Build it, and they will come. Sound familiar?
More like…build it, and they have to ask for it.
What’s the deal? Well, after a long wait, TELUS HD (read: high definition television) has finally started to roll-out in Vancouver. How do I know this? I called today to, once again, ask when it’s coming. To my complete and utter surprise, they said NOW!
Why was I surprised? Simple: my recent experiences with TELUS have been about as pleasant as getting a wool sweater from your grandmother for Christmas….that’s two sizes too small…if you live in the Caribbean…and are allergic to wool.
What’s the kicker? Why don’t you already know about this? Where was your e-mail, phone call, postcard, FedEx, personal notification, dog n’ pony show?
Don’t worry, you didn’t miss anything…they haven’t let anyone know. Feel special? I didn’t.
It’s called a ’soft launch’ and apparently for the last month (according to ‘Mike’, who I spoke with on the phone) they are doling out their TELUS HD packages with laser-like precision only to those who ask for them by name (for now).
Anyway, I won’t pretend to understand the business ramifications of the ’soft-launch’ vs. the ‘hard-launch’ as its not my forte. What is, though, is customer service, and letting you know about it.
So…with that, consider yourself told…and go ask for it! They can be reached at (604) 310-6988.
I’ve got a limited amount of time left for TELUS after the circus they put me through earlier this year. If they drop the ball once more, I’m switching the channel.
T&D Rating: 3.5 remotes (out of 5)
Just cancelled regular Telus TV, what a nightmare. If you go with Telus TV, be aware, only 2 TVs are permitted on the system as each TV requires a “box” HD or otherwise. A third TV can be added but the 3rd TV must watch what the TV it is linked to is watching. HD with Telus is new and probably has many bugs as the Telus TV had when it was launched. No PVR to mention at this time even though it was promised 6 months ago.
The worst is the “verbal agreement” that is thrown in your face when you try to cancel their service. $120 smackers. When we signed up there was no mention of the “cancellation” fee. I pressed the point and asked who in our household agreed, verbally to this and the “customer service?! agent” could not come up with a name. We did not have to pay….
If you cancel, don’t make the mistake as we did and cancel the sevice on the Saturday, on the weekend because if you do, you lose your Telus internet until the following Tuesday?!!! Um, the guys who flip your service over don’t work on weekends, I was told. What about Monday? Well, there is a queue. I pressed the point and we got our service Monday morning as again there was no mention of the disruption of service. (My son had an timed UBC online exam on Saturday and the rep said he’d offer us dial-up service for 16 hours) Timed exam=dial up? I said you’ve got to be kidding. No charge?!!! for 16 hours….
Off he went to a friends to hook up with the internet.
Yikes! That is pretty nasty stuff, Leon!
I have been looking into getting HD for an upcoming HDTV purchase. Living in a downtown condo, most people would say that Novus offers an incredible product. High speed internet at 10Mps download and upload vs Telus’ 1.5Mps download, 512Kps upload at about the same price. Packaged with their much cheaper (than Shaw’s) HDTV you have a winning combination. Novus will be bring in local phone service too in the future which should be interesting as an upstart company (that had to win thru the courts the right to break Rogers/Shaw’s cable monopoly) will be very hungry to win business.
Leon, even old style analogue cable in the past only allowed 1 TV per package. Officially there was an extra outlet charge of I think a few bucks for each extra tv you hooked on. Shaw/Rogers typically turned a blind eye to cable splitters and extra outlets in homes. With the new digital tv with the need for digital tuners for each tv, they are just enforcing what was in their fine print.
Cool! I had no idea, Simon!
With Telus HD, there was not even the ability to use splitters and extra outlets as you mention. 2 boxes, 2 TVs, that’s it.
3 TVs, you’re SOL.
So, we went back to Shaw, got HD and the technician provided the HD signal for the HD tv and automatically provided the extra outlets for regular TV, digital if you want to get more boxes. Not an option with Telus. Novus?
Anyways, Shaw HD on that 46 inch LCD? Amazing, even my wife the one who asked the kids why they needed to watch football in HD is in awe.
i agree with leon…shaw in HD is amazing. with the pvr thrown in, you can’t go wrong!