| Star Choice |
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Information AboutStar Choice |
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StarChoice is Canada 's second Direct Broadcast Satellite Television distributor (the other being Bell ExpressVu ), and is majority-owned by Cable TV operator Shaw Communications Inc. However, StarChoice launched in March 1997 , months before Bell ExpressVu was launched, making it Canada's first satellite provider. As of 2006, StarChoice had over 855,000 subscribers. It broadcasts on Ku Band from two Communications Satellite s, Anik F1 at 107.3°W and Anik F2 at 111.1°W; these satellites are owned by Telesat Canada and otherwise are used primarily to distribute programming to various Canadian cable TV companies. A full list of channels carried by these two satellites is available from satellite-related sites such as Lyngsat: Anik F1 Anik F2 . Anik F1 carries most mainstream English-language programming; Anik F2 programming includes French-language and HDTV broadcasts. StarChoice began in Lincoln , New Brunswick , but is now based in Calgary , Alberta . It also has an operations center in Mississauga , Ontario and Call Centres in Montreal and Calgary. TECHNICAL INFORMATION The system requires an elliptical antenna of at least 45x60cm in size with a special LNB pair built as one unit to accommodate the narrow 3.8° spacing between satellites; the receiver uses the Motorola -proprietary Digicypher II system which has so far been virtually free of the problems with Pirate Decryption that have plagued other providers such as rival Bell ExpressVu . The standard 18" DBS antennas used by other providers are not compatible with this system as the signals differ in both frequency and polarisation, due to StarChoice being relayed via FSS satellites, Anik F1 and F2 in this case. SERVICES AND PRICING Up to 420 channels are offered, including:
The monthly packages range from $20 for the basic service, up to $80 for specialty and movie channels. Individual premium and specialty channels can also be purchased. The receivers range from $80 (sometimes sold as low as $25) for a basic system to $700 for a High-definition Personal Video Recorder . HISTORY
In late 2005 StarChoice changed their footprint to the lower states and especially Mexico. Locations that used to be able to get a great signal with the regular sized dish now require much more careful aiming. If travelling below Mazatlan, it is advisable to use a larger dish. At Puerto Vallarta channel 299 will get a signal of 24 if aimed VERY VERY CAREFULLY using the small dish. Other channels are much lower and not stable or available, but some are better (HDTV usually). January 16, 2006. EXTERNAL LINKS |
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