Shaw Direct : Ask Biography

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Shaw Direct is a direct broadcast satellite television distributor in Canada which is majority-owned by cable TV operator Shaw Communications Inc. As of 2010, Shaw Direct had over 900,000 subscribers. It broadcasts on K_u band from two communications satellites, Anik F1R at 107.3°W and Anik F2 at 111.1°W; these satellites are owned by Telesat Canada and otherwise are used primarily to distribute programming to various Canadian cable TV companies. The company was formerly known as Star Choice until April 15, 2009.

A full list of channels carried by these two satellites is available from satellite-related sites such as Lyngsat: F1 F2. Anik F1 carries most mainstream English-language programming; Anik F2 programming includes French-language and HDTV broadcasts. A third planned satellite, Anik G1, is due to be launched in 2012.

Shaw Direct began in Lincoln, New Brunswick, but is now based in Calgary, Alberta. Its broadcast centre is in Mississauga, Ontario and has call centres in Montreal, Calgary and Mississauga.