Have you received a new Smart Card from Bell?

[hugh]

After the breakdown of various receivers yesterday, a member posted about an apparent card swap (details here )

I had no idea that another card swap was going to happen. It won't be necessary, according to the Bell FAQ's shown below, for the new 9242 and 6141 receivers.

So Have you received a new Card from Bell?

[hugh]

1.Why do I need to replace my SmartCards?

To continue accessing your programming and prepare your receiver for future enhancements, you must replace and activate your new SmartCard(s). If you don't replace your card(s), your receiver will no longer be able to receive the satellite signal.

2.What's the purpose of this card?

All Bell ExpressVu, satellite receivers use SmartCards to help decode the programming information from our satellites.

3.Where is the SmartCard located?

On most receivers, the SmartCard is located at the front, on the left. The card fits into a small slot and, depending on your model, is either exposed or behind a protective panel. Some receiver models don't currently have a SmartCard in the slot. If this case applies to you, you just have to insert the new card in the slot.

4.What happens if I don't replace the card?

It's important to replace and activate the SmartCard in your receiver as soon as possible. Otherwise, your programming will eventually be discontinued and you'll be required to return any unused new SmartCard. Failure to do so will result in a $100 SmartCard charge being applied to your account.

5.How do I perform the SmartCard replacement and activation?

A package containing your new SmartCard(s) and detailed instructions on how to replace and activate them was sent to your billing address. If you need further assistance, please call 1 866 395-9995 to speak to a representative.

6.I misplaced the new card(s) you sent. What should I do now?

Please call 1 866 395-9995 to speak to a representative.

7.How long will it take to replace and activate my new SmartCard(s)? When's the best time to perform the swap to ensure I don't miss my favourite programming?

It will take approximately 15-30 minutes for you to replace your new SmartCard, and then from 15 minutes to 2 hours for your programming to return to normal following reactivation. For more details on activating your new SmartCard, see question #14. Therefore, we recommend that you replace and activate the card at least 3 hours before your favourite show hits the airwaves.

8.What do I do with the old cards?

Once you activate your new SmartCard(s), your old card(s) will expire and no longer work. You should destroy any old cards after you can view your programming with your new cards.

9.Why should I want to replace the cards? How does it benefit me?

This replacement will prepare your receiver for the technological enhancements we're planning in the future. As such, you must replace and activate your new SmartCard(s). This is a necessary step we must take in order for you to continue receiving the same level of quality programming that you have enjoyed with Bell ExpressVu.

10.I replaced and activated my new SmartCard(s), but I can't seem to access my programming. What should I do?

Keep in mind that it will take between 15 minutes and 2 hours for your programming to return to normal after you've activated your new SmartCard(s). If you're experiencing a delay of greater than 2 hours, please go to the activation site, select the receiver with which you're having problems and follow the troubleshooting steps. If you still have issues after completing those steps, call 1 866 395-9995.

11.I have a receiver at my summer cottage and will not be able to replace my SmartCard until next summer. What should I do?

If the receiver at your summer cottage is currently on Temporary Programming Suspension (TPS), you will not receive your new SmartCard(s) in the mail until you reinitiate your service. You'll then be expected to replace your SmartCard(s) as soon as possible.

If your summer cottage account is not on TPS, you'll receive your new SmartCard with no delays. You're expected to replace and activate the SmartCard as soon as you're able to do so.

12.I have a receiver in my basement that I don't use and that isn't on my account. Will I have to replace its SmartCard?

No. Only receivers that are on your account and that are active are subject to the card replacement. However, if you plan on using this receiver in the future, you'll then need to get a new SmartCard.

13.I have a receiver in my garage that is active on my account but that I'm not currently using. Will I need to replace the SmartCard on this receiver?

Yes. All active receivers, whether rented or owned, will be part of the new SmartCard replacement. You'll be sent a new SmartCard for every receiver on your account, whether in use or not, and you'll be required to activate new SmartCards on all receivers.

14.I have installed my new SmartCard. How do I activate it?

Activate it using our online tool.

15.I have heard about the new SmartCard activation, and my friend has received his new SmartCards, but I haven't received mine. Will everyone be a part of this initiative?

Whether you've opted to rent or purchase your receiver, you'll eventually need to replace your SmartCard. In fact, all our customers will be expected to do so and to activate all their new SmartCards. The exceptions are the new 9242 HD PVR Plus receivers and 6141 HD receivers, which will not require a card replacement. The distribution of new cards is now in progress. Since this process will take several months, it's possible that you may not have received your replacement yet. You don't need to contact our customer service department nor to visit a Bell store. Your new SmartCard and all related information will be mailed to you at the address provided for your account.

[tdti1]

Interesting, I wonder what encryption they will be using? hope whatever it is they can stop the piracy.

[Nimiq USA]

I believe their using the Nagravision 3 protocol. Let's hope it's gonna last for good! I do have doubts about their success.

[tdti1]

Oh oh, well I hope it lasts more than a month this time....

[habskilla]

Are there any receivers that don't have a card slot?

[barter]

No, but there are receivers which built in smartcard chips, which have a smartcard for future smartcard upgrades. I would hold on to any current smartcards and any new spare rom240's as they may be worth $$$ in the future.

I remember rom102's selling for $10-15 in early 2005 on ebay, by the late fall of 2005 some were selling for $250 a piece!

Funny as there is no mention of the Satillite piarcy on bell's website, the only explaination for the smartcard upgrades is "technological enhancements ".

I guess we now know what the $3 digital service fee introducded in January is for!

[americandreams]

when we received our smart card, i did make a change and i ask if it was necessary for my 5900 and he says no. only the one with 2700 like i have in the living room. will they send new smart card?

[TheSensFan]

Like my 6100. It doesn't have a card.

[Boavista]

None of my none of my 5 box's use cards.. Their all cardless. It will be interesting to see what happens in the coming months. Will the new cards be mailed with my bill? or is it a stand alone envelope from bell? BTW i cant see the card swap channel on any of my units, but with the wonders of the internet I've already seen the new card swap video on youtube.

[peano]

I see one person has indicated in the poll they have already received the new card.

Yesterdays firmware issues may slow down the swap a bit. Legacy receivers and the 6100 seem to have a problem accepting a Rom 240 at this point.

[Ex Agent EV]

The last time they did a smartcard card swap the card was mailed in a seperate invoice that the bill... I had 2 receivers and each smartcard came in a seperate invoice

Express Vu sent cards to all theirs clients that had receivers with a smartcard If, for any reason they haven't received it, until July of this year Bell Express Vu was sending a new one free of charge. If client had received it and lost it or put it in the garbage the clien had to pay a 69$ to get another one

I live in Quebec, I have a 5900, a 3100 and a 9200...
I didn't receive crds for any of my receivers yet

[dosborne]

Too bad we can't make multiple selections in the poll LOL. With 7 registered receivers I have one with a Rom 240 (if I recall correctly) and the rest are Rom 102 cards from the last card swap. The existing Rom 240 card is in a 9200 refurb rental so I guess those are likely exempt as well, but you never know

Looks like all models will receiver firmware updates. "To ensure the SmartCard is activated successfully, your receiver software version has to be E600 or above."

[Hurricane]

Wonderful.

Ever since they did the last card swap my 3100 periodically freezes for 5-20 seconds at a time. What is this one going to do to it? Turn it into a brick?

[scrooloose]

How to replace your Smartcard.




-Mike