Comments on: How To Get Two CableCARDs For Your Series 3 TiVo http://www.tivoblog.com/archives/2007/06/07/how-to-get-two-cablecards-for-your-series-3-tivo/ An Unofficial Blog dedicated to TiVo News, Information & Commentary. One of CNET News.com's Top 100 Blogs. Sat, 06 Sep 2008 21:19:47 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=abc By: Sarah http://www.tivoblog.com/archives/2007/06/07/how-to-get-two-cablecards-for-your-series-3-tivo/#comment-216473 Sarah Wed, 23 Jul 2008 21:05:55 +0000 http://www.tivoblog.com/archives/2007/06/07/how-to-get-two-cablecards-for-your-series-3-tivo/#comment-216473 My cable cards to receive the HD content, even for the encrypted/premium channels. Obviously I do not get anything off two-way channels (i.e. on demand & pay per view) but I don't care about that content. Tivo records plenty of other content :) The lack of two-way content is not the fault of the cards or the Tivo. Basically the cable companies have things set up so that the two-way interaction will only work with the company-provided cable boxes. So the cable cards are effectively limited to just receiving content. The companies claim that it's an anti-piracy thing, but I think it has more to do with extra service charge they can get for renting the extra boxes... I talked to comcast last week, they said that they're 'working on a solution' to allow cable cards to work interactively & receive on-demand (and other two-way) content. Personally, I'll believe it when I see it and not a minute before. I get both my cards for $1.75, and all the HD content without paying the extra $10 for the HD cable box. And, of course, I don't have to pay the $15/month DVR fee either! Thank you, affordable TiVo subscription! My cable cards to receive the HD content, even for the encrypted/premium channels.

Obviously I do not get anything off two-way channels (i.e. on demand & pay per view) but I don’t care about that content. Tivo records plenty of other content :)

The lack of two-way content is not the fault of the cards or the Tivo. Basically the cable companies have things set up so that the two-way interaction will only work with the company-provided cable boxes. So the cable cards are effectively limited to just receiving content. The companies claim that it’s an anti-piracy thing, but I think it has more to do with extra service charge they can get for renting the extra boxes…

I talked to comcast last week, they said that they’re ‘working on a solution’ to allow cable cards to work interactively & receive on-demand (and other two-way) content. Personally, I’ll believe it when I see it and not a minute before.

I get both my cards for $1.75, and all the HD content without paying the extra $10 for the HD cable box. And, of course, I don’t have to pay the $15/month DVR fee either! Thank you, affordable TiVo subscription!

]]> By: TiVo Blog » How To Get Two CableCARDs For A Series 3 TiVo (Part 2) http://www.tivoblog.com/archives/2007/06/07/how-to-get-two-cablecards-for-your-series-3-tivo/#comment-86670 TiVo Blog » How To Get Two CableCARDs For A Series 3 TiVo (Part 2) Thu, 14 Jun 2007 03:45:07 +0000 http://www.tivoblog.com/archives/2007/06/07/how-to-get-two-cablecards-for-your-series-3-tivo/#comment-86670 [...] Thursday I blogged about my phone conversation with Time Warner Cable and how I setup an appointment to get two CableCARDs installed in my Series 3 TiVo. Well, my [...] [...] Thursday I blogged about my phone conversation with Time Warner Cable and how I setup an appointment to get two CableCARDs installed in my Series 3 TiVo. Well, my [...]

]]> By: Alex http://www.tivoblog.com/archives/2007/06/07/how-to-get-two-cablecards-for-your-series-3-tivo/#comment-86226 Alex Sat, 09 Jun 2007 11:29:42 +0000 http://www.tivoblog.com/archives/2007/06/07/how-to-get-two-cablecards-for-your-series-3-tivo/#comment-86226 <blockquote>I’m curious, currently I’m paying for Comcast Digital HD service (along with internet and phone), the cable costs me about $75/mnth. If I got a Series3 and two CableCards from Comcast, would I get all the channels I have now for only the cost of the cards? Or do I pay that fee on top of the programming package I need to select to get the channels I want?</blockquote> You pay that fee on top of the fee it costs you for your cable. CableCARDs simply allows your TiVo to receive and record digital channels. It essentially replaces the set top box with a small card. The S3 probably won't save you money unless of course you have an antenna and you decided to get rid of cable all together.

I’m curious, currently I’m paying for Comcast Digital HD service (along with internet and phone), the cable costs me about $75/mnth. If I got a Series3 and two CableCards from Comcast, would I get all the channels I have now for only the cost of the cards? Or do I pay that fee on top of the programming package I need to select to get the channels I want?

You pay that fee on top of the fee it costs you for your cable. CableCARDs simply allows your TiVo to receive and record digital channels. It essentially replaces the set top box with a small card. The S3 probably won’t save you money unless of course you have an antenna and you decided to get rid of cable all together.

]]> By: bnpositive http://www.tivoblog.com/archives/2007/06/07/how-to-get-two-cablecards-for-your-series-3-tivo/#comment-86177 bnpositive Sat, 09 Jun 2007 05:04:05 +0000 http://www.tivoblog.com/archives/2007/06/07/how-to-get-two-cablecards-for-your-series-3-tivo/#comment-86177 I'm curious, currently I'm paying for Comcast Digital HD service (along with internet and phone), the cable costs me about $75/mnth. If I got a Series3 and two CableCards from Comcast, would I get all the channels I have now for only the cost of the cards? Or do I pay that fee on top of the programming package I need to select to get the channels I want? I’m curious, currently I’m paying for Comcast Digital HD service (along with internet and phone), the cable costs me about $75/mnth. If I got a Series3 and two CableCards from Comcast, would I get all the channels I have now for only the cost of the cards? Or do I pay that fee on top of the programming package I need to select to get the channels I want?

]]> By: Brad Barrish http://www.tivoblog.com/archives/2007/06/07/how-to-get-two-cablecards-for-your-series-3-tivo/#comment-86123 Brad Barrish Fri, 08 Jun 2007 21:34:04 +0000 http://www.tivoblog.com/archives/2007/06/07/how-to-get-two-cablecards-for-your-series-3-tivo/#comment-86123 Good luck. I had a total of 3 "installer" appointments, nearly 20 hours spent on the phone with TWC (sometimes with a TiVo rep also on the line) and only after all of that did I actually get things set up and working. It took far too much effort and clearly there are very few people that know anything about CableCARD technology. I posted a rather lengthy explanation of the ordeal on my site, sent it in to the consumerist and have written a few letters to various people at TWC. Good luck. I had a total of 3 “installer” appointments, nearly 20 hours spent on the phone with TWC (sometimes with a TiVo rep also on the line) and only after all of that did I actually get things set up and working. It took far too much effort and clearly there are very few people that know anything about CableCARD technology. I posted a rather lengthy explanation of the ordeal on my site, sent it in to the consumerist and have written a few letters to various people at TWC.

]]> By: Dave Zatz http://www.tivoblog.com/archives/2007/06/07/how-to-get-two-cablecards-for-your-series-3-tivo/#comment-86065 Dave Zatz Fri, 08 Jun 2007 15:16:39 +0000 http://www.tivoblog.com/archives/2007/06/07/how-to-get-two-cablecards-for-your-series-3-tivo/#comment-86065 There's been tons of phone conversations I'd have liked to record (or admit to) and post, but man I'm scared. There’s been tons of phone conversations I’d have liked to record (or admit to) and post, but man I’m scared.

]]> By: Alex http://www.tivoblog.com/archives/2007/06/07/how-to-get-two-cablecards-for-your-series-3-tivo/#comment-86061 Alex Fri, 08 Jun 2007 15:14:03 +0000 http://www.tivoblog.com/archives/2007/06/07/how-to-get-two-cablecards-for-your-series-3-tivo/#comment-86061 <blockquote>Thanks for posting the phone call, that was really helpful. Do you mind if I ask where you’re located? (I know different offices seem to get different responses). Also, I found it interesting that they offered to bring you a cable box out as well to replace your DVR, I guess if you wanted to then you could use that in addition to the TiVo to get the On Demand and PPV stuff (I know, you don’t care - but I love the on demand concept so will likely try to do that).</blockquote> No problem...I'm located in New Hartford, NY. You're right about the set top box. You could keep it but I don't want it. As of right now, I do have a stp but I plan on getting rid of it.

Thanks for posting the phone call, that was really helpful. Do you mind if I ask where you’re located? (I know different offices seem to get different responses). Also, I found it interesting that they offered to bring you a cable box out as well to replace your DVR, I guess if you wanted to then you could use that in addition to the TiVo to get the On Demand and PPV stuff (I know, you don’t care - but I love the on demand concept so will likely try to do that).

No problem…I’m located in New Hartford, NY. You’re right about the set top box. You could keep it but I don’t want it. As of right now, I do have a stp but I plan on getting rid of it.

]]> By: Barry http://www.tivoblog.com/archives/2007/06/07/how-to-get-two-cablecards-for-your-series-3-tivo/#comment-86054 Barry Fri, 08 Jun 2007 14:24:32 +0000 http://www.tivoblog.com/archives/2007/06/07/how-to-get-two-cablecards-for-your-series-3-tivo/#comment-86054 i've had an s3 with cableCARDS since last fall from TimeWarner/Comcast (Comcast assumed TW's business in the Twin Cities because apparently Time Warner didn't like making money here in Minnesota). Anyway, you shouldn't have a problem with any HD channels that do not involve two-way (onDemand, PPV) communication or that you haven't paid for (HBO, etc). The 'varies' thing on that site probably refers to the specific channel lineup in your city. now my question is when are the new cableCARDS that are multi-tuner capable coming out? so i don't have to have two in my tivo - one of which consistently needs to be reseated - and i'd rather have a frontal lobotomy than go thru the rigmarole of having a comcast tech at my house. i’ve had an s3 with cableCARDS since last fall from TimeWarner/Comcast (Comcast assumed TW’s business in the Twin Cities because apparently Time Warner didn’t like making money here in Minnesota). Anyway, you shouldn’t have a problem with any HD channels that do not involve two-way (onDemand, PPV) communication or that you haven’t paid for (HBO, etc). The ‘varies’ thing on that site probably refers to the specific channel lineup in your city.

now my question is when are the new cableCARDS that are multi-tuner capable coming out? so i don’t have to have two in my tivo - one of which consistently needs to be reseated - and i’d rather have a frontal lobotomy than go thru the rigmarole of having a comcast tech at my house.

]]> By: Abby http://www.tivoblog.com/archives/2007/06/07/how-to-get-two-cablecards-for-your-series-3-tivo/#comment-86046 Abby Fri, 08 Jun 2007 13:35:40 +0000 http://www.tivoblog.com/archives/2007/06/07/how-to-get-two-cablecards-for-your-series-3-tivo/#comment-86046 Thanks for posting the phone call, that was really helpful. Do you mind if I ask where you're located? (I know different offices seem to get different responses). Also, I found it interesting that they offered to bring you a cable box out as well to replace your DVR, I guess if you wanted to then you could use that in addition to the TiVo to get the On Demand and PPV stuff (I know, you don't care - but I love the on demand concept so will likely try to do that). Thanks for posting the phone call, that was really helpful. Do you mind if I ask where you’re located? (I know different offices seem to get different responses). Also, I found it interesting that they offered to bring you a cable box out as well to replace your DVR, I guess if you wanted to then you could use that in addition to the TiVo to get the On Demand and PPV stuff (I know, you don’t care - but I love the on demand concept so will likely try to do that).

]]> By: Alex http://www.tivoblog.com/archives/2007/06/07/how-to-get-two-cablecards-for-your-series-3-tivo/#comment-86043 Alex Fri, 08 Jun 2007 13:10:38 +0000 http://www.tivoblog.com/archives/2007/06/07/how-to-get-two-cablecards-for-your-series-3-tivo/#comment-86043 <blockquote>Very interesting phone conversation Alex. They told you what I have heard others have been told. That basically cable card doesn’t get you HD channels that are encrypted (A&E, ESPN etc).</blockquote> This has me confused as well. Could it be that A&E & ESPN2 are switched digital? Like you said, I don't think I'll really know what's available until I have the cards setup. As a side note, the CSR that I spoke with pretty much just read this website: http://www.timewarnercable.com/centralny/products/cablecard.html

Very interesting phone conversation Alex. They told you what I have heard others have been told. That basically cable card doesn’t get you HD channels that are encrypted (A&E, ESPN etc).

This has me confused as well. Could it be that A&E & ESPN2 are switched digital? Like you said, I don’t think I’ll really know what’s available until I have the cards setup. As a side note, the CSR that I spoke with pretty much just read this website: http://www.timewarnercable.com/centralny/products/cablecard.html

]]> By: Doug Barnum http://www.tivoblog.com/archives/2007/06/07/how-to-get-two-cablecards-for-your-series-3-tivo/#comment-86034 Doug Barnum Fri, 08 Jun 2007 12:20:16 +0000 http://www.tivoblog.com/archives/2007/06/07/how-to-get-two-cablecards-for-your-series-3-tivo/#comment-86034 Very interesting phone conversation Alex. They told you what I have heard others have been told. That basically cable card doesn't get you HD channels that are encrypted (A&E, ESPN etc). It will be interesting to hear what you actually receive. They are basically claiming that cable card is just a clear QAM tuner. Doesn't make sense to me. But then again from their perspective 2.73/month sucks compared to the 7 or 8 bucks a month a HD box gets them. Plus the chance to sell PPV and VOD. Very interesting phone conversation Alex. They told you what I have heard others have been told. That basically cable card doesn’t get you HD channels that are encrypted (A&E, ESPN etc).

It will be interesting to hear what you actually receive. They are basically claiming that cable card is just a clear QAM tuner. Doesn’t make sense to me.

But then again from their perspective 2.73/month sucks compared to the 7 or 8 bucks a month a HD box gets them. Plus the chance to sell PPV and VOD.

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