How does satellite TV work?

Shaw Direct has a number of transmitters that collect signals from TV stations across North America. We compress all the signals into a digital feed and then transmit it to our three satellites, Anik F1, Anik F2 and Anik G1. These satellites are in a stationary orbit 23,000 miles above the earth. Anik F1 carries the bulk of the English-language programming; Anik F2 carries mostly French and ethnic programming. Anik G1 is our newest satellite and contains over 100 HD channels. Once the satellites receive the signal, it is converted to a different frequency and transmitted back to earth.

The signal is then picked up by the satellite dish on your house, apartment or RV and sent to your TV through your receiver. Simply turn on your TV and receiver to enjoy an amazing satellite TV experience.

What if I have more than one TV?

The best way to enjoy Shaw Direct programming is to purchase a receiver for each TV in your home. To choose the receiver that's right for you, check out our online Store, call 1-888-554-7827 or visit an authorized Shaw Direct retailer.

You can run up to four lines from your Shaw Direct satellite dish. If more lines are required, a Multi-Switch can be installed however extra charges may apply.

A monthly Multi-Receiver Fee (MRF) of $5.99 plus taxes may apply for customers with two or more receivers. If you subscribe to certain programming packages, we'll waive the Multi-Receiver Fee. This can make a program upgrade worth your while: more programming; no Multi-Receiver Fee.

How long do I have to wait before I get my dish installed?

If you purchase your system from an authorized Shaw Direct retailer, you can start enjoying Shaw Direct within three to 10 days. If you ordered equipment online or through our call centre, it can take seven to 10 days to ship the equipment then up to seven days for an installer to arrive. Installation times may vary depending on the weather or if you live in a remote region where we may not have as many installers.

If an installer is not available in your area, self-install kits are available complete with all necessary equipment and step-by-step instructions. Of course, our helpful Technical Service Reps are only a phone call away. To get a self-install kit, check out our Accessories section.

Do I have to be home when the installer comes?

Yes, an authorized person over the age of 18 needs to be present to authorize on any work that needs to be done.

Can I book a specific time for my installation appointment? Are evening appointments available?

All appointments are booked from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The installer will provide an estimated installation window and if you have provided a contact phone number, we'll make every effort to call you in advance to notify you of the approximate time your installer will arrive.

Is installation included in the price?

Professional basic installation is included in the price, which includes the following:

1. Dish mount installed to the residential structure
2. Dish alignment to receive Shaw Direct satellite signals from both Anik F1 and Anik F2
3. Placement and connection of hardware from Dish/LNB to subscriber's receiver and one TV

4. RG6 coax Cable run (up to 150 ft per line) from dish (one receiver installed with current new customer offer only), this includes all necessary connecting materials such as:

   
   
   • Connectors
   • Wall plates
   • Ground block(s) and ground wire
   • Sealing of all entry holes
   • Testing of full functionality of system/signal
   • Activation of receiver(s) installed
   • Customer orientation on new receiver/system

Will the installer hook-up my home theatre system?

Our installers will only install Shaw Direct equipment. There are a lot of customers, just like you, who made the smart choice to sign up with Shaw Direct. By installing only Shaw Direct equipment, we can get more people hooked up every single day.

Can anyone get satellite TV?

Almost anyone can get satellite TV. You'll need a clear line-of-sight (where the Shaw Direct dish from your house is aimed at the satellite in space). If you live in a high-rise with other buildings in your way, it's sometimes difficult to get that clear line-of-sight.

If you live in a condo or apartment building, you'll need to check the building regulations or by-laws to see if they allow satellite dishes on your balcony.

Otherwise, it's a perfect alternative for those who live in rural areas where cable isn't an option. Why not get it installed at the cottage? Or get Shaw Direct for your RV? You can "rough it" with all the comforts of home.

How much is a receiver?

We have HD receivers to suit every budget. New customers receive promotional credits and free Pay Per View/VOD movies, so although you pay an upfront cost, you are credited on your first bill and the net cost is quite reasonable.

To choose the receiver that's right for you, check out our online Store, call 1-888-554-7827 or visit an authorized Shaw Direct retailer.

What is time-shifting?

One of the top benefits of satellite TV, time-shifting offers the convenience of watching the same show at different times of the day. Since Shaw Direct broadcasts networks from time zones across Canada, programs may start at up to six different times every day. This means you can watch a show at 10pm in Montreal that is scheduled at 7pm on a Vancouver station.

Do I have to sign a contract?

You don't need to sign a long-term contract like you do with other satellite or cell phone providers. Our programming and hardware options are flexible to ensure that our customers get exactly what they want.

What is the monthly cost?

The monthly cost depends on the programming package you choose. Our most popular package is Digital Favourites with over 290 channels and lots of HD, including English Essentials and a selection of our customers' favourite specialty channels. You can also customize your programming with our bundles, HD packages and à la carte channel options. The programming options are as unique as you are.

With packages starting from under $30 per month, there's something for everyone. Call us at 1-888-554-7827 and we'll help you sort through all of the options!

What is HD?

HD stands for High-Definition and is fast becoming the preferred format for all TVs and TV programs. HD takes your TV picture to the next level with quality up to six-times clearer and sharper than Standard-Definition.

Your TV picture is made up of thousands and thousands of tiny little dots called pixels. With High-Definition, there are more dots per inch (DPI) than with Standard-Definition. High-Definition has up to 1920x1080 pixels compared to Standard-Definition at 720x480 pixels.

HD is also shot in widescreen format. You may see the numbers 16:9 when referencing HDTV; this is the aspect ratio or the width-to-height ratio. The aspect ratio for Standard-Definition is typically only 4:3. Since most movies are actually shot in widescreen format, there's no need to crop any of the picture to fit the screen, plus, ask any sports fan and they can now see more of the play all at once - it just looks better!

HD is digital. That means purer colours, greater clarity and better sound. In order to truly experience HD, you'll need an HD receiver to go with your HDTV. All of our new receivers are HD, 3D, MPEG-4 and 1080p compatible so you can enjoy exceptional entertainment in stunning detail.

You can learn more about High-Definition by visiting our HDTV section.

Do you have sports programming?

Absolutely! Watch every goal on over 100 sports channels including TSN, TSN2, Sportsnet 360, Sportsnet, Golf Channel and many more. Plus, with over 40 sports channels in crystal-clear HD, you'll feel like you're cheering from the sidelines!

Select channels are included in every programming package, plus get even more with one of our great bundles: Sports and More Sports. We also carry a wide selection of premium sports packages including NHL® Centre Ice™, Leafs TV, NFL Sunday Ticket™, NFL RedZone, NBA League Pass and Sportsnet World.

Do you have movies?

Enjoy over 2,000 movies every month with our movies packages. Subscribe to Super Écran, Super Channel, Movies West or Movies East (depending on where you live in Canada).

Super Channel includes six premium channels with two in stunning HD. With Movies West, you get three Movie Central channels and HBO Canada, plus you get Movie Central HD and HBO Canada HD free with your subscription! Movies East includes The Movie Network, HBO Canada, MExcess, MFun, and Mfest, plus you get The Movie Network HD and HBO Canada HD free with your subscription! As an added bonus, all of our movies packages also include four US Superstations (KTLA, WGN, PIX11 and MY38), Action and AMC.

Let's not forget our Pay Per View/VOD movies. It's like having a video store right in your living room. There's a great selection of new releases every month.

What is Pay Per View?

With Pay Per View, you can order a variety of movies and live events in the comfort of your own home - no need to go to the video store.

You can order PPV three different ways:

• Sign up for Instant Pay Per View by connecting your receiver to a phone line and calling 1-888-554-7827 to activate. There are no ordering fees when you use Instant PPV (cost of the movie or event still applies).
• Call 1-866-782-7778 and use the automated instructions to order (ordering fees apply).
• Call 1-866-782-7778 and talk to one of our friendly customer service representatives (ordering fees apply).

Do you have music stations?

Yes. Experience a vast musical universe at your fingertips with Galaxie. With everything from classical to rock and country to pop, Galaxie has got it all. Select one of the commercial-free music stations on your TV or listen online with the Galaxie Online Music Player! Plus we have radio stations from across Canada (including talk radio) so you can catch up on what's hot or newsworthy from across the country.

We haven't forgotten those music video fans. AUX, MuchMusic, MuchMore, MTV and CMT will surely fill that video void.

Do you have children's programming?

Yes. If you have little ones, you'll love our selection of fun and educational programming. Family-friendly channels are included in every programming package, plus get even more with our Fun Stuff bundle, including Treehouse TV, YTV, Nickelodeon, Game Show Network, Family Channel plus The Comedy Network and Turner Classic Movies.

What is an On-Screen Guide or Interactive Programming Guide (IPG)?

It's like having the paper version of the television guide right on your TV screen. Simply press the "Guide" button on your remote control and a menu will appear on your screen that shows the television schedule for all of the Shaw Direct channels. Scroll up or down to find the channel and program of your choice. With our new receivers, you can even scroll up to 14 days in advance so you can plan your day around your favourite programming.

There are other amazing options with your IPG and your remote control:

• Hit "Info" to learn more about the program you'd like to watch.
• Set timers to have your TV automatically switch to a channel at a particular time.
• Set parental locks so your kids don't see certain channels or program titles.
• Program your favourite channels so when you scroll or channel surf, you're only checking out the ones on your list.

Check out the Remote Controls section for more info. You'll wonder how you ever managed without it!

Does Shaw Direct offer the NHL^® Centre Ice™ package?

Yes. Follow your favourite teams and players all season with NHL Centre Ice. You can watch up to 40 out-of-market games each week on nine HD channels.

Customers subscribing to NHL Centre Ice must subscribe for the entire balance of the NHL regular season. Blackout and other restrictions apply. No refunds or cancellations permitted.

Does Shaw Direct have Internet?

Shaw Cable operates the cable television, Internet and phone services of Shaw. Shaw offers unmatched Internet speeds and an unrivalled online experience. Visit SHAW.CA to see if service is available in your area.

Now, with the Anywhere Bundle from Shaw Direct and Xplornet, you can enjoy great HD TV and fast Internet at home, anywhere in Canada.