Starchoice

johneeelind

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?

TheDarkCanuck

Press release from The Weather Network. 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.

johneeelind

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

johneeelind

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.

dmarsden

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

dmarsden

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?

RAD

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.

dmarsden

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.

Berb

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.

dmarsden

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?).

Berb

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.

dmarsden

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.

mrlecuyer

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 !!!

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.

dmarsden

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

Bernard

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