[morphius909]

Hi All,

I've been with Starchoice/SD for about 7 years now. I have an OLD satellite Receiver and the Silver Package. No real deal.

I just purchased a Samsung 46" LCD and want a new receiver so I can get digital tv (either via HDMI or DVI).

What do you think I can negotiate? A new nicer Reciver? (I'm not too concerned with PVR)...I see their middle of the road receiver has DVI out.

Think I can get a deal on my programming as well?

My other option would be flip over to Telus.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,

 

[Kartan]

Shaw Direct does have the rental option on their new PVR right now as long as you've been a longtime customer...I think it's $15/month and I'm pretty sure you'd meet the criteria. In the end it's really going to depend on who you talk to. It can't hurt to ask for an upgrade, but I wouldn't count on getting a free receiver. Typically if you buy a new receiver there is sometimes programming credits, but almost always PPV credits. Hope that helps

 

[BCScott]

You should qualify for a DVR630 as a free rental for 1 year, then a buy-out of $199 at the end of the year.

 

[Zrock]

go with a receiver that has true HDMI out. I just upgraded to the new PVR with HDMI and the picture quality is far supperior with HDMI compared to the DVI - HDMI conversion i was running before. Not to mention its a few connections less as with DVI their is no audio transmited so you need to run audio cables. I don't cheep out when it comes to cables so i know it wasnet a cabeling issue eather

 

[Jimsathome]

go with a receiver that has true HDMI out. I just upgraded to the new PVR with HDMI and the picture quality is far supperior with HDMI compared to the DVI - HDMI conversion i was running before. Not to mention its a few connections less as with DVI their is no audio transmited so you need to run audio cables. I don't cheep out when it comes to cables so i know it wasnet a cabeling issue eather

My understanding of the specifications is there is no difference in Video signal quality between DVI and HDMI. So I'd surmise it was a (530) receiver issue. I do agree HDMI is a far simpler method to connect, but buying expensive cables won't really improve this digital connection. I go with V1.3 and shorter is better than longer.

I'd still go for the 630 for now as it "future proofs" you somewhat with rumoured upgrades ShawDirect is planing. If you want to wait a bit the 605 is supposedly due out in November without PVR capability.

 

[morphius909]

Thanks. Will Call SD tomorrow morning.

I'll be happy with a new Box for a discount and cheaper price on my silver package.

Wish me luck!

 

[zbroke]

One big difference between the 530's DVI and the 630's HDMI is that the handshake issue the 530 was having with several AV Receiver has been resolved with the 630 (at least no one has reported a problem with the 630).

Although a little buggy the 630 is a better purchase than the 530 and, if you get the 200$ deal, you cannot justify NOT buying a PVR at this price... IMO...

Good luck.

 

[morphius909]

Ended up negotiating the Non-HD Receiver (505?) for 49.99 and got the Specialty package for loyalty for 40.98 (Similar to the BC Value Pack I believe).

Good enough for me...no contract means I can try it out and bail if Telus offers something even better.

The initial rep I talked to was absolutely useless, so I said I want to cancel right away and they bumped me to cancellation/retentions. Pretty nice people and tried to keep me happy in the cancellation department.