Bell ExpressVu launches new 9242 HD-PVR |
76 Comments |
Posted by Simon Cohen at 3:36 PM | E-mail this post
ExpressVu ups the ante with a multi-TV HD-PVR that can record up to 30 hours of high-definition programming.
The new 9242 HD-PVR Plus satellite receiver replaces the older 9200 HD-PVR Plus in ExpressVu's HD line-up. Here are the specs for the new system:
- Record up to 30 hours of HD programming, or 200 hours of standard definition (SD) programming (320 GB)
- MPEG2 and MPEG4 compatibility (currently all programming on ExpressVu is MPEG2, but as new content becomes available, it will take advantage of the MPEG4 standard)
- Record 2 different programs while simultaneously watching a third (pre-recorded) show
- Playback SD or HD programs on the primary TV, while a secondary TV can independently watch SD programs or down-converted HD programs
- Includes two remotes: an IR unit for the main TV, and a UHF-Pro remote that can control the receiver from any room in the house, even through walls.
- Supports caller-ID (you can see a caller's identification on your TV if you have this feature on your home phone line)
- 9-day Electronic Program Guide (EPG) that lets you browse available shows while watching the current program in a Picture-in-Picture (PIP) window
- Name-based show recording with the option of recording the show once, multiple times per week, the entire series or just new episodes.
- Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound (requires a compatible TV or home theatre receiver)
- High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) for a pure digital pathway between the receiver and the HDTV
- USB 2.0 and Ethernet connectivity
- Composite and s-video outputs for TV1
The 9200 was already a very capable PVR with many features I've come to rely on. The 9242 builds on this feature set with some notable enhancements including a favourites list exclusively for HD programming and the ability to output your primary TV signal via s-video and composite video in addition to HDMI, which will make connecting a second recording device like a VCR or DVD recorder much easier.
It's also worth noting that the 9242 sports both USB 2.0 and Ethernet ports. And while ExpressVu is remaining mum on what these new ports will be used for - they say they're for "future services" - we can take some educated guesses as to the direction in which they might be headed...
The USB 2.0 ports could allow you to connect external storage devices like flash drives or hard drives, which could increase the PVR's recording capacity dramatically, and inexpensively. In an ideal world, the receiver would let you watch other media that had been recorded from a different source e.g. a PC, or perhaps an iPod, on your primary TV.
An Ethernet port could be used to connect the receiver to a high speed internet connection. Once that connection has been established, it opens the door to a host of new options such as Slingbox-type remote viewing of the receiver's programs on any PC with a net connection. There's also the chance that a web-based application could be built to let you set up recordings on your PVR remotely using the same data displayed by the receiver's EPG.
Alright, enough crystal-ball gazing.
Two last points on the 9242 that are worth mentioning:
- The black chassis. The 9200's silver garb seemed hip and stylish 2 years ago when most of the flat-panel TV's were sporting this colour scheme, but let's face it, black is definitely the new black.
- The included HDMI and component video cables. It may seem like a no-brainer, but if you had to buy these at retail they could easily set you back $100, especially if you went with a brand like Monster Cable.
If you want to pick up the new receiver as a stand-alone box, it will run you $599 at your local Bell World. It's also available on a rental basis. Check out bell.ca for all the details.
Update - August 7, 2008: Bell has just announced the availability of expanded capacity for the 9242 via USB 2.0 external hard drives.
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Posted by Simon Cohen at 3:36 PM in Home Entertainment
, Television
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| Comments (76)
Patrick on October 30 at 11:04 PM | Report abuse
Well, I will be installing my first one of these systems tomorrow. They are nice, but not cheap. Basically just wanted to say I hope that tons of people take the time to read this article, as one of the most frustrating things we run into as installers with these systems was the fact no one seemed to have been told that the 2nd tuner on these things is "only" SD. Which will still be the case even with the new ones.
Drew on October 30 at 11:12 PM | Report abuse
When will Bell put an IR Input on the Receiver for the 2nd Zone? All of these units are being installed into smart homes by custom av integrators and using the UHF remote for the second zone is not user friendly.
Steve on October 30 at 11:36 PM | Report abuse
They finally just got the 9200s working half decent. I am not looking forward to all the bugs in this one.
greg on October 31 at 2:08 AM | Report abuse
I wonder when Bell is going to fix HDMI socket problem? My does not work for last 3 weeks. Any comments?
Wayne on October 31 at 11:54 AM | Report abuse
Will the new 9242 be able to send out the 1080p signal?
Simon Cohen on October 31 at 12:17 PM | Report abuse
Hi Wayne, I believe the box can do 720p or 1080i but not 1080p. But that should be ok, since there is no 1080p content being broadcast on any TV service that I'm aware of.
Andrew on October 31 at 5:30 PM | Report abuse
Two minuses:
1. The HDMI port should have been the latest version 1.3, not the old one. Maybe that's because the free cables could be thrown in for the old version since they are available at retail of less than a dollar a foot (check http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10240&cs_id=1024004&p_id=2529&seq=1&format=2), notwithstanding the ripoff prices of Monster.
2. The USB port should have been set up already, at least for backing up SD programs - it will never be done in the "future". This is the same promise that was made with the 9200 when it was launched nearly 2 years ago, and its USB port still does nothing!
At the moment. I have some favourite shows recorded on my 9200 with no way to transfer them to the new 9242, so I will pass the "upgrade".
Simon Cohen on November 1 at 9:54 AM | Report abuse
Andrew, there's no need to provide HDMI 1.3 on a device that will not be serving up content that takes advantage of this new standard. 1.3 enables 7.1 sound and higher bit-depth colour, neither of which is available via digital TV providers now or for the forseeable future. BTW, all HDMI cables can handle all versions of the HDMI standard - it's the signal that changes in 1.3, not the cable - much like USB 1.1 vs 2.0.
Andrew on November 1 at 11:50 AM | Report abuse
Simon, it is not correct that all HDMI cables handle all versions of the HDMI standard. HDMI 1.3 cables have different connectors (a new mini connector). Why would it have been benefitial for the 9242 to have provided this latest version? To achieve cable compatibility with 1.3 version connectors now showing up on an increasing number of consumer grade and upper end receivers (where I'd want to plug in the PVR) and flat panels and front projectors (to accept current and planned deep colour and lossless sound from HD-DVD, Blu-ray, PS3 game machines/video consoles etc). This does not interfere with the fact that HD broadcasters are not broadcasting in 1080p since the output devices with HDMI 1.3 are able to work quite nicely with any HD broadcast standard.
Incidentally, it would seem USB 2.0 requires different cables vs 1.1 to handle the higher throughput. I found this out when I retained my older USB 1.1 cables while upgrading the older laptop to a newer one. I had device lockups and such, until I upgraded the cables too.
Simon Cohen on November 1 at 12:19 PM | Report abuse
Hey Andrew,
Are you absolutely sure? All the info I've been able to gather on HDMI eg. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HDMI suggests that much like USB and Firewire, there are multiple connectors (types A, B, C) but fundamentally the cables themselves can transport any of the version of HDMI. Moreover, the newer consumer devices that you mention will be 1.3 which is backward compatible with older versions, so again, if the receiver will never get content that makes use of 1.3, and it is compatible with 1.3 devices, why does the receiver itself need to output the 1.3 signal? I'm very surprised to hear about your USB difficulties, I have use dollar store USB cables with shoddy build quality and never had a problem with 2.0 transfers.
Brian on November 4 at 9:55 AM | Report abuse
WOW Bell,
You would have been better served fixing the problems you have in the receivers already out. Instead add another crippled box of bugs to upset customers.
This machine adds nothing to your lineup except Mpeg4(someday), and USB and Ethernet give me a break 9 times out of 10 this vapourware never materializes.
Guess they haven't figured out a use for USB or Ethernet whereby a monthly fee could be added to our bills.
Brian on November 4 at 11:07 AM | Report abuse
I agree with the many comments about introducing a new receiver when the existing 9200 does not work perfectly. I have had a 9200 for two years and so far Bell has not been able to to correct the problem of sound and picture being out of synch on the HD channels. In addition, when watching a pre-recorded program and pausing it for some reason the sound goes out of synch also. Bell offered a service call for $75.00, but I declined and will not expand my programming to include more useless HD channels. Come on Bell, fix the 9200's problems first before introducing a new, more expensive receiver.
Simon Cohen on November 5 at 9:32 AM | Report abuse
Hey Brian, I had synch issues too on my 9200 and found that switching the audio setting from RF to PCM fixed it.
Gary Arrowsmith on November 5 at 3:22 PM | Report abuse
GOOD OLD ALEXANDER GRAHAM BELL.
IF ONLY HE WERE ALIVE TODAY.
He would surely be kicking butt in the internet and telephone industry.
He would be asking WHO LEAKED MY VALUEABLE SECRETS OUT?
He would surely done better in the TELEPHONE and internet technology than we currently have.
HE WOULD HAVE SAID FIBEROPTIC ALL THE WAY.
STREAMLINE SUPERSPEED.
GET ON THE BACKBONE BOYS AND GIRLS.
hahahahahahahahaha
Serge Mercier on November 20 at 9:03 AM | Report abuse
On Friday, November 16, I had an upgrade done from the old 9200 to the new 9242. Spend all morning waiting to tech to show up. The Installation went fine. Watched TV that evening and HD was fine. Saturday morning, came back from shopping around noon and turned the TV on. NO SIGNAL Noticed that the receiver was constantly re-booting, ending up with an error telling me that the "smart card" was not compatible with the receiver.
I called Bell and they could not do anything over the week end. I had to come home for noon on Monday to wait for the Tech. to come in. After an hour or so, he could not do anything with it. Of course, being a Contractor for Bell, he was not allowed to carry a spare unit in his truck. So here we are, waisted a whole afternoon from work to find out Bell will be sending me a unit by Purolator. It is supposed to be "plug and play". Can't wait to see that.
I should have stayed with the old 9200. Never had any problems with it.
hardly mcdreamy on November 27 at 6:18 PM | Report abuse
you guys are so insane.. have you never heard of Free to air television.. bell sticks it to you when they get the chance to by raising your bills by insane amounts its time to join the free to air following and get ur tv for free.. i switched to free to air 2 years ago.. and have saved myself from being robbed by bell monthly
Werner Wolf on December 15 at 3:46 PM | Report abuse
Hi,
I have just purchased a 46" LCD HD TV and was informed by Bell that I need to rent or purchase the 9242 for $600 ++.
After reading the comments of the unhappy Bell 9200's customers, I wonder whether I should keep the old 7200 model and forget HD programming (why buy a HD TV ?).
Hardy McDreamy seems to be happy with (Free to air television). I live north of Sauble Beach in cottage country and have a 52 ft. tower. Would "Free to air" make any sense ?? Any advice would be helpful. Thanks, Werner
Garry McLay on December 16 at 2:00 AM | Report abuse
WERNER:
I spend the summer on the Bruce Peninsula in the area where you live and use a 70 ft. TV tower to receive local TV signals. I recently purchased a 46" HD TV also and use a Bell ExpressVu model 9200 PVR to receive all of Bell's available HD channels (for which of course I pay a subscription fee). I did have some minor problems getting the 9200 set up with my new TV. I could not get the HDMI output to send a signal to the TV; however, the component outputs sent a very good HD picture to the TV. I was told by a helpful Bell technician (by phone) that this HDMI problem was temporary and that they would soon have it corrected, and also that I would get a better HD picture using the component outputs anyway. In spite of some minor problems with my 9200 units (I have 4 of them), I am generally satisfied with the way they work, and if I do have problems with them, I have found that the Bell phone support technicians are very helpful. The new model 9242 may have a few bugs to be worked out also, but it will probably be at least as good as the 9200 and seems quite similar except for a few add-ons which may or may not be useful to you.
As for the "free to air" TV mentioned by Hardly McDreamy, if he means the satellite FTA receivers sold by Viewsat and other manufacturers, you almost have to be a TV and/or computer technician to operate them. They have to be programmed as often as every few days from bin files found on the internet to make them work, and when there is no program available yet when they go down, you are without TV until a new program is devised. Although there are hundreds of channels available when they are working, you would probably not want to depend on this kind of FTA receiver as your primary source of TV signals.
I have installed an 8-bay reflector screen type of UHF antenna at the top of my TV tower to receive UHF HD signals from Michigan in the summer months when atmospheric conditions allow for long distance reception of these signals in that area. (There many HD channels broadcasting from Detroit, Flint, Saginaw, Bay City, Bad Axe, and other places in southeast Michigan, almost all of them on UHF channels.) These terrestrial HD signals are free to use once you have the required antenna to receive them, and although there are not yet any Canadian HD terrestrial signals being broadcast in that area, this will change in the next few years. If you have a good UHF antenna installed on top of your 52 ft. tower, this is an option you might take advantage of during the summer months. Your TV will need to have a digital TV (ATSC) tuner in order to receive and process these signals. (Most recent model HD TV's come with an ATSC tuner.)
If your TV does not have an ATSC tuner and you get either a Bell model 9200 or 9242 HD receiver, you would be able to use the ATSC tuner which is included in these units to receive terrestrial HD signals in addition to whatever Bell HD channels you subscribe to.
I hope you found this information helpful.
GARRY
Werner Wolf on December 18 at 7:43 PM | Report abuse
Hi Garry,
I like and appreciate your detailed description of what is invoved.
I'm not a TV nor computer technition, just an ordinary retired math teacher that watches TV occasionally.
In my case, considering your commends, it seems to make sense to go with the 9242 HD receiver.
Thank you for your time and extensive explanation.
Regards, Werner
Paul Sandhu on December 24 at 11:13 PM | Report abuse
So far - brutal Bell experiences. Install ordered Dec 13 for 2 receivers btwn 8am - 12pm, to coincide with my A/V install of my 60" plasma. Bell contractor's info is install is set for 12 noon - 5 pm for 1 receiver. No communication. Install's done by around 4:00. I have a 9242 in the family room and a non-PVR HD receiver in the fitness room downstairs. Two days later, exact same problem as Serge above. Came home to find the ###@@@!!**#*!! 9242 turning itself off/on, rebooting, and going through a 015 (getting signal), 122, and finally 394 (smart card) error. I called Bell and spoke with five different techs for over 1.7 hours (hung up on / cut off 3 times). Only solution is for them to mail me a replacement from Toronto to Vancouver on Thursday to get here next week. It's Monday (xmas eve) and I have no satellite tv for a chunk of the holidays. Bell sucks. I feel cheated and this new 9242 IS A PIECE OF ----. I have a Pioneer Elite 92 series A/V receiver with the HDMI going to my 60" Kuro. I'm using a Panamax power conditioner. All components in my system work fine. The 9242 worked for 1.5 days and is now dead. Serge, any luck with the new one? Simon, what say you?
Paul Sandhu on December 24 at 11:17 PM | Report abuse
So far - brutal Bell experiences. Install ordered Dec 13 for 2 receivers btwn 8am - 12pm, to coincide with my A/V install of my 60" plasma. Bell contractor's info is install is set for 12 noon - 5 pm for 1 receiver. No communication. Install's done by around 4:00. I have a 9242 in the family room and a non-PVR HD receiver in the fitness room downstairs. Two days later, exact same problem as Serge above. Came home to find the ###@@@!!**#*!! 9242 turning itself off/on, rebooting, and going through a 015 (getting signal), 122, and finally 394 (smart card) error. I called Bell and spoke with five different techs for over 1.7 hours (hung up on / cut off 3 times). Only solution is for them to mail me a replacement from Toronto to Vancouver on Thursday to get here next week. It's Monday (xmas eve) and I have no satellite tv for a chunk of the holidays. Bell sucks. I feel cheated and this new 9242 IS A PIECE OF ----. I have a Pioneer Elite 92 series A/V receiver with the HDMI going to my 60" Kuro. I'm using a Panamax power conditioner. All components in my system work fine. The 9242 worked for 1.5 days and is now dead. Serge, any luck with the new one? Simon, what say you?
Karim on December 25 at 10:56 AM | Report abuse
Hey Paul, I feel for you, Bell has a lot of work to do as far as their installation services and responding in a timely manner to customer issues like yours.
Play some DVDs on the Kuro (I am envious) while you wait, wait and wait for Bell.
Cheers.....Karim
Paul S. on December 26 at 12:32 AM | Report abuse
Thanks for the sentiment Karim. I actually installed my non-PVR receiver up to the Kuro with component cables so I've got sat in the family room (but nothing in the fitness room downstairs). I saw the Bourne Identity and 300 on HDDVD...o my gawd. With the Paradigm Reference Millenia audio it is just killer.
I'll let you know how Bell responds though I'm curious to hear about how Serge made out. Serge, did you get a replacement 9242 and if so, has it survived? Cheers and Happy Holidays to all.
sphuot on December 29 at 5:50 PM | Report abuse
Had the 9242 installed yesterday. Great install time (under 2 hours) and I would advise to apply for HD programming online a couple of days before install to save time. I put the 5900 PVR in the upstairs bedroom and the 3100 downstairs for the kids, and am very impressed with the 9242. The PIP feature is great, and I have HDMI from sat to my 52" TV, and optical from reciever to 9242, along with another HDMI from reciever to TV. Great sound, great picture, just wish that every channel is HD! I am surprised to hear all of the horror stories with BEV, I have dealt with them for 5 years and no issues....just good service. No problems yet.
Paul on January 11 at 9:55 PM | Report abuse
I rcvd the 9242 replacement rcvr on Jan 9 (16 days after I requested it). I installed the replacement and had it activated according to instructions. Now, I'm having issues with the video. With the HDMI I'm getting audio but usually no picture at all. The guide can be displayed (so there are no video hookup issues). When I am able to get a picture, it sometimes freezes or I get pixel shift. Occasionally, if I change channels, the screen again goes black. This is the most frustrating experience I've ever had with a piece of equipment/company. I've done the diagnostic signal/switch check...all shows as okay. HELP!!!
Jan on January 24 at 10:16 PM | Report abuse
Has anyone had this issue with hooking up the remote tv (ie. the second tv). When the main tv is on, I can't change channels or get the guide on the second tv. Its like the moment the first tv is turned on, it takes over all the functions of the second tv. I am in dual mode and my understanding was that I could watch different programs with different remotes on each of the tvs?? If anyone has had this problem, PLEASE help me as the bell technicians on the phone couldn't help me at all!!!
Jon on January 25 at 2:48 PM | Report abuse
Has anyone figured out how to connect a PC to USB of a 9200 and download video - I was told by someone that they had seen it done - I tried a usb data tranfer cable but it did not recognize the 9200. Is this a hoax or will something help do this?
Ellen on February 10 at 4:07 PM | Report abuse
My 9242 receiver is about three weeks old. Four days ago the power light stayed on all the time, the power reset button has no effect on the receiver and there is no signal. I've talked to three technicians, have checked the cable connections and unplugged the receiver several times. All with the same result. The green power light stays on and there is no signal.
The Bainer on February 11 at 9:10 AM | Report abuse
I have had 2 9242 receivers in the last two weeks, the first one wouldn't receive HD channels, the second one would not allow my second TV to work. Tech came on Friday and solved the 2nd TV issue. Yesterday I came home to find it booting, rebooting etc. After 1.5 hours on the phone with several techs (all of whom could barely speak or understand English) a "high-level" tech said he would send me out another receiver. So, no TV for another week. What a pain. I find the techs to be rude, they seem to be unable to allow anyone to finish a sentence without interrupting.
Vince on March 9 at 9:30 PM | Report abuse
Bell is always promising that they will have a fix for this or that in the near future. After more than a year, I am still waiting for them to fix the audio/video sync problems so that I can enjoy the programming for which I pay $100 per month. Sometimes it's so bad I have to change the channel. Live broadcasts are especially bad. Bell replaced my 9200 thinking that was the problem, but the new one is just as bad.
mike on March 20 at 10:41 PM | Report abuse
My 9242 is very hot on the outside of the unit all the time... is this normal or do you think there is a problem
pmcd on March 28 at 10:26 PM | Report abuse
We just had a 9242 installed when we moved from cable to Bell Expressvu. This is our first PVR and I must say it's really nice. Presently it drives a 2nd SD Sony TV and that has worked fine, though a PVR timer mistake did prevent the 2nd TV from receiving a signal for a day until we figured that out. As I understand things the 2nd TV signal will be SD. Does that mean it has to be 4:3 or could it be widescreen but 480p say. If it's a bandwidth issue there might be hope in driving an EDTV or small HDTV in lower resolution. In either case, what would have to be done to get a 2nd HDTV in the location of the SD?
philip
Gordo on April 9 at 12:53 AM | Report abuse
Just spent several hours reading this and everything I could find on these issues as I "was" considering moving from Rogers HD to Bell to avoid similar issues with Rogers. Rogers is well aware of the issues. With either of their two HD boxes you are not supplied with HDMI cables as they do not support HDMI. At this point the cash spent on my new Denon receiver to have HDMI switching has not been entirely justified. HDMI cables to our Panasonic plasma and HD projector work well with our Blu-Ray and our HD DVD, but sounds like neither Bell or Rogers have hardware sorted out for HDMI yet. I have tried both of the Rogers HD boxes for a total of three different receivers, before I rolled back to component cables. Resetting the box on a regular basis is not what the HD experience should be about.
Am still happy we made the plunge as the Blu & HD DVD experience is great.
Guess I will wait for another three months and check back. Good luck to you all.
Simon Cohen on April 9 at 9:54 AM | Report abuse
Hey Gordon, for what it's worth: I've been using Bell's 9200 HD-PVR with the HDMI output on my 50" Panansonic plasma, for a year without any problems or any need to reset the receiver.
glenn on April 10 at 6:07 AM | Report abuse
I've had my 9242 for 3 months now. Worked great until recently. Great picture on HD but on some HD stations the audio cuts in and out now or simply stops working. I too called the rude, barely able to speak english tech support reps who every call try to sell more stuff. Geez Bell enough is enough I'm already paying close to $100/month.
Anyway, their tech service is now stating the 9242 does not support HDMI and that I am to replace the HDMI cable with component cables now. What the %$#$!
They even offered to reimburse me up to $50 for longer component cables. Oh yeah, what call wouldn't be complete without another plug for more money "could I offer you an extended service plan for your 9242 reciever" ??
I rent the box!! Go figure- typical Bell!!
Bill on April 10 at 10:24 PM | Report abuse
Bought one two days ago and another Bell "dead on arrival." The send me a replacement. Gee thanks.
Carl on April 15 at 10:20 AM | Report abuse
Thinking of getting 9242pvr. I have the 6100. I was told this receiver requires a different installation and would need it installed. Is it that different that I could not do it on my own. I can't just plug in the cable the way I do now.
Also I did not want to pay the $599.00 price tag so I asked if they have something for existing customers. They will sell me the 9242 for $300.00 plus installation of $125.00. You must have it installed or they will give you a credit on your programing 30% off each month for 12 months and a credit for the rest on your bill which will work out to $300.00
Are there any other options.
Simon Cohen on April 15 at 10:30 AM | Report abuse
Hey Carl,
since the 9242 is a dual-tuner HD PVR, it does require two inputs from your dish instead of the 6100's single input. One of these inputs will also need a 30W power supply added in-line. Depending on how handy you are, this is something you could do yourself. If you want the receiver to be able to send the second (SD) tuner content to TV's elsewhere in the house, you'll need to run coaxial cable from those TV's to the receiver. Often your existing coaxial cabling will work for this purpose. Good luck!
Carl on April 15 at 11:15 AM | Report abuse
Hello Simon. I do have 2 inputs presently. I have 3 cables out of my dish. 2 of them go into a spliter and out comes one. I then have another cable out from dish. This makes 2 cables running into my house. One cable I use on my 6100 and the other cable I use on my 3100.
Rich on April 15 at 7:42 PM | Report abuse
This may be the wrong forum but...... I have a 9200 and my hard drive is filling up fast and I want to copy programs to a DVR. The audio is good by the screen is scrambled. I asked Bell and they say 'no can do'!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
There has to be a way to copy to DVR or VCR from the hard drive, is there anyone who knows how to do this?
Much appreciate any feedback.
Dave on April 18 at 5:33 AM | Report abuse
My new Toshiba Xf550 only accepts 1.3 hdmi...I would assume a company as big as Bell would have the ability to do this as most new tv's and audio are now going to 1.3 hdmi...my picture via Bell HD is horrible right now (was great on my LG tv) with the Toshiba as it needs 1.3hdmi..anyone know what Bell uses now?
I think I read components a while back..err..that will not do..that is no better than my local cable company, so hopefully that info is wrong.
Bill on April 20 at 7:51 PM | Report abuse
Got my replacement receiver.....order the fights to watch after visiting with wife and new bundle of joy in the hospital. Home 1.5 hrs after the fights started and tried to use the start over feature on the pvr. Froze. Tried to switch the feed. Froze. Refurbished piece of crap. Phoned Bell now the going to send me a brand new one. Hopefully it's not DOA.
Bill on April 30 at 8:59 AM | Report abuse
Got the second replacement and the hard drive has a serious error. Now time to wait for replacement number three.
Dave on May 2 at 11:28 PM | Report abuse
Yep..we are on our 2nd receiver..so far so good but pretty sure the Bell Express is causing 'source' issue with my new Toshiba XF550u...have lots of reddish blotches all over the screen, especially easy to see on gray or black backgrounds..don't get this while viewing dvd or ps3 games, so must be either Bell Express source or their wires..so annoyed.
Alison on May 5 at 1:07 PM | Report abuse
We have a 9200 hooked up to two tv's. The second tv did not get HD so we just bought a 9242. It is connected through the existing cable connector in the home which feeds from a SW44. Question: I need to connect the Sat2 port in so I can tape one show and watch another or do PIP. The existing cable connector port is mounted into a brick walll with no option to run another cable. Is there any way that I can split this signal before it connects to Sat1 but after the cable connector?
Simon Cohen on May 5 at 2:01 PM | Report abuse
Hi Alison,
as far as I know, satellite cables can only be split with special splitters that use ALL of your cables from the dish, and then split the signals. So I have a bad feeling the only way to hook up the 9242 is to drill a new hole and run the second (and third?) cable to the receiver. That's we did at our house. But definitely call ExpressVu to make sure before you do anything permanent to your home!
Bill on May 5 at 8:49 PM | Report abuse
Got the third replacement receiver and so far it works. Only took thirty days to get it set up from the original purchase.
Scott on May 8 at 8:17 AM | Report abuse
Is it possible to have two HD receivers in the same house, with only two televisions?
We currently have the 9200 hooked up to two televisions.. second set is about to be replaced with an HD set, so I want to buy a 9242 for that set, which leaves me with the 9200 for one set and the 9242 for the other. Will this work? I'm not technical in the least, and I've read other posts that mention something about needing two cables going into the receiver or something like that, so I'm not sure if these receivers will both work when each is only attached to one television. Thanks.
Simon Cohen on May 8 at 9:28 AM | Report abuse
It should work Scott. Give ExpressVu a shout to confirm, and it may be worth paying the install fee if you're not comfortable doing it yourself.
Scott on May 8 at 1:58 PM | Report abuse
Thanks for the response, Simon. I called Bell, and they looked up my file and found that I have a 4 X 4 switch. With each HD PVR taking up two spots, I'll be able to connect both the 9200 and the 9242. Yay!
On a side note, future shop said that instead of buying the 9242, I should buy the 6141 (HD non-PVR receiver) and hook up an external harddrive. For anyone considering doing this, I suggest that you DON'T. Even though the 6141 has a USB port, it hasn't been enabled yet (it needs a firmware update, which Bell has not provided yet).
Good luck to everyone with their various Bell receivers. :)