RDS is going HD in the fall...they must give us that, right?

[themanfromvlad]

RDS is going HD as is their coverage of the Canadiens. Could you possibly forsee a scenario where Vieotron drags its feet on this too?

And if they are going to add RDS HD, maybe it would be a good time to add some more HD channels?

[mfabien]

They already have channels in place for TVAHD (604) and TQSHD (605), even though these stations or broadcasting only SD on these HD channels at this time, and RDS should be in place with, I expect, channel #633 for the start of the hockey season in October.

Other than National Geographic, if you are like me, what other HD channels Videotron should have at this time?

On the other hand, we have some useless HD channels like CityHD and GlobalHD...

[EnderWiggin]

GlobalHD has not been useless for me, occasionally their versions of the U.S. shows actually include the digital captions. I want an HD sci-fi channel, I would love to see Star Trek Enterprise in HD. I also noticed that Dish Networks offer an Animal, Food, and HGTV channels in HD, all three would be nice.

Showtime HD
Starz HDTV
HBO HD
Animania HD
Family Room HD
GamePlay HD
Discovery HD Theater
Equator HD
National Geographic Channel HD
DISH Network PPV in HD
Film Fest HD
Food Network HD
HDNet Movies
Kung Fu HD
Monsters HD
World Cinema HD
HDNews
Rave HD
ESPN HD
ESPN2 HD
NFL Network HD
Rush HD
WorldSport HD
Gallery HD
HDNet
HGTV HD
TNT HD
Treasure HD
Ultra HD
Universal HD

[just_syl]

I agree with mfabien that GlobalHD and CityHD are useless. They offer almost no original content and certainly no original HD content.

EnderWiggin: Most of the channels on your list have not received the CRTC stamp of approval. No chance of seeing them on a canadian provider anytime soon.

OTOH, I think it's a shame that Videotron has not added HDNet yet. It is available everywhere else in Canada. So is NFL Network yet it's nowhere to be found on Videotron's lineup.

[jrmtl06]

Actually CityHD is not useless for everyone has they broadcast shows from the CW in HD and we don't have a CW HD network here. they also have shows like from other source, US cable, in HD, like battlestar gallactica that you canot get anywhere else.

The same situation with Showcase HD that I would like to get. They have a lot of exclusive US and UK shows that we can't get anywhere else like Life on Mars, the Riches, etc...

When a station is requested enough, Videotron offers it, it's simply that the demand for those channel isn't big enough for the price it cost them. And with the limited capacity they have, they need to pick and choose the channel that will be the most popular.


As for RDS, there are not dough at all that they will offer the service as soon as it is available. But if I remember well, RDS was planning on launching only in the fall of '08...but I might be wrong.

[DrAkO]

RDS will be available in HD in october at the same time when the new Habs season starts...

[HIDEF]

HGTV HD, Food HD, Mpix HD and HDNet would be great additions but alas they are english channels so i wouldnt hold my breath. In the meantime, TQSHD and TVAHD are taking all important HD bandwith but i have yet to see anything in HD from those channels...

[SonyWE610Owner]

I sent an email to Videotron asking on what channel # RDS HD will be found. I'm hoping to get an answer soon. Maybe even hint on the date it'll be available!

[mfabien]

That is an easy guess... channel # 633, because the SD channel is # 33 and all other HD channels follow this pattern.

[SonyWE610Owner]

Originally Posted by mfabien

That is an easy guess... channel # 633, because the SD channel is # 33 and all other HD channels follow this pattern.

I agree mfabien, I just want a Videotron employee to suggest a date or possibly some additional info in the response.

Cheers!

[mfabien]

The hockey season starts in early October, so, I would expect sometime during September to be the latest. Wouldn't be surprised to see the channel open up in August.

[SonyWE610Owner]

Mr. xxxxxxxx,

We want to thank you for taking the time to write to us.

We currently have no information on the addition of the RDS HD channel.

We have registered your interest for this channel and you will be contacted
when it will be offered.

Thank you for understanding.

[cjmmtl]

Man....

The famous videotron HD enquiry reponse....Pathetic.

[mfabien]

We currently have no information on the addition of the RDS HD channel.

We have registered your interest for this channel and you will be contacted
when it will be offered.

I take it you feel that Videotron CSR should be told on what date the engineering staff will affect changes to enable a new channel such as RDSHD...

Maybe it should be done but that would require an internal change calling for regular meetings of different departments, for the purpose of briefing staffs, and CSR in this case in point. I would certainly support such a change for the benefit of Videotron clients and to assist CSR in doing their "proper" job.

However, the industry culture is to keep CSR's in the dark and I believe you will find the same sort of thing at other providers, cable or satellite. That can be easily tested by calling XVue, *Choice, Cogeco and ask when will RDSHD channel be part of the HD active channels.

[SonyWE610Owner]

Mr. xxxxx,


Thank you for having taken the time to write us.

We do not have at the present time any information concerning the precise
channel number of this station. However, all HD channels are broadcasted
starting from channel 600.

Do not hesitate to contact us again for any further information you may
need. Our customer service department will be pleased to answer you as
soon as possible