shaw(starchoice) or bell satellite for canada

[Takedown3]

so i've been with shaw/starchoice for several years now with the platinum package (11 bundles+standard chans with HD package) and i know all the channels i like to watch as well as everything the kid/wife likes to watch

bell is cheaper by almost 30$ a month for a comparable and possibly better package.

Bell is offering me an HD receiver for free (3$ for additional HD receivers) which is all i need and a free dish installation, well 100$ install which is credited onto my first bill because the dish installer is 3rd party and needs to be paid up front.

i will be saving an additional 5$ on my phone bill as well as my sat bill due to having them bundled together.

Does anyone have any experience with both systems? or Bell at least and can offer some input as to if they like the service or not.

i'm happy with Shaw but would not mind paying less per month for equal if not better TV

[SoloDayz]

Watchout for the deadly 3 year contract you'll have to sign with bell, if you plan on staying then its a great deal. Shaw makes you buy a reciever out right but doesnt have contracts.

I used to have bell TV and it was amazing but when i moved my satellite dish couldnt point in the right direction towards the satellite. They did cancel my contract at no cost to me and i was able to keep my HD/PVR reciever, which shaw gladly swapped out for one of theirs. So if you change to bell see if they'll do a free reciever swap out and see if you can avoid a contract.

That $100 programming credit is good but not really worth it in the end.

Both companies are great and bundling your package are both great ideas saving money is awsome.

AND avoid TELUS at all costs

Pros:
Both offer a fast and reliable service
Shaw = cable line so minimal service effects durring storms and overcast.
bell: their channel viewing system is far superior to shaw's (can filter to only channels you have subscribed to)

Cons:
Bell = satelite so if its storm or overcast signal is weaker for both internet/tv
Bell : 3yr contract
shaw: have to buy recievers at full price or rent for extra monthly fee's
shaw/bell: both phone lines are based off internet hence why the lower costs, major drawback is if their/your systems go down so does your phone

[Takedown3]

thanks for the post, pretty sure i'm going to stay with starchoice as i called them and got there input on the deal they are offering me which will obviously be skewed in there opinion but it seems pretty accurate as to what to expect in regards to bell charging service fees for SD and HD programming whereas shaw does not

not to mention they didnt mention that the movie package that they "offered" only lasts 2 months and then costs 21$ which would bring the bell cost up to nearly as much as shaw

the channels/packages they offer are enticing and a bit better then what i have with starchoice but all of the extra costs and the contract are not winning me over