DSTV renege on XtraView promise

Much has been made of Multichoice's new DSTV XtraView offering. The claims of being able to link current decoders to the new HD PVR as well as each other, essentially allowing subscribers to have multiple viewing options making for interesting water cooler conversation.
However, since the original press release and impressive array of graphics showing the various configuration options took pride of place, Multichoice have quietly amended their XtraView webpage. The original promise of being able to link the new HD PVR with the previous, entry level 1110 decoder has suddenly been pulled. This option is now only going to be available 'by the end of the year' according to dstv.com.
For someone who was looking forward to seperating 'feeds' to different rooms in the house, only to find out (with the approved installer) once installed that the service is no longer possible until some time before the end of the year, it's a huge dissappointment.
A further aggravation is that the equipment comes with no user guides or manuals. Very frustrating for a newbie!

To end on a more positive note. The HD PVR only offers one viewable output (hence the need for the XtraView option) however it has two recordable 'channels.' This allows you to browse through the programme listing and with 1-click, select the programmes you wish to record. The beauty being that should there be two programmes at the same time or overlapping in any way, this is no longer an issue ... all while watching a third channel.

Now please click on a banner ad, it goes to the HD TV fund!

Bell ExpressVu launched its new 9242 HD PVR

Bell ExpressVu is replacing its dual-tuner 9200 HD PVR with a new model: the 9242, which adds five hours more of high-definition recording, and 20 additional hours of standard definition recording. Like its predecessor, the 9242 allows ExpressVu customers to view one program while simultaneously recording up to two others. One program can also be viewed in one room, while a second is being recording in another, all using the same receiver. As with other PVR models, there's the ability to pause live television, fast forward and rewind at up to four speeds, skip forward and back, and view in slow motion, which is ideal for catching a great sports play that's worth a second look. Other options include split-screen functionality and picture-in-picture for catching two programs at once; as well as USB 2.0 and Ethernet connectivity.

Right out of the box, the 9242 sets the bar for state-of-the-art high definition PVR performance in Canada even higher,but its true potential lies down the road. The real story is what Bell ExpressVu can build upon, and the extra services they can deliver via the USB and Ethernet connectivity. Bell's new HDTV receiver and its feature set simply deliver the most advanced digital TV viewing experience.

With picture quality ten-times better than regular cable, the most HD channels available, and the best HD PVR, Bell offers Canadians the full HD experience. Bell ExpressVu's new 9242 HD PVR is currently available for purchase at $599; or for rent at $20/month.