I was looking into helping my sister to see which is cheaper overall for the channels that she wanted the regular rates without any promotion or bundles. She also has 3 regular TVs. She lives in Ottawa.

She wanted Basic TV with
Much Music, A&E, Biography Channel, TSN, Rogers Sports Net, Family channel, Food Network, Discovery Health, IFC, Showcase, Showcase Action, Showcase Diva, RDS, American Movie Classics and Peachtree TV.

To get what she wants with Rogers she will have to take VIP, as most of the channels can not be broken out from this packages, for $64.97 +tax. This package includes SD and 3 additional outlets on analog. This is their regular price with no bundles and no discounts.

With Bell she would have to take their Standard, plus all 6 of their Theme packs listed with a 1 (as apparently the channels can not be broken out), along with the Sport 2 Theme pack and the More Movies Theme pack, with some single choice channels. She would also have to add Peachtree TV serparately as well.

The Bell rep told me it is cheaper for her to take a predetermined package than to build up the packages that she wants. He suggested the Digital Max package, which is their Standard package with 12 theme packs and the Premium Movies package.

Bell would cost her $95 + a $3 monthly digital service fee + $9 (3 SD receiers at $3 each). Overall it would cost her $107 a month for Bell.

Anyone else ever expereince this? Where Rogers seems much better in regular pricing than Bell is?

on reading this post i found it very interesting about the price difference. thanks for posting it.

It all depends on how the bundles work out. If she tried to get that exact list of channels in Oxford, NS on Eastlink, she'd pay $75.40, but without AMC. With some effort, you might be able to sit down and create a similar list of channels that would be much cheaper on Bell than Rogers.

This is where creating your own bundles would be really nice. If we could each buy a basic package plus pick 5, 10, or 15 channels ourselves for a reasonable fee, then we'd save a ton of money. Buy that's another thread...

Mark

Rogers would probably be the way to go, remember to get some of those digital channels you need a STB though. For example in Fredericton, almost all of those channels are part of the basic service, TSN, Sportsnet, Much, A&E, Family, Showcase and Peachtree are all below channel 70.

I think that Shaw Direct would cost about the same (except that she'd need to buy 3 receivers). From what I can tell this is what you'd pay for those channels with Shaw Direct

Primetime
Fun Stuff
Lifestyle
3 pick 2s (at $3 each)
Combo Sports (RDS & RIS)

Which would mean $51 a month + $4 (Combo Sports) + $9 + $5 = $69 plus tax a month, still much better than Bell.

I've found that unless you want everything, most companies are better than Bell as far as pricing goes.

There is a way for new Shaw Direct Ontario customers to get these channels for $52 + tax ($47 without AMC). Hardware cost could be $75

I was wondering why Rogers' PVR prices are so out of whack compared to BellTV.
Rogers HD PVR is currently $499 while the BellTV HD PVR is $299.
In addition, BellTV offers an HD receiver (I have the 6141) with the capability of an external hard drive (I have a 500GB). Rogers doesn't seem to offer this.
My father would like to purchase an HDTV but doesn't want to spend $499 for a PVR.
Has Rogers missed the boat on this one or are Rogers offerings, in fact, competitive?

If you go to the Digital Deals forum here (Rogers boxes or similar title), you'll see that the PVR goes on sale often, with prices regularly $300-$350 from authorized distributors. Rogers usually doesn't have sales on the hardware, but does have "promotions" such as free rentals for new customers.

Rogers offerings are competetive with other digital cable offerings however they do seem to be higher than Bell's satellite receivers at MSRP. I believe Rogers does offer an external HDD option for the SA8300HD.

Personally I like the interface much more with the Bell receivers and as far as I can see they seem to refresh their offerings more often, but I don't keep close track of them anymore.

You should check the cost of the service too, long term that usually matters more.

Thank you both.
I will check out the options suggested.

Well I was forced to switch to Rogers since my condo does not allow dishes to be mounted and they don't have bell for condos.

Personally the Bell HD PVR is far better then Rogers PVR. Here's why:
* Poor search feature on Rogers - Bell allows you to type in a name or title
* No commercial skip button - Saves time and is very quick
* Bell has a better recorded listing and you can sort into folders. It also clearly states HD and detailed info.
* Bell lets you connect an external hard drive, not sure about rogers.
* I have sound issues with rogers, I have to crank my volume on the tv to hear it. (HDMI connection).
* Bell blocks out channels you don't subscribe to. I hate the fact that i have to scroll through channels I don't get and constantly find something I like but don't get the channel.

Rogers plus side..
* At times the HD channels do look a little sharper.
* Unit does not seem to heat up like the Bell box
* No dish (even though I didn't have loss of signal issues with bell not having a dish on the side of the house is nice)
* ROD is cool but takes too much time to load. But the biggest feature is getting a show you missed (because the rogers PVR always fails to record your show).

My 2 cents.

Did I forget to mention Rogers customer service is much better than Bell. The worst part of bell is their farmed out customer service (rogers does it too I know). The connection is always bad and the people barely speak any english. If you speak French your lucky becasue you have better odds of getting someone in Canada on the other end.

It took me 20 attempts to cancel bell service. I actually had to file a complaint with the CRTC to get it sorted out.

With the Rogers PVR, you will need to use the FF button to skip commercials. I recommend the 3FF speed (press FF 3 times) followed by one press of the replay button. Note: My old Sony VCR FF function was more convenient than its commercial skip button - go figure.

You can connect an external hard drive to the Rogers PVR - see this extensive thread:
http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=23773

Also see the following threads:
http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=17749 Tips & Tricks for SA8300HD
http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=17719 FAQ - Tips For SA STBs. (also Pace)

CDNuser:

My 2 cents on your Rogers comments:

1. Yep, Bell's search is better.
2. FF x 3 + Replay to skip commercials.
3. You can add external HD to the SA models in Ont I think.
4. Your sound is because you have your compression settings messed up. Click settings twice and then Audio settings. Adjust your compression there.
5. Here in NB, you can delete any channel you want using "Skipped" channels in "My preferences". Even more flexible than Bell. The Ont SA units I don't think have that ability.
6. I've NEVER had the PVR miss a recording and RoD takes only a min to start a movie. You should contact Rogers if the PVR recordings are not working for you.

"It took me 20 attempts to cancel bell service. I actually had to file a complaint with the CRTC to get it sorted out. "

I am going to be cancelling my Bell TV service, and I am interested in what went wrong when you tried? I want to do everything properly so Bell has no excuses when things go wrong. I have already decided that for starters, I will be recording my phone call(s) to them.

Can anyone offer me information on whether Shaw may be the better choice over Rogers currently. I am aware of pros and cons to Satellite/cable but for raw value, is one better than the other currently? I noticed a ********** ad from a local communications company offering $25 satellite service (install and basic Digital Receiver included) and if I wanted to buy the HD receiver in addition it was only $169 for both terminals total with install (Rogers is currently charging $249 just for their HD terminal and $99 for Standard DT a savings of $203 right of the top for hardware). I do not want rental fees anymore. Of course hardware is not my major concern. The choices can be confusing and even after reviewing Rogers rather awkward/mickey mouse pricing and channel lineup webpages, it appears there is more choice, flexibility and price with Shaw currently. Monthly fees with one TV with no digital box and one HDTV with HD terminal are $77 after the $12.99 Digital HD rental fee and that's not even including any channels past 42 like Speed etc. 8 different packages and the one I was looking that included the movies package and choice of 9 specialty different choice bundles was $84.99 with another $0.99 to be added for additional 10 HD Sports channels incl Sportsnet east-pacific, Big Ten, Golf, HD Sports, TSN2, TSN and Speed HD included. This gave me all the channels Digital VIP offers for $57.99/month from Rogers plus the $19.95 movies bundle bringing Rogers to $78 before such considerations0 as the fact I would be getting HBO HD, Showcase HD TMN HD etc etc. We all know that 35 HD channels for free doesn't necessarily mean you get those channels. You have to be subscribed to the Standard Def channels to receive those "FREE" HD channels correct? I noticed I was possibly missing a couple interesting channels with Shaw that I would be getting with the larger Rogers package but the same was True with Shaw giving me a few more HD channels. The HD Specialty pack was $9 with Rogers and seems to give you the same amount of ch as Shaw does included with the package plus adding the $0.99 option with Shaw put the Rogers HD package to shame somewhat. Can anyone offer any insight as to what is truly the better company to go with for dollar value/channel lineup? I am going to attempt some negotiation with Rogers today but would truly love to send the cable Giant packing. We have been with them since day one with cable and HS internet and there is never any incentive to stay nor any attempt at new offers for existing customers. The only time they seemed concerned and willing to do something for you is when you dial ask to talk to Customer relations bypassing customer service completely. This is where you cancel. CS will do nothing for you but sympathize and they never offer to put you through to CR. Also Rogers is now offering FREE HD terminal for trading in your satellite terminal. Any satellite terminal? I bet if you were an existing customer wanting to take advantage of this offer, you couldn't simply trade and get a free HD terminal. Why, because Rogers seems to think you are loyal to them. Thanks

Rogers HD Offering outlining the requirements, free chanels, etc:

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=76073

Rogers STB pricing is outlined in the digital deals section of this forum - less expensive than you quoted when purchased from Rogers authorized distributors on sale.

Rogers package pricing is discussed extensively in threads in the Rogers forum. Also indicates that you can often negotiate lower pricing.

In future, some paragraphs would be helpful since almost no one reads a post like yours - eyes just glaze over and they click away.

Hi guys i'm having a nightmare will bell right now and i'm thinking of going with videotron (who uses same equipment as rogers).
I was wondering do they offer a better HD experience?:confused:
Thanx

I have Rogers and have used Bell. I find Bell's offering much higher quality in terms of picture and hardware.

If i wasn't in a condo I would probably be with Bell. (cant install the dish on the building)

I just changed over to bell from rogers a few months back, I can say that the PVR is way better, but the picture quality is nowhere near the quality of rogers.

So Im just curious what service provides better HD picture.

1. Do both rogers and bell compress the HD signals before sending them over satellite and cable?

2. Which signals do each provide, 720p for both, 1080i for both?

3. What are the average bitrates for the HD streams on satellite and cable?

I am getting bell HD installed tomorrow, Im just curious of what to expect.

1. BTV compresses all channels, Rogers compresses some.

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=102020 BTV PQ Thread

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=104501 Rogers Compression

2. BTV changes all channels to 720P. Rogers pass the original format:

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=76129

3. BTV is probably around 10 mbps. Rogers is the full broadcast bitrate for most channels with some channels compressed to about 12 mbps. The bitrate and format do not really form a basis for comparison, because they are apples and oranges in terms of transmission. Both providers have their pluses and minuses.

This is research you should have done first, is it not?


Here's a post useful for those new to HD - FAQs, Search Tips, Optimization, etc.:

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=57741