVR $20/month.

I agree with not getting the HD PVR for the reasons that I_Want_My_HDTV says.

Thank you for all of your posts. :D

Got the 5900 and am very happy with it and the features. Appreciate it!