[dan.geddes]

I just signed up ... interesting site
I've searched and found no results for my problem ... so here's my question;

I am looking at buying (for a good price) two 6131 receivers but they are both currently Telus. Can anyone tell me how to reprogram them to accept Bell programming?

 

[hugh]

Using Bell equipment on Telus satellite is not allowed. See this thread.

My guess is the same is true the other way for reasons discussed in multiple threads in the Telus satellite forum and for the same reason Bell won't accept Dish receivers (see many threads in the Bell forum discussing)

 

[hugh]

Regarding "reprogramming," It is possible to install Bell firmware on the receivers (or at least it used to be because hackers did it all the time), however, even if you did it, I doubt Bell would authorize the receiver.

Best just to buy Bell Receivers.

 

[dan.geddes]

telus 6131 to bell

thks for you response

No I'm not trying to get Tellus on a Bell receiver... I am buying Telus recievers and want to attach them to my Bell account. (6131's)

I thought that they needed to be programmed or something to accept Bell....

I just got off the telephone with a Bell operator and he indicated that nothing has to be done .... just hook it up ... call the and give them the serial number and it will go through a sofware update???

so I guess this means I'll buy them and connect them this way.

wish me luck

 

[Dr.Dave]

I would suggest getting the serial numbers first and calling Bell to confirm, just so there is no misunderstanding. This is a good practice anyway when buying used receivers.

Let us know if it works.

 

[hugh]

I just got off the telephone with a Bell operator and he indicated that nothing has to be done .... just hook it up ... call the and give them the serial number and it will go through a sofware update?

Thanks for posting.

I assumed that when Telus would not accept Bell equipment, it was because it was written into the Bell / Telus agreement, not for any technical reasons.

I'm surprised then that agreement doesn't go the other way (i.e./ no using Telus branded receivers on Bell).

Kind of a silly move on Telus' part.

 

[Pinza]

I wouls ask another CSR because like Hugh says it does not make sense. I too was under the impression that they are Telus and will only ever be on Telus.

Please let us know if Bell actually do allow this as it is a departure from the norm to say the very least.

 

[dan.geddes]

OK ... found out some more info

Called and got the serial numbers from the receivers

Called Bell back with these numbers to verify

So I gave him the first number
- The different operator indicated that that number still exists on the Telus system ..... and that the seller must call Telus and have it deleted from his account .... (back to the agreement with Telus and Bell) then it will not show up and it could then be added to my Bell account (I had read something in the link provided previously something about waiting 30 days without TV .... maybe this would apply here also??)

I gave him the second number
- he indicated that this number did not show up and so it's OK that it could be hooked up right away... as is

He then put me on hold and consulted with others ..... He came back on and indicated that this was quite the question and that it stirred the group.... and for me to wait a little longer on hold.... so when he came back on the phone he indicated that it should work... however the startup software on these units would be indicating it was Telus and that he was uncertain how it might react .... he then recomended that I get a Bell system instead

I'm think'n that I'm gonna still give it a go... if no one has doen it yet... he did say it should work... just have Telus logos

There should be a way to reflash the system with Bell software??

I will pick up the receivers tonight...

 

[Pinza]

Thanks for that update.

I find it interesting that it "it stirred the group", which tells me that they really have no idea.....lol

Keep us informed please as to your progress.

There should be no reason the receiver will not work with Bell but we will see.

 

[hugh]

Dan, it's your cash but truthfully, I really think they are going to say no. Let us know though!

 

[dan.geddes]

working fine
Still has Telus software but the same as Bell ... just a label and color change

 

[Moose57]

Very surprised to hear that as well.
Technically identical except for branding of course.
Each provider has a list of R0#'s and S0#'s that are in their 'inventory'.
This is what they need to authorize a unit.

I suspect they have access to Echostars master list of R0#'s and know which are Dish, so anything else might be fair game, whilst Telus only knows about the units they have branded.

The Bell-Dish arrangement has a much longer history and stems from the original Dish Network Canada branding at inception.

As Hugh mentioned, in the good old hacker days, it was a fairly trivial task to flip the unit back and forth among providers and change the R0 and S0 #'s at will.

In fact many a Bell 4700 was flashed to a Dish 4900 to take advantage of the nice picture in guide that Bell never released with numbers cloned to an existing unit.

I've had 'virgin' Bell receivers that sport factory Dish firmware and if accidentally left connected pointed at a Dish satellite would download that providers latest code.

While it's been quite some time, I doubt this is practiced much anymore and the effort probably isn't worth the hassle if even possible on modern units.

That may be why TELUS installers MUST perform the install to ensure it take sonly their code as it goes through a branding during devirginizing.

If you Google on JTAG'ing you may find old articles on this fascinating aspect of the boxes.
The only legitimate reason would be for factory service personnel to repair or upgrade units.

We cannot condone any activity that violates the rights of providers, but mention this solely for it's technical merit.

At some point, it may be moot as TELUS is expected to purchase Bell within a few years once the new wireless startups gain a bit of traction and the CRTC can be less concerned about monopolies and fair competition.
The climate is just not right politically right now.
Financially yes as TELUS has CASH and Bell has DEBT.

 

[dan.geddes]

I read your Email over serveral times .... not sure what you are sharing with me. Are you saying don't share this info on your site or don't ask such a question?

I was simply looking for information on what can be done to change the software labeling on a peice of equipment that I own or for that matter anyone who owns thier equipment.

Has anyone done this? Do you take the receiver to a Bell service center to have it flashed? Can you do it yourself? I don't understand how this is something that would be considered inappropriate.

The reciever is no longer attached to Telus ...Bell looked this up and verified this prior to my purchase. After I purchaced it I registered it with Bell on my account and it has been working exactly as my original Bell reciever with different menu colors and a Telus label.

Telus is marketing their wireless systems now which will probably result in a lot of the "old" Telus 6131 recievers for sale.

 

[nic78]

Just wait for the next Bell TV 6131 firmware upgrade. My feeling that cause your receiver is now in Bell TV's inventory and not Telus' it will download Bell branded firmware (Menu's etc), the next time a firmware upgrade is rolled out.

 

[dan.geddes]

Nice ....

 

[nic78]

That's just my assumption mind you. Bell changed the Logo's on the menus of all it's receivers last year with a simple firmware upgrade.

It should also be noted that some new Bell receiver were/are shipped with Dish Network Firmware and download Bell's once pointed at 91

Does anyone know if bell roll's out firmware for both it Bell and Telus boxes at the same time?? What is the current firmware on Telus' 6131's?

 

[Moose57]

I thought they had different schedules.
My 9241T has 236.

 

[Costa]

pretty sure its v168

 

[dan.geddes]

my new 6131T has ver 168
my original Bell 6131 has ver 168 also

 

[vuebots]

I just ordered a Telus HD PVR from future shop, the site says BC & AB only but they have shipped it out to me. I wanted a new receiver and it was cheaper to get the Telus box then the bell, plus when/if Telue Sat comes to Ontario I can make the switch with out ordering new receivers. Hope bell does not give me a hard time setting this up on my account.


Dear Terry:

The following item(s) have shipped and are en route to you.

Please note that this email is not a receipt. To obtain your receipt, please click on this link: Print copies of your invoice (Printable electronic invoice)


Item(s)shipped
Quantity
Price


Telus Satellite TV HDPVR Video Recorder - Available in BC and AB Only
1
$349.99

Order Subtotal: $349.99
Shipping Cost: $0.00

Subtotal: $349.99


NET HST: $0.00

ON HST: $45.50
Grand Total: $395.49