Yearly Archives: 2012

Equipment

ReadyNet Powerline Bridge

If you’ve been curious about Shaw Direct On Demand, but aren’t able to connect your receiver to the Internet because it’s too far away from your router, we’re excited to let you know about the ReadyNet Powerline Bridge!

16_readynetThe ReadyNet Powerline Bridge allows you to convert any electrical outlet in your home into an Internet connection. Each kit comes with two adapters, two Ethernet cables, and an installation CD. Simply connect one adapter to your home router and a power outlet, and then connect the other adapter to your 600-series receiver and a nearby power outlet. As soon as this is completed, you can explore the vast Shaw Direct On Demand library and enjoy your favourite titles!

Once the first bridge is installed, the router connection will be established; if you need more than one additional Internet connection, you can just get a second ReadyNet kit for another two connections. The ReadyNet Powerline bridge sells for $49.99 (taxes extra), and as an added bonus, you get a coupon for eight free regular Shaw Direct On Demand titles just for connecting your receiver to Shaw Direct On Demand (to a maximum value of $7.99 each).

The bridge creates an Internet signal that will pass through your home’s circuit breaker without any issues, can support a bandwidth of up to 200 Mbps, and offers 128-bit AES encryption to ensure the security of your data.

If you’re interested in ordering a ReadyNet Powerline Bridge, you can find them in our online store. If you have any questions for us, please ask in the comments below!

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Equipment

LNBF

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Shaw Direct’s quad LNBF is on the left, and the xKu LNBF is on the right.

When your dish receives signal from the satellites in orbit, the signal must be converted
into something your receiver can unscramble. The device that is used to accomplish this is called a “low noise block-amplifier feedhorn,” or LNBF. This is positioned at the end of the dish support arm. There are a few different types of LNBFs available, but there are two main ones we currently use: a quad LNBF, or xKu LNBF.

The LNBF receives the raw signal directly from our satellites – Anik F1R, Anik F2, and soon Anik G1 – and amplifies the signals. It then changes the frequency before the signals make it to your receiver. It will split the signal up into different polarization and frequency.

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This is an example of how the waves travel from the satellite to your dish.

Shaw Direct uses two polarities for our service – horizontal and vertical, which both require a different electric voltage to activate (10.5 to 14.2 volts for vertical, and 15.2 to 21.0 volts for horizontal). Each polarity has a different range of electromagnetic wave frequencies that all of the channels are transmitted over. Channels are “stored” on areas of the satellite called “transponders,” each of which has a unique frequency.

As we currently have two satellites in orbit, a quad LNBF will allow for the four polarities to be received (namely the horizontal and vertical on Anik F1R, and the horizontal and vertical on Anik F2). When our third satellite is launched, we’ll need to use the new xKu LNBFs to receive the extra two polarities from Anik G1.

While “quad” refers to the number of polarities that can be received, “xKu” refers to the extended Ku-band that Anik G1 will use. The normal Ku-band that Anik F1R and F2 use is a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum in the microwave range of frequencies. The extended Ku-band just uses a slightly larger spectrum than Ku.

If you’re ever wondering if your LNBF is working correctly, there are a few simple things you can do to find out. We always want to make sure that you’re able to receive channels from both of our current satellites, and each polarity, so you can check out the following channels:

Satellite Polarity Classic Channel Number Advanced Channel Number
Anik F1R Vertical 299 299
Anik F1R Horizontal 300 058
Anik F2 Vertical 350 070
Anik F2 Horizontal 700 700

You might not be subscribed to all of those channels, but the front panel of your receiver will tell you what you need to know. If you have one of our 6XX-series receivers, look for a little red light; if it’s on, your receiver isn’t getting signal for that channel. If you have any of our other receivers, look for a light shaped like a tiny satellite dish; if it’s red, you have no usable signal.

Once you’ve checked, you can use your results to help figure out the issue. If you’re missing both channels from Anik F1R or F2, both vertical channels, or both horizontal channels, it’s possible that you may need a replacement LNBF. If this is the case, give us a shout and we will be happy to help you!

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How-To

Shaw Direct ‘My Account’ Walkthrough

 

Have you ever wanted to change your programming but didn’t have the time to wait on the phone? Have you been in a pinch to pay your bill and wanted to get it done as quickly as possible? Have you had a technical issue that you wanted to look more in-depth into on your own? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then don’t worry; our online Self Serve option gives you the ability to do all this and so much more! We’ll have you covered so that you can both understand what the My Account has to offer, and feel comfortable using it.

 

To access My Account, visit our website. You’ll notice different options in a row:

01

 

As indicated you’ll need to click on “My account” to bring you to the log in page. When there, you’ll notice two different sections:

  • Not registered yet?

OR

  • Ready to go?

We’ll start by showing you how to sign up for the first time. If this is the case you’ll need to click on “Register your account.” In doing so, it will take you to a page asking you to fill out a few pieces of information.

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Once you enter in all the required information, press “continue.”  There will be a confirmation email sent to the address you typed in previously. The email will not hold a temporary password or any information relevant to signing in for the first time; it is just to let you know that the submission has gone through successfully. After entering the information, return back to the main log-in page for the Self Serve. From there the only information required to log-in will be your account number and password that you selected.

All right! Now you will be logged in and are able to experience the world of Self Serve and all it has to offer! When you first log-in, you’re going to see a screen that looks like the one below:

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Most things are pretty self-explanatory. On the right-hand side, there’s a quick reference box that will update you on some key information pertaining to your account with us. It will show your account number, the current account balance, and whether you’re signed up for Pre-Authorized Payments or Paper-Free Billing. To the left of this, you can manage your programming, make payments, adjust your Self Serve account by updating email address or password, and much more. One of our favourites is the “restore missing channels or Pay Per View orders” link; if your receiver loses authorisation, you can use this to send a “refresh” to all receivers active on your account!

On the far left, you’ll notice quick links to choose from so you can easily navigate from any section:

 

04The first option is “[Log out],” which is what you’ll want to select when you’re done with everything.

The “Refer-a-Friend” link will take you to a page with information about our program of the same name.

“View your bill” will allow you to view the past six months of your Shaw Direct bills in either PDF format, or as a simple webpage.

“Paper-Free billing” will take you to a page where you can add, remove, or change your email address for receiving an emailed billing notification each month.

“Payment Card payment” allows you to make a one-time payment to your account with a credit card or Visa debit.

The link for “Pre-authorized payments” will let you add, remove, or update your pre-authorized payment information for your monthly billing.

“Change password” allows you to update your My Account password, as well as update the email address associated with the online account.

Lastly, you will see Receiver Refresh, which is the same as the “restore missing channels or Pay Per View orders” link mentioned previously.

Now that you’re aware of all that Shaw Direct’s My Account feature has to offer, we encourage you to explore it and fully enjoy our services that are now at your fingertips! Check out and try My Account today, and as always, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to leave us a message below!

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Equipment

600-Series Receivers – Software Update

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If you own a HDDSR 600, HDDSR 605, or a HDPVR 630, your receiver should have downloaded our most recent software, version 08.26. To check if you have received the download, you can go into your Options menu > 4 > 7 and look at line H. If this says 08.26, you are good to go with the below changes!

While the overall look and feel of your interface will remain the same, we have added in some new features and have dramatically changed your On Demand experience!

For all 600-series models, you should notice the following changes:

Shaw Direct On Demand Interests Menu Revamp

  • We have completely redesigned our Interests Menu to make it even easier for you to browse through our 4000 + titles available through Shaw Direct On Demand. This is a direct result of user feedback!
    • Now, in the first column, you select whether you’re looking for Movies, TV shows, Music or your Premium subscription titles.
    • In the second column, you are now able to select the channel or network the title is provided by.
    • With the third column, you are still able to search by genre or other filters.
  • This layout separates content in a more logical manner, providing you with the results you were looking for in less keystrokes.
  • Be sure to check out the hundreds of titles that are available at no extra cost with your subscription! Any titles that are included with a network that you are not subscribed to will appear grey, just as you’re used to in your guide.

Other Shaw Direct On Demand Enhancements

  • Other improvements have been made to your Shaw Direct On Demand experience, such as faster rewind and fast forward response, connectivity improvements, more consistent display of season and episode information under a specific TV show, and the ability to order in both HD and SD.

Multi-Audio Selections

  • Some specific TV programs have additional audio tracks available, such as descriptive video (DVS) or another language. This is used to ensure accessibility for all of our customers. When available, you will see the headphones icon (as shown) in the info banner.
  • To select a different audio track, simply hit the ‘Source’ button on your remote and select from the list displayed in the top left hand corner
  • Your default audio preference (as set in Options > 4 > 1) will be restored once you change the channel.

For HDPVR 630 users:

External Hard Drive Support

  • You are now able to connect an external eSATA hard drive to increase your HDPVR 630 recording capacity by up to 2.0 TB! That’s equivalent to over 1000 SD hours, or 300 HD hours!
  • External hard drives must be connected via eSATA, must be externally powered, and cannot be over 2.0 TB. For the most reliability, the drive should also be rated for PVR/DVR usage.
  • For complete information on adding an external hard drive to your current HDPVR 630, please take a look here.

If you have any questions about this recent update or about your receiver in general, feel free to leave us a comment and ask!

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Programming

Seasonal Breaks

If you’re a customer with Shaw Direct satellite and will be away from your home for an extended period of time for any reason – be it a vacation or otherwise – we offer a program called Seasonal Break that may be of great benefit to you. Whether you’re wanting to refresh your memory as to the exact details or whether you’re hearing about it for the first time, we want to ensure all customers can take advantage – let’s break down how it works so you can use this program to suit your needs best.

If you want to put your Shaw Direct account on Seasonal Break, there is a minimum and maximum timeframe to do so. You must have the service suspended for no less than two weeks (14 days, to be exact), and it can be put on hold for no longer than 180 days (approximately six months). During the time that your services are suspended, your account will not incur any further charges until the date of reconnection. The balance of your bill will be pro-rated for the number of days of service you’ve used up until the date of suspension. Any balance owing previously will still be due (so, if you ordered a movie through Shaw Direct On Demand the night before you contacted us to go on a Seasonal Break, the charge for the movie will still be outstanding).

As service will automatically be restored after the last day of the Seasonal Break, it is important to select your reconnection date (unless you decide to go the full 180 days – in this case, you will be advised of the reconnection date). If you are unsure of exactly what day you will be coming home, you can provide an approximate date (for example, Mr. Swanson knows he’ll be back in January, but is unsure of the date. To be safe he provides us the date of January 30 for reconnection). If at any time you then find out the exact date that you will be back, you can call in and change what was initially scheduled (so, if Mr. Swanson finds out he’ll be home earlier than anticipated, he could call before then to change the automatic reconnection date, or call on the day he gets home to have his services restored. Alternately, if he found out that he’d be gone longer than expected, he could have the date pushed back, as long as it doesn’t push him over 180 days). If no changes are made to the reconnection date, then the date originally chosen will be the date services return and charges begin again.

Let us know before your next vacation so we can help get you setup with Seasonal Break!

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Equipment

The Shaw Direct and Xplornet Anywhere Bundle

One of the great things about Shaw Direct satellite service is how accessible it is; whether you live in the city, on a farm, or in the furthest reaches of Canada, you can enjoy your favourite show or a classic movie.  While you can still enjoy television living outside of an urban centre, high speed Internet can be another story altogether. This is why we’re so happy about our recent partnership with Xplornet!

As you may be aware, Shaw Direct and Xplornet began a partnership in May. Anyone who subscribes to Shaw Direct is eligible to receive a 5% discount on their Xplornet services. So, you can get crystal-clear HD along with high speed Internet regardless of where you live in Canada with the Anywhere Bundle. If you’re interested in finding out more or signing up, you can fill out this form to request a call from the bundling team.

A bit of background about Xplornet: Like Shaw Direct, Xplornet Communications Inc. is a proudly Canadian-owned and -operated company, headquartered in Woodstock, New Brunswick. They’ve been around since 2004 and were originally named Barrett Xplore Inc. Their belief is that everyone in Canada should have access to broadband-speed Internet, and we agree!

Xplornet is also Canada’s first national 4G network provider. This means that by the end of this year, they’ll be able to provide speeds of up to 100 Mbps! You can check out their current 4G coverage areas here.

So, what happens if you wind up opening an account with them? The installation process is actually pretty similar to ours; in fact, a lot of Xplornet installers are also Shaw Direct installers!

When the installer gets to your home, they’ll find the best location install the dish (with a clear view towards their satellites, so no trees or buildings in the way). Once their assessment of your property is complete, they will mount the dish, and align it to ensure you’re getting the best signal possible. They’ll ground the dish, run cables, and seal any holes. Once this is done, they will hook up your modem, make sure everything is activated, and test your system. That’s all it takes!

You’ll still get two separate bills from Xplornet and Shaw Direct, and if you need to troubleshoot your Internet, or change anything with your Xplornet services, you will have to contact Xplornet. We are happy to get the ball rolling if you want to open an account with Xplornet, though! Just let us know, and we’ll help out.

Question of the week: 

Some people are computer gamers, while some love their tablets; what’s your favourite online activity?

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Reviews

Shaw Direct On Demand – Movie Reviews

As you likely already know, Shaw Direct On Demand has an amazing line-up of movies that have a wide variety ranging from family friendly movies, romantic comedies, suspense thrillers, and much more. In case you and your household are planning a movie night on the comfort of your couch, we’re here to help give you some ideas of what’s out there so you can make the best decision for your evening of leisure.

Are you in the mood for something thrilling and dramatic? Cleanskin (2012) might just be what you’re looking for. This movie is something unique in comparison to your regular “007” type movie. Not only do you get the chance to know the role of the secret service agent set out on his journey to eliminate a British-born suicide bomber – you also get a peek into the story of the terrorist himself, reflecting on what has brought him to make this decision. It’s fast-paced and entertaining while allowing viewers to experience a glimpse into the dark reasoning of terrorism.

Alternatively, if your household is looking for something more fun and witty, with the drama known to “slice of life” genre movies, we’ve got you covered with What to Expect When You’re Expecting (2012). It covers several different perspectives of new parents trying in their own ways to adjust to not just having a baby, but the pre-baby jitters. Each couple comes from varying backgrounds and have started a family with either specific expectations in mind, or came across child rearing without any plans at all. The men of the family even create a support group where new fathers get to tell it like it really is. This comedy opens your mind and your heart to real-life facts and humours associated with becoming a first-time parent. The highs, lows, unexpected joys and totally expected pains of pregnancy get a comprehensive going over in this consistently funny, warm-hearted ensemble comedy.

Something with a lot of mystery, suspense and horror is also on the menu for our
customers. The Cabin in the Woods (2012) is a gore-filled, seat-clenching movie designed to keep you jumping while you continue questioning the mystery behind the many surprises in store. It starts off with a group of five friends who merely wanted to take a break and chose a remote cabin in the woods as their destination; however they got more than they bargained for in doing so. Together, they must discover the truth behind the cabin in the woods. This movie was designed to keep viewers on edge all the way until the very startling end.

Looking for a recent remake of an old-time classic favorite? Snow White and the Huntsman (2012)puts a new perspective on old folklore we all knew growing up. With the same storyline of our childhood fairytale, this movie puts you in Snow White’s shoes from the beginning; the joy of a child in her youth, the sorrow of losing a father, and the horror of growing up under the rule of the wicked witch. Her many encounters with the characters along the way are given much greater depth than in the original story, as well as the shocking twist as to who her shining prince actually is.

These are just a few ideas of what’s in store with our Shaw Direct On Demand options. Our movie line-up is an ever-growing list of movies and series, so be sure to check them all out!

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