New Channels

[qnx22]

I was talking to the expressview guy on the phone the other day and he said to expect the crtc approved new channels to start appearing by Sept 2001. ie DIY-Kanada etc. Hopefully the worthwhile new stuff won't cost us an arm/leg :)

[Leetch66]

Did he tell you that Bell only can handle 35 more channels on their satellite and then they must over compress their system to add more...hence crappy picture . It's a fact...they are out of room .

Star Choice meanwhile has a new satellite being tested and expected to be operational by Feb 19 th . This will give them 2 satellites and lots of bandwidth...hence more channels . Both will get these 35 new Category 1 channnels on their respective systems but the kicker is that there was over 300 new channels approved by the CRTC as Category 2 channels that are optional carrys for the sat companies and Star Choice was pushing for as many as possible at the CRTC meetings to be approved .

Star Choice got their wish and Bell didn't . It's been talked about that Star Choice would have these extra channels as a pic and pay set-up . Actually some of the channels are pretty neat . But as well , some are duds .

If you are planning on buying a Canadian system you might be wisest in buying the one with the best long term outlook and hardware....elliptcal dish with 2 stacked LNB's for future use .
With Black Sunday happening and Superbowl , this has been one hectic week installing the Canadian systems for those who had to have their TV .

[qnx22]

Interesting. I heard StarChoice lost a number of F1 transponders to Telsat (BEV) ?

[Leetch66]

They are scramblin for bandwidth [ Bell ] . Those three transponders are up in the air at the moment . Shows how desperate Bell is . It will only affect Star choice/Shaw in their cable distribution methods and cost them money probably . Being a satellite provider wiith only one satellite is definitely not a good thing . BEV went short-term , Star Choice went long-term . BEV does not have a good orbital slot available to them either that will service the whole country and are at least 2-4 years away for their 2nd satellite . That should be a big advantage for Star Choice who will have a new F2 bird in about 2 years or less along with F1 which is slated for Feb 19 th .