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Cox Cable Cards

647K views 2K replies 469 participants last post by  Tanic 
#1 ·
Just talked to cox cable here in fairfax, Va. The cable cards cost 8.95 per month each because they charge a digital gateway charge just like they do for each set....so its like getting 2 set top boxes. No system 3 for me. I will stay with D* and get the HR20
 
#1,602 ·
don't worry - your bill will vary greatly for a few months.. then it stabilizes

I don't think my bill was the same/predictable for about 6 months. I argued about the 2 gateway fees and it eventually went away.
 
#1,604 ·
Does anyone know where I can access the SA firmware version info? I cannot locate this.

Thanks!
From another thread...

You read correct (though it's "304, rather than 3.04"). To see what version you have, do the following:
  1. Tivo Button
  2. Messages & Settings
  3. Account & System Information
  4. CableCARD Decoders
  5. Configure CableCARD 1 (MultiStream) - This is assuming you have a single MCard
  6. CableCARD Menu
  7. SA CableCARD Diag Screen
  8. OS Ver: PKEY1.1.12_F.p.0301

I'm sure there's a more direct route, but this is how I check it.
Those of us in AZ with M-cards currently have the version 301 firmware, which is what's causing all the partial recording issues here for everyone with a TiVo HD. Those outside of AZ may have a different firmware version.
 
#1,605 ·
If you have had a recent CableCard install within Fairfax, VA area...

Can you please post whether Cox is using S or M cards, and what manufacturer they are? How was the experience? I'm getting a Tivo HD DVR and hoping that M-cards are used as I'll then only need one of those for both digital tuners within the tivo (multi-stream). I'm hearing conflicting stories between the techs and sales regarding how many cards are required - and of course I can't help them if they don't know what card type they're using. :)

Thanks.
 
#1,606 ·
I got my new Tivo HD last week and set it up on Saturday. Today I called Cox to order the cable card(s). The nice lady that answered the phone told me that I wouldn't be able to receive HD channels with a Tivo HD with a cable card! I only want to receive the "Expanded" HD channels. Has anyone else tried to order cable cards in the Ocala/Gainesville, FL area?

Also, I did a channel scan with the Tivo HD and it found the 6 "Limited Basic" HD channels. But the Tivo shows no schedules for those channels. Is that because they need to be "mapped" to the standard Cox channel numbers?
 
#1,607 ·
If you have had a recent CableCard install within Fairfax, VA area...

Can you please post whether Cox is using S or M cards, and what manufacturer they are? How was the experience? I'm getting a Tivo HD DVR and hoping that M-cards are used as I'll then only need one of those for both digital tuners within the tivo (multi-stream). I'm hearing conflicting stories between the techs and sales regarding how many cards are required - and of course I can't help them if they don't know what card type they're using. :)

Thanks.
I had mine installed back in july and the technician said that the M cards are limited so they rarely have any. I got two S cards instead and have not had any problems with them. The sales woman told me that it looked like I only needed one card when I was on the phone with her, so I assumed that they used M's but when the guy showed up he had two with him. He asked how many I wanted before the install though. It took about 30 min to an hour, but a lot of that was letting the 9.4 update install since I actually had the tech over right around when it was released.

I want to say the cards are motorola, but I do not know why I think that. It could be wrong.

A quick heads up though in case you were unaware, the tech told me that "a few" of the HD channels were SDV so I would miss out on them. What he actually meant was that 22 of the 40 are SDV so I would miss out on over half of them, along with any of the non-hd channels which are now SDV. Ive managed to survive on hopes that the tuning adapter would be here soon, but its getting rough.

This is all in Falls Chuch by the way
 
#1,608 ·
I got my new Tivo HD last week and set it up on Saturday. Today I called Cox to order the cable card(s). The nice lady that answered the phone told me that I wouldn't be able to receive HD channels with a Tivo HD with a cable card! I only want to receive the "Expanded" HD channels. Has anyone else tried to order cable cards in the Ocala/Gainesville, FL area?

Also, I did a channel scan with the Tivo HD and it found the 6 "Limited Basic" HD channels. But the Tivo shows no schedules for those channels. Is that because they need to be "mapped" to the standard Cox channel numbers?
I live in Gainesville, and have service with Cox. I have two TIVO HD DVR's, both with a single M card. I continue to receive all Cox SD and HD channels except VOD (Channel 1 and Channel 700.)
 
#1,609 ·
I live in Gainesville, and have service with Cox. I have two TIVO HD DVR's, both with a single M card. I continue to receive all Cox SD and HD channels except VOD (Channel 1 and Channel 700.)
Thanks for the reply. I will call them again. Did you have any problems when you called to order the cablecards?

Do you mind if I ask what you are paying per month for each M card?
 
#1,610 ·
I seem to recall that there were a few other Cox Rhode Island users here. Anyone having difficulty with AMCHD on channel 750. It is the only channel I am not receiving. Everything else is good. Cox wants to send a service tech but I know that is going to be fruitless.
 
#1,612 ·
Are there any other Cox Fairfax users out there? I keep reading about all of the changes that SDV is causing on other systems (TWC, Cablevision, even cox in different locations) and I have yet to see anyone as screwed as myself. I assume that there is nothing wrong with my box and that Cox up here has just gone crazy with the SDV, but I want to make sure.

Right now, among all of the SDV channels, I am missing out on approx. 22 of 40. Not to mention any SD channels like sundance. Over half of the HD is gone now! I admit I do not care about lifetime HD for example, but it seems that everyone else is missing out on one or two and maybe some SD channels like MTV musica or whatever.

I really find this to be quite unacceptable and I am not sure what I am going to do about it, but I just want some input as to if anyone else is in the same situation.

p.s. I am not the biggest NFL fan, but to put NFLHD on SDV as the season is about to start is just wrong. especially when they start broadcasting some of the games.
 
#1,613 ·
Just thought I'd post a comment here about a positive experience with cox (in phoenix) and the cable card situation. We have never been able to order Pay-Per-View with our cable card. When the cable company would send the 'hit' to unlock the ppv channel, it would crash the cable card and the tivo would die, needing a reboot. Well, some combination of tivo and multi-stream firmware update has fixed the problem. I ordered ESPN gameplan today and it worked flawlessly. I was so scared that it would kill my tivo that I set up a computer in my living room and had a video stream from yahoo going as a backup (we had company coming over to watch football). Well, it was unnecessary and it worked like a champ. I know this isn't 'earth shattering' news but it means that things are getting better. Just thought I'd throw out some positive experience here for people wondering.

Chris
 
#1,614 ·
Just thought I'd post a comment here about a positive experience with cox (in phoenix) and the cable card situation. We have never been able to order Pay-Per-View with our cable card. When the cable company would send the 'hit' to unlock the ppv channel, it would crash the cable card and the tivo would die, needing a reboot. Well, some combination of tivo and multi-stream firmware update has fixed the problem. I ordered ESPN gameplan today and it worked flawlessly. I was so scared that it would kill my tivo that I set up a computer in my living room and had a video stream from yahoo going as a backup (we had company coming over to watch football). Well, it was unnecessary and it worked like a champ. I know this isn't 'earth shattering' news but it means that things are getting better. Just thought I'd throw out some positive experience here for people wondering.

Chris
They're not offering a free preview are they? When I tried to get the hockey package last season, the order went through just fine but the day the free preview ended, I could no longer view it via the Tivo and after much argument, Cox gave me a "free" DVR to watch hockey on. I have free in quotes because I had to call them each month and get them to remove charges that should never have been there since it was "free". Each month they said they fixed it, but each month the charges were there again. Returned it the day playoffs moved to regular channels.
 
#1,615 ·
Are there any other Cox Fairfax users out there? I keep reading about all of the changes that SDV is causing on other systems (TWC, Cablevision, even cox in different locations) and I have yet to see anyone as screwed as myself. I assume that there is nothing wrong with my box and that Cox up here has just gone crazy with the SDV, but I want to make sure.
You're not alone (I'm in Falls Church on the Fairfax system), but it's not all SDV, apparently.

According to some previous posts, which I think are in this thread, the Fairfax office just doesn't turn on most of those channels for CableCard subscribers. They're apparently not actually SDV channels. I've been playing phone tag for two months now with Cox's VP of Community Relations trying to get an answer (and a "why").

But yeah, I get 703-720 (except a couple in there, like CNNHD), but nothing above that.

My building seems to be the last one in Falls Church City that hasn't been hooked up for fios, but when it is, I see no reason why I'd be sticking with Cox. Maybe that'll change with the tuning resolver, or with someone at the Fairfax office getting a clue, but it seems unlikely.
 
#1,616 ·
They're not offering a free preview are they? When I tried to get the hockey package last season, the order went through just fine but the day the free preview ended, I could no longer view it via the Tivo and after much argument, Cox gave me a "free" DVR to watch hockey on. I have free in quotes because I had to call them each month and get them to remove charges that should never have been there since it was "free". Each month they said they fixed it, but each month the charges were there again. Returned it the day playoffs moved to regular channels.
Hey Brian,
I had the hockey package last season. no problem. not sure why you had issues. I got the "half season package" because we missed the discounted full season package. one service guy that seems to be the area expert tech on tivo/cable cards and the supervisor for the techs in our area (jesse?) told me it should work fine and it did. I'm originally from Philly and it's the only way i get to see my Flyers :D. i received all of the games on all the appropriate channels.

BTW i got my firmware upgrade like everyone else and have had zero problems since. I checked it the morning everyone reported the upgrade and it was there. We've tried recording a whole bunch o' stuff, two programs at the same time etc. Not one problem or error. When they originally came out to install the first card back in January, they did a lot of work boosting the signal. They worked at the box on the corner outside, the box on the side of my house and went through the attic and re-routed some of the lines. This was the senior tech again that told be i'd be able to get the hockey. He improved the signal strength considerably. This may be why i'm not getting any of the grey/green screen issues that some folks are.

Ken
 
#1,617 ·
Hey Brian,
I had the hockey package last season. no problem. not sure why you had issues. I got the "half season package" because we missed the discounted full season package. one service guy that seems to be the area expert tech on tivo/cable cards and the supervisor for the techs in our area (jesse?) told me it should work fine and it did. I'm originally from Philly and it's the only way i get to see my Flyers :D. i received all of the games on all the appropriate channels.

BTW i got my firmware upgrade like everyone else and have had zero problems since. I checked it the morning everyone reported the upgrade and it was there. We've tried recording a whole bunch o' stuff, two programs at the same time etc. Not one problem or error. When they originally came out to install the first card back in January, they did a lot of work boosting the signal. They worked at the box on the corner outside, the box on the side of my house and went through the attic and re-routed some of the lines. This was the senior tech again that told be i'd be able to get the hockey. He improved the signal strength considerably. This may be why i'm not getting any of the grey/green screen issues that some folks are.

Ken
I can't stand how everyone gets different answers from them. If they implement SDV though as they say they're going to, I don't imagine it will work this season?
 
#1,620 ·
Getting two Tivo units from the woot deal hooked up this Saturday. Cox in my area (Santa Barbara/Southern Cal) charges $59.00 for the truck roll for up to two cable cards, and an additional $10 for each cable card after that. Kind of $$ IMO for something a chimpanzee can do. Cards are also $1.99/mo each and they won't give me the first one free.

Here's to hoping the guy does a good job on saturday with two Tivo HDs.
 
#1,621 ·
Getting two Tivo units from the woot deal hooked up this Saturday. Cox in my area (Santa Barbara/Southern Cal) charges $59.00 for the truck roll for up to two cable cards, and an additional $10 for each cable card after that. Kind of $$ IMO for something a chimpanzee can do. Cards are also $1.99/mo each and they won't give me the first one free.

Here's to hoping the guy does a good job on saturday with two Tivo HDs.
ask (insist) cox for the m card...you only need 1 card for each tivo, so you'll save a few bucks on installation & monthly fees

that's how I went in San Diego a month ago & all is well
 
#1,622 ·
ask (insist) cox for the m card...you only need 1 card for each tivo, so you'll save a few bucks on installation & monthly fees

that's how I went in San Diego a month ago & all is well
I wish, they don't have M cards here. I've asked several times and even this time when I called to setup the appointment the guy just assumed I needed two, i had to correct him and tell him 4. Which is kind of wierd, because I know that we're now tied in with the San Diego site somehow. Last year or so they moved all their customer service and support and even a lot of equipment down to San Diego, their site up here is little more than a shell these days.
 
#1,623 ·
Just an update on my install with Cox. Tech showed up and ended up installing M cards, apparently there is a pretty large disconnect from the customer service phone jockies and the field techs. The tech spent all of about 15 minutes installing the cards on both of my Tivo's with no problems at all.

I did have a bunch of channels disappear on me, but it was apparently because one of the idiots along the way decided I no longer wanted any of my digital services and removed them from the account.. That was resolved quickly over the phone, i now get all cox channel tiers including all HD channels.

I am very, very happy with my Tivo. Should have done this months ago. :)
 
#1,624 ·
Just an update on my install with Cox. Tech showed up and ended up installing M cards, apparently there is a pretty large disconnect from the customer service phone jockies and the field techs. The tech spent all of about 15 minutes installing the cards on both of my Tivo's with no problems at all.
I spent my first three years with Cox as a field tech and these last two as a "phone jocky" and if it's run on your side of the country like it is here then I can tell you that you don't know the half of it. If you think that's bad it's the disconnect between sales and technical that should really scare you.

Though I have a feeling it's like that with any company that does this kind of thing. Each department is trained differently by different people with different end goals in mind. That kind of thing is hard to change.

Glad to hear it went well in the end. Sure it's not my market or "my people" but it is my conpany for better or worse, and I hear far too much of the bad. So any story about it going right makes me happy.
 
#1,625 ·
Is anyone having any problems in the OKC market (particularly Yukon)?

A tech (very good one) and I have probably spent about 10 hours now in 2 day going between M cards and S cards in two of my TiVo HD's and keep having issues.

The M cards would show as authorized (CP Auth Received), but could not decrypt any encrypted channels (3 or 4 different M cards tried).

The S cards (we've been through about 6 so far) show as authorized (CP Auth Received), but some channels (HD channels mostly) STILL will only show a black screen.. while other encrypted channels will appear.

I've had tech support send all the repairing and hits they can.. Nothing changed. I am beyond frustrated and about to give up my TiVos to just go to Cox HD DVRs.. Something I REALLY do not want to do because I HATE Scientific Atlanta boxes, and I will loose all the add'l TiVo features. Not to mention a lot of money i've already spent into the TiVo's.. but I am getting to my end point on this.

My signal levels are fine, all the right info is on my COX account (according to many dispatchers and tech support people), and NOTHING SEEMS TO WORK!

Any response would be greatly appreciated!!
 
#1,626 ·
The M cards would show as authorized (CP Auth Received), but could not decrypt any encrypted channels (3 or 4 different M cards tried).
"CP Auth Received" is not the same as "authorized." "CP Auth Received" means the cards are properly paired, so if appropriately authorized (a separate step), you'd be able to see copy protected (non-0 CCI) content.

On the cards, you need to check the CA screens, which say whether the card is authorized for the currently tuned channel(s).

Check these two tivo articles. They may provide you some help:

http://www.tivo.com/setupandsupport..._CableCARD_Activation_and_Channel_Issues.html

http://www.tivo.com/setupandsupport...troubleshoot_using_CableCARD_MMI_screens.html
 
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