Starchoice

Just purchased a Sony 34"Hd and need advise on a service provider. Starchoice seems to have what I percieve to be a good option. What do you think. Where are the best startup prices?

Press release from The Weather Network (http://www.theweathernetwork.com/twn/releases/20040617.htm). Basically StarChoice wants to move The Weather Network from the basic package to an extra package. They tried to do it without telling anyone (their subscribers included).

I don't work for The Weather Network, or ExpressVu, or Rogers, and I don't subscribe via StarChoice. Just thought you might want to know.

Thanks for the "heads up" Dark Canuck. Is there anyone out there who has any more guidance on getting the best picture out of the Starchoice HD system? I will be up and running Monday if the installers arrive as promised.
What level of shielded cables are required for best performance? I have seen prices anywhere from twenty to $169.00. The high end seems away out of line in that you are only shielding the last six or so feet!
Comments anyone

I went further into this forum and found Micmax's thread which answered my questions about cables.
By the way, (for Canadians) Walmart and Bell sell shielded cables for about the same price.
Hope to have my system installed tomorrow and will try the cables that came with my Motorola box.

I upgraded to near top of the line Monster component and S-Video cables ($169 or so each set at Future Shop) and connected both ways to my 34" Sony XBR800 (last year's model). I had been disappointed with the Sony's upconversion attempts on analogue broadcasts via satellite so I spent the extra money. I also went with Monster's premiere power bar to filter electronic noise.
The new setup allows me to watch regular TV via SVideo on Video 1 and HD via component on Video 5 (or 6 if you prefer). Interestingly, I quite often default to watching regular satellite broadcasts through the component Video 5 and I find the picture much more satisfying even though it doesn't appear in full widescreen.
Despite the cost of the upgraded cabling and power bar I feel it was worth the money. You might try cheaper component cables and determine your level of satisfaction and I definitely recommend watching regular satellite programming through the component outlets if your unhappy with your widescreen's upconversion attempts. This problem might be unique to Sony so I'm interested in hearing the comments of other posters.
The high def channels are brilliant and I'm looking forward to Starchoice's expanded service. The Motorola DSR500 is still a bit glitchy but they are continually updating so it's improving.
I hope this helps other Canadians out there, it's my first post and I recognize that it's a little wordy but I'd like to encourage other Starchoice subscribers to join in as HD expands and new hardware comes available.
Don

Given that Starchoice is increasing the number of HD channels it carries and making new hardware available, I propose starting a new thread on the subject.
Takers?

A thread on StarChoice HD sounds like a good idea to me. That being said, I don't know how long I'll hang in with StarChoice if they keep changing programming packages without notifiying their customers. Maybe this arrogant approach is a reflection of their cable company ownership.

I sort of agree on the package changes but since I started changing my programming on-line I've found my ability to customize is pretty cool. I discovered my wife didn't know I'd cut out most of her programming so until she complains, I save money.

I'd also like to see a Starchoice HD thread.
I've been a Starchoice subscriber for years and have been completely satisfied with their service but admit that I haven't looked at Bell. My old cable company was just awful and would never consider returning.
I just got the eliptical dish and now have a Sony HD TV and am awaiting for Starchoices replacement HD decoder because it apparently will have HD PVR too. It's supposed to be coming out this fall but lord knows when that might be.
I've looked at the menu and there are only about 7 HD channels at this time and NO TSN! (which I'm sure that TSNs owner (Bell) is making it difficult for Starchoice to get). I have no idea how many channels Bell has but I am not too keen on switching to them.

Have you experienced any problems with the upconversion of regular satellite signals on your Sony?
I've got a 34XBR800 that drives me nuts because it attempts to upconvert my signal when I use S-Video. It creates a fair degree of noise and is a pain to tweak. As a work around I've been running my DSR500's components through 480p to the set. It gets around the upconversion and allows me to adjust the set a little better.
I'm interested to hear what Starchoice box you are currently using and how much artifacting you're getting on the Sony (model?).

I'm probably not going to be much help to you because I don't really understand what you're saying. I've got a GI 400 series that I think is a Navigo 401 receiver. My TV is a KV34HS420.
I don't have a HD decoder yet (I think that is what you refer to as the DSR500) because I am waiting for their announced model with a HD PVR that is supposed to be due this fall. When you talk about tweaking etc. you are losing me.
My DVD player (an older not progressive scanner) is connected via component vid cables and the picture is MUCH better than on my previous non HD Toshiba .
The Sat receiver is also connected by SV and the picture is bright and clear but not perfect no matter what screen mode (ie zoom-zoom, wide zoom-wide zoom etc)I chose. Each seems to be a trade-off but I'm sure that you don't care about this non HD stuff. I am very anxious to get the HD decoder.

When you get the new HD gear, it will be easier to explain what I'm talking about. It's something I lucked on to by trial and error and I'm not really sure who else it will work for.

I've owned a Star Choice 401 receiver for 4 years now and to date no problems, except to say that they do change there programing line up often and mostly without notice.

I bought a Sony KV34HS510 HDTV 3 weeks ago and am so happy with it I can hardly contain myself and luckely for me my father inlaw bought the new DSR500 High Def receiver and gave me his HDD200 decoder for my 401, so now i've got HDTV, so where do I go from here, lets see new Monster power Bar $300.00, Monster Cables for the Tv, Dvd, Home theatre receiver, another $500.00 etc. etc. etc. where does it end.

Well I don't really care because I've got HDTV :D !!!

Star Choice now has 6 HD channels with another 3 coming this fall, when this fall no one knows, this also includes their new HD/PVR receiver which I'll be buying to replace my 401 & HDD200.

My point being, I'm glad that I choose Star Choice over Bell & Rogers.

Keep up the good work guys.

Anybody know what's going to be on the 3 new Starchoice HD channels? (Other than no hockey.)

I am surprised that nobody mentions that Starchoice HD programming is repeating.

Some evening channels 291, 293 and 295 could be offering the same stuff !!!

Hope new 3 HD Channels will also offer better programming that what we have now. With nine channels, may be Starchoice could offers us what is available at the competitor HD offering

I was under the impression that eastern Canada got more movies from MovieChannel than the West (Victoria) - out here we have a lot of regional blackouts of that don't make sense to me as I pay for the premium channels as well. I wonder what's up with that?

I recently purchased Samsung 47'' RPTV, Samsung ProScan DVD and DSR500. The tv replaced my Sony 32'' Vega and I am very impressed with the preformance for the dollar. Movies on the dvd player are great. However, the DSR500 and HDTV programming did not live up to the billing. Firstly, 1080i does not look all that great and infact I prefer 480p. The DSR500 is so damn finicky. Always locking up and other bugs that SC says will be fixed within two weeks. Picture display modes for displaying an image on a 16x9 tv are non existent. It seems like half the shows that I want to watch on SCHDTV are in 4x3 and the receiver will not fit the image on the screen. Also there isn't any choice on how you want the unit to display the image other than selecting resolution. What happened to DD5.1? Less than half of the SCHDTV has DD5.1 available. The main benefit that I saw was that SDTV upconverted to 480p looks better than on my old Navigo 401. For $600 I was expecting a little more.

Here's a few guesses as to some of your problems 480p vs 1080i - I've noticed the same problem and have been wondering about the format the shows are broadcast in. For example, when I see PBS HD, it can be great while regular network stuff is all over the map. I think Fox Football claims to be broadcasting in 720p and I know my Sony is compatible, I don't know what Starchoice is sending and I don't seem to be able to change the setup on the DSR500. Are you receiving shows in Western Canada?
Re: - finicky pictures etc. - Did you buy your DSR500 from a retail outlet and have you double checked to make sure that you have downloaded the software updates?
Have you entered your options menu on the DSR500 and selected the 16 x 9 format or even the Pan & Scan?
Have you opened the front panel on your DSR500 and used the button on the left to switch picture modes eg - 480p or 1080i?
I think the # of Dolby Digital broadcasts are pretty consistent with what was available before - don't forget, we're watching American rebroadcasts of their network TV and right now they are all over the map with formats etc.
By the way, I understand from a Starchoice techie that we will be receiving more powerful broadcasts from the new satellite that might correct some or all of the current glitches. Further to that I heard that they are only going to be offering 2 new HD channels somewhere around October 15th. - they are moving the satellite into its orbit position and doing their preliminary testing.
I think we're paying the price for being on the "bleeding edge" of a technological revolution but I agree about the steep cost of playing. Heck, I've had HD for 2.5 years now and am on my second HDTV (and decoder) but I think when it's right it will be worth it. In the meantime, I feel your pain. Hope some of this helps.

When I was switching between 480p and 1080i I was watching Jay Leno because it was a well light broadcast in HD. In 1080i mode the picture looked softer, less vibrant and was displayed as 4x3 on my tv. 480p looked to me smoother and sharper, and was displayed in 16x9.

SC techies have told me and I am sure everyone else to make sure my unit is off overnight so that it can be updated within two weeks while they are doing their upgrades. I can't wait to see the bugs fixed.

I am pretty sure that I've gone through every setting on the DSR500 and still can not accomplish what I want, which is 4x3 HDTV broadcasts filling my 16x9 screen in order to avoid burn in and the ability to choose how that is done. The options to do that on my tv are not available when the video source is through the component inputs. So expected the DSR500 would have these controls like my new dvd player. Well I guess common sense is not all to common and the end result is I chringe at watching 4x3 HDTV broadcast. SC explaination was that the black pillars were part of the broadcast and therefore there is nothing that can be done.

Yes, I am in BC.

I have avoided using the native resolution setting on the DSR500 because I prefer 480p for all SC channels. You may want to try that to see if you get a better result, however, you maybe right in that SC monkeys with the original source therefore reducing PQ.

SC appears to me to be using high compression in order to offer more channels and dumping DD5.1 and PQ. I would prefer better PQ and DD5.1 with less duplicate channels. Exactly how many CTV, CBC, Global, etc channels do you need bringing the exact same broadcasts at same time?

I paid more attention to the programming info tonight as I watched HDTV channels. I noticed that a lot of shows were not being broadcast in HDTV. I'm theorizing here but some of the shows (Survivor, The Apprentice...) were not recorded in HDTV probably because of the production limitations on doing remote HD shooting. Given that the Americans backed off their commitment to HD & digital broadcasting until at least 2006, I was not surprised to find true HD broadcasting to be spotty at best.
I also noticed that a number of other shows (Malcolm In The Middle, etc) were not broadcast in HDTV either.
I tend to watch Seattle based American network HD so I was wondering what amount of space was dedicated to wetern stations on the current two satellites. I understand that there will be a shuffle of channels to the new satellite and that there is more room on the new bird for HD. It will also provide a more powerful signal. I also hear that a lot of their commitment is to French programming (almost as useful as 23 CBC stations). It will be interesting to see the changes the new satellite brings.
I trust you are leaving your DSR500 "on" not "off" overnight to receive the download of software updates.
I played around with 480p tonight and liked the results as well although I suspect that I would have to "force" the DSR500 to receive something in a different format from what was being sent. Like your set, my Sony cannot create a 16x9 effect on a 4x3 component broadcast on one of the HD stations. I use the words "component broadcast" because I don't think those signals are true HD which I've been told can only be in 16x9 format. I stand to be corrected on that but that's what I heard.
I took your tip on 480p a step further tonight and watched regular satellite channels through my components with 480p selected via menu on the DSR500. On strong stations (CBC & MC), I was very pleased with the results.
You will be happy to hear that I'm trying to drive the tech department at SC nuts as well. Today, they covered the cost of sending a guy over to replace and adjust my dual LNB as I was getting some weak signal readings. I did get a much stronger picture and I learned a few things as well.
One thing the satellite guy noticed was that my 2 in - 4 out multi-switch was running really hot. We figured that could have an effect on the digital signal as heat plays havoc with microprocessors of any kind. I wonder if anyone knows what temp. the multi-switch should be? In any event, I'm having it changed.
As to Dolby Digital, I just don't see a lot of programs broadcast in that format. Maybe someone with a Bell setup can provide feedback on how much DD5.1 they are getting.
Thanks for your feedback. I'm trying to be as helpful as I can in this forum in the hopes that others will get the idea and share their info. The amount of publicly available help sucks in Canadian satellite TV. I have a life but with the amount I've sunk into this gear (which is nothing next to what you've put in), I'd like to get as good a picture as I can.
I will give the SC techies credit though, my experience has been very positive with them and I've felt they've really tried to help especially when they get the idea that you know what you're talking about and have tried to help yourself first. I can imagine they get some pretty lame questions. Anyhow next to a computer help line or the telephone company these guys are saints.

Funny, I also was playing with the DSR500 in 480p last night convinced I could get better results. The manual for the machine I find is a little lacking.

My DSR500 displayed unfavorable results when I selected 480p in the 4x3 override in the onscreen menu and 480p on the front setting. I had theorized the the front button was for HDTv and the menu for SDTV. Anyways the result was that my tv displayed three ghosted images with a pink hue and vertical grill effect which only went away on HD channels and present again on SD channels.

After talkng to SC and yet another soft reset. I found the best result for all channels is 4x3 override in the onscreen menu set to off. 16x9 for TV type. 480p for the front button. After the soft reset I believe that I finally have the best PQ that SC can deliver for both SD and HD tv. SD and what I will call true HDTV channels fill my screen. The 4x3 HD broadcast I simply won't watch. I hope that the next $3000 that I spend will net better results.

My understanding is that the red button upfront controls the output resolution of all programming regardless of the native input. So once you decide which resolution that you prefer to view programs, set it and forget it. And your at the mercy of broadcasters and SC for PQ.

SC says that I now have the most current update available. They must be releasing a new one when everything is ready for the new bird. Joy!

Your welcome for my feedback and I appreciate yours as well. I just hope that my understanding is factual. I receive a high level of resistance with my statement that I think 480p looks better than 1080i on SC with DSR500. Can anyone else comment?

I tried your suggested settings and had good results. Thanks.

I was interested in the comment that there may only be two new HD channels with the new satellite. I spoke with the President of Star Choice about four weeks ago and he was still saying then that there would be three channels. I hope he knew what he was talking about!

I was talking to a techie one floor down from the Pres and he admitted they were not exactly keeping him posted on minute by minute decisions. I think I'd tend to believe the Pres.

OK, I've had all kinds of buggy stuff happening with my DSR500, but finally I got an amazing picture using the 1080i setting. I don't exactly know which series of tweaks fixed the problem of 480p looking better than 1080i but I am very happy with the result. In the on screen menu I've set tv type to 4x3 pan and scan, 4x3 over ride to off and front red button to 1080i. With these settings HDTV programs are stunning and SDTV programs are good and all programming fills my 16x9 screen. Finally! Starchoice is sending a tech to solve my intermittent problem of sound cutting in and out.

Picture looks great on my 34" Sony XBR800 when broadcast originates in 720p (Fox Sports) or 1080i (CBS). ABC and NBC seem somewhat hit or miss depending on program.
DSR500 is having sound problems and requires a reset quite often to correct it. I went an entire day without sound while I tried everything except a reset to fix it. A friend of mine is having the same trouble. Any other reports of this problem?
I have also had a problem watching MC movies with a prompt consistently coming on that I need to subscribe to MC (West) in order to receive the signal - obviously I subscribe already.
What does Starchoice have in their long term plans for programming to fill the new channels?

I have had the same problem while watching MC channels in HD. The only solution that works for me is to turn on and off the receiver. My experience with HD programs is the same as yours. On my set CBS''s quality is the best. Please post any solutions that you discover. As for programming I wish SC would do a better job with time shifting primetime HD programs. I am tired of waiting until 10:00pm to watch NYPD, etc. And why the hell insn't the Wire on HDTV?

Samsung is coming tomorrow to converge my set and turn off scan velocity modulation!!!

Both Starchoice and Samsung came by this weekend to get things setup.

Starchoice installed a quad on my dish. They checked all my connections (nothing I haven't already done for myself). The PQ degraded during the weekend however improved Monday night and I am very happy with the result. However, I am still experiencing intermittent loss of sound while viewing HD broadcasts.

Samsung's guy started to argue with me about velocity scan modulation. After his demonstration of the effects of this "enhancement" on the screen saver generated by my DVD player, off is clearly the best setting. IMO the off setting provides for a much smoother picture and HD even looks better than before. As for convergence and geometry there wasn't much to do. This Samsung 47'' CRT RPTV is a good set for the money.

I don't think I have an option to turn off velocity scan modulation as Sony of course uses mystical terminology so you have no idea what they're talking about. I'll reread my otherwise useless manual for more clues.
You have to give SC credit they do follow up with on-site inspections if you complain. I'm still having sound trouble and intermitent picture "stuttering" in HD.
I'm hoping that they are still making adjustments while the additional channels are being cued up. I'm also hoping to see a lot more MC HD in the west. It seems like most of the HD movies are blocked out for eastern subscribers only. What else is new?
The guy that I mentioned that was having trouble with his sound is now waiting for a replacement DSR500 as he also lost his entire picture.
I was in Future Shop the other day and when I asked one of the salesman what his #1 talking point was about HD. He said he warns potential customers that an HD set might make an ordinary cable or satellite signal look worse. I've got to say that I was impressed with his honesty as I have been fighting my expectations since I went HD in 2001.

I just picked up a DSR500 at Future Shop today at the reduced price of $400C. Spotted it online and bought it in the store. Salesman expects PVR (HD?) from Starchoice to come out at around the $800C range.
I've combined the DSR500 with a Toshiba RD-SX32 DVR with an 80 gig HDD and support for DVD-RAM & DVD-R etc. Easy to set up, easy to use and it improves the standard signal to my 34"SonyXBR800 by converting it from 480i to 480p - very nice package and a big improvement on my regular channel reception. I learned to record on the DVR inside of 4 minutes using the "Easy Nav" button, which when combined with the Timer mode on DSR500, makes for a great package. (Still not HD recording though.)
Just a sidebar - I was unable to set up Toshiba remote to control the DSR500 for VCR+ programming but the box is so simple to record with, you are better off not even trying.
Now if SC provides us with more than 5 channels of HD programming and more movies in the West, we'll have something to cheer about. In the meantime - go BC Lions!

Has anyone heard anything on the delivery date and/or specifications on the replacement for the DSR500? I'm (im)patiently waiting to buy a HD Receiver and would hate to spend $400.00 today and have the new one available next week!

Dave

Sorry, the only thing I heard was from a techie that told me the replacement would be in the same series from Motorola with a capability to record in high def. No details on the date. My bet is that it will only be able to record regular network programming unless they work out details with the movie studios over digital rights (flagged broadcasts). The price was estimated to be somewhere near $1000.
Hope that helps.

Thanks, that helps a bit - I guess. However, it doesn't make a decision any easier. :confused: Do we know if the new unit will support PIP, or will it just have the capability of recording one channel while we watch something else?

Dave

Support for PIP is unlikely as you would require a two tuner type satellite set from Starchoice.
The next generation will aim to accomplish the following objectives: 1. provide a Tivo type ability to the SC system with time-slip capability for regular satellite transmissions and/or 2. provide the ability to record in high def.
Firstly, it's important to remember that high def signals are an entirely different beast than regular video signals and that secondly, there is a lot of debate with the movie studios as to whether their copyrights will be jeopardized by recording in high def. Right now, they are attempting to "flag" high def signals to limit what you can record and what you can do with the recording once you have it. Needless to say the studios are extrememly sensitive about that issue as high def recordings are better quality than current DVD's.
I think SC will definitely pursue a Tivo like ability as one of their next generation products. Personally, I got tired of waiting for them so I bought a Toshiba DVR with an 80 gig HD that allows for time-slip recording and gives me the ability to record off my Sony Digital 8 camcorder. I've been very pleased with the ease of use and the quality of the DVR and would recommend it to anyone.
My experience has been that when Starchoice introduces a product it takes about 6 months to iron out the bugs and their pricing is on the high side. I doubt that their next product will be revolutionary for 2 reasons: firstly, the movie studios are unlikely to give up too much in the way of digital rights to their products by way of high def recording and secondly, Tivo type recording is readily available by the use of DVR's (get one with a Hard Drive) with much greater flexibility.
To conclude, I believe Starchoice's next generation product will be available sometime in the next 2 months and that it will be limited in its functionality. Right now, the DSR500 should be available for $400, it works well and combined with a DVR probably will provide all the recording capability you can use.
I would save my money for the next generation of DVD player that will make another leap forward in terms of quality and content. Hope this helps.

Thanks for taking the time to explain. I've decided to stop waiting and am going to buy the DSR500 today - a nice Christmas present for me! :D

Can't wait to get home from the office today and install the new toy tonight !

Dave

Enjoy - have a good XMas.

Just wondering,has anyone heard of STARCHOICE making hd sports more available?It kinda sucks that we cannot buy SPORTSNET hd,TSN hd and or ESPN?It baffles me that they don't have the connections since we do get the normal feeds,if its a copyright issue then why can we receive the other?I know Bell owns TSN and ROGERS own SPORTSNET but I think STARCHOICE should pay for the right and past them on to us if need be.

I agree, there should be more high def Canadian sports on the other hand, I'm glad they're not interfering with American broadcasts of football etc. I can only imagine how badly Global can screw up an NFL game.
It will be interesting to see what SC does deliver in 2005 as far as HD content is concerned. Personally, I'm looking forward to hockey broadcasts in HD as you can see so much more of the ice surface.
They certainly don't overwhelm us with information about upcoming changes. :(

I was wondering the same thing about HD hockey, especially since TSN is broadcasting the IIHF games in HD. Too bad we can't get them on SC! :( My wife and I have watched a couple of NFL games on our 60" Hatchi LCD HD TV and are amazed at the clarity of the picture. Almost looks like 3D. Now if we only had more channels and programs to choose from. :D

Dave

I have a Sony KV36XBR400 tv that is about four years old and I want to get the DSR 500 hdtv receiver. I looked in the manual and it says I have HD/DVD in 1080i,480p,and 480i. There are two locations on the back of the tv that say this also. When I go to Sony's website they refer to hdtv capable, hi-scan and hdtv ready but only the last one can receive the increased resolution of HDTV,and does not say which of these is applicable to my unit. The sales people in the stores are of little help as they don't know which one is which either. Could someone give me a simple yes or no before I plunk down money to get this new toy? Also, can I expect to see improvement in picture quality? It is pretty awsome right now as long as I stay with the digital channels. Thanks for your help

Yep, (yes) you'll be able to get hi-def from the DSR500 in 1080i format. I read the manual and there is no reference to support for 720p but I don't think that's going to be a problem for you.
It looks like either of the component video inputs will provide high def for you and the DSR500 should do the rest (if you experience problems there is a hidden switch under a panel on the front of the DSR that let's you toggle to 1080i).
I assume you've got a DVD plugged in to one of the component inputs already - that will be showing a 480p picture. When you see HDTV in 1080i on your set it will be a significantly better picture than your DVD gives you. The improvement should be roughly 6x better than a standard satellite broadcast in digital format (TSN, CNN etc).
Remember that you are going to have the top and bottom of your screen clipped into a letterbox format as all true high def signals are sent in 16x9 widescreen. Given that you have a 36" set that shouldn't be too great a loss.
I suggest using high quality component cables and if you have a home entertainment centre don't forget to hook up for Dolby Digital 5.1.
Enjoy.
(I'm starting to sound like a schill for Starchoice but I'm just trying to be helpful as I had to learn all this stuff by trial and error - maybe SC would like to track me down and give me a couple of months free programming)

One other thing about the 36XBR400 and the DSR500, if you're not happy with the results, you can always just return the receiver. :o

thanks for the help. One other question. I see ports on the back of the dsr500 on the sc website that look like usb and data. Does this mean there is a possibility that it can be hooked up to my computer for video capture???? Not that I am looking for this but the thought is appealing for sports events to capture that special moment.

Those ports are dedicated for future use - but I would imagine that they are designed for ethernet connection and thus, a hookup to your computer. If you have a video capture card, logically I would think that you will be able to use it, provided that the broadcast is not digitally flagged for copyright purposes.
They could also be setting up for broadband Internet content that might allow us to integrate the DSR500 to our home network with Microsoft's XP Media Centre PC's. Frankly, I'm just guessing here but I think the whole issue of convergence is coming to a head in the next year or so.
Right now, I'm trying to stream all my CD's and digital pics from my PC's to my home entertainment centres. Even something as simple as that is not as straight forward as it should be. Nobody can agree on formats, digital rights, quality etc. If the various stakeholders get their collective heads together over music, I'm sure video content will follow right on its heels.
One more guess I have is about the data port that I suspect might be capable of HDMI hookup in the future so movie studios won't have to worry about broadcasting movies that can be copied in a format that's twice as good as current DVD releases.
I built a new home recently and one of the things that I did was run ethernet to 9 different outlets including 4 entertainment centres. At the time it seemed extravagant but to be honest the wires don't cost much for a new home and now whenever I change a component, I have the ability to connect to my computer network. It's worked out great and already I'm able to seamlessly add products like media streamers to my A/V systems without running additional wires.
It all sounds really geeky but it was no more complicated than adding telephone jacks would have been in previous decades.

One problem with the DSR500 I haven't seen mentioned is sound substitution. Thanks to my DSR500, I get CBC NewsWorld video but VoicePrint sound. I've complained to Star Choice both via phone and via e-mail but to no avail. A portion of the latest e-mail respose is as follows:

"We realize that there are a few bugs on these receivers. However, our technical staff is working around the clock to fix these minor glitches.

Your receiver will receive downloads periodically to fix these problems. You do not have to do anything but turn off your receiver in the evening to receive the download. Your receiver will retrieve the information on its own."

Does anyone else have this problem?

I'm glad to hear that it's not just my 2 DSR500's with that problem - the other night I had to watch a show on the American fight against terrorism on my bedroom TV.
Judging from the email you received they are aware of the glitch so it'd be nice if they fixed it. :rolleyes: