Bev, has been using smart cards for years, and is replacing their subscriber's cards!...because they are changing to a new encryption, Nagra 3, which will NOT work on current old cards..
FTA will work now using present Nagra2 encryption, but only time will tell when nagra3 is fully implemented and all current cards are finally replaced by Bev..
So don't listen to nalin..she posts bogus info as usual..
justforhaha's aka LK does not know English. Switching to cards means they were not using cards and are now using cards. That is not the case and I said so. Switching cards means they are using cards and are now switching to new cards . That is what I said.
Irishman, Go and learn English. And by the way, are you off your medication?
Plymouth, you can't speak English, so nobody knows 1 word you say, therefore you are uselss here...take nalin and go away. stay in canada..go sell snow in the winter.
Show me and everybody here the proof mouthage...you shoot your mouth of, make false claims and can never show any proof, or anything remotely close to the truth. Myself and LK don't even visit marketrealm.
Hello May I intervene here for a moment.... Yes Bev gave out a smartcard to subscribers to receive N3.... BUT >>>>>>> some Bev receivers never used smartcards like the one I use (series 4100). I never used a card up on till the " SWITCH OVER" for N3
Bell ExpressVu is the division of Bell Canada that provides satellite television service across Canada. It launched on September 10, 1997 and as of 2004 has been providing IPTV service via VDSL to select multidwelling units (condominiums and apartments) in Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal. Bell ExpressVu provides over 300 digital video and audio channels to, as of March 2006, over 1.7 million subscribers. Its major competitors include satellite service StarChoice, as well as various cable and communications companies across Canada.
ExpressVu was conceived in 1994, at the time of American DSS systems launch, as a consortium of Ontario-based Tee-Comm Electronics, Canadian Satellite Communications (Cancom), Vancouver-based Western International Communications (WIC) and Bell Canada (BCE), with a projected startup date of late 1995. High technology development costs and delays placed Tee-Comm in a severe financial position, prompting the remaining partners to pull out in 1996. Instead, U.S. satellite-TV provider Echostar Dish Network was chosen to provide the receivers and uplink equipment. The Hughes DirecTV system had already been optioned to Power Broadcasting, in Canada; it has since been withdrawn. Tee-Comm on its own managed to launch the first DBS service in Canada, AlphaStar, in early 1997 however in a matter of months the company went bankrupt and the service was discontinued, leaving thousands of consumers with useless receivers. ExpressVu launched service in September 1997, as "ExpressVu Dish Network", using the Echostar logo. In 2000 Bell took over full ownership of ExpressVu.
Satellites ExpressVu broadcasts from four geosynchronous satellites: Nimiq 1, 2, 3 and 4i. All follow an equatorial path, giving coverage to most of Canada. Nimiq is an Inuktitut word for "that which unifies" and was chosen from a nationwide naming contest in 1998. The three satellites are owned and operated by Telesat Canada (a BCE corporation). ExpressVu's uplink site is located in North York which is in the Toronto area.
Nimiq 1 was launched on May 20, 1999 and contains 32 Ku-band transponders at 91° W. Nimiq 2, launched in December 29, 2002, also includes 2 K-band transponders. Nimiq 2, launched in December 2002, provides HDTV, international programming, and all newly released channels. It occupies the 82° W slot. Nimiq 3 went online on August 23, 2004. Originally called DirecTV3, it is an old DirecTV satellite moved to a new orbital slot near Nimiq 1 to offload some of the transmitting work from the original satellite. In February 2006, Nimiq 3 was moved behind Nimiq 2 to support it, while another satellite, Nimiq 4i (formerly DirecTV2), took Nimiq 3's spot behind Nimiq 1. Nimiq 4i is temporary and will be replaced by a newly launched satellite in 2008 which will take the name Nimiq 4. Both Nimiq 3 and Nimiq 4i feature 16 Ku-band transponders. From the time of service launch in 1997 to the switch to Nimiq in 1999, ExpressVu used the already crowded Anik E2.
Each satellite typically has 32 divisions of signal, ie. transponders. A transponder usually has enough bandwidth to broadcast approximately 10 channels. Because HDTV requires more bandwidth, some transponders on Nimiq 2 will typically broadcast only 4-5 channels. LyngSat provides a listing of channels on Nimiq 1 and Nimiq 2 broken down by transponder.
Satellite TV Equipment ExpressVu currently provides 20 inch dishes to its customers. Canadians living in the territories and certain parts of British Columbia & Newfoundland require larger dishes between 60 and 120 cm; these are used to compensate for the weaker satellite signal available to these regions. The 20" dish supports two LNBs. The size of the dish was increased from 18 to 20 inches in late 2001 to accommodate a second LNB to acquire signal from Nimiq 2 (BEV 82) satellite. At the end of the dish's arm, a Y-adapter is found which holds both LNBs. The BEV 91 LNB is in the center of the dish while the BEV 82 LNB is offset to the left. Rotating the dish (ie. modifying the skew angle) changes the position of the 82 LNB while maintaining position for BEV 91. A switchbox, typically an SW21 or SW44, is used to merge both satellite signals into receivers.
ExpressVu's satellite receivers are manufactured by Echostar in the USA. A multitude of receivers are currently provided, all with internal smartcards:
The 4100 is ExpressVu's current basic receiver. It is half the size of all previous basic receivers and provides a coaxial and RCA output. New to the basic model is an optical output for 5.1 surround sound purposes. The 5900 is a single tuner PVR with the capacity to record up to 80 hours of programming. It offers a coaxial output, two sets of RCAs, S-Video, and an optical output. It can respond to both IR and UHF signals. The hard drive has a one hour buffer intended for rewinding and pausing purposes, meaning that you can rewind a channel back up to an hour or keep an event paused for that same duration before it goes back to PLAY mode. Pressing VIEW on the remote will always bring the receiver back into LIVE mode, ie. the user will see what is currently being broadcasted. The 6100 is a single tuner HDTV receiver. It offers both a DVI and component connectors for HDTV purposes. Although defeating the purpose of the receiver, the 6100 also provides two sets of RCA outputs. It also features two sets of RCA inputs that allow users to plug in devices like a VCR or DVD player; from the guide they may select channel 000 which corresponds to those back panel RCA inputs. The 6100 comes with a UHF Pro remote yet can also respond to IR signals from other IR-compatible remotes. The 9200 is ExpressVu's latest and most powerful receiver. It is a dual tuner PVR receiver with HDTV capabilities on output #1 and can record either 180 hours of standard definition or 25 hours of HDTV. The second output provides standard definition channels and is used in the same fashion as the 5200. Output #1 does not provide any other means of connection beyond HDMI and component so it must be used with a HD television. Clients having TVs with a DVI input may use the HDMI to DVI converter included with the 9200. Current software problems that mostly involve HDCP compatibility are causing intermittent video and audio problems on the 9200. HDCP is an encryption protocol used by HDMI. The video signal coming from the HDMI output is encrypted and once received by the customer's HD television, it must decrypt the signal. Such a system was implemented by HDMI developers to prevent piracy and distribution of television content. The 9200 is also ExpressVu's first receiver equipped with a USB port, however it is non-functional for the time being and is intended to be used strictly with Pocket Dish devices. Current HDTV receivers support resolutions of 480i, 480p, 1080i, and 720p. Many clients end up purchasing HDTV receivers without being properly informed and usually also lack a HD television. Although not supported by ExpressVu, a component connection to a non-HD television set at 480i will actually give picture, but only 1080i and 720p will actually yield HD quality. Additionally, ExpressVu may have 43 HD channels, however the quality of the channels depends on the broadcast from providers. Most shows are still recorded in standard definition with a 4:3 aspect ratio, so even though you may technically be on a HD channel (in the 800s), you may see a standard 4:3 image. The star (*) and PAGE UP buttons of the remote allow the client to change the aspect ratio of their screen enabling them to manipulate the image with a zoom, partial zoom, stretch, and with the use of grey bars. Grey bars seem to be used on 4:3 images to prevent burn-in.
Clients may also purchase used receivers from third parties. Most used receivers that require smartcards are usually sold without smartcards; reason being that they usually were pirated systems. Ever since ExpressVu switched over to Nagravision 2 encryption, many people have sold their pirated receivers. Clients still wishing to operate these used receivers lacking cards may purchase a smartcard for $69. However, there is no guarantee that it will work and the $69 is non-refundable. The used receiver in question must also have a 500-series software version in order to be compatible with the smartcard. Smartcards are found on older receivers like the 1000, 2700, 3500, 3700, 4500, 4700, 3100, 5100, 5800, 5900, and 6000. Smartcards using Nagravision 1 encryption technology were replaced in 2005 with Nagravision 2 cards to reduce piracy. All receivers since the 3200 now have integrated smartcards.
1.Why do I need to replace my SmartCards?
To continue accessing your programming and prepare your receiver for future enhancements, you must replace and activate your new SmartCard(s). If you don't replace your card(s), your receiver will no longer be able to receive the satellite signal.
2.What's the purpose of this card?
All Bell ExpressVu, satellite receivers use SmartCards to help decode the programming information from our satellites.
3.Where is the SmartCard located?
On most receivers, the SmartCard is located at the front, on the left. The card fits into a small slot and, depending on your model, is either exposed or behind a protective panel. Some receiver models don't currently have a SmartCard in the slot. If this case applies to you, you just have to insert the new card in the slot.
4.What happens if I don't replace the card?
It's important to replace and activate the SmartCard in your receiver as soon as possible. Otherwise, your programming will eventually be discontinued and you'll be required to return any unused new SmartCard. Failure to do so will result in a $100 SmartCard charge being applied to your account.
5.How do I perform the SmartCard replacement and activation?
A package containing your new SmartCard(s) and detailed instructions on how to replace and activate them was sent to your billing address. If you need further assistance, please call 1 866 395-9995 to speak to a representative.
6.I misplaced the new card(s) you sent. What should I do now?
Please call 1 866 395-9995 to speak to a representative.
7.How long will it take to replace and activate my new SmartCard(s)? When's the best time to perform the swap to ensure I don't miss my favourite programming?
It will take approximately 15-30 minutes for you to replace your new SmartCard, and then from 15 minutes to 2 hours for your programming to return to normal following reactivation. For more details on activating your new SmartCard, see question #14. Therefore, we recommend that you replace and activate the card at least 3 hours before your favourite show hits the airwaves.
8.What do I do with the old cards?
Once you activate your new SmartCard(s), your old card(s) will expire and no longer work. You should destroy any old cards after you can view your programming with your new cards.
9.Why should I want to replace the cards? How does it benefit me?
This replacement will prepare your receiver for the technological enhancements we're planning in the future. As such, you must replace and activate your new SmartCard(s). This is a necessary step we must take in order for you to continue receiving the same level of quality programming that you have enjoyed with Bell ExpressVu.
10.I replaced and activated my new SmartCard(s), but I can't seem to access my programming. What should I do?
Keep in mind that it will take between 15 minutes and 2 hours for your programming to return to normal after you've activated your new SmartCard(s). If you're experiencing a delay of greater than 2 hours, please go to the activation site, select the receiver with which you're having problems and follow the troubleshooting steps. If you still have issues after completing those steps, call 1 866 395-9995.
11.I have a receiver at my summer cottage and will not be able to replace my SmartCard until next summer. What should I do?
If the receiver at your summer cottage is currently on Temporary Programming Suspension (TPS), you will not receive your new SmartCard(s) in the mail until you reinitiate your service. You'll then be expected to replace your SmartCard(s) as soon as possible.
If your summer cottage account is not on TPS, you'll receive your new SmartCard with no delays. You're expected to replace and activate the SmartCard as soon as you're able to do so.
12.I have a receiver in my basement that I don't use and that isn't on my account. Will I have to replace its SmartCard?
No. Only receivers that are on your account and that are active are subject to the card replacement. However, if you plan on using this receiver in the future, you'll then need to get a new SmartCard.
13.I have a receiver in my garage that is active on my account but that I'm not currently using. Will I need to replace the SmartCard on this receiver?
Yes. All active receivers, whether rented or owned, will be part of the new SmartCard replacement. You'll be sent a new SmartCard for every receiver on your account, whether in use or not, and you'll be required to activate new SmartCards on all receivers.
14.I have installed my new SmartCard. How do I activate it?
Activate it using our online tool.
15.I have heard about the new SmartCard activation, and my friend has received his new SmartCards, but I haven't received mine. Will everyone be a part of this initiative?
Whether you've opted to rent or purchase your receiver, you'll eventually need to replace your SmartCard. In fact, all our customers will be expected to do so and to activate all their new SmartCards. The exceptions are the new 9242 HD PVR Plus receivers and 6141 HD receivers, which will not require a card replacement. The distribution of new cards is now in progress. Since this process will take several months, it's possible that you may not have received your replacement yet. You don't need to contact our customer service department nor to visit a Bell store. Your new SmartCard and all related information will be mailed to you at the address provided for your account.
yes "only" if you plan on using it otherwise i would suggest taking the receiver outta the 45 gallon drum throw out the receiver in the garbage ( its of no use anyway). ... AND fill the 45 gallon drum with beer and sit back relax get drunk and watch your TV without Bells receiver and use an FTA one. Way better programing
