When you buy a Shaw Direct system, you're buying top-quality digital TV technology.

You'll enjoy the crystal-clear image and crisp Dolby Sound our digital signal delivers to your receiver, which is made by Motorola, a world leader in communication technology. Because the signal is compressed, a lot of information can be transmitted very efficiently. That's why you'll see a marked improvement in picture quality over analog cable signals.

There are other aspects to our technology that aren't as obvious, but they also positively impact your viewing experience. One focus of our technology plan is longevity. We're working to ensure the equipment you buy now won't become obsolete tomorrow.

Starts in the Sky

Shaw Direct was the first Canadian satellite TV provider to beam signals from two satellites. Our unique elliptical dish allows customers to view programming from both satellites.

With the launch of new state-of-the-art satellites in the past few years, we have added more bandwidth to bring you even more programming.

Plus, our dishes have what we call a Quad Low Noise Block Feed. It means that you can easily add up to four receivers to your system without any upgrades to your hardware. If you do require more lines from the dish, our skilled installers can easily double the feeds using a satellite multi-switch.

Receiver technology

Your television needs something to decode the digital signals from the satellite. All Shaw Direct television signals are sent down to earth encrypted in DigiCipher II, an efficient MPEG 2-based system of video compression. The DigiCipher II technology was invented by Motorola to protect and deliver the crystal clear video and sound. Shaw Direct uses this advanced encryption in every Motorola satellite receiver.

Working with Motorola and Shaw Direct software engineers, we're constantly evaluating our technology, looking for opportunities to deliver enhancements that will improve your television experience.

Without using any additional equipment we can download new information from the satellite to your receiver. It's like a software upgrade. Every 6 to 10 months we make improvements to the onscreen Interactive Program Guide with a Canada-wide download. These upgrades enhance the look and feel of the on-screen guide, add new interactive features, and make your television experience a lot more enjoyable.

We provide these ongoing software updates at no additional cost. It's part of our pledge to bring you the newest technology and great customer service.

Entry Level Receiver

The Essential HD (600) receiver is value priced. It allows you to enjoy Shaw Direct programming in HD, SD, and 3D with only a small investment in hardware. The Essential HD (600) allows Shaw Direct to offer more of the channels and interactive services that our customers have been looking for.

You get great picture, no matter what type of TV you have. It's wired for Dolby Digital Plus and 5.1 sound via HDMI. You can enjoy Pay Per View movies and events and find out what's on with our onscreen interactive program guide up to 14 days in advance.

HDTV

HDTV is as different from standard definition television as colour is from black and white. With vastly improved clarity, crispness and colour, it's more like looking through a window than at a screen.

Shaw Direct leads the way in HD content with up to 115 high definition channels at no extra cost ^*. We broadcast more than 2,500 hours of original HD programming each week on over 215 dedicated HD channels, including Movie Central, The Movie Network, Super Channel, Rogers Sportsnet, SRC, Discovery Channel, A&E, Super Écran, National Geographic, Showcase, WGN, Séries+, Canal Vie, Ztélé HD, RDS HD as well as high-definition programming from CBC, CTV, TSN, ABC, NBC, CBS, PBS, and FOX.

Our High Definition receiver, the Advanced HD Receiver, is state of the art. It's an integrated receiver that lights up your HDTV with a stunning digital image, thanks to a DVI to HDMI output. The enhanced program guide allows you to continue watching your show while browsing to see what's on. It has enhanced memory and future upgrade compatibility, which means more interactive features and quicker channel changes.

*Must be subscribed to a package that includes English Essentials to receive ALL High Definition channels offered at no extra cost. Subscription to equivalent standard-definition channel required. Must have an HDTV, an HD receiver and an elliptical satellite dish to receive and view High Definition channels.

The future is here

Taking High Definition to the next level, Shaw Direct chose to think inside the box with the latest in satellite technology, the Advanced HDPVR, a state-of-the-art receiver that not only displays your favourite HD programs, but also allows you to record in HD and standard format. This High Definition Personal Video Recorder features dual tuners that let you pause and rewind live TV, or record one program while watching another. And the DVI to HDMI output ensures you see every last detail of all your stunning 100% digital programs.

Save some time with a quick trip, using the Advanced HDPVR's Time Travel™ capability. You can skip forward to the best parts of your favourite programs, or skip back for a closer look at all the replays. With up to 120 hours of Standard Definition recording time, more than 25 hours of High Definition programming, or a combination of the two, you can kiss the VCR goodbye.

As the needs of our customers change, so do we. We're always on the lookout for cost-effective ways to bring our customer the very best entertainment experience in Canada.