[AlmostBroke]

Hello!

I just got off the phone with Bell customer service, again. I'll spare the details because I'm sure everybody has heard these horror stories before.

Basically I've been a customer for 8 years, I called in during February to tell them I was switching to Rogers, retentions offered 50% off for 6 months and a free PVR for one year. Deal! 3 times since Feb. we called with problems. The installer installed not a PVR, but an HD receiver, then the 50% wasn't being applied, then we were being charged for the PVR, then we were being charged for additional receivers we don't have, etc.

I'm already with TekSavvy for internet and home phone (no problems thus far ), now what do I do for TV?

Needs
- Sportsnet/TSN/CBC/Leafs TV (All Leaf channels!)
- Food channel, A&E, Teletoon, and a few other fairly standard channels
- PVR would be great, but if it's a big increase in price then we can live without it. Unless there are third party ones I don't know about, ala TiVo.

I'd also prefer short term contracts.

Which service do you use? How much are you paying? How is the support?

Because so far I've realized Canadian TV providers suck

 

[NB Josh]

Okay I'll share how much it would be to get what you want with Shaw Direct...

Your best bet would probably be to get Digital Favourites, which would include all of the channels you mention, plus most standard channels available on basic cable. This would cost $54.99 a month. Add on HD Sports (at $4.99) and Leafs TV (at $4.99) and you'd be paying $65 plus tax a month.

However, you may be able to get the Ontario Extra Value Package at $37.98 a month, it includes all of the channels that are in Digital Favourites that you want. You would still have to add on HD Sports (at $4.99) and Leafs TV (at $4.99) though. Either of these would give you every Leafs game in HD.

As far as a PVR goes, you can get the DVR530 for $299 right now, but it is on the way out. You can preorder the new DVR630 for $399 for a limited time.

 

[TJ77]

If you did choose to go with Shaw Direct, wait for the new 605HD/PVR630. The 630 begins shipping September 2. A launch date for the 605 hasn't been confirmed, but I hear the price will be $149.

 

[vjose78]

You could always go with Rogers if that is available in your area which I assume it is. I don't know what their pricing is, but i'm sure is comparable to Shaw Direct.