Shaw Direct broadcasts the video for TV channels using two different formats, MPEG-2 and MPEG-4.
- MPEG-2: an older, last-generation format
- MPEG-4: newer and more efficient alternative.
From April 2017 to January 2020, we will be upgrading all of our channels to MPEG-4. Due to MPEG-4's increased efficiency, we will be able to offer all available English and French channels in high definition by the end of the upgrade.
In order to view channels that have been upgraded to MPEG-4, you will need an MPEG-4 compatible satellite receiver.