Learn About Our Technology - About Us

Record, pause and replay live TV, even in HD
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When you buy a Star Choice 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

Starts in the Sky Star Choice 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

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

Working with Motorola and Star Choice 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 make 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 the best customer service.

Entry Level Receiver

The DSR207 is value priced. It allows you to enjoy Star Choice programming with only a small investment in hardware.

Where it doesn't cut corners is performance. You get the great digital picture. It's wired for Surround Stereo Sound. You can enjoy Pay Per View movies and events and find out what's on with our onscreen interactive program guide, while you watch the current progrm in the corner of the screen. A bonus is its small size. It's perfect for a second TV in the kitchen or bedroom.

Home Theatre Receiver

Home Theatre Receiver The DSR317 is for the home theatre enthusiast. It has all features of the DSR207, with a few extras.

It's wired for Dolby Digital 5.1 sound and has both optical and electrical audio hook-ups to ensure compatibility with your stereo system. Plus, by connecting a phone line you can quickly take advanced of on-screen Caller ID and Instant Pay Per View.

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.

Star Choice leads the way in HD content with up to 28 high definition channels at no extra cost ^*. We broadcast more than 2,500 hours of original HD programming each week on 38 dedicated HD channels, including Movie Central, The Movie Network, Rogers Sporstnet, SRC, Discovery Channel, A&E, Super Écran, National Geographic, Showcase, WGN, HDNet, 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 DSR505 HD, 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

The Future is Coming Taking High Definition to the next level, Star Choice chose to think inside the box with the latest in satellite technology, the DVR530 HD, 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 Digital 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 DVR530 HD'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.