What is Telus TV?

[asirota]

Telus TV is Western Canada's version of Bell Entertainment. Same technology and similar features.

Telus TV FAQs

Are all TELUS TV® channels digital?

Yes. A TELUS TV digital box receives the digital TV signal and converts it into a format that works with your existing TV. This allows you to enjoy digital picture and sound on all channels. You require a digital box for each TV to receive the service..

Will I be able to watch digital TV on my existing TV?

Yes. A TELUS TV digital box receives the digital TV signal and converts it into a format that works with your existing TV. This allows you to enjoy digital picture and sound on all channels. You require a digital box for each TV to receive the service.

How many channels can I receive on TELUS TV?

TELUS TV offers over 400 digital channels, including over 40 in HD, a great selection of radio stations, movies, multicultural channels and more. We are continuously adding new channels. View a list of channels available in your area.

Are HD channels included in every TV package?

Yes, TELUS offers over 40 HD channels, 10 of which are included in The Essentials. You can further customize your TV package by adding more HD channels once you've subscribed to the corresponding standard definition theme pack. View a list of HD channels available in your area.

Why do I need to subscribe to both the HD and corresponding standard definition theme packs?

Due to regulations and programming partner restrictions, you must subscribe to the standard definition version of the HD theme pack.

Why is HDTV better?

HDTV delivers brilliant, high-resolution images. With up to 10x the resolution of regular cable TV, you will see more details and enjoy a sharper picture than you would with regular cable TV. Watch your favourite shows with a true widescreen picture that delivers movies and sports that better fit the screen, providing a more intense viewing experience. Plus, enjoy rich, resonant sound through 5.1 Dolby® Digital sound.

What do I need to experience HDTV from TELUS?

HDTV requires 3 components: an HDTV, an HD digital box and HD programming. TELUS will provide you with an HD digital box and include HD programming with every TV package. All you need is an HDTV.

Can I get HDTV from TELUS where I live?

Yes. If you are eligible for TELUS TV, you can receive HD programming.

How many HD enabled TVs can I have?

TELUS TV supports up to 6 TVs, all of which can be HD TVs or a combination of SD and HD TVs.

What is PVR Anywhere?

With PVR Anywhere, you get most of the functionalities of a PVR on up to 6 TVs in your home. Record up to 3 shows simultaneously from any room. Pause a show in one room and pick it up from the same spot in another room. Plus, schedule recordings and access recorded shows from different rooms in your home. Even watch the same recorded show on different TVs at the same time and control them separately.

How many programs can I record simultaneously on my PVR?

You can record up to 3 live programs simultaneously on your PVR - up to 2 in HD and 1 in standard definition. With PVR Anywhere, you can schedule recordings and access recorded shows on up to 6 televisions throughout in your home.

How many recordings can I watch at the same time?

Four recorded programs can be viewed simultaneously, one of which has to be viewed on the TV connected to your PVR.

How much programming can I record on my PVR?

You can record up to 115 hours of HD programming or 295 hours of standard definition programming on your HD PVR.

Can I pause, rewind and fast-forward live TV from any TV at home?

You can only pause, rewind and fast-forward live TV on the TV directly connected to your PVR.

If I use my PVR to pause live TV on channel 5, then change to channel 6 for a bit, can I go back to watch what I missed on channel 5?

No. If you change the channel, the live TV program that was saved temporarily by your PVR will be deleted. If you would like to watch the program again, ensure that you permanently record the program.

What is Video On Demand (VOD)?

Video On Demand allows you to rent movies through your TV at your convenience. Watch them when you want, rather than waiting for pre-designated start times. You can view movies you rent as often as you like during the rental period. When you rent a VOD you can access it from any room in your home, and play it on up to 2 TV's at the same time while only paying for it once.

Can I get HD Video On Demand (HD VOD) or HD Pay Per View (HD PPV)?

Yes. Select VOD titles are available in the HD category in the Video On Demand menu. All live PPV events are available in HD and can be found on channels 675 and 676.

For further assistance, please call TELUS TV Technical Support at 310-MYTV (6988).

[asirota]

The TelusTV website has a neat video to describe how the Interactive Guide works -- very similar to BES. Note the neat tip on pressing the record button once for a show recording and twice for a series recording. Press a third time to cancel recording.

There is also a decent search engine to see if Telus TV is available in your area. Note that you have to either have Telus Home Phone or Telus Internet installed before you can order Telus TV.

Looks like there is a new technology being used with Telus TV as of Feb 2 2010. The Cisco IPTV STB is being installed now rather than the Scientific Atlanta box. The support site has 2 different help guides, but they are well done.

Here's the channel line up -- very similar to BES, especially when CNN launches.

Finally pricing starts at $28/month and there are 3 year commitments to get a deal on the equipment which is rented at $15/box. Ouch.

[asirota]

The Good the Bad and the Ugly of Telus TV... A long review but worth reading -- looks like Telus is much more stingy with the Internet speeds. I have this gut feeling that Bell will slow down our Internet speeds quite a bit or charge an arm and a leg for 25Mb/s service once it is rolled out. This does appear to be a review of the OLD TelusTV service. The new one was announced today based on MediaRoom.

[asirota]

There is a detailed thread on his service over at DigitalHome.ca

[Seto]

I wonder if the CityPlace condos in downtown Toronto can get this since they're on Telus's fibre network...

[asirota]

There were some rumoursbut I think Telus TV is sticking out west for now.

[lkirkland]

Noticed that Telus changed the name of their IPTV system to Optik TV. I also noticed that SaskTel is now using MediaRoom. So now Bell, Telus, MTS and SaskTel have the same middleware platform. Any idea what Aliant is using?

[asirota]

They're all using Mediaroom -- the best option out there right now it seems.