Videotron to launch new illico TV ecosystem in 2011, er 2012? - Page 2 - Canadian TV, Computing and Home Theatre Forums

Haggisboy · 2011-11-06, 09:56 AM

One way they could free up some bandwidth for HD is by scrapping those so-called "superstations" that they force you to take in a bundle if you merely want TCM. There's absolutely nothing "super" about them. Not even useful for timeshifting (although, if you have a PVR, that is pretty much a non-issue). These stations show nothing but junk. Infomercials, ad-nauseum repeats of stuff like Two and a Half Men, just garbage. I actually pity the folks in LA, Chicago, New York, and Boston where they are located.

nitra · 2011-11-06, 11:07 AM

Those superstations really don't use much bandwidth, had they been HD, then you might be on to to something.
What's killing it right now is overall network capacity, old analog channels take up entirely too much room.

Jake · 2011-11-06, 11:53 AM

Quote:

old analog channels take up entirely too much room

I don't think that is still true. Since late September nearly all analog channels were removed in the Gatineau area. I assume it was province wide. Or at least in the larger population centres.

nitra · 2011-11-06, 05:21 PM

It was in Gatineau, not in the rest at least yet.

57 · 2011-11-06, 05:23 PM

According to this thread, it's only select areas:

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=143167

Jake · 2011-11-06, 05:51 PM

I stand corrected. I assume other areas will follow quickly. All these extra STB fees must be starting to add up.

Quote:

You will be charged a fee of $4.05 for two terminals, or a fee of $6.08 for three or more terminals.

Fonceur · 2011-11-06, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jake

I assume other areas will follow quickly.

Not really, Gatineau only has a 750 MHz network, while most of the other locations are at 1GHz... That's why they were lacking even more HD channels than the other areas.

expressmoria · 2011-11-10, 12:17 PM

From today's article in the Montreal Gazette the "improved digital service" will be offered next year.

Quote:

Fibe TV, which delivers considerably more features than Videotron's current service, is now available to 1.5 million homes in Montreal and Toronto.
Next year, Videotron will unveil an improved digital cable service, which is expected to rival Fibe TV.

Not sure how they plan to rival Fibe TV unless their HD channel offerings jumps significantly and their illico cable boxes have more features compared to Bell.

12 more months of wait for those of you still around to experience these improvements...

rainey · 2011-11-11, 12:37 PM

Thanks for the article in the Gazette. I spoke again with Videotron yesterday and they do claim that the new system will be more than competitive with Bell. But it is the lack of HD English stations that still bothers me. I believe the technology will happen...eventually and it will be good but not sure their English offerings will be anywhere near Bell.
Videotron has better customer service, better internet they just need to get back in the TV game.

willydoo · 2011-11-13, 05:23 PM

it is my first exprerience with illico, and let me say, it is the worst GUI i ever ever seen., a lot of work for them that way.

hugh · 2011-11-19, 06:21 PM

several off topic posts removed. This thread is about the new Videotron ecoystem not fibe tv

rainey · 2011-12-06, 07:38 PM

Sent an email to Videotron today to see if there was any update on the launch and this is the response email I got:
"Thank you for your interest in our digital service and for having taken the time to write us about the new equipment.
This equipment is not presently available and we have no information concerning its future availability.
We have forwarded your request to our marketing department so that your name is added to the list of clients also interested in this equipment.
Thank you for your understanding."

What do we think this means....testing not going well maybe.

expressmoria · 2011-12-07, 12:21 PM

Another form letter used by Videotron to quickly deflect questions and requests from subscribers. Not even sure if your question was properly understood in the first place.

Just substitute the word “equipment” with “HD channel” or “service” and you are bound to get the same automated CSR response as the one you received.

Videotron already made the mistake of issuing a press release back in March hoping to have their illico update up and running in 2011. This is no longer the case and based on the latest info available something may be released during 2012.

What exactly this will be your guess is as good as mine.

hercules130 · 2011-12-07, 12:59 PM

Pardon the technology illiterate here.

What exactly do they mean by new ecosystem? At this point, I want nothing more than more English HD channels. In fact, I just need that several specific HD channels are available, including time shifts. Will the new system give us that?

Just check out my posts. I have been itching to move to Bell (Fibe or satellite) and may do that in January. But if Videotron can satisfy my needs, I will stay.

Fonceur · 2011-12-07, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hercules130

In fact, I just need that several specific HD channels are available, including time shifts. Will the new system give us that?

Nope, this is about a new box/software, nothing to do with extra channels...

2011-11-06, 05:23 PM	#20
57 Moderator Join Date: May 2002 Location: Toronto, Rogers, 8300HD, eHDD, Panasonic TCP65S1, Denon AVR4310Ci; 8300HD, eHDD & Sony KDL40W3000 Posts: 50,300	According to this thread, it's only select areas: http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=143167 __________________ 57's Home Theatre (Latest equipment & photos) 57's Optimization Services (Home Theatre Optimization)

2011-11-19, 06:21 PM	#26
hugh Member #1 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Toronto Posts: 47,492	several off topic posts removed. This thread is about the new Videotron ecoystem not fibe tv __________________ As of January 2012, I am no longer the owner of the Digital Home website. If you have questions about the operation of the site, please contact VSAdmin. For personal inquiries contact me at the Hugh Thompson website.

2011-12-07, 12:21 PM	#28
expressmoria Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 170	Another form letter used by Videotron to quickly deflect questions and requests from subscribers. Not even sure if your question was properly understood in the first place. Just substitute the word “equipment” with “HD channel” or “service” and you are bound to get the same automated CSR response as the one you received. Videotron already made the mistake of issuing a press release back in March hoping to have their illico update up and running in 2011. This is no longer the case and based on the latest info available something may be released during 2012. What exactly this will be your guess is as good as mine. Last edited by 57; 2011-12-07 at 02:33 PM. Reason: Unnecessary Quote Removed

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2011-11-06, 09:56 AM	#16
Haggisboy Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 38	One way they could free up some bandwidth for HD is by scrapping those so-called "superstations" that they force you to take in a bundle if you merely want TCM. There's absolutely nothing "super" about them. Not even useful for timeshifting (although, if you have a PVR, that is pretty much a non-issue). These stations show nothing but junk. Infomercials, ad-nauseum repeats of stuff like Two and a Half Men, just garbage. I actually pity the folks in LA, Chicago, New York, and Boston where they are located.

2011-11-06, 11:07 AM	#17
nitra Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 249	Those superstations really don't use much bandwidth, had they been HD, then you might be on to to something. What's killing it right now is overall network capacity, old analog channels take up entirely too much room.

2011-11-06, 05:21 PM	#19
nitra Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 249	It was in Gatineau, not in the rest at least yet.

2011-11-11, 12:37 PM	#24
rainey Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Montreal Posts: 295	Thanks for the article in the Gazette. I spoke again with Videotron yesterday and they do claim that the new system will be more than competitive with Bell. But it is the lack of HD English stations that still bothers me. I believe the technology will happen...eventually and it will be good but not sure their English offerings will be anywhere near Bell. Videotron has better customer service, better internet they just need to get back in the TV game.

2011-11-13, 05:23 PM	#25
willydoo Rookie Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 3	it is my first exprerience with illico, and let me say, it is the worst GUI i ever ever seen., a lot of work for them that way.

2011-12-06, 07:38 PM	#27
rainey Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Montreal Posts: 295	Sent an email to Videotron today to see if there was any update on the launch and this is the response email I got: "Thank you for your interest in our digital service and for having taken the time to write us about the new equipment. This equipment is not presently available and we have no information concerning its future availability. We have forwarded your request to our marketing department so that your name is added to the list of clients also interested in this equipment. Thank you for your understanding." What do we think this means....testing not going well maybe.

2011-12-07, 12:59 PM	#29
hercules130 Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: La belle province Posts: 207	Pardon the technology illiterate here. What exactly do they mean by new ecosystem? At this point, I want nothing more than more English HD channels. In fact, I just need that several specific HD channels are available, including time shifts. Will the new system give us that? Just check out my posts. I have been itching to move to Bell (Fibe or satellite) and may do that in January. But if Videotron can satisfy my needs, I will stay.