Procedures for Buying and Selling of BTV Receivers - See Post 1

What Ex Agent was saying is a load of BS, I walked into my local FS about 2 weeks ago, bought a 6131 and they never asked for any of my details, or my bell account details, nor is it any of their business. I came home, called Bell, activated, "signed"/agreed to a 1 year contract to get the $100 new customer credit on the 6131, and was watching HD goodness within 15 minutes.

Also there is indeed a $35 charge for activating an old receiver. We had one from our in-laws from their account that has been deactivated for over a year now. However, Bell waived the charge for me seeing as on an earlier call when I inquired about it they said there was no charge to do so. So be warned of this charge if transferring old equipment. They sent me out a new card free of charge and quick too, only took one full business day, was impressed at their speed on that.

A 2 year contract would be required for free install (otherwise its $99), but since I installed the dish myself I didn't need this.

figured I'd clear up some of the misinformation on the previous page.

How would I go about switching my receivers and smart card?

Hey everyone,

I just bought a HD 6141 online which I'm waiting to arrive. It doesn't include a smart card, but I have a 4100 I don't use which is activated on my account and does have a smart card.

I want to sell the 4100 but use its smart card in the new 6141. What is the process I should follow to do this? Should I wait until I have the 6141, call Bell and tell them to do all the switch? Just worried I might not have the 6141 in time as I may be able to sell the 4100 sooner.

Is it possible to call Bell and deactivate my 4100, keep the smart card then when I get the 6141 call and activate with that smart card? Or does a smart card have to be in an active receiver all the time and if not it becomes dead or something?

Thanks!

new to the forum

wow..
Newbie to your forums everyone, but I asm learning from reading these threads.
I've been with Cogeco forever and been looking to make the shift over to Bell. I surely have a few questions and you guys seem very knowledgable.

First, I have someone who is willing to sell me a 5900 PVR receiver. One owner but POSSIBLY no card. She's looking for it as we speak. She was told to remove it by a CSR when she called and cancelled her sub.

I currently have no account. The plan is to call and order two basic receivers when they come in to do the install. I plan on renting these from Bell ( $3each i'm told). Do I call later add this 5900 to my account to save the $35 fee ? If by chance the card is found and it is a recent card Bell will send me a new one at no fee? If no card is found, I would pay how much for a new card?

thanks for your help...

First, I have someone who is willing to sell me a 5900 PVR receiver. One owner but POSSIBLY no card. She's looking for it as we speak. She was told to remove it by a CSR when she called and cancelled her sub.

Click to expand...

Hmmm, likely story..... There is no reason a CSR would ever tell a Customer to remove the Smart Card, the receiver is effectively worthless without it. You also need to be aware that without a Card, there is no way to see if the receiver works, so if you do buy it and then have to pay Bell for a Card do not be surprised if at the end of the day you have a pricey Door Stop.

If you go for 2 x 4100 recievers (the base SD models) you will not get a 4 way multiswitch and a 3rd line that will be required for the 5900. You can add these yourself afterwards if you like but as they were not part of the initial installation, they will therefore carry NO warranty.

I would be tempted to get a 6131, yes it is an HD receiver but can be used on an SD TV with a little effort. These can take an external hard drive to create a PVR, with hundreds of hours more recording than the old 5900's. These can be found at big box stores for as little as $99.

Pinza, dosborne thanks for your replies... like I stated this is really new to me.

The original owner now has found the card and will include it it the sale. If she gives me the card# and the receiver#, can I somehow verify before I complete the transaction with her?

I'm nearing the end of the construction stage of our home and am trying to plan this out. I most likely will require a third and forth receiver however was going to start with two of the 4100. Never thought about the required switch! Can I simply purchase these switches (ebay) at a later time and instal myself or is it required that Bell service do the install? If it means that they will need to come back after Christmas, I may as well have them do it now and install all 4. Is there a cost associated with different installs? I would most likely go with the2 year contract.