ExpressVu 6141 plus External HDD = Instant PVR

[molsonman73]

is there anymore news on the bell 6141 getting the PVR function to work so that we can have pvr functions on this receiver.

Thanks

[57]

As soon as it's announced or available, it will be noted in this forum, probably in this thread.

[citrus]

Here is my latest chat transcript with Bell regarding the PVR features.

Thank you for your patience.
You are now chatting with Anto.

Anto: Hello, thank you for visiting bell.ca. How may I help you today?

Steve: Hello, I am curious as to when Bell will release the software update for the HD 6141 receiver to allow an external USB hard drive to be attached for PVR features. This was promised by Pat Button (the previous VP of sales) in a press release in January 2008.

Anto: Unfortunately,we do not have an ETA on this software release update at this moment. We do understand the benefit of having this, but several reasons can delay this factor including software complications.

Steve: Ok that is understandable. Are you able to confirm for me today that this software update to support this feature is in the works and will eventually be released?

Anto: Yes, most definitely. It will support external storage devices like a hard drive, USB Key..

Steve: And just to confirm, we are talking about the 6141 HD receiver which currently is not a PVR, correct?

Anto: That is correct. This is the base model HD receiver.

Steve: Great, thank you for this answer. I look forward to being able to use my HD 6141 receiver as a PVR with an external USB hard drive in the future.

Anto: Yes, me too I have one as well and waiting for it.

Anto: Is there anything else I can assist you with today?

Steve: No, you have answered all my questions. Thanks again!

Anto: It's been a pleasure helping you out today! Thank you for choosing Bell and for using bell.ca for your self-serve solutions. Have a great day!

[Angelfish]

It is now available to US Dish subscribers. I hope BTV releases a working version of this software option.

[MC360]

I called Bell just now and they couldn't tell me anything.

I need 5 HD receivers for my girlfriend but told her to hold off on signing up till they offer this feature....cause theres no way shes going to drop $600 a pop for an HD PVR in each of the 5 TV rooms. Till then its crapishka Shaw Cable.

[AFF]

Originally Posted by Angelfish

It is now available to US Dish subscribers. I hope BTV releases a working version of this software option.

Is it? Isn't the 6141 a copy of the 411? I thought the feature just was released for the 221/222 units.

[SensualPoet]

Originally Posted by MC360

I need 5 HD receivers for my girlfriend

Your GF needs 5 HD receivers, each with an external hard drive?

Hmmmmmm ... I'd think twice about adding all those brothers-in-law -- and eventually all those nieces and nephews -- to your xmas list ... LOL!

[MC360]

I called Bell today, according to the tech support people there has been no discussion of such features being implemented into Bell's hardware. I did let her know that it was already available in the US on the same equipment from Dish Network. Id rather have 2 HD DVRs with a single tuner each than a HD Dual tuner for one TV with only one HD output. TVs are cheap now, bedrooms, living rooms, Id like every Tv to have the HD DVR options without blowing $600 for each set when there is no real need for dual tuner recievers, its a nice extra but rare that you really need it unless your a sports junkie.

http://www.dishnetwork.com/receivers/hd/vip211dvr/default.aspx

[spun14]

Id like every Tv to have the HD DVR options without blowing $600 for each set when there is no real need for dual tuner recievers, its a nice extra but rare that you really need it unless your a sports junkie.

Don't forget the cost of the external HDD's as well. You're still going to be spending upwards of $500 for each setup depending on the size of drive you're using, especially if you order the "Supported" HDD from bell when they do actually release it.

I'm hoping that this will come in the new year like was previously posted but again the original word last sprend was within a few weeks and well its been almost a year and i'm not holding my breath for it. I'm sure i'll likly give up if nothing is stated by mid january and just go with the 9242.

[nemo0075]

Originally Posted by spun14

Don't forget the cost of the external HDD's as well. You're still going to be spending upwards of $500 for each setup depending on the size of drive you're using, especially if you order the "Supported" HDD from bell when they do actually release it.

I'm hoping that this will come in the new year like was previously posted but again the original word last sprend was within a few weeks and well its been almost a year and i'm not holding my breath for it. I'm sure i'll likly give up if nothing is stated by mid january and just go with the 9242.

While I do think that three 9242's would be a more efficient way to feed five tv's, a smart shopper would never pay over $500 for a 6141 + HDD. Where do you get this figure? Quite often you can pick up a 6141 system at FS for $199 no questions asked. External drives or do it yourself options vary between $75 - $125 for 500-750GB. This keeps the total cost at around $300.

[spun14]

While I do think that three 9242's would be a more efficient way to feed five tv's, a smart shopper would never pay over $500 for a 6141 + HDD. Where do you get this figure? Quite often you can pick up a 6141 system at FS for $199 no questions asked. External drives or do it yourself options vary between $75 - $125 for 500-750GB. This keeps the total cost at around $300.

The deal from FS is $299 for the 6141 and when you activate one you get a programmiing credit from Bell for $100. If you read the fine print i'm sure you'll find something along the lines of having to be a new customer or limited number of activations. I agree that you can do and external drive for much cheaper than what they're offering but basically for the average joe its still going to cost a fair amount and you have to weigh out the difference.

[visiter555]

Originally Posted by AFF

Is it? Isn't the 6141 a copy of the 411? I thought the feature just was released for the 221/222 units.

I have a pair of Dish 211s at my US address (I travel and have a US & Cdn residence).

The 211 and 211k (6141) both recieved the firmware update to enable the external HD. I have activated it and it works perfectly as a single tuner DVR.

One funny note...when comparing the remotes of the 6141 and the 211k, the 6141 has a PVR button and the 211k has a DVR button. LOL

[Pinza]

That is the difference between the American and Canadian versions of the Echostar receivers.

Bell call there's PVR's, while Dish call them DVR's.

[visiter555]

I don't care what it's called...I just want my 6141s to have EHD capability like my 211k's... LOL

[nemo0075]

Originally Posted by spun14

The deal from FS is $299 for the 6141 and when you activate one you get a programmiing credit from Bell for $100. If you read the fine print i'm sure you'll find something along the lines of having to be a new customer or limited number of activations. I agree that you can do and external drive for much cheaper than what they're offering but basically for the average joe its still going to cost a fair amount and you have to weigh out the difference.

Yes, that is the going price, however occasionally FS has the unit on sale for $199 for anybody, new customer or old. I know this because I bought mine for $199 not very long ago. I have been a BTV/VU customer for 7 years. I even asked (stupid me) isn't this for new clients only? No, store sale price is what I was told. Keep an eye out on there web site.