I just switched from EVU to SHAW - Page 2 - Canadian TV, Computing and Home Theatre Forums

oilblue · 2007-08-20, 06:28 PM

Thing is, it's $1.99 for any digital box--HD or not--so it's definitely not an HD fee. Essentially it's for the SD US timeshifts, a number of other SD channels (e.g. MSNBC, WGN, NationalGeographic, EA2), the digital music set, and the program guide. With an HD box, the $2 includes HD basic.

$2 for all that is a pretty good deal (as discussed in this thread). It's a heck of a lot more channels than basic on its own, so I understand why Shaw is charging the $2. Of course I'd prefer it wasn't charged at all, but at the same time I can't really complain about it.

That said, I really don't understand why it's $2 per DCT rather than $2 per account. Seems excessive to add the fee per DCT. Smells too much like a per outlet fee from days gone by.

FitzieSensei · 2007-08-20, 06:32 PM

...the local CableCo that I subscribe to only charges a flat $2.82 Digital Access fee, regardless of number of STB's.

ARR · 2007-08-21, 12:21 AM

Interesting, thanks for the update.
Agreed, calibration of inputs is paramount.

As for the $2 Shaw 'fee', I was told it covers the cost of the programming guide and data in the box, when you own the boxes.
Otherwise it's part of the rental.
BTW, it also applies to SD boxes as well.
They even charged me for my DCP501 and I own the DCT6412 as well.
Could also be part of some extra outlet fee, since they deliver FULL cable service to each outlet.

Dean W · 2007-08-21, 02:39 AM

YADA YADA subtle slightly hidden cash grab.

I am not saying I blame them or fault them. It is free market.

Somehow Star Choice and Expressvu can provide programming guide and keep box data current for "free". Well, moreover it is just included in the cost of the programming package.

Anyways, I'll let go of this now! Hooray!

Bottomline line is I need to pay the $2 box fee to access the Free HD channels (again $2 is not just for the HD, I get it!) and to access the $9 HD Plus Channels.

There was no box fee for me to access the free HD channels with my former provider.

oilblue · 2007-08-21, 04:28 AM

Dean, there's a big difference. *C and BEV don't have a basic package without a digital box. Shaw does. The $2 provides a lot (as I attempted to detail above). Shaw can't provide that for nothing, vs. a regular basic subscriber. Or are you suggesting they totally hide the fee, by pushing it onto basic cable subscribers without a digital box?

My problem is that they charge per box, rather than per account. It's one reason we've scaled back to a single box (6412 alone, instead of a 6412 + 2500).

Dean W · 2007-08-21, 01:46 PM

My original point in all this is nothing is FREE. The free HD isn't free. The company charges for it in indirect ways. And yes, the $2 per receiver gives you more than just the "free HD Access". I agree.

I am saying why the smoke and mirrors.

2007-08-20, 06:32 PM	#17
FitzieSensei Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Labrador City, NFLD Posts: 196	...the local CableCo that I subscribe to only charges a flat $2.82 Digital Access fee, regardless of number of STB's. __________________ If it floats thru the air, shouldn't anyone be able to capture it?

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2007-08-20, 06:28 PM	#16
oilblue Veteran Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Edmonton Posts: 1,752	Thing is, it's $1.99 for any digital box--HD or not--so it's definitely not an HD fee. Essentially it's for the SD US timeshifts, a number of other SD channels (e.g. MSNBC, WGN, NationalGeographic, EA2), the digital music set, and the program guide. With an HD box, the $2 includes HD basic. $2 for all that is a pretty good deal (as discussed in this thread). It's a heck of a lot more channels than basic on its own, so I understand why Shaw is charging the $2. Of course I'd prefer it wasn't charged at all, but at the same time I can't really complain about it. That said, I really don't understand why it's $2 per DCT rather than $2 per account. Seems excessive to add the fee per DCT. Smells too much like a per outlet fee from days gone by.

2007-08-21, 12:21 AM	#18
ARR . Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Rockies Posts: 3,190	Interesting, thanks for the update. Agreed, calibration of inputs is paramount. As for the $2 Shaw 'fee', I was told it covers the cost of the programming guide and data in the box, when you own the boxes. Otherwise it's part of the rental. BTW, it also applies to SD boxes as well. They even charged me for my DCP501 and I own the DCT6412 as well. Could also be part of some extra outlet fee, since they deliver FULL cable service to each outlet.

2007-08-21, 02:39 AM	#19
Dean W Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 840	YADA YADA subtle slightly hidden cash grab. I am not saying I blame them or fault them. It is free market. Somehow Star Choice and Expressvu can provide programming guide and keep box data current for "free". Well, moreover it is just included in the cost of the programming package. Anyways, I'll let go of this now! Hooray! Bottomline line is I need to pay the $2 box fee to access the Free HD channels (again $2 is not just for the HD, I get it!) and to access the $9 HD Plus Channels. There was no box fee for me to access the free HD channels with my former provider.

2007-08-21, 04:28 AM	#20
oilblue Veteran Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Edmonton Posts: 1,752	Dean, there's a big difference. *C and BEV don't have a basic package without a digital box. Shaw does. The $2 provides a lot (as I attempted to detail above). Shaw can't provide that for nothing, vs. a regular basic subscriber. Or are you suggesting they totally hide the fee, by pushing it onto basic cable subscribers without a digital box? My problem is that they charge per box, rather than per account. It's one reason we've scaled back to a single box (6412 alone, instead of a 6412 + 2500).

2007-08-21, 01:46 PM	#21
Dean W Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 840	My original point in all this is nothing is FREE. The free HD isn't free. The company charges for it in indirect ways. And yes, the $2 per receiver gives you more than just the "free HD Access". I agree. I am saying why the smoke and mirrors.