Official Shaw Cable vs Satellite TV thread

[killarney]

Well after a week with Shaw Cable HD I find it pathetic. After I get to know the strata members I will do my utmost to rid myself of this inferior product and go back to Shaw Digital. Was offered free installation from them. After having a look at Letterman tonight and the garbage picture Shaw Cable offers i'm pissed right off.

[gobrigavitch]

Any recent comparisons between Shaw Gateway and Bell. I'm thinkingof switching

[ss_blake]

I am a Bell TV (satellite) subscriber. I have to admit, I love the service. I have 3 HD-PVRs in my house, and the quality of the signal and selection of HD-channels here in Canada is second to none. I love it.

But the problem is: pay per view movies. I used to rent Blu-Rays from the local rental shop here in Edmonton AB Canada, but they are all shut down and/or bankrupt (including the last, Blockbuster). Read: 2 months ago!

So now, I have NO way to view HD movies. I have to give Bell TV credit, I can rent 1 of 14 HD movies on demand (ie downloaded while I sleep to my PVR). However, this still doesn't compare to my colleagues who have Shaw Gateway, and apparently have "hundrends" of new release movies to pick from, on demand. And I must admit, the local BlockBuster offered a lot more than 14 new release blu-rays to rent.

My question is this. To the SHAW subscribers: how many New Release, high-def movies can you rent on PPV, at one time? Again, Bell is limited to 14, it appears. Unless Bell is doing something progressive with their techlogogy (i.e. I have 2 TG of storage connected to their PVR, so offer some more PPV!).. i may switch to Shaw.

Would love to hear fellow Canadian/Albertan opinions!

[TorontoColin]

Would you consider using an on-demand service via the internet to watch movies? Seems like buying an AppleTV and getting your movies via iTunes would be much cheaper than buying a whole new set of cable receivers, at least in the short-run. I'm not sure how the price per movie stacks up on each service.

[tgutwin]

Thanks weasel65 for your detailed summary comparison between Shaw direct and cable.

[ddayson]

I'm a current SD subscriber. I am thinking of moving to Winnipeg this year. I'm not sure if this is the right place for this thread, so please bare with me. My question is what is the difference and/or benefits of Shaw Direct over Shaw Digital Cable? It seems from what I have read that Shaw Cable offers more HD channels. Is the picture quality better on SD than on SC? Any information is appreciated.

[Billy34]

I am currently with Shaw Direct and am not real pleased with lack of HD channels and bad equipment,, Is there any real difference by switching to Shaw Cable for programming pricing or HD and HD pvr equipment quality, or are they the same overall value... All I want to know is your opinion on whether a switch from Shaw Direct to Shaw Cable would be a waste of time.. thanks in advance

[57]

Billy34: Check out post 146

[Sarke]

Hi, I'm thinking of switching from Shaw cable since the price has been going up steadily over the years. A couple of questions:

1. Is the picture quality comparable? I've heard that satellite TV is more compressed, or at least used to be.

2. Has anyone else made this switch? Are you happy and was it worth it?

[Sarke]

My post above was moved from the Shaw Direct forum.

With the increase in HD Plus, I will now be paying $151 (incl. tax) for TV and internet. This for the "Digital Classic & High-Speed", "HD Plus", and "Extreme Internet". I do not rent any equipment and I get a $5 discount for owning the internet modem.

I remember a time when I was paying less than $100 for about the same package.

I tried looking on the shaw site to see what I can get that's a bit cheaper, but I end up with the "Shaw Personalizer", which is a joke because I don't want the home phone but it includes it no matter what in the $90 + tax base package.

I figured I can spend $56 (incl. tax) on just Shaw internet, and then get the HD channels I need from Shaw Direct () for $62.50 (incl. tax). That's about $32 cheaper.


So, is the hassle of a dish and any picture quality differences worth it?

[magnet]

Standard Def channels are of better quality.
HD channels are slightly better than Shaw Cable.
Hardware is more flaky- but improving.
Simsubs used to be better, but Shaw-owned Global Toronto HD is now overriding US East feeds.
If you weren't in Vancouver, snow on dish can be an issue.
Don't forget multiple receiver fees.
Prices (except for NHLCI/ NFLST) seem to be the same or higher depending on which packages you want.
Only PPV- no VOD.

[instroke7]

So with Shaw...
- we are getting tired of the same movies/shows - like how many times do I need to watch "Fight club" - "Spiderman" ect. I think Shaw is charging us allot for what they offer.

We are searching for another provider - that can provide more HD channels and competitive monthly rates.

i have allready looked at Bel - but they seem to have the same programming -
is anyone else considering a switch away from Shaw as well?

Anyone care to help me out on some options? thanks for the help

[boosterjuice]

Hello all,

I'm contemplating making a switch from Bell Sat over to Shaw Gateway. I'm thinking about this for financial reasons. I'll save almost $100/month if bundle all my services through Shaw. I also really like the idea of a shared PVR between multiple rooms. Right now I have 2 bell receivers and it is a pain in the ass if I want to switch rooms.

I have a few concerns though:

1) are most of the bugs worked out of the Gateway system? I understand that there have been a few updates.

2) How is the HD quality of the Shaw Gateway service compared to bell? (I have 9242 receivers with bell)

[Jetranger]

There can be some issues with Gateway but the majority of users are not having any serious problems. Another major code update is coming in a month or so and they are supposed to continue on a somewhat 'regular' basis.

As for picture quality, all I can tell you is the Gateway system has the best picture available from Shaw right now. I can't say how it compares to Bell as I haven't seen Bell in quite some time now and I don't know anyone with Bell to check it out for myself.

[skywalk]

Well... the big change is coming. For the first time in 33 years I'm moving out of the Boonies into the Big Smoke. I currently have Bell Satellite with 2 HD PVRs (9241 & 9242) and an SD PVR, also an old 3100 SD Receiver. I'm moving into Hamilton to a Shaw Cable area, but I can retain Bell TV. When I go, I'm planning on bundling Internet, TV and Home Phone. The big question is - which is (currently) the best choice? I've had my ups and downs with Bell TV, but it's really pretty good, considering I've had to go to the Retention Dept a couple of times. But it is satellite. Shaw is Cable. The townhouse is wired for Shaw Cable. So the two main questions I have are: Which is the better bundle? and Can the Bell Receivers with dual tuners function with one coax connection (I've heard the new switches will work with a single coax lead to the receiver and split at the STB). I can't have them run a second parallel cable to the STB like I have now with my SW44. The current expectation is - Shaw - who've offered free rental of HD PVRs for a year with no contract. If I don't like them, I understand Fibe TV is coming within the year. Comments please and thanks!