[moppet]

Hi

We have just relocated to Montreal for my husbands work and will be living out Mont-Saint- Hilaire way and want to know what the best TV provider is for English TV, movies etc with HD channels also (We are from UK). Price not as important as content, quality and reliability.

Appreciate this will of been asked before but things can change quickly so would appreciate an idea of opinions now.

Any suggestion on Internet appreciated too

Thanks guys

 

[Tanta]

Most providers in your area (Bell, Videotron) allow some channel customization; but you probably have a better English selection with Bell. It also depends if you want bundled services (phone, internet and TV) or not. You might want to discuss your preferences with your new neighbours in Mont St. Hilaire; often internet speed comes down to how well internet traffic is managed locally, as well as recent equipment upgrades to the respective networks ; Bell uses DSL, while Videotron uses cable.

 

[Prax]

I don't know about reliability in your area, but Bell is likely the better choice for TV. They have more HD english channels while Videotron usually would rather have the latest French channel on its grid. If I could switch right now I would definitely go with Bell for TV.

 

[Blackburst]

Don't forget you also have ShawDirect TV service. Like Bell, it involves a dish.

Also, check over-the-air free service with a antenna.
Here are the Montreal English stations
6 - CBMT-TV (CBC)
12 - CFCF-TV (CTV)
46 - CKMI-TV (Global)
62 - CJNT-TV (ind.) very low-power station.

You probably can also pick up US border stations in full HD for free.
Go to the US government site www.dtv.gov
Follow the link to reception maps. There, enter your postal code.
See what list you'll get.

As for internet, take a look at VIF Internet.

 

[moppet]

Thanks everyone for your replies, much appreciated

Can you tell me if there is a problem with satellite TV during the winter months due to the snow?

 

[downbeat]

My parents are in your neck of the woods.
TV reception effects from snow accumulation, not likely.
But from heavy precipitation during a storm, maybe. I've seen dish reception briefly cut out during heavy snow or rain.

 

[tvlurker]

For the Mont Ste. Hilaire area, your reception of American TV channels would depend on where you are relative to Mount Ste Hilaire itself, as it casts quite a shadow for the Mt Mansfield stations. You can use TVFool.com to check this out.

 

[Jake]

I think OTA (think roof-top antenna) is most likely NOT what you are interested in. Yes it is free but selection is nothing like what Bell or Shaw satellite can offer you. Given your criteria I would give Bell a call. Videotron do not carry as many English HD channels and English specialty channels. Also just to let you know there is a new online service in Canada called Netflix. If you have a compatible TV or player (players like Apple TV cost as little as $120) you can stream HD content on demand for $8/month or rent just about any movies online. It can compliment your other services as well.

 

[Donnybrook]

Given your criteria I would give Bell a call

This is the last company I would be calling based on what Bell told the CRTC yesterday at the DTH Hearings. See the MPEG4 thread in the Shaw Direct forum.

 

[Jake]

At the very least give the poster something concrete to base her decision on. My recommendation is based on the present. Not some envisioned future hardware requirements.

FYI: I am not a Bell customer nor Shaw.

 

[Donnybrook]

OK the O.P. stated

ant to know what the best TV provider is for English TV, movies etc with HD channels also (We are from UK). Price not as important as content, quality and reliability.

Bell is HD Lite signal (720 X 1240); Shaw is 1080 X 1940
Bell simsubs all American network shows, Shaw only those you can receive with an antenna
Bell dropping HDNet on Dec 7
Shaw will be implementing MPEG4 starting new year which will double HD offerings without sacrificing PQ, Bell has no plans
Customer service - Shaw - real people in Canada answering the phones 24/7/365; Bell - who knows when or where you will get a real person. And if you have a billing issue with Bell - there goes your holidays trying to get it corrected.
Bell has 1 way contracts which allow them to change channels/pricing/programming at any time whereas the consumer is tied in regardless.

Bell satellite TV is a money loser - always has been - So Bell is now investing into IPTV instead. They sold their rights for another satellite location to Dishnetwork.

 

[Jake]

Thanks for the excellent summary Donny.