Direct to Home satellite technology brings the best that TV has to offer right to your home.

Here's how it works.

Shaw Direct has tons of transmitters all across the country. Old-fashioned cables or high tech satellite dishes at these sites collect signals from TV stations across North America and compress all the signals into a digital feed that gets transmitted to our two satellites.

The satellites, Anik F1 and Anik F2, are in a stationary orbit 23,000 miles above the earth. Anik F1 carries the bulk of the English-language programming, while Anik F2 carries mostly French and ethnic programming, as well as our High Definition channels. Once the satellites receive the signal, it is switched to a different frequency and sent back to earth.

That signal is picked up by the satellite dish on your house or apartment and sent to your TV. All you do is turn your TV on.

Quality pictures and sound

Using true Digital technology, Shaw Direct compresses TV signals to send more information without slowing things down. The result? You get more channels, plus a cleaner, clearer picture with the best-quality sound.

The Shaw Direct dish catches the signals transmitted from the satellite. The "eye" at the end of the dish's arm absorbs the signal. Next, the signal frequency is amplified and deciphered to work with the Shaw Direct receiver.

The signal from the dish runs through a simple coaxial cable down from your roof or balcony to a receiver inside. The receiver unscrambles the signal and sends it to your TV set. It's the link between the digital signal and your TV set.

It all happens faster than you can switch channels. You see the latest movies, sports and news with crystal-clear pictures and vibrant sound.

Hooking it all in

Our receivers are made by Motorola, a leader in technology and innovation. This Shaw Direct receiver is the gateway to your entertainment experience, sending great video and audio programming to your television and stereo.

How you hook up your system depends on what kind of equipment you have. Our satellite receivers provide you with many different video connection options. Our standard definition unit equipped with connection for S-Video, RCA (composite), and coaxial. S-Video delivers a crisper, clearer picture than with older RCA cable technology or co-ax cable. With a Shaw Direct HD receiver you will also have the option to connect your HDTV via a component cable (Red/Blue/Green) or HDMI to DVI cable. Either of these connections will provide you with a crystal clear HDTV experience.

Your Shaw Direct receiver decodes each channel and sends it to your TV. With a Shaw Direct DVR you can even record one show while you watch another. Whether you want HD or a small receiver for a second bedroom, Shaw Direct has you covered.

Multiple TVs

The ideal way to set up your house is to get a receiver for every TV in your home. For the best in High Definition television viewing, you can purchase an Advanced HD Receiver (605) or an Advanced HDPVR (630). The entry-level Essential HD Receiver receiver is great in the kitchen or bedroom.

You can buy additional receivers online in the Store or by phone from a friendly customer service representative at 1.888.554.7827.

If you have two or more receivers, you will be charged $5.99 per month for the Multi-Receiver Warranty. This charge will be waived if you subscribe to certain English, French or Bilingual packages.

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Even in apartments

Many Canadians live in apartments and condos. You can still get Shaw Direct in these buildings and enjoy great programming.

There are many buildings across Canada already hooked up for Shaw Direct. They have a dish on the roof with wires taking the programming to each suite. Talk to your landlord to see if you're wired for Shaw Direct.

If not, you can learn about getting apartment access by contacting us.

If you have south exposure, and you have written permission, we may be able to install a dish on your balcony or on the side of your building.

Businesses too

When you're lying in a dentist chair with your jaw wedged open, it's nice to have choice. Of TV programs, that is.

That's why many offices and businesses have hooked up with Shaw Direct. It gives your customers, patients and clients interesting TV to watch in waiting rooms or boardrooms.

It also gives you access to 50 digital music channels. They play great commercial-free music 24 hours a day. Imagine real music, like jazz, classics or rock, in the elevator, not elevator music.