Shaw Satellite Coverage Changes

I had a Shaw Tech out to my house in Calgary on Wednesday and he also confirmed that I would be able to get all the programming that I have always got but I would not be able to get the new HD channels that are on the new bird. He did explain that the HD receivers that are in my house and now programmed to work with the latest LNB that was installed on Wednesday that is compatible with the new LNB for the new satellite would require that if I take one of these receivers with me that it would need to be reprogrammed to work with my system on the coach but he said that it only takes a phone call and will be done. As I write this I am south of the 49 right know and everything is working just fine with my Shaw system.

This is all very confusing. I spoke with Shaw Direct customer service this afternoon and was told our Shaw system would no longer work while in the USA. As a former Bell customer (until they discontinued broadcasting into the USA last fall) I specifically asked Shaw Direct last October before we went south if Shaw Direct would be going the same route as Bell. I was told the Shaw Direct system would continue to work fine in the USA for years to come and my purchase based on that promise.

Today, I'm told this is in fact not true. After spending quite a bit of money on a Shaw system last fall, I'm led to believe that I have wasted my money. Gadget Guy's email further muddies the water as it would appear that we have both received differing stories from Shaw Direct customer service. To further complicate things, Shaw Direct has yet to post anything in the way of an explanation on their website. At least I can't find it if they have.

After being on hold for 30 minutes today and still receiving nothing definitive as far as a legitimate explanation, I was told this is as the result of a CRTC/FCC ruling, but whether we should believe this or not is anyone's guess.

I've been promised a call from a supervisor next week. Apparently there are huge numbers of disgruntled snowbirds customers calling Shaw Direct in droves and canceling their accounts. I'll be doing the same if this turns out to be another deal similar to Bell last year.

Come on Shaw Direct - tell us the full story.

Here is a copy of a an email reply that I received from Shaw Technical service after I made an inquiry:


Thank you for taking the time to contact us regarding your account; I am happy to assist you.

I would like to clear up some misconceptions regarding our services and the recent launch of our 3rd satellite. We believe that this rumor started as Bell also launched a new satellite this past year with a very limited footprint, and they changed a large majority of their current channels over to this new satellite. As such, they are no longer broadcasting past approximately the 45th parallel or Northern USA.

With the launch of our satellite, it will also have a limited foot print, but it is being launched to expand our ability to add new channels to our lineup. As far as we are aware at this time, we have no intention of moving our current channels to the new satellite. Our service will continue to work in Canada, the USA and parts of Mexico. We will still allow our "Snowbirds" the opportunity to watch TV at their winter homes or RV resorts in Florida, Arizona, and Mexico, etc, as we understand a large portion of our customers are in this sort of situation. You will still be able to access your programming while you are away. This is with the exception of any new channels that may be placed on the 3rd satellite (as the 3rd satellite's footprint will not service the USA/Mexico.) Any programming you are currently receiving will stay the same, just no new added channels

I hope this helps, but should you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us. Please include any previous correspondence with your replies.

Thank you for choosing Shaw Direct

I was told the same thing - I will still be able to receive my TV in Mexico. Last year we upgraded to the new 600 series receiver and it worked find with our old LNB that we have had for years. So far we should have no problems this winter but may have to upgrade our LNB on the motorhome sometime in the future. We won't be able to received the new channels that are being broadcast over the new satellite but old ones should be just fine. We don't have the PVR receivers just the regular 600's

According to Shaw...Customer Service... We will not lose any existing channels at least none right now.
The person that I spoke with told Me that My existing Receivers ( one HD, one Std Def ) will work just fine in Mexico using the Old Style LNB.

I also have two of the New 600 Series Receivers that require the New Style 3 Sat ..LNB in order to receive the third Signal . these will also work just fine in Mexico,however I will not be able to receive the "New" HD Signals!

So here is My Plan!

I will take along Both Old and New LNB's and One of My 600 series PVR's ..Plus My Older Style HD Receiver.

I will use whichever one works best at whatever location I happen to be situated at!

Frankly having all those extra channels is more than We need anyway !