TiVo Community Forum banner
  • TiVoCommunity.com Ambassador Program Now Open! >>> Click Here

Official Comcast CableCard Thread!

3M views 9K replies 2K participants last post by  laria 
#1 ·
There seems to already be a lot of CableCard talk on many threads so in an attempt to keep them consolidated by company here is an official thread for Comcast, I just made this thread since I am a Comcast customer, if others want to make official threads for their cable companies go for it! Making one thread for each cable company should ease everyones diging through 100 different threads for cablecard info.

Some relevant info that I have read about comcast so far is the following:
-If you explain to Comcast that both cable cards are for one device people have been successful in no additional monthly charge, one user reported getting good success with calling comcasts 800 number and speaking with a cable card department
-Others have had good luck with going to their local comcast office and getting cable cards directly from them, this saves the installation fee and is quicker

Myself...I called Comcast and got the same spiel as most others have heard, free card for the first one and additional charge for the second of 5.95 (may not be exact, I didn't write it down) and installation charges for both the install of both the first and second cable cards of 20something bucks and 15something bucks. I realize now that I left out some details about my device that may have lead on to these extra charges, I am out of town now but plan on hitting my local Comcast office on Saturday and just trying to get them to give me the cards and I will do the install, or I will call back and try and speak to someone who understands and get the second (additional outlet) monthly charge dropped as well as the installation costs. BTW I live in the Chicago area since some people have experienced different things with the different areas of Comcast. Let me know your thoughts on my experience, what you have heard and try and keep comcast details on this thread so we can all have an easier time keeping up with what others have heard. Also post your region so we know which flavor of comcast you are dealing with.
-AJ
 
See less See more
#8,051 ·
The only problem I've had with cards in the 3 years I've had them is that at some point Comcast enabled copy protection on the movie channels and I couldn't get them anymore. This was because when the card was first paired they did not put the Data ID in their system correctly - once that was matched up everything worked fine again.

Now having said that, I did have to escalate to the regional ops VP to get them to figure this out, but that's another story.
 
#8,052 ·
By law Comcast has to allow self install of cable cards, well not until August 8th. If they don't after that complain to the FCC which will fine Comcast.
I surely hope you are right. Here in Connecticut, we are not allowed to do anything, i.e. pick cable card, set top box or anything...or give info like Host and Data to Customer Service agent who are not allowed to do anything either. Everything requires a truck roll which we are charged for. Just last week, all of a sudden, one of my Tivo which has been working for a couple years stop receiving copy protected channels, i.e. HBO etc...we have not touched the cable card. So a truck roll was required, apparently one digit was wrong. since I have no access to either host or data info whose fault is that? To make matter worse, my second Tivo have the same problem this week. Called Comcast some old same old, there is nothing they can do, a truck roll is required.

Apparently Comcast changed to all digital in my area the last couple weeks. what caused the erroneous changes in my cable cards nobody seems to know. The couple techs who came said it could be anything like power lost or surge, but comcast did not do it. Could I have done it inadvertently? Probably not!!!

:mad:
 
#8,053 ·
I surely hope you are right. Here in Connecticut, we are not allowed to do anything, i.e. pick cable card, set top box or anything...or give info like Host and Data to Customer Service agent who are not allowed to do anything either. Everything requires a truck roll which we are charged for. Just last week, all of a sudden, one of my Tivo which has been working for a couple years stop receiving copy protected channels, i.e. HBO etc...we have not touched the cable card. So a truck roll was required, apparently one digit was wrong. since I have no access to either host or data info whose fault is that? To make matter worse, my second Tivo have the same problem this week. Called Comcast some old same old, there is nothing they can do, a truck roll is required.

Apparently Comcast changed to all digital in my area the last couple weeks. what caused the erroneous changes in my cable cards nobody seems to know. The couple techs who came said it could be anything like power lost or surge, but comcast did not do it. Could I have done it inadvertently? Probably not!!!

:mad:
That really sucks. But, apparently, the FCC is putting an end to this. You should be able to go to a Comcast office on August 8th and pickup a CableCard, and either use a webpage or call to get it paired. Either way, on or after August 8th, if they refuse, file a complaint with the FCC. It would be later, but Comcast has allowed self installs in some locations, so now they have to allow it everywhere by Monday.
 
#8,054 ·
That really sucks. But, apparently, the FCC is putting an end to this. You should be able to go to a Comcast office on August 8th and pickup a CableCard, and either use a webpage or call to get it paired. Either way, on or after August 8th, if they refuse, file a complaint with the FCC. It would be later, but Comcast has allowed self installs in some locations, so now they have to allow it everywhere by Monday.
Actually, probably no help for him. The CableCARD self-install is only mandatory if they allow self-install of other things like STBs. Apparently, his local Comcast doesn't.
 
#8,056 ·
Comcast may argue that each locale is a separate MVPD, in which case those locales that don't currently offer any self-install have until November 1. That argument has at least some validity as there seem to be few if any Comcast wide policies or prices.
 
#8,057 ·
Actually, probably no help for him. The CableCARD self-install is only mandatory if they allow self-install of other things like STBs. Apparently, his local Comcast doesn't.
Local? Why would the FCC care about local? Comcast is a large, national company. I don't believe it matters what they do in one location, it matters what they have done, anywhere in the country. If they have offered it somewhere, they have to now offer it everywhere and for CableCards too. And even if they hadn't, they will have to in September, I believe I read. In the end, all cable companies will have to do this, even if they didn't offer any sort of self-install in the past.
 
#8,058 ·
I'm not saying that Comcast will make this argument but doing otherwise requires that Comcast do something it has been loathe to do - institute a company wide policy.

Unless there are controlling rulings or regulations that define what constitutes an MVPD, Comcast may feel this battle worth fighting even though it will be mooted Nov. 1 (or later if that date has also been changed) to avoid setting a precedent..

To husky55: Comcast shouldn't be charging you to fix problems that are caused by them. If they don't give you satisfaction, you should contact your local government. May or may not work depending on how corrupt it is.

Hey, maybe Comcast is somehow sabotaging the development of the new HD DirectTiVo.
 
#8,059 ·
I'm not saying that Comcast will make this argument but doing otherwise requires that Comcast do something it has been loathe to do - institute a company wide policy.

Unless there are controlling rulings or regulations that define what constitutes an MVPD, Comcast may feel this battle worth fighting even though it will be mooted Nov. 1 (or later if that date has also been changed) to avoid setting a precedent.
As far as I have heard, Comcast hasn't brought it to court. Since they have to start complying on Monday, they don't have much time left.
 
#8,060 ·
As far as I have heard, Comcast hasn't brought it to court. Since they have to start complying on Monday, they don't have much time left.
There's nothing they could have taken to court yet. It's just that, based on past behavior, some of the local operating entities may feel that the Nov. 1 date is the one that applies to them. If the FCC acts on a resulting complaint, then is when it may go to court.

The problem is that there is no existing Comcast wide policy, so which date should apply is subject to debate.
 
#8,062 ·
I'll be interested to see if the following is still on the Comcast website come Monday:
Can I install the CableCARD into my TiVo Series 3 HD by myself?

To ensure that your installation is performed accurately, a technician is required to install and activate the CableCARDs. Please call 1-800-COMCAST (2662278) to set up an installation appointment.
I think they may have removed the FAQ entry that stated that all CableCARD installations required a technician.

I also think this has been modified (emphasis is mine):
Can I purchase a CableCARD, and if so, where?

CableCARD ready devices can be purchased at retail stores, but the CableCARD, which is necessary to activate the video service, is provided by Comcast. The CableCARD can be provided as part of a professional installation or self-installation.
 
#8,063 ·
Picked up my cablecard and put it in my Tivo. All channels work except for HBO. I've been on the phone six times with Comcast already and nobody there can figure out the issue. They all say I need a truck roll or a new cablecard. I might just go into the service center tomorrow and pickup a new cablecard just in the event it is that.

Anyone experience this issue with only HBO not working?
 
#8,065 ·
Did anyone at Comcast actually pair your CableCARD?

Is HBO your only Premium channel?

What is displayed on the "Conditional Access" screen of the CableCARD menu?
I called comcast and they paired my card. All other channels work fine, just not HBO (my only premium channel).

The conditional access screen has a ton of stuff on it. What specifically are you asking about?
 
#8,068 ·
What kind of TiVo is this? On my Premiere, the first four lines of the Conditional Access Screen look like this:

Conditional Access
Unit Address: string of numbers
Encryption: DES
Con:Yes EBCP:Yes Val: V 0x2E

The HD is the same except for Val: V 0x44.

I don't have any premium channels, so maybe that makes a difference.

What appears on screen when you try to access any of the HBO channels? Is your TiVo the only digital access you have?
 
#8,069 ·
I'm not saying that Comcast will make this argument but doing otherwise requires that Comcast do something it has been loathe to do - institute a company wide policy.

Unless there are controlling rulings or regulations that define what constitutes an MVPD, Comcast may feel this battle worth fighting even though it will be mooted Nov. 1 (or later if that date has also been changed) to avoid setting a precedent..

To husky55: Comcast shouldn't be charging you to fix problems that are caused by them. If they don't give you satisfaction, you should contact your local government. May or may not work depending on how corrupt it is.

Hey, maybe Comcast is somehow sabotaging the development of the new HD DirectTiVo.
I will call and see what they will do. Hopefully an accommodating CR will delete the truck roll charges. My experience in CT (25 years but only have Comcast for 15 years )was that we are required to have a truck roll. However CT has something like 169 towns and 8 counties so there is a chance that Comcast in some towns will allow different policies. May be somebody else from CT can chime in about Comcast truck roll policy.

I am kind of a DIY guy so it really bugs me to have a truck roll for everything.
 
#8,070 ·
I called comcast and they paired my card. All other channels work fine, just not HBO (my only premium channel).

The conditional access screen has a ton of stuff on it. What specifically are you asking about?
Most likely they typo'ed your Data ID when pairing the cards, this must match to get the movie channels. To confirm that this is the problem, try tuning some of the Encore channels and see if you have the same prob (assuming you have Digital Preferred). If those work, the card is paired properly and there's something else wrong.
 
#8,072 ·
Both of my Tivo Premieres went "This Channel Not Authorized" for HGTVHD, only. Called Comcast and they tried to hit them, nothing. They have no idea. And now I have to try to be home by 4PM on Wednesday to have them come out - and I feel very strongly that they'll find nothing wrong inside my place, considering nothing changed.
 
#8,073 ·
Both of my Tivo Premieres went "This Channel Not Authorized" for HGTVHD, only. Called Comcast and they tried to hit them, nothing. They have no idea. And now I have to try to be home by 4PM on Wednesday to have them come out - and I feel very strongly that they'll find nothing wrong inside my place, considering nothing changed.
Historically speaking, it is very unlikely re-hitting the card or sending a cabledroid to your home will yield the desired results. The cabledroid can check levels & replace the drop or connector and/or install conventional service to a conventional cable box, but most of them have zero cablecard skills, in particular when it comes to missing channels. You need to somehow get past tier one support to tier two.

I've had better luck calling TIVO support and having them transfer me to Comcast tier 2. TIVo support has their direct number.
 
#8,075 ·
I went into my local comcast store today asking to explain why I was being charged for a third set top box when all I have is a dvr, converter, and cable card for my TiVo premiere. It had been my understanding that cc are free. Well, they explained that I had a dvr and two set top boxes. I told them that I did not, but I did have a cable card. She then told me that th Econ dryer charge was for the cable card. She stated that the cable cards are free, and I received a credit for them, but I still had to pay for the service, which is like $7.25. So I told her that the hd boxes only cost $2 to rent, because based on her explanation, the cost per tv outlet is $9.25. She absolutely confused me and the other clerk! Anyone have any comments? I called the 800 number and was told that my monthly rate would remain what I negotiated earlier today, even after adding another hd box, so I'm not complaining, yet....almost made switch to fios, but comcast made me a great offer to keep me for now.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top