Rogers Ontario 2012 Programming and Packages Discussion

[MyMedia08]

okay so thats great news.

I am a tiny bit confused re Nextbox 2.0 vs Nextbox vs WHPVR...but am I correct that an 8642HD would be compliant purchase? IE I can certanly use it as a HD PVR for now, an if I everI later change my mind re WHPVR, this hardware is still good. Correct? What then does the 2.0 refer to??

[57]

NextBox2.0 is Rogers new name for their WHPVR "Package" which requires at least one 8642 and 4642 and pro install. The 8642 can be used fine all by itself, as it has been for quite a while already, and it can then become a component in the WHPVR when/if you desire. If you want WHPVR, you'd need to get a 4642 since none of your existing equipment is compatible and would be "stand alone".

[MyMedia08]

Well stated. Many thanks - that clears up a lot!

[viper359]

Notice how the prices magically shot up when they released the new guide and WHPVR! Funny how Bell and Shaw are MUCH cheaper to buy. I will never buy a box when I never pay to rent them.

[MyMedia08]

1) I assume both are branded with a "Rogers" logo, but is there a difference between a Rogers bought 8642 vs one bought at FS/BB bought 8642?? Read in some earlier posts about the remotes being different ( ie "D" button"? missng on remote on FS/BB bought version). Is this accurate? Are there other differences?

2) I note the Rogers ads show a "NEXTBOX" logo where one would expect a Rogers logo. Is this just a fake image (intended to confuse) ?
Ref: http://www.rogers.com/web/Rogers.por...el=PTV_Landing

[alebowgm]

There is no difference, except perhaps hard drive capacity. Costco had 360GB units. FS/BS and Rogers both carry the 160GB/500GB models, although it now sounds as if Rogers has put more emphasis on the 500GB units.

As for the remotes, Rogers has, for many years, offered free swapping of Remotes if they were not working. Some of the earlier produced 8642HD units had the 5 Function A-B-C remote. You can easily swap them at Rogers stores no questions asked. If I got one of these, to me it would just mean the unit was sitting on the shelf for a long time.

2. Think of the 8642HD having two versions. Version 1 says Cisco 8642HD on it. Version 2 says Rogers Netbox on it. The only difference between version 1 and version 2 - as far as we know (and outside of hard drive capacity) - is the exterior of the units are branded different. For all intensive purposes they are the exact same unit.

[MCIBUS]

2) no I have a nextbox PVR and in the upper top left corner of the box its labaled NEXTBOOX in white letters.

Funny part is when I had my previous box(160 rental) it was blank no Rogers logo at all. the just had a sticker across the display where you had to plell it off.

as for your other question can't comment on that part.

[Stilgar]

Has anybody who OWNS a 8300HD terminal moved over to a Nextbox platform yet? Has Rogers offered any deals, discounts, or trade in promos to people who want to move up?

[yyzlhr]

No trade in offers. If your 8300 is still in warranty you can swap it for an 8642. If you sign up for their Nextbox promotions (2 year contract required) you can get 150-250 dollars off the purchase of an 8642 depending on whether you live in or outside of fibe territory.

[sacks42]

I have an 8300 and tried to swap it out at Rogers Plus here in London, and after 15-20 minutes of trying, the guy said it couldnt be done. I own the 8300 and a 4250 and was told by customer service that i would have to buy new boxes to get WHPVR. 8300 still has 1yr warranty left. I want an 8642 but they wont swap it for me.

[yyzlhr]

The confusion lies in the fact that rogers has created separate product codes for both Cisco and SA HD equipment since the launch of nextbox. Therefore a rep cannot use the equipment replacement function in the system to swap your SA equipment for a Cisco one. They must remove the old SA purchased equipment and add the new Cisco one as a rental and then email head office and have the equipment switched to purchased status and have any prorated rental fees credited back.

The caveat is that reps are only supposed to offer Cisco equipment if the store does not have any SA equipment in stock. However, head office does not have real time access to a store's cable inventory and a nice and knowledgeable rep can easily make an exception.

[MyMedia08]

Originally Posted by alebowgm

That wont be a problem. You can go out and buy the unit, but when you activate it, unless you deactivate one of your other boxes off your account, when you go from 4-->5, 8-->9, etc, Rogers will send out a Tech to install a splitter. Cost is $49.95. However, some people have had success having Rogers waive the fee and not sending out a tech,s aying that they have done the work themselves and all is fine. In that case, you can just activate the fifth unit. Regardless, Rogers wont activate WHPVR unless you setup an install with them. Till then, you are on the old SARA.

I am not having much luck at all...even when I stick with only 4 terminals.

Any scenario involving an 8642 is resulting in them insisting on sending a tech before activating it.

I am currently in dialogue with Rogers Customer service ( via email as I want it in writing), and they absolutely insist on sending a tech even under this scenario:

-I want to keep this simple.
-I want to keep 4 outlets.
-I want to return a free rental and buy a new terminal.
-I want to use the same 4 outlets I now have
-I do not want whole house PVR
-I do not want NEXTBOX 2.0
-I absolutely do not want a techincian (based on my last three experiences)

The STILL want to send a tech. I hate being held hostage by Rogers.

My objection is not even the $50. its the techs !! I went though abosolute hell last time, took three techs to get it right and I was out of commission for quite a while re re internet, cable, and phone. And all sort of issues in between (re sginal strength). Each tech undid what the prior tech did. It was a nightmare. I swore never again. yet they insist on sending a tech.

This may be the final straw for me.

Given I want to buy new hardware anyway, this may be the time to jump ship to Bell Fibe TV. I am stuck on Rogers cell for 2 years, but no reason I cannot move home phone, LD phone, Internet and TV over to Bell at my discretion. I have a lot of research to do, but looks like I dont have a choice here.

I asked customer service to escalate , but I am not hopeful.

[alebowgm]

This is the wrong place for this discussion, so hopefully an OP can move it.

Why do they want a tech to come? Have they said? Would they be willing to waive the fee? If so, have the tech come, tell him its his lucky day and all you want is for him to activate the unit and not touch the wiring.

[MyMedia08]

Originally Posted by alebowgm

This is the wrong place for this discussion,....

I actually didn't orignially post to this thread ; I posted elsewhere but one of the moderators moved it here.

As to Rogers, yup, they gave me a long techno-gabble list of why I MUST have a tech even after I explained several times that I dont want WHPVR. Specifically they just rattled off their script....

. "'All NextBox HD PVRs and HD Terminals, must be networked by a Rogers service technician. Additionally, the service is only compatible with the NextBox HDPVR (CISCO 8642) and NextBox HD Terminal (CISCO 4642). The Technician must also inspect both your outside as well as your inside wiring. They will also need to install filters to optimize the services and test each television and terminal to ensure they are working properly. In addition to these steps, the service technician will also demonstrate the service and correct any internal or external wiring issues that are discovered during the installation. The installation experience can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours due to the complexity of the installation."

All I want is to upgrade my PVR - they are making it so difficult for me. 30 years of loyalty appraently does not buy much.

If I could guarranty a tech indeed would "only" activate the terminal (which I thought was not done at the house anyway), then that would be ok, but I dont want to take at $500 risk - ie buy the unit, and they indeed start rewiring everything.

Quite tired of playing thier games. Gonna start doing my inventory of where my phone outlets are and need to be and give Bell Fibe a shout.

[alebowgm]

IMO, you can always buy the unit, have Rogers come out to activate and get the $50 waived if that's all they do. If they don't do it, the call will be cancelled, still no $50 charge, and you can return the PVR within 14 days.