http://www.highdefforum.com Discuss and learn about High Definition Comcast, Cox, Time Warner, Adelphia and other cable HDTV providers. en Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:58:25 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.highdefforum.com/images/misc/rss.jpg http://www.highdefforum.com http://www.highdefforum.com/cable-providers/103889-comcast-no-longer-requires-install-cablecard-least-seattle-wa.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:33:35 GMT I picked up a Cablecard this morning at my local Comcast retail shop.

Before today, "pick up a Cablecard" meant "schedule appointment for truck roll so a tech can deliver the card and write some numbers down".

Today, the clerk just asked me if it was for a Tivo and handed me an M-card off the shelf behind her!

She said this was a new policy. About time!!

Are folks in other Comcast markets seeing this as well, or am I lucky out here in Seattle? ]]> Cable Providers ianf http://www.highdefforum.com/cable-providers/103889-comcast-no-longer-requires-install-cablecard-least-seattle-wa.html http://www.highdefforum.com/cable-providers/103861-explorer-8340hdc-cox.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:43:56 GMT I have the Scientific Atlantic Explorer 8340hdc on COX cable. What I want to do is totally legal; but they (COX) doesn't allow it. I want to take my DVR to my vacation home and watch the shows which I recorded onto the hard drive. Unfortunately, the box won't allow any access to the hard drive unless it is connected to a live cable from cox. I think this is BS, since what if their service went down--you still couldn't watch recorded programs.

Anyway, is there a workaround for this that anyone can recommend? Can you hack the box to allow you to play recorded programs without cable?

I was thinking of buying a DVR and canceling their DVR service (it ain't cheap) but a DVR I buy won't decode their signal--even if I am paying for it.

They have a "record to VCR" option on the DVR, but that's a pain in the butt and I'd lose HD signal.

Any advice? I go up to my other place almost every weekend, and it would be nice to be able to watch recorded tv.

Thanks!
Stefan ]]> Cable Providers kokosnood http://www.highdefforum.com/cable-providers/103861-explorer-8340hdc-cox.html http://www.highdefforum.com/cable-providers/103852-cablevision-adds-hd-channel.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:17:47 GMT Cablevision adds Smithsonian HD (Channel 780) Cablevision adds Smithsonian HD (Channel 780) ]]> Cable Providers seejeffgo http://www.highdefforum.com/cable-providers/103852-cablevision-adds-hd-channel.html http://www.highdefforum.com/cable-providers/103787-message-dvi-hdmi-output-blocked.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 02:43:53 GMT When I attempt to record a DVD through my Comcast cable box, it blocks the video only with a "Copy Protected" message. The second line reads "DVI/HDMI output is blocked." It then says "Press Exit to Cancel." I can cancel the message if I do it manually, but when I have scheduled the DVD to record, the video never gets recorded. This probably has something to do with my hookup from my DVD to the cable box. I do not have my DVD connected with an HDMI cable. I am pretty ignorant about this. Would appreciate some advice.
Thanks. ]]> Cable Providers wchorne http://www.highdefforum.com/cable-providers/103787-message-dvi-hdmi-output-blocked.html http://www.highdefforum.com/cable-providers/103774-cant-program-yamaha-rx-v557-reciever-sa-8300hdc-remote.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:16:15 GMT I've tried all the codes that are offered with the remote and some for other yamaha devices none work! Never had trouble controlling older SA boxes. These are the codes I've tried; 30176, 31176, 30354 none seem to work.
Anyone else having this issue? I tried the code search as well but fumbled the buttons 5 minutes into it, got pissed and now i'm here.
Thanks,
-Chris- ]]> Cable Providers 93hostang http://www.highdefforum.com/cable-providers/103774-cant-program-yamaha-rx-v557-reciever-sa-8300hdc-remote.html http://www.highdefforum.com/cable-providers/103766-link-remote-control-codes.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:32:52 GMT 30 second skip 5 minute skip etc.............. Where can I find the link? I have been searching, but with no luck. Sorry for the post, but I have been away from this forum for many months. 30 second skip
5 minute skip

etc..............


Where can I find the link? I have been searching, but with no luck.
Sorry for the post, but I have been away from this forum for many months. ]]> Cable Providers Hot Java http://www.highdefforum.com/cable-providers/103766-link-remote-control-codes.html http://www.highdefforum.com/cable-providers/103713-best-time-warner-hd-box.html Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:58:24 GMT I've called TWC asking about which is their best HD box and said they were all good and basicllay none is better than the other, they're not fooling me. Just need to know what is the best box in TWC, it could be either DVR or non DVR. I would prefer one without the DVR. Thank you fellas for the feedback. :helpme ]]> Cable Providers Jaco_Vasquez http://www.highdefforum.com/cable-providers/103713-best-time-warner-hd-box.html http://www.highdefforum.com/cable-providers/103675-comcast-guide-enhancements-feature-wishlist.html Sun, 15 Nov 2009 19:49:24 GMT I've created a multiple choice poll over at Broadband Reports for anyone interested in checking off or contributing features they would like to see on Comcast's TV platform.

The post is here:
http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r233...ature-Wishlist

Please feel free to pass this link around. After a lot of participants vote, the results will be sent to the Comcastcares team, which is interested in this real time customer data.

Thanks again for your participation.

The feature wish list currently includes:

User Interface / Guide:
• Revamped 16:9 HD interface.
• User interface enhancements (Drop shadows, alpha blending, animated windows, smooth scrolling, anti-aliasing, transparencies, fades and other element transition effects).
• Channel logos on guide / info bar for easy identification purposes
• In depth program information – click on actor/actress names and find related content.
• Sound effects (configurable on/off) for user element confirmations.
• Smart searching by keywords, including on demand results and search through program descriptions, not just titles.
• When selecting a show in search to record, if it is available in HD ask to record it in HD.
• Option to map HD channels to Standard numbers. IE) if Ch 3 is available in HD, then show it in HD when on 3.
• Setup multi user profiles (IE, Husband, Wife, Kids all have their own favorites and recording lists).
• Ability to save settings / preferences on server. Useful for equipment swaps so you don’t have to setup all of your series recordings / personalization elements again.
• Ability to transfer personalization elements from one box to another within your home. (Server based, or USB stick backup based).
• Ability to set program reminders or ‘bookmarks’ to VOD content on the web, and retrieve this information on the set top box.
• Downloadable “Themes” or “Screen Savers”. Could even be show promo themes. Want your guide to look like ABC’s Lost? Want it to look like Family Guy? Want it to look like your favorite NFL football team?
• Ability to recommend shows (TV or On Demand) to friends.
• Ability to continue to browse the guide, alter system settings, and perform searches even when playing VOD content.
• Web based programming (not only DVR, but setting up favorite’s lists, parental controls, etc…)
• On screen help and remote code database to walk you through the most common questions, and look up remote codes for TV’s, DVD Players, Audio Equipment, etc…
• Ability to connect to home network and share content from PC’s (Pictures, Music, Videos). DLNA, PlayON, etc…
• Ability to bring in web video content (YouTube, Vimeo, Google video, etc…).
• Ability to stream On Demand content over DOCSIS tuner, so you can still play VOD programs when dual tuners are busy recording.
• Start Over feature (Like Time Warner’s).
• Ability to playback MP3’s, pictures and video from USB sticks.
• Cell phone style predictive text entry with number keys (as an option).
• Pull guide data over the much faster DOCSIS channel. For DVR’s store the data on Hard Drive, to help avoid the hours of “To Be Announced” after minor power inconsistencies.
• Add Native display mode to HD DCT and DCH set tops.
• If set top is off display a screen saver on the video output (See Dish Network).
• Movie cover art in information screen, or browse VOD by cover art (Similar to Boxee).
• See top 5 programs in your neighborhood (VOD, and real time). Requires anonymous usage statistics collection.

DVR Specific:
• Recommendations based on what you currently record. IE) If you record Grey’s Anatomy, it might recommend Mercy or Trauma.
• Multi-Room DVR. Both playback, and manage series recordings list. Intelligently Pool multiple DVR’s storage space and available tuners if you have more than one DVR in the home.
• Ability to pool unused tuners from other rooms to supplement dual tuner DVR. (Live as well)
• If second tuner is available, ability to utilize it for picture in picture functionality.
• Ability to expand DVR storage with eSATA or USB 2.0 external Hard Drives.
• Intelligent monitoring of recording repeated shows, or duplicate recordings.
• Ability to setup DVR recordings (at low priority) based on keywords or interests. They will be deleted first however, as these recordings are only suggestions. Also live tuning requests always take priority.

Applications:
• App store environment (Free apps, and paid apps up to 4.99). Store apps on DVR hard drive. User decides what he/she wants.
• Interactive games to pass long commercial breaks, or boredom moments.
• Advanced Caller ID functions. Caller logs, check voicemail through TV’s speakers. Setup call forwarding. Pull Caller ID name from Plaxio contacts list.
• Advanced Information lookup. (Yellowpages phone numbers, imdb information)
• Web based applications such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIN, Myspace, ESPN, CNN. etc…
• Polling with real time results (American Idol, Reality Shows, News channel debates, etc.)
• Interactive E-Learning applications for Children. Could be based on polling application.
• Ability to check and write Comcast.net e-mail on TV screen.
• Ability to check Comcast account balance (useful if you order a lot of paid VOD content). Possibly even pay bill.
• Widgets (Yahoo, Traffic, Sports and News tickers, rss feeds).
• Ability to order goods and services straight from the guide. (Pizza delivery, Flowers, Home Shopping, infomercial products, etc…)
• Connection with online music services (Pandora, Last.fm, Shoutcast)

Hardware / Service enhancements:
• Backlit remotes with more than 3 device programmability.
• One touch “TV Power” on remote. “All On” is not reliable if DVR is currently recording.
• Larger Internal Hard Drives (500GB, 750GB).
• VOD Movie package. For $xx dollars a month, give the customer 5 or 10 credits for movie allotments (like a Netflix subscription). Ability to save money over retail ala-carte costs, as some customers may not use all credits each month.
• Longer movie retention times in “VOD Saved Programs” list. Example: 48-72 hours from initial purchase.
• Use of REC2 light on newer DVR’s. This frees up the main display for time or channel even when both tuners are recording.
• Triple tuner DVR’s.
• Sirius/XM package through TV.

Bugfixes:
• Series recording does not work right, especially for non-network daily shows.
• The DVR records in SD when you've set it to an HD channel (Not an issue in all areas).
• Some channels can't be rewound or fast forwarded or has other problems with recording.
• Simultaneous series recording cancellation problem, aka whack-a-mole.
• "To Be Announced" displayed instead of program information when the Info button is pressed.
• Program guide listings for the second week have few descriptions; many are listed as "To Be Announced".
• The DVR records endlessly until all space is full.
• When I turn the DVR off, the Record light turns on, but there is no recording going on.
• The DVR menu erroneously states the DVR hard drive is 100% full.
• The DVR stops responding to the remote for several seconds.
• On some display screens, you only see a corner of the video instead of it being scaled to fit.
• Reports of local commercial insertion switching resolutions on HD channels when Native Mode is set on DCX. (Not an issue in all areas).
• Firewire issues on DCX, and DCT boxes.
• Screen saver not filling (and protecting) the entire screen on HD channels. ]]> Cable Providers cypherstream http://www.highdefforum.com/cable-providers/103675-comcast-guide-enhancements-feature-wishlist.html http://www.highdefforum.com/cable-providers/103660-hd-dual-tuner-dvr-hcl3416-problems.html Sun, 15 Nov 2009 07:09:56 GMT Ive been having problems with my dvr since i got it. My cable provider is Time Warner Cable. When i try to use the remote, the DVR will appear to ignore me. The remote response light (lower right of LED display) turns solid. It pauses on the last command i entered for about 30-60 seconds. Then, the... Ive been having problems with my dvr since i got it. My cable provider is Time Warner Cable. When i try to use the remote, the DVR will appear to ignore me. The remote response light (lower right of LED display) turns solid. It pauses on the last command i entered for about 30-60 seconds. Then, the DVR responded to all the buttons i have pressed. I have already switched out the dvr for another but still same problem. Ive also had a tech come n take a look and found no problem with the signal or cables. It also Pixelates from time to time, like having a complete puzzle thrown all over the place. Any ideas? ]]> Cable Providers Kalel24 http://www.highdefforum.com/cable-providers/103660-hd-dual-tuner-dvr-hcl3416-problems.html http://www.highdefforum.com/cable-providers/103583-anyone-have-qam-channels-mediacom-sugar-grove-il.html Thu, 12 Nov 2009 05:49:56 GMT MediaCom recently added some local digitals to the lineup. On rescanning (Win 7 Media Center, AverMedia M780 tuner) I got a few more channels but I'm still missing UPN and WGN.

I can add them manually if I know what the channels are.

So does anyone have the lineup for QAM or no a good way for me to hunt?

Thanks,

Bob ]]> Cable Providers bobcrane http://www.highdefforum.com/cable-providers/103583-anyone-have-qam-channels-mediacom-sugar-grove-il.html http://www.highdefforum.com/cable-providers/103525-5-1-sound-problems-abc.html Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:55:40 GMT I'm with Cox (Las Vegas) and have the following equip:
1. Sony 46" HDtv
2. Explorer 8240 HDC
3. Samsung HT-Z310 Home Theater System

I have an optical cable going from the Cable box to the HT-Z310.

I get reasonable 5.1 surround sound on almost all of the HD channels, EXCEPT ABC. On ABC, the rear speakers will constantly drop out, or I will just get static! Is there something different in the way ABC sends it's surround sound signal that would cause this? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. ]]> Cable Providers daver1003 http://www.highdefforum.com/cable-providers/103525-5-1-sound-problems-abc.html http://www.highdefforum.com/cable-providers/103483-small-comcast-hd-set-top-box-options.html Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:38:24 GMT Howdy,

I've got a 21" LCD HDTV in the kitchen hooked up directly to Comcast digital cable in Seattle, WA. It pulls in all the open QAM channels which covers most of what I get on digital cable, except I only get HD feeds for local OTA channels: all the cable HD feeds (ie. HD Discovery, HD Travel Channel, HD Nick). The channel numbering is also messed up, leading to extensive Wife Grief & Kid Grief, which trickles-down and multiplies VERY fast to become Husband Grief...

I realise the only way I get this cleaned up is to bite the bullet and get a set-top box--gag. Sadly, the TV is not a CableCard unit.

So, my questions are:

1) Does Comcast have a nice, SMALL digital set-top box that won't eat up half my shelf space and be twice the size of my TV? I've got a DCH 3200 hooked up to the family room TV and really don't want something that huge camping under my kitchen TV. I called Comcast to ask this question but that accomplished as much (and felt as good) as whacking myself in the head with a shovel...

2) Assuming Comcast does NOT have a nice, small set-top box, any suggestions of something I can get on the open market to plug a CableCard in to?

3) Am I missing a better option outside of these two?

Many thanks,
ian ]]> Cable Providers ianf http://www.highdefforum.com/cable-providers/103483-small-comcast-hd-set-top-box-options.html http://www.highdefforum.com/cable-providers/103396-time-warner-hdmi-shaky-picture.html Sun, 08 Nov 2009 10:44:08 GMT Hello,

I have my cable provided by TW in the Albany-Capital Region of NY. When using Component hook ups, my screen has no shake to it. When I use the HDMI cable I purchased to connect from the cable box to my LG HDTV, the pictures starts to shake or twitch.

It's very subtle, but obvious if pointed out. Has anyone experienced this, either because of a faulty box or bad HDMI cables? I'm trying to think if I'm disabled from using HDMI until I replace one or the other.

Thoughts, suggestions? Thanks! ]]> Cable Providers guttermanster http://www.highdefforum.com/cable-providers/103396-time-warner-hdmi-shaky-picture.html http://www.highdefforum.com/cable-providers/103323-cablecard-installed-comcast-digital-home-now-moving-basic-home-still-work.html Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:01:16 GMT I lived in apartment where I paid for comcast digital cable service with a CableCard installed in my HDTV. I am now moving to an apartment where they only have Basic cable. Will my CableCard still receive digital cable? Thank you. I lived in apartment where I paid for comcast digital cable service with a CableCard installed in my HDTV.

I am now moving to an apartment where they only have Basic cable. Will my CableCard still receive digital cable?

Thank you. ]]> Cable Providers sungho2o8 http://www.highdefforum.com/cable-providers/103323-cablecard-installed-comcast-digital-home-now-moving-basic-home-still-work.html http://www.highdefforum.com/cable-providers/103291-there-way-decrypt-hd-channels-off-comcast-basic-cable.html Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:57:53 GMT Hi Everyone,

I have the cheapest Basic Cable service from Comcast in San Jose, California. I also have a 42" Vizio Gallevia LCD HD TV from Costco for about 3 years now. This TV has a built in QAM receiver that, up until about 2 weeks ago, could decode about 100 Comcast HDTV channels, like 2-1, 9-1, 9-2, etc, as well as receive the old analog channels like, 2, 3, 5, 7, etc. About 2 weeks ago the HD DTV channels went blank. I should be careful to describe what has happened, because it is weird. When I scan for channels, the HD channels like 2-1 and 9-1 are still there, they just display as black with no sound, not snow with static. The old analog channels 2 through 36 display fine as they did before. The QAM tuner is finding the DTV HD channels when it scans, but it can only display them as a black background with no sound.

I have heard that Comcast may now be encrypting the HD channels for Basic Cable subscribers. I know I can spend way more money per month and get their box and solve the problem, but I wonder if there is an external QAM box or equivalent that I could buy that might descramble the signal, assuming that is what is happening. I have seen some external QAM boxes sold on the internet, but they seem more geared to attaching an outside antenna for over the air DTV. San Jose is 55 miles from the TV tower in San Francisco, and antennas can be problematic around here because of the distant tower.

I would like to plug the Comcast cable into some sort of box and then output that to my TV to get the full range of DTV signals as before. Because the current tuner still finds these things, I suspect there must be a way to actually display them.

Have any of you found a solution?

Thanks,
Mark ]]> Cable Providers msweiger http://www.highdefforum.com/cable-providers/103291-there-way-decrypt-hd-channels-off-comcast-basic-cable.html