Cablevision CableCard Info, Experiences...

[danschn]

I have my Series 3 now for 10 months, with two CableCards installed. It connects to my 4 to 5 year old Panny 50" Plasma, also with a CableCard installed. There is no cable box, and of course, no dongle, so the channels that were switched to SDV two months ago are lost to me.

Most of the time, all if the HD channels I receive are very strong signals to the TiVo, high 80s, low 90s. Recently, and I go back to the SDV switch for the Zoom channels as an approximation, about once a week certain HD channels will not tune in, and the TiVo will report a signal strength considerable lower. I've seen this with 719 (GOLFHD), and 739 (TBS-HD) among a few others.

If I come across this, I change the TV's input to its own CableCard, and the same channel works fine each time. All my cable connections are very clean. 6 days out of 7, 13 out of 14, this is not a problem, but should I suspect that one of the TiVo's CableCards is flakey?

I have rebooted the TiVo since this behavior began, but have not reseated the card(s). Any advice is appreciated.

[radtechy]

i have been reading up on this for the past week after already ordering TiVo and was scared about having an issue with my brand new TiVo HD that didn't even come in the mail yet 3 days prior to my install cablevision of long island NY guy was over to fix my modem and tells my wife that the cablecards are nothing but a headache and they never work right; so after tyalking to tivo and cablevision a few times each to get different feedback i started to feel better that it seems to be more issues with the TIVO SERIES 3 untis that retail for 800 bucks b/c they dont support the new "M" cards and the problem was when using the 2 S-cards so now i feel better. Now its my install day and the cable guy calls me before he comes to ask that i setup tivo so far i said yes and he warned me that the cable cards are nothing but a problem (but i agree these guys are not sharp) but he tells me that the NDS brand which i'm fearing b/c they had the most problems was the one he was bringing me but it was an "M" card and what i learned by seeing it is that this new card doesnt need a standard credit card sized card to go inside this one like the old ones so this card is ALL NEW to him JUST GREAT I GOT A ROOKIE!!!

but now he gets here and swears he has to put the card in with the tivo unplgged and now once it reboots he is clicking away with my remote no knowing what he is doing cause he went to repeat the guided setup scree 3 times and didnt even call in the card numbers WHAT AN IDIOT but after it was all said and done and pinged it works now im getting my new program guide and everything RIGHT NOW IS FINE.

i will put updates to see how it is cause im fearing it may work for awhile then crap out. but i asked like told me when they would put 2 S-cards 1 would die and all of his problems that he saw were with SERIES 3 boxes using 2- "S" cards as far as he remembers

[johnner1999]

So anyone in the Litchfield market have any issues with TiVo HD besides Voom?



Thinking of switching back to CV from Dish = but don't want to miss any channels and dont want that poor excuse of a dvr they call the 8300 :eek:


also if I buy two of the lower end Tivo HD units - I should request just the M series cablecard correct? Also can you transfer now between the two - even HD content?


thanks
John

[dbenrosen]

also if I buy two of the lower end Tivo HD units - I should request just the M series cablecard correct? Also can you transfer now between the two - even HD content?

Yes, you can transfer HD content. You should get the M cards.

[driverseven]

I have had my TivoHD with cablecards running fine since October.

In the first couple of months, I had to reboot the box a few times. Occasionally it would get out of synch. It was noticeable mainly on sports. But that went away a long time ago and did not re-appear.

The only problem is that lately, a channel will disappear from the lineup. Yesterday, it was ScienceHD. I suppose this means I need to reboot Tivo

Is it just me?

[driverseven]

lately, a channel will disappear from the lineup. Yesterday, it was ScienceHD. I suppose this means I need to reboot Tivo

Is it just me?

Turns out my problem is "just me" -- it was a loose cable connection. Channels stopped 'disappearing' once I fixed it.

[dbtom]

I just wanted to say that I got 2 cablecards installed in a TivoHD on Friday in the Bronx. The install took about an hour and was otherwise uneventful. Very good experience. I wish I had done this earlier. I'm thinking of buying another.

[blacknoi]

FYI: I had my TivoHDs HDMI port die, did an exchange with tivo and did NOT have to rebind my cablecards to the refurb tivo I got as a replacement.

I called cablevision and they also told me I wouldn't have to rebind... I guess they dont marry the cablecard to the device in my area? (Morris NJ system)

[joedandrea]

I've had my TiVo Series 3 HD installed for about a month now. I'm pleased to report that Cablevision's CableCARD install experience was smooth as glass. So far, no operational problems either (other than anxiously awaiting the SA/Cisco Tuning Adapter)!

The customer service rep was friendly and helpful. I had to wait about a week for someone to visit. When the technician arrived, he had two SA M-Cards, showed them to me (they were Ms) and set about installing them.

He wasn't aware that there might be an update in progress during install (and there was) but he didn't flinch. He just let it run its course, about 5-10 minutes for each card. When he called back to the office with all the numbers, they read them back and forth to each other. Twice.

The first card worked fine. The second card didn't, despite reconfirming all the numbers a third time. He apologized and promised he would come back later in the day with another card. He did ... and it worked! Then he left me all the numbers for both cards and advised which was which.

By way of comparison I have watched no less than five CableCARD installations across two TiVos at my in-law's house (not Cablevision). One of them involved - I kid you not - THREE techs collaborating on-site, exchanging quizzical glances. In three of those cases, the install failed. Each one was ultimately chalked up to a lack of communication or inability to type numbers correctly back at the office.

So, yes, I was worried the install would be a total bust, but it looks like Cablevision has this CableCARD/TiVo install down pat - at least definitely in Somerset County NJ. Yay!

[bigpoppa75]

Piscatway system you should have only one (M) SA card installed in you Tivo HD second card is not needed.

[villager-li]

When the technician arrived, he had two SA M-Cards, showed them to me (they were Ms) and set about installing them.

I'm new here and, sorry if I am misunderstanding, but why would you need 2 M-Cards? Isn't the whole point of an M-card the fact that it can support the dual-tuner functionality in just 1 card? Thanks for any clarification you can provide.

[rocko]

I'm new here and, sorry if I am misunderstanding, but why would you need 2 M-Cards? Isn't the whole point of an M-card the fact that it can support the dual-tuner functionality in just 1 card? Thanks for any clarification you can provide.

The Series 3 TiVo requires 2 CableCARDS, either S or M. The TiVo HD can operate with a single M card or 2 S cards.

[xirian]

I had cablevision come to install a card a few weeks ago. I was unable to get channels above 100 except the HD channels, but I figured it was a signal problem. Today I had them here again because after moving it before the splitter it started telling me to call for activation. They tried rebinding the card, deleting it and readding it. Then we tried another card. Same problem. Channels above basic cable bring up the screen with the hostid and cablecard number and say call to activate. The guy left me with his boss' number and said he was sure it was something on their end and not on my end.

[lordrainkm]

I had cablevision come to install a card a few weeks ago. I was unable to get channels above 100 except the HD channels, but I figured it was a signal problem. Today I had them here again because after moving it before the splitter it started telling me to call for activation. They tried rebinding the card, deleting it and readding it. Then we tried another card. Same problem. Channels above basic cable bring up the screen with the hostid and cablecard number and say call to activate. The guy left me with his boss' number and said he was sure it was something on their end and not on my end.

I've got a similar problem. I have Cablevision in Connecticut. I have had 3 tech visits so far trying to get the cablecard (1 M card) set up on my TivoHD. Last night I actually had 2 techs at once. I read the host id and cablecard ids to a cablecard rep over the phone myself, and he confirmed that they were right. I get all of the basic channels I've tried, including some encrypted ones that didn't work on QAM (26 & 27), I get most of the HD channels. I don't get most of the HBOs in the 300s(I subscribe to HBO) , but I do get one of 'em (304), and I do get HBOHD (750). I don't get 715 or 727 either (which I should). Every time I tune to one of these channels I get the gray screen with the host id and cable card number. They're coming for round 4 tomorrow, the tech last night said that my signal strength was poor (he hooked up some device to the jack and read -9dB, which he said was too low), and he said that they've had problems with the M cards, and that he was going to have the next guy try 2 S cards instead. I keep hoping that they'll fix it when they come, but who knows? When I lived in Brooklyn last year it took Time warner 9 visits to fix a problem.... and it wasn't even cablecard related.

[FixItPete]

For clarification the Series 3 is also called: TiVo HD XL

(Just because I didn't understand what a Series 3 was since I didn't see any on their site.)

(Sorry if I'm wrong, I'm new!) ;)

[crowfan]

The Series 3 is not the TiVo HD XL. The Series 3 and TiVo HD are two different models (and the TiVo HD XL is just a TiVo HD with a bigger hard drive).

[FixItPete]

The Series 3 is not the TiVo HD XL. The Series 3 and TiVo HD are two different models (and the TiVo HD XL is just a TiVo HD with a bigger hard drive).

Ok, then. Where is the Series 3 on the Tivo site?

(Sorry, I'm new). ;)

[osborn4]

Ok, then. Where is the Series 3 on the Tivo site?

(Sorry, I'm new). ;)
Gone. It is an ex-model. :cool:

[FixItPete]

Gone. It is an ex-model. :cool:

Ah! Ok. Then where do people with this: the Tivo HD that they sell now post? I don't want to muck things up. ;)

[blacknoi]

Ah! Ok. Then where do people with this: the Tivo HD that they sell now post? I don't want to muck things up. ;)

The TivoHD and the TivoHD XL devices from a "platform" perspective are the same as the Series 3.

They are all based on the Series 3 technologies (cable cards, HD support, dual tuners etc).

The Series 3 was first to come out and was a "Premium" model in that it had a glo remote, and a front OLED display.

The Series 3 is now discontinued, but the two successors, the Tivo HD and Tivo HD XL live on.

Most people call the first HD tivo to come out the "series 3." The other 2 are referred to as a TivoHD or a TivoHD XL.

[sathead]

...the tech last night said... that they've had problems with the M cards, and that he was going to have the next guy try 2 S cards instead. I
Wow... that's the exact opposite of what a Cablevision (Brookhaven L.I.) Tech told me and also the opposite of what I've read here on the TiVo forum. Most TiVo users have reported better results with a single "M" card rather than two "S" cards. I had ongoing problems from day one with the two "S" cards in my TiVo-HD. I finally got Cablevision to give me a single "M" card and it's behaved perfectly from the day it was installed over a month ago. As a matter of fact- it's so reliable now... I no longer make duplicate recordings of programs on my HTPC as a backup.


PS: Additional interesting info- when I did a CC Diagnostic of the two problematic "S" cards in my TiVo-HD... they both had a firmware date of early 2005 on them! When I check the firmware on my new "M" card the firmware date is 6/2008. Maybe the 3+ year old firmware on my old "S" cards had something to do with their poor performance? Ya think....?

[lordrainkm]

Wow... that's the exact opposite of what a Cablevision (Brookhaven L.I.) Tech told me and also the opposite of what I've read here on the TiVo forum. Most TiVo users have reported better results with a single "M" card rather than two "S" cards. I had ongoing problems from day one with the two "S" cards in my TiVo-HD. I finally got Cablevision to give me a single "M" card and it's behaved perfectly from the day it was installed over a month ago. As a matter of fact- it's so reliable now... I no longer make duplicate recordings of programs on my HTPC as a backup.


PS: Additional interesting info- when I did a CC Diagnostic of the two problematic "S" cards in my TiVo-HD... they both had a firmware date of early 2005 on them! When I check the firmware on my new "M" card the firmware date is 6/2008. Maybe the 3+ year old firmware on my old "S" cards had something to do with their poor performance? Ya think....?

The technician came this evening, and after spending 20 minutes trying to convince me that I wasn't supposed to get the channels I complained about missing, he went ahead and tried the 2 S cards. Apparently when he called the home office he finally got someone competent, and they were able to get both cards properly paired and authorized. I now get every channel I'm supposed to get. Prior to them fixing it, the CP info screen under the cablecard menu said "Waiting for CP Auth" and it had like 80 EMMs. Now both cablecards say Authorized, or something like that, and it one has 668 EMMs, the other has 667 or something like that. It's nice to finally have it up and running a month after my first install date.

[FixItPete]

I had the tech come to the house and install my card. When he got there he said there was trouble with the M Cards and he would have to do 2 single cards. I asked him nicely if he had an M Card and if he could please try it just once. (I had my newborn in my arms, so that helped. ;)) He said OK.

He got his "newest" card and called in the info to the central office and verified that it was an M card. He installed it and it acknowledged the card in about 5 minutes after the central office hung up.

All has been great since.

I'm a newbie, but from what I've learned is that if you don't have a 100% perfect signal, you'll trouble with the M card.

Pete

[jcondon]

It's all in the title

So they finally got away from that multiplexing of channels or whatever? My GF loves the Monsters 777 channel but, sometimes it comes up as unavailable on the SciAtlantic 8300 HDVR. Reading this thread I am concerned that I would not be able to get it at ALL if I picked up a HD Tivo.

But, from reading the last two pages it seems like they fixed this issue in Westchester? I am in Croton on Hudson (one town up from their Ossining plant). Anyone know if I would get all the channels here or not? Yorktown I believe is out of the same plant but, not 100% sure.


Thanks....

[LI-SVT]

On Saturday I had Cablevision install the triple play with 2 NDS M cards in two TiVo HDs. The install went mostly smooth. There were no issues while the installer was there. Later I found one of the TiVos is having issues with the picture freezing. If the freezing happens during a recording the playback is garbled there for a few seconds. I have been in contact with TiVo and have a few things to try.

Other than the video freezing issue I am very happy. The internet is fast, the phone is clear, and the TV looks good for both SD and HD.

[LI-SVT]

Looks like both TiVo HDs are suffering from video freeze. TiVo support gave me some things to try and narrow the problem down.

[Brighton Line]

Looks like both TiVo HDs are suffering from video freeze. TiVo support gave me some things to try and narrow the problem down.

How long has the Tivo been on?
Has it updated to the latest software release?
Pervious releases that may have shipped on your Tivo's had freezing problems.

[LI-SVT]

Thanks for the input. One is at V9.4b, the other is V11.0. I had the account active and both units calling home for a week before the install. The above versions were the same since the cable guy hooked me up.

Will Cablevision send firmware updates to the cable cards?

[dbenrosen]

CV added new HD channels (USA HD, Bravo HD, Sci-Fi HD, etc.) in the past day or two. On my TiVo HD which has a single M-card in it, I am receiving the channels. On my S3 which has two S-cards, I am not. When I tune to the channel on the S3, it tells me the channel is unavailable and I may need a Cablecard to get it.

Anyone else seeing this behavior? I'm on CV of Rockland. Does anyone with S-cards on any system see the new channels?

[leeherman]

I had two CCs installed in my S3 11/2007. Aside from a problem with CC2 which was solved by replacing the card, all's been fine.

I bought a Tivo HD a few months ago with the intent of putting it in my bedroom when I put an HDTV in there. It spent a few months in my home office with analog cable as its signal source.

I called Cablevision last Friday, got an appointment for last Sunday to install CCs. The tech showed up promptly, had the Tivo up and running in less than a half hour, then checked out my external wiring.

The tech ended up spending about 1.5 hours total at my house because he replaced the line coming from the pole as well as the lines and splitters outside my house feeding the upstairs televisions and my broadband/telecomm modem.

All in all I was very impressed with the tech, the Tivo is working without a glitch, and I feel less interest in considering FIOS. I expect to stick with CV for now.

LH

[shaown]

dbenrosen, did you trying rebooting your s3?

[dbenrosen]

dbenrosen, did you trying rebooting your s3?

Yes, but that didn't bring them in. They did finally come in today, two days after my TiVo HD with the M-card. Very strange.

[Carlos_E]

Yes, but that didn't bring them in. They did finally come in today, two days after my TiVo HD with the M-card. Very strange.
They finished the new channel rollout today. I'm in Brooklyn and the new channels appeared for me yesterday but I could not tune them in until today. They probably sent the signal to your cable carbs today.

[jlee2070]

CV added new HD channels (USA HD, Bravo HD, Sci-Fi HD, etc.) in the past day or two. On my TiVo HD which has a single M-card in it, I am receiving the channels. On my S3 which has two S-cards, I am not. When I tune to the channel on the S3, it tells me the channel is unavailable and I may need a Cablecard to get it.

Anyone else seeing this behavior? I'm on CV of Rockland. Does anyone with S-cards on any system see the new channels?

Humm... I think I'm having the same problem... While I don't have the S3, I do have the TIVO-HD w/ an M-CC and I'm missing the same channels. I also have the Comcast Box and the channels do show up there... Not even sure who's issue this is (Comcast or Tivo)? These channels have been around on the Comcast Box for a couple weeks now...

[jimpmc]

Has anyone gotten Cablevision (of LI-Woodbury) to swap out 2 S-Cards for 1 M-Card? Did they charge you another truck roll fee?

I realized I would save $3.50/mo if I went down to just a single M-Card. I'm paying an extra $2.00 for the 2nd Cablecard + $1.50 additional outlet fee.

[dbenrosen]

They finished the new channel rollout today. I'm in Brooklyn and the new channels appeared for me yesterday but I could not tune them in until today. They probably sent the signal to your cable carbs today.

The strange thing is my TiVo HD with the M-card got the channels 2 days before my S3 with 2 S-cards in the same house off the same feed from the pole. It is surprising that one of the boxes would get it before the other.

[danschn]

When my S3 with two S-cards tells me it's getting new channels I need to reboot it for the cable cards to see the channels. Once I do, all is well. I don't know if there's something less invasive than the reboot that would make them work, but it's pretty painless.

[Carlos_E]

When my S3 with two S-cards tells me it's getting new channels I need to reboot it for the cable cards to see the channels. Once I do, all is well. I don't know if there's something less invasive than the reboot that would make them work, but it's pretty painless.

I have an S3 with 2 S cards and I don't have to reboot for the channels to show up.

[applemasker]

Does anyone have an info on when Cablevision will roll out the SDV adapters?

[Brighton Line]

Does anyone have an info on when Cablevision will roll out the SDV adapters?

On the Yahoo group it was stated they are currently testing and that was all the info available at the time.

[dbenrosen]

Does anyone have an info on when Cablevision will roll out the SDV adapters?

When I spoke with them regarding a separate issues a couple of weeks ago, the Cablecard tech (not the standard CSR) had no information about it. CV is usually late to the party with these things.

[jglass38]

I bet it's contained somewhere in this thread but I couldn't find it. I have 2 Tivo HDs with Cablevision Cable Cards. Taped shows on Bravo freeze, pixellate and skip. It only happens on recorded TV and only for the Bravo channel that I have noticed. A reboot doesn't help. Any ideas?

Thanks!

Jamie

[Burdy]

After reading the forum I just found out that Bravo HD (and the others) was available. Strange, I rarely get lineup change messages on TiVo for channels that I actually can receive, but I frequently get them for channels that aren't included in my package. It seems to be fine for me live; I haven't tried recording anything on it yet.

On my system Nat Geo HD and HGTV HD however, seem to show the same behavior you describe. Virtually ever show I record on those 2 channels has several frames of massive pixellation or skips. Thankfully they seem to be the only channels that regularly show that behavior; all the others are fine. Since I almost never watch live TV, I haven't noticed if the pixellation problems happen only on recordings. I wonder how that could happen-- isn't 'live' actually played from the buffer (which is a recording of the current stream)?

[dbenrosen]

I bet it's contained somewhere in this thread but I couldn't find it. I have 2 Tivo HDs with Cablevision Cable Cards. Taped shows on Bravo freeze, pixellate and skip. It only happens on recorded TV and only for the Bravo channel that I have noticed. A reboot doesn't help. Any ideas?


I record a number of shows on Bravo (now on BravoHD) and haven't noticed it as a pattern. I did have some pixelation during last week's (12/3) episode of Top Chef, but it didn't happen during the 12/10 episode and doesn't normally occur. Both were recorded when I watched them. Have you ever seen it live or do you not watch live?

[urwathrtz]

Got my new (Actually I think it's a refurb)TiVoHD thru an RMA this Friday and started it up with no problems. Got the software updates and just like I did with the first one I got back in Fed of 2008. I waited a day before I did anything with the cable card. Of course the first time I had to call Cablevision to have them installed, this time I'm using the card that I removed from the bad TiVo. I insert the cable card in the TiVo wait a couple of seconds and the Cablecard menu comes up. Fantastic, I call Cablevision to activate the card. As I'm on hold the TiVo reboots itself. I wait and the "Almost there" screen comes up and then goes black, usually followed by the Welcome video, Nope, I get the "Powering up" screen. It keeps trying to reboot with the same result. I finally get thru to Cablevision and I tell the lady "I'll call you back." I unplug the TiVo and take out the Cablecard. The TiVo reboots normally. Just to make sure I'm not crazy I insert the Cablecard, and this time it didn't even get the Cablecard screen, it just rebooted itself. Any way I call TiVo and explain what is happening. They offer to send me out another TiVoHD, I say hold on I just got this on Friday and it's only Saturday. I ask if it's possible if a bad Cablecard could be the problem. He said maybe, no real definitive answer. So I call Cablevision and tell them I have a bad card and they need to come out and replace it. They will be doing this for free, on 12/24, between the hours of 11 and 2. Hopefully that's the fix.
The part that could potentially suck is that I sent back a perfectly good TiVo, and spent $50. I only had 2 months left on the warranty, and the RMA unit they sent me is 30 days.

[mack1951]

Got my TIVO HD for Christmas hooked up and did all the updates to version 11. Had CV come today with M Card for my Tivo HD. Installed ok in TIVO no problem but when the Tech called in they could not hit the card to authorize it kept getting error. Tried another M card and same thing. Tech said booth cards no good because error they were getting indicated they were bad cards. Rescheduled a new truck roll for tomorrow. Hope new cards work. Hope they get this straightened out tomorrow bummer just having the unscrambled channels but the TIVO online and TIVO to go is great especially if you have a Netflix subscription.

[urwathrtz]

MACK1951 that blows.

Here's an update :
- 12/24/08
Cablevision sent one of their lead techs out. He arrived with 2 multi-stream cards. As soon as he put the new card in the TiVo it rebooted itself. It continued to do this several times. He took out the card and the TiVo booted up normally. But as soon as he put the card in the TiVo rebooted...again. I came up with the idea of un-plugging the wireless adapter. The TiVo booted up OK. He put in the new card and it stayed on. The cable guy said, "I've put in a lot of cards in TiVo's and I have never seen this happen." Any way, he was having a problem getting the new card to work so he installed the original card, and everything worked OK. I tell him I'll play around with the wireless adapter at a later date. I set the TiVo HD up to use the phone line. Good thing I'm not paying for this visit from Cablevision. The cable guy was awesome, and very knowledgeable.

- 12/25/08
I plug in the wireless adapter, and guess what happened?. Yep, the TiVo rebooted. I unplug the adapter and it re-booted normally. I'm currently figuring out WTF the problem is now. I may hard wire it to the Ethernet but that will cost about $20 in cable and about 2 hours of my time running the wire though my crawlspace, and laundry room to the den. The good thing is at least I got HD channels in time for Football this Sunday.

[stevec5375]

The good thing is at least I got HD channels in time for Football this Sunday.

Another brainwahsed American male. Pity!

[urwathrtz]

Your right football is stupid.

[mack1951]

Update: CV tech came today. First M card no good same problem as others. Second card bingo! Everything working great after a redo of guided setup. Looks like M cards are still a crap shoot at least from CV, they should give the techs about 10 of them every time they go out for an install. Would probably be cheaper then all the truck rolls.

[bfwk122]

:up:I had the same experience with M Card install yesterday... Tech came to house and had only 1 M card and it had a date of September 2007 which you know did not work, so he went to get some more and was only gone for 20. He returned with one that was dated October 2008 and worked great. In 30 minutes he was gone and everything works great so far...I will keep ypu updated if anything changes.

[filmar]

I've been reading a few posts here and I'm not finding a straight answer, plus the TIVO and cablevision reps seem to contradict each other when I call. I'm reaching out for some help... These may be totall Noob questions, but I couldn't find a straight answer.

I currently have Cablvision HD DVR service. I like the TIVO interface from what I've seen so far and I'm considering the change.

Cablevision tells me I need to setup an appointment for $40 to have a tech come to swap out my HD DVR box for another device, a cable card reader. When I was in a retail store, looking at the TIVOs the clerks were telling me this (the Tivo) is in the only device I need.

In 2009, what TIVO model do I need to purchase to eliminate the DVR box and cable card reader from cablevision?

Again, very noob questions - but generally speaking, I am an unhappy cablevision customer and I'd like to switch over to TIVO HD DVR, but want to make sure I'm taking the right steps. Thank you much!

[Royster]

You need a TiVo HD. Cablevision will charge you for a service call to insert the cable cards in your TiVo. You can either let the tech take away the CV box or drop it off at their storefronts.

[filmar]

You need a TiVo HD. Cablevision will charge you for a service call to insert the cable cards in your TiVo. You can either let the tech take away the CV box or drop it off at their storefronts.

Which model allows me to do this? Can I buy refurbished?

[Lrscpa]

To clarify- if you have an Tivo Series 3, HD, or HD XL, you need Cablecards from your cable company. What the clerk told you in the retail store was wrong.

[filmar]

To clarify- if you have an Tivo Series 3, HD, or HD XL, you need Cablecards from your cable company. What the clerk told you in the retail store was wrong.

Thanks Lrscpa - So those physical cards would go into my series 3 HD Box and I wouldn't need another device between my coax cable and TIVO?

I've also heard rumors that you lose some channels by doing this? Can anyone comment on that from the Cablevision (Long Island) Nassau County region?

[Royster]

Thanks Lrscpa - So those physical cards would go into my series 3 HD Box and I wouldn't need another device between my coax cable and TIVO?

Correct.

I've also heard rumors that you lose some channels by doing this? Can anyone comment on that from the Cablevision (Long Island) Nassau County region?

I heard this too. A lot of the old voom channels were supposed to go to switched video which would mean they were lost until the fabled USB device appeared, but if I did lose channels, they weren't ones I watched.

[mack1951]

You also lose on demand stations since they require 2 way communication and the cable card is a one way device.

[DAccardi]

To compensate for Cablevision VOD loss, look into Netflix on demand and Amazon Video on demand. My opininion is those make up for the loss of channel 500.

[blacknoi]

You also lose on demand stations since they require 2 way communication and the cable card is a one way device.

In its present form, getting the SDV adapter will still not bring back on-demand stations... only SDV. This is as far as I know.

[hendzen]

Is the Comedy Central HD channel (I think channel 768) working for anyone else? All I get is a grey screen and a message from the Tivo saying that the cablecard couldn't decode the channel.

[Rolento76]

Is the Comedy Central HD channel (I think channel 768) working for anyone else? All I get is a grey screen and a message from the Tivo saying that the cablecard couldn't decode the channel.

The rollout will take a few days. According to the press release, you may begin receiving the new channel anywhere between 1/13 - 1/15.

[urwathrtz]

The rollout will take a few days. According to the press release, you may begin receiving the new channel anywhere between 1/13 - 1/15.
OK cool, I figured that was the issue.


Oh, This may be old news, I'm way to lazy to search for it. When the Cablevision lead tech was at the house on 12/24, I asked about the tuner adapter and he said he doesn't see it coming anytime soon. He also told me that the VOOM channels will be going away.

[dreamseason]

My brother got his Cablevision bill and there's a note on his statement that says that all VOOM channels are ending by 1/20 if I remember correctly.

[slycon]

I'm having a problem receiving all of the HBO and Cinemax HD channels. They are greyed out with the cable card error appearing. Sometimes the picture will show for a second before the grey screen pops up. I have two single stream cards.

The tech came today and seemed kind of dopey, so I wanted to ask for a second opinion here. After an hour, he calls up somebody who tells him that even though I subscribe to HBO/MAX, I can't receive the HD version of these movie channels with just cable cards. I'd have to purchase a box. Is this true? They couldn't tell me this on the phone? :(

[mack1951]

I'm having a problem receiving all of the HBO and Cinemax HD channels. They are greyed out with the cable card error appearing. Sometimes the picture will show for a second before the grey screen pops up. I have two single stream cards.

The tech came today and seemed kind of dopey, so I wanted to ask for a second opinion here. After an hour, he calls up somebody who tells him that even though I subscribe to HBO/MAX, I can't receive the HD version of these movie channels with just cable cards. I'd have to purchase a box. Is this true? They couldn't tell me this on the phone? :(

Those channels are SDV and can not be accessed with a cable card device. They require a SDV adapter which Cablevision does not yet support. You are out of luck with a Tivo until then.

[BobQ]

I'm having a problem receiving all of the HBO and Cinemax HD channels. They are greyed out with the cable card error appearing. Sometimes the picture will show for a second before the grey screen pops up. I have two single stream cards.

The tech came today and seemed kind of dopey, so I wanted to ask for a second opinion here. After an hour, he calls up somebody who tells him that even though I subscribe to HBO/MAX, I can't receive the HD version of these movie channels with just cable cards. I'd have to purchase a box. Is this true? They couldn't tell me this on the phone? :(

I'm watching HBO HD (750) right now with a Series 3 with Cablecards. Works fine on Cablevision Mid-Hudson NY.

The new HBO HD channels (775-779) are supposed to be Switched Digital Video (SDV) so we'll need a tuning adapter to receive them with Cablecard.

May depend on what Cablevision system you're on. Where are you located?? Something's funny if the picture shows for a second, and then cuts out...

[slycon]

thanks, guys

[urwathrtz]

Cablevision coming by on Thursday. I stopped getting about 12 different channels last week. I called them and they sent out an update to the Mcard. I rebooted a couple of times, still no luck. I don't give a flying fudge about the other channels all I want back is my YESHD.

[loontoons]

Had my cable card installed about 10 days ago. Tech called my cell and asked if he could come about an hour early. He showed up with his cell on speaker with music playing. He installed one Mcard and went thru the setup then said that holding on the phone for the auth was the longest part. He called before he knocked on my door and kept them on speaker!

The whole install was about 20 minutes!

So now I noticed the SDV channels arent comming in. So im waiting for the TA.


BUT now im getting audio dropouts and last night while watching Dirty Jobs, the video froze for about 15 seconds. So either the audio drops for about 15 seconds or now the video!
Should I get a new card? or 2 S cards?

[LI-SVT]

Had my cable card installed about 10 days ago. Tech called my cell and asked if he could come about an hour early. He showed up with his cell on speaker with music playing. He installed one Mcard and went thru the setup then said that holding on the phone for the auth was the longest part. He called before he knocked on my door and kept them on speaker!

The whole install was about 20 minutes!

So now I noticed the SDV channels arent comming in. So im waiting for the TA.


BUT now im getting audio dropouts and last night while watching Dirty Jobs, the video froze for about 15 seconds. So either the audio drops for about 15 seconds or now the video!
Should I get a new card? or 2 S cards?


I have the exact same problem. I have been working with TiVo and Cablevision for a few months on this issue. Bottom line is the m card stops decrypting the channels causing the issue you have. Try this, watch programming on a non-encrypted channel like 702. You will find no audio or video issues. Then try programming on encrypted digitals, SD or HD. You will have issues about once every 1 1/2 to 2 hrs.

[loontoons]

Well So far ive gotten this on disney, discovery, Travel, Bravo, and and the one that pissed me off the most. Last night on MSG+ I was watching the Islander-Ranger game and a fight starts and the video freezes!!!!!!! it came back on right after the fight ended. This was the first time I really got pissed.


LI-SVT What are they telling you? are they blaming each other?

[LouB]

I am seeing this also.. I have had my setup for 2 weeks. I do a quick channel change and back and it seems to fix it. Not that that will work with recording......

[LI-SVT]

Well So far ive gotten this on disney, discovery, Travel, Bravo, and and the one that pissed me off the most. Last night on MSG+ I was watching the Islander-Ranger game and a fight starts and the video freezes!!!!!!! it came back on right after the fight ended. This was the first time I really got pissed.


LI-SVT What are they telling you? are they blaming each other?

No one is pointing fingers, so far all involved have been helpful. The cause of the problem was discovered earlier this week. No resolution has been proposed yet.

[urwathrtz]

Had the cable guy come by today because I was missing channels. Looks like the Mcard wasn't activated properly. He corrected the problem in 15 min. I asked about the tuner adapter and he said no, probably not happening.

[LouB]

No one is pointing fingers, so far all involved have been helpful. The cause of the problem was discovered earlier this week. No resolution has been proposed yet.

What is causing it ??

[LI-SVT]

The way I understand it the cable card stops decrypting the channel. After about 15 seconds it starts working again.

[LouB]

The makes sense... that's why a channel change/back fixes it.

Question is should we all report it to CV or are they now working on a firmware fix

[LI-SVT]

I heard from Cablevision yesterday, they are working on it. My guess is NDS needs to fix the software in the M card.

[mangocat1]

Had my cableCARD installed by Cablevision today. Installer arrived with a M-card and had everything up and running within 15 minutes. He said that these installs usually take much longer.

Everything seems to be working as it should. Hopefully a SDV adapter arrives soon... I already miss the NHL Network :(

[shakes67]

I have a Tivo HD with cablevision I/o two cards installed. Everything was working fine and was receiving all channels that come with the silver package on Long island. At the end of Jan.09 we lost the voom channels and when they added channels I lost the few premium channels in hd. I called and the tech reponded,did some test then was told the the HD channels in the high700's were streaming video and cannot work with the cablecards. I asked about the adapter with no response. So now I'm switching to Verizon Fios because there setup works with the tivo hd players.

[dbenrosen]

The newly added premium HD channels are Switched Digital Video (SDV) and not accessible with cablecards until the tuning adapter comes out. They are in late beta testing (according to info on Yahoo! newsgroup posted earlier this week from informed source) so hopefully it should be out soon.

The CSRs know nothing about it, as usual. Even if they did, they wouldn't be able to tell you when it would be available.

[Blahman]

The newly added premium HD channels are Switched Digital Video (SDV) and not accessible with cablecards until the tuning adapter comes out. They are in late beta testing (according to info on Yahoo! newsgroup posted earlier this week from informed source) so hopefully it should be out soon.

The CSRs know nothing about it, as usual. Even if they did, they wouldn't be able to tell you when it would be available.

Yahoo newsgroup info contradicts their reply to an FCC complaint in regards to missing channels and depreciation of services by removing previously accessible linear programming. Compatible Headend deployments are beginning and expected to complete by July 2009. Testing will then be required to ensure compatibility with networks. Channels complained about are no longer a part of anyone's package and are no longer available.

So either Corporate is wrong, or Wilt.

I'd ask Wilt on the newsgroup myself, but my membership has been waiting approval for a while now even though it is an optonline address.

[dbenrosen]

So either Corporate is wrong, or Wilt.

I would believe Wilt. I have had good experiences dealing with him and other Cablevision employees who have posted on that newsgroup. I think the quote you have is Cablevision corporate responding formally (re: CYA) to a specific complaint filed with the FCC about the now defunct VOOM channels.

[DCIFRTHS]

I would believe Wilt. I have had good experiences dealing with him and other Cablevision employees who have posted on that newsgroup. I think the quote you have is Cablevision corporate responding formally (re: CYA) to a specific complaint filed with the FCC about the now defunct VOOM channels.

Wilt is a great guy. IMO, he is Cablevision. He has done things for Cablevision subscribers, myself included, that no one else was able to. After he iintervened on my behalf, I was finally able to keep my modem synced for months at a time without any disconnects.

With that said, the 15(?) Voom channels were removed from all Cablevision packages. Premium channels - 15 of them - were added to the lineup,. They are broadcast using SDV, and can not be viewed with CableCARDs. As of this writing, a Cablevision DVR or STB is required to view the channels.

[loontoons]

Im not sure where to post this. I am a cablevision LI customer and a pretty new Tivo HD owner, long time Tivo user.

Tonight watching LOST I noticed that I dont get that "holy cow" that is crisp feel with the tivoHD as I get with the cablevision HD box. Am I doing somthing wrong? Is the Tivo not as crisp as the HD box?


If I posted in the wrong thread I am sorry.


Seth

[Babybull]

I heard from Cablevision yesterday, they are working on it. My guess is NDS needs to fix the software in the M card.
Was this fixed for you yet? I am having the same problem. Thanks.

[LI-SVT]

Was this fixed for you yet? I am having the same problem. Thanks.

Unfortunately, no. Cablevision has contacted me this week to assure me it is being worked on.

[LI-SVT]

About a week ago I had my M-Cards changed to S-Cards. I no longer have droped audio or freezing video.

[Blahman]

Well, I am in shock. I can't believe I have Tuning Adapters here and working. Finally.

[shaown]

How did you get a TA? Just call in?
-Shaown

[urwathrtz]

How did you get a TA? Just call in?
-Shaown
Go to your local Optimum store and they will give your one (unless you live in Parsipanny, NJ);) or call them and they will install one for $34.95. P/U mine yesterday afternoon.

http://optimum.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/optimum.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=2403&p_created=1239197654&p_sid=eIhHrUuj&p_accessibility=0&p_redirect=&p_lva=&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPTEmcF9zb3J0X2J5PSZwX2dyaWRzb3J0PSZwX3Jvd19jbnQ 9MywzJnBfcHJvZHM9JnBfY2F0cz0mcF9wdj0mcF9jdj0mcF9wYWdlPTEmcF9 zZWFyY2hfdGV4dD10dW5pbmcgYWRhcHRlcg**&p_li=&p_topview=1

[shaown]

Got one! :) Now I just need a second TA for my HD upstairs.

[loontoons]

About a week ago I had my M-Cards changed to S-Cards. I no longer have droped audio or freezing video.



Did you have a TA? I had some freezing/ audio drops prior to the TA, but haning the TA for a bit now the Drops and freezing are much more frequent.

[Royster]

I picked up a TA today, but I don't think it's doing anything for me. I'mm supposed to get extra channels, like the Voom channels that went away. But after authorizing it, I get "No channels available" when I do the diagnostics on CC1 and CC2. That doesn't sound right.

[LI-SVT]

Did you have a TA? I had some freezing/ audio drops prior to the TA, but haning the TA for a bit now the Drops and freezing are much more frequent.

No TA, just a swap to S-Cards.

[urwathrtz]

Been getting a lot of micro blocking on channel CBS HD recently. I may P/U an attenuator (Spelling?).

[Lrscpa]

Been getting a lot of micro blocking on channel CBS HD recently. I may P/U an attenuator (Spelling?).

To the contrary, the macroblocking may be caused by a low signal. Check the cablecard diagnostics signal strength s/b between -8dBmV to +8dBmV.

[Bwangster12]

I am a bit confused. I just bought a Tivo at my local Sears, on clearance for $49.99.

I was under the impression that I could use 1 M card or 2 S cards. I have yet to call Cablevision to schedule a setup, but what is all that I am reading about people using 2 M cards?

[Lrscpa]

I am a bit confused. I just bought a Tivo at my local Sears, on clearance for $49.99.

I was under the impression that I could use 1 M card or 2 S cards. I have yet to call Cablevision to schedule a setup, but what is all that I am reading about people using 2 M cards?

Assuming that you purchased a TiVoHD, TiVoHD XL, or TiVo Series 3, your initial impression is correct. 1M, or 2S cards. Go with the former.

[Bwangster12]

I bought the Tivo HD and am getting ready to call and have a tech come out.

Did Cablevision just start using M cards? Were all these problems I've read due to the fact that the cards had just come out? Should I notice problems with the tech installing 1 M card for me?

[RickNY]

$49.99 for a TivoHD? Was it a floor model or something? That is insanely cheap. Sounds more like the price of a Series 2 on clearance.

[pdonoghu]

Assuming that you purchased a TiVoHD, TiVoHD XL, or TiVo Series 3, your initial impression is correct. 1M, or 2S cards. Go with the former.

Not exactly. The HD and XL can use either 1 M or 2 S cards. The original Series 3 models require 2 cards. They can be S or M.

I have a Tivo HD using 2 S cards with Cablevision (NJ). They did not have M cards when I installed my HD. M cards are now available. One card will save you a few $ every month.

[Bwangster12]

Oh a whim I stopped by Sears and they had "a floor model" on the clearance rack for $49.99. I asked the guy what that exactly meant and if it was returned and he said no, it was a display model that was never used. You can tell its brand new based on the looks. He said I have 30 days to return it, and I called Tivo and they said I get a year warrantly from when I activate it.

I'm new to Tivo, and haven't scheduled a Cablecard hookup yet or activated the Tivo, but I did plug it into a TV and the welcome screen came on. Looks like it works.

It is 100% the Tivo HD unit.

[pdonoghu]

Before you have Cablevision come out, you should hookup the HD to a phone line or your network and let it connect several times to download the latest software. Once it has done this, the status will show as "pending restart" on the Phone & network screen, you can manually reboot it, or it will reboot at 2:00 AM. If you subscribe to premium channels like HSO, ask Cablevision to bring out a tuning adapter or pickup one at the local Cablevision center so you can receive the switched digital video (SDV) channels.

[Bwangster12]

Before I connected the Tivo to my main TV and call for a CableCard installation I planned to hook up the Tivo to the TV in my bedroom, that does not have a cable box. I figure I'd try the Tivo (activated of course) on basic cable, hooking it up properly for like a week and see how it goes. That'll allow it to download the appropriate updates right? Is this a good idea?

I do not subscribe to premium channels, we just have the family package.... so I don't think I need the tuning adapter.

When I am ready to schedule my appoint for the Cablecards, lets say its on a Saturday... a few days before I should disconnect my Cablevision cable box, connect the coax to the Tivo and HDMI to the TV and leave it like that? I will only have basic cable on this TV until the tech comes right?

[pdonoghu]

It is a good idea to connect the Tivo to the cable line and do guided setup. You will receive the analog channels. You will need to connect to either a phone line or network to get the updates and guide data. I assume this is possible in the bedroom?

By default, you will not receive any digital channels without cable cards. You can do a scan after you setup, and the Tivo will search for any in the clear digital channels that Cablevision transmits. You will not get guide data nor will the channels map to the published channel listing, but you can manually tune them.

It would be best to have the Tivo in the place where you will be using it when the cable installer comes to install the cable cards. Once the installer is done, you will need to rerun guided setup to recognize the cards, and map the channels. Make sure the installer hangs around for this so that you can test that you are getting all the digital channels you are supposed to. Again, you will need a phone or network connection to operate the Tivo in its permanent place.

You should have received an set of instructions to give the cable card installer in the box with your Tivo.

[LI-SVT]

I am a bit confused. I just bought a Tivo at my local Sears, on clearance for $49.99.

I was under the impression that I could use 1 M card or 2 S cards. I have yet to call Cablevision to schedule a setup, but what is all that I am reading about people using 2 M cards?

Please see my above posts about M-Cards. They don't work well on Cablevisions system.

Two S-Cards work fine.

Two M-Cards would be for an older Series 3 Model. The older model can use M-Cards, but in single stream mode only.

[Bwangster12]

The M-cards still don't work well with CableVision?

I bought the Tivo HD from Sears off clearance. I did not come with remote, cables, instructions or nething... just the box. I bought the appropriate cables I didn't have.

If I hook up the Tivo to my main TV, I have to obviously unhook the Cablevision box right? Once I do that I won't have digital channels until the Cablevision tech comes. So... should I do this like the day before the tech comes? If so, in the mean time I was thinking I'd connect the Tivo to a TV in my bedroom that does not have a box (basic cable + access to ethernet cable) and just use it there until the cablecard installation date gets closer.

[LI-SVT]

That is a good plan. Having the Tivo activated and connected to a network will allow the software to update to the latest version. It will work with the analoug channels in the mean time. When they install the CCs the Tivo will re-run the setup to add the digital channels.

[Bwangster12]

I have two cable boxes, one in my living room and one in a den I have. The bedroom TV is where I will "test" the Tivo for about a week with just basic cable.

The idea is that I will schedule the CableCard hookup for my living room TV, have him come, return the cable box and keep the cable box in my den. Do I have to bring the cable box back to CableVision or will he take it when he comes to hookup my Cablecard?

[LI-SVT]

I don't know. When my CCs were installed Cablevision was new to my house. I didn't have cable boxes to swap out.

[pdonoghu]

They may take the cable box back for you. Just make sure to get a receipt in case it still shows on your bill. If it were me, I'd drop it off a a Cablevision office and watch them update the account, and get a receipt

[dbenrosen]

Please see my above posts about M-Cards. They don't work well on Cablevisions system.

The M-Card I had in my TiVo HD worked fine. I used it for over a year. I recently switched to FIOS because of problems with SDV, but that wasn't caused by the M-Card.

[LI-SVT]

The M-Card I had in my TiVo HD worked fine. I used it for over a year. I recently switched to FIOS because of problems with SDV, but that wasn't caused by the M-Card.

Cablevisions issues with M-Cards are confirmed by their engineering as well as TiVos engineering. According to TiVo the M-Cards lose the ability to tune sometimes. This causes audio and/or video loss. The issues are only with encrypted channels. Clear QAM and analoug channels are unaffected by this anomily.

I am on Long Island, perhaps there are differences in the systems and M-Cards work in your neck of the woods.

[LouB]

Well I am getting dropouts on TNT (Rescue Me) and USA (Royal Pains) both HD with M cards on CV LI.. Audio and Video freezes it very fustrating. I think I wll have them switch them toS cards and see if that helps

[mad6c]

I have been getting alot of studdering and breakups as well. I notice it mostly on 715(YESHD) and 705(FOXHD)

I am using a Series3 TiVo with 2 S-Cards on the Hauppauge system

[Bwangster12]

Just to recap my experience.

I had a Cablevision tech come Friday morning to install an M-Card in my Tivo HD. He said he had done thousands of these, but had trouble initially finding the door to show the cablecard slots. I opened it for him and he popped the M-Card in. First thing he said to me was that "did they tell you that you will lose a bunch of HD channels with this?" I said no, cause I was confused. He said that because this was a one-way card that channels like Nat Geo, and things like that wouldn't work. I was confused and just sorta let him keep going.

He took down all the info, called Cablevision and that was it. We kept getting a screen that said "This screen is for your cable provider" that kept popping up and he said that it would go away once I did guided setup. It didn't. It also said the "Waiting for CP Auth" but me not knowing what that meant, I let him leave. Later in the day I called and explained what was going on and they were able to fix it. So since Thursday afternoon everything has been fantastic.

I think the guy didn't know what he was talking about. I am getting all the HD channels I had. I do not subscribe to a premium plan... we just have the family package. Was he thinking of me needing a Tuning Adapter for all those other channels?

[bcronin]

Just to recap my experience.
Was he thinking of me needing a Tuning Adapter for all those other channels?
Very likely.

[pbug56]

Some months back I had a problem with one of my TIVO HD's. At the time it had 2 S cards. The TIVO would not output to HDMI if the cablecards were inserted. Component video worked normally. Changing to an M card did not solve the problem. Other CP items (and HD DVD player and a BluRay player) work normally via HDMI. The copy protection screens on the TIVO do show an error. Top techs from Cablevision could never figure out what was wrong.

So I still use component video. My other TIVO HD works normally.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Ron

[Royster]

Sounds like you should call TiVo tech support on that one.

[joe1515]

Is anyone else having any issues receiving the new HD channels? I am unable to receive the channells from approx 771 through 780 and none of the channels in the 800's. I have the best package from cablevision and I did go into the Tivo and check to receive all of these channels.

Thanks,

Joe

[bcronin]

They're switched digital video channels. You need a tuning adapter. Contact CableVision and they'll give you one for each HD TiVo box you have (no extra charge, near as I can tell). Hook the coax from the wall to the adapter, and the coax from the adapter to the TiVo. Plug in the USB cable from the adapter to the TiVo. Reboot your TiVo. Should "just work". For when it doesn't, check out the numerous threads here talking about all the things that can go wrong ;-)

[witchmd72]

Got my M card yesterday morning, On first attempt, tech came out and the first words out of his mouth were "these things suck" plants the seeds of confidence there!! got everything hooked up, called his dispatch, and low and behold a black screen!! he stated that it was a server issue @ Cablevision, and that it would resolve itself in a few hours, After a few hrs, still nothing. Called Customer service, and a tech was at my door within 15 min!!!! yah, no joke!! had the problem solved in 20 min. receiving all the digital channels. I don't know why I didn't buy one of these sooner!!!

TiVo HD expanded to 150hrs HD
Samsung 1080P 56" DLP
Bose Lifestyle 28
X-Box 360
PS3

[joe1515]

They're switched digital video channels. You need a tuning adapter. Contact CableVision and they'll give you one for each HD TiVo box you have (no extra charge, near as I can tell). Hook the coax from the wall to the adapter, and the coax from the adapter to the TiVo. Plug in the USB cable from the adapter to the TiVo. Reboot your TiVo. Should "just work". For when it doesn't, check out the numerous threads here talking about all the things that can go wrong ;-)

They said that certain areas do not need SDV because they have enough bandwith and therefore I would not the tuning adapter. Is this true?

Joe

[dbtom]

You do not need a tuning adapter in the Bronx except for some international channels. I assume this is because we are an all digital system. The downside is that you need a cable box or cable card to watch anything.

[joe1515]

You do not need a tuning adapter in the Bronx except for some international channels. I assume this is because we are an all digital system. The downside is that you need a cable box or cable card to watch anything.

Ok thanks. I live in Bayport does anyone know if I need an adapter?

[witchmd72]

Ok thanks. I live in Bayport does anyone know if I need an adapter?

Cablevision told me yesterday that you only need an adapter if you have any of the Premium Channels (HBO, Starz, ect)

[joe1515]

Cablevision told me yesterday that you only need an adapter if you have any of the Premium Channels (HBO, Starz, ect)

I have all of the premium channels and Cablevision told me I might not need one. It is amazing how clueless cablevision is. You would think cablevision would now what areas need to do SDV.

I also called Tivo customer service and the tech told me that cablevision was not even doing SDV yet. I can not wait until Directv comes out with tivo boxes again.

[Royster]

Can you get all of the HBO HD alternate channels? I think they are 776,777,...

[joe1515]

No I can not get any of them. I spoke with Cablevision and they re shot my cards I will check when I get home to see if that worked.

Joe

[mrdazzo7]

I needed a tuning adapter for the Premium Channel Alternate HD's... Once I hooked it up all channels came in. Granted I had wretched pixelation/stuttering issues so I disconnected it after two days, but whatev. 740, 750, 760, and 770 should all be viewable without an adapter though. However if you're having a problem SPECIFICALLY with HBO being blocked even though you subscribe, that could be related to an issue a lot of others are having.

See this this thread for more info... hope it helps.
http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=7395766#post7395766

[Royster]

No I can not get any of them. I spoke with Cablevision and they re shot my cards I will check when I get home to see if that worked.

I suspect you'll need a TA. I don't know why anyone would hesitate. They are free and you can pick them up at the Cablevision store. I've never seen the stuttering problems that people complain about.

[joe1515]

I needed a tuning adapter for the Premium Channel Alternate HD's... Once I hooked it up all channels came in. Granted I had wretched pixelation/stuttering issues so I disconnected it after two days, but whatev. 740, 750, 760, and 770 should all be viewable without an adapter though. However if you're having a problem SPECIFICALLY with HBO being blocked even though you subscribe, that could be related to an issue a lot of others are having.

See this this thread for more info... hope it helps.
http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=7395766#post7395766

I do receive all of those channels. I am not receiving the new HD movie channels cablevision added a few months back. Re shooting my cards did not work and I am going to pick up the tuning adapter. Has there been a lot problems with the adapters?

[witchmd72]

I have all of the premium channels and Cablevision told me I might not need one. It is amazing how clueless cablevision is. You would think cablevision would now what areas need to do SDV.

I also called Tivo customer service and the tech told me that cablevision was not even doing SDV yet. I can not wait until Directv comes out with tivo boxes again.


That's crap, Just go to your local Cablevision store, and they'll give you the tuning adapter for free!! Don't worry, I'm not a fan of Cablevision either!!

[Spacer]

" Bottom line is the m card stops decrypting the channels causing the issue you have. Try this, watch programming on a non-encrypted channel like 702. You will find no audio or video issues. Then try programming on encrypted digitals, SD or HD. You will have issues about once every 1 1/2 to 2 hrs."

No one is pointing fingers, so far all involved have been helpful. The cause of the problem was discovered earlier this week. No resolution has been proposed yet.

Does anyone have an update on this? Looks like this was due for resolution in February, but as a new TiVo owner, I'm still getting the 15 sec. A/V freeze on Cablevision encrypted channels.

[LI-SVT]

Does anyone have an update on this? Looks like this was due for resolution in February, but as a new TiVo owner, I'm still getting the 15 sec. A/V freeze on Cablevision encrypted channels.

According to my contacts there is no change in respect to this issue. I am still using S-Cards and not experiencing the freeze.

[LouB]

And I moved to S cards based upon LI-SVT's experience and I am no longer gettign drop outs. I am having problems where the cards in the bedrooms don't tune anything over broadcast.. it seems to resolve it self after a while but I need to look into that as the new season is starting and I need the extra tuners online.

Livingroom has been solid as a rock.

[daveak]

http://www.lightreading.com/document.asp?doc_id=182232&site=cdn&f_src=lightreading_gnews

[bclerman]

Looking for some advice from Cablevision customers in NJ/NY. How are cablecards currently working out? I'm considering purchasing a Tivo HD but wanted to get some input on how its working out for people first. Does cablevision require a technician to install the cards. What kind of cost have you experienced and most importantly does it work? Appreciate any input.

[Royster]

They do send a technician to install them. I can't say that I've had anything other than occasional problems with the cable cards in my Series 3. I don;t remember that the truck roll had an install charge. Other than the monthly fee, I've no other expenses associated with them.

[Lrscpa]

My CV Cablecards have been rock solid for almost two years. It's the Tuning Adapters that are a frequent source of frustration.

[bclerman]

Thanks, appreciate the input. What are the tuning adapters for?

[LouB]

Well I can't believe I am going to say this but I am very happy with cablevision at the present time.. I have their triple play with Optonline Boost and 2 Single stream cable cards with TivoHDs.

I don't have a tuning adapter because I don't subscribe to premium channels.

There was a chage for initial installation but they wavied it since I was coming from D-TV.

FIOS is now cutting upi my street but they missed their chance.. I see where we are in 2 yrs.

[Royster]

Thanks, appreciate the input. What are the tuning adapters for?

Tuning adapters let you get stations that are on switched video instead of having dedicated bandwith to each home. I have a tuning adapter, but I don;t have any issues with mine. It generally works as advertised with only an infrequent reboot.

[driverseven]

I was pretty satisfied until recently.

I have 2 Tivo HD's in the house and there was never a problem with the cable cards for over a year. They were installed by a technician without any problems.

However, as Cablevision added more HD channels in the premium package, I did not receive some of them (I guess there are about 16 HD movie channels on the silver package and I get about 12).

I picked up a tuning adapter and it made no difference. I scheduled service and after 2 hours checking out my system, he says the problem is the distance and number of splits that these 2 TVs are from the main entry point. (I was able to see with the Tivo troubleshooting menu that these channels have a lower signal, and he saw the same thing.)

He added a booster and it wasn't enough. He offered to re-write the system so that the TV I use the most would get a more direct line and so it would have a stronger signal. But that would require cables running along the baseboard in a nicely furnished room, and I declined.

I suppose I may figure out a way to re-wire so I can get a stronger signal without having wires along the floor. But for now, I get everything except 3 HBO's and 2 of the Starz channels in HD.

I have 5 TVs (2 with Tivo HD) and the Internet in a big house so I recognize this is not the typical installation.

[lopinc1]

So I have a S3 with 2 Single Channel cards that had been working well for over a year now. However a couple weeks ago, 723 (MSNBC HD) started showing 1 second of video, freezing, then showing black. All other channels and functions worked fine. I thought it might fix itself, then it happened to 723, 730, and now 61 as well. Ok, time to call CV

- The first tech they sent out didn't work with cablecards, fun. Checked all the wiring (all good) then setup a new appointment for today.

- The tech who knows CC's came today, replaced both of them. Those 4 channels started comming in ok, however about 5 min later they all exhibited the same problem again, on both cards. The only difference was that in those 5 min where the channels worked, the Copy Protection wasn't turned on yet from the head end "CP: NOT READY". However, once that was turned on, the 4 channels went away. Ok, now I we have something to work from.

- Also, and this was a problem long before, 703 can't be tuned in (says Channel Not Available) and it appears to be that 703 just isn't in the channel map.

So instead of actually trying to fix the problems, the guy gets up, packs up his gear, informs me that I have to call Tivo because it's clearly not a CV problem and walks out my door as I'm still talking to him and trying to troubleshoot.

I said we're not done here as the problems still persist, his response "I'm done", and slams the door behind him. The funny part is that he didn't give me anything to sign so if CV thinks I'm paying for the visit their dreaming.

Now I have to call Tivo to hear the expected "it's not the Tivo" answer then call back CV and go thru this again.

Suggestions? Thanks.

[driverseven]

Did you look at signal strength? If you go into the Tivo menu and look for the troubleshooting section, you can turn on a "signal strength" meter and compare the problem channels with others. That gives you a sense of whether the problem is with the signal coming into the system.

[lopinc1]

The same: ~95 Called Tivo, everything checks out but they reccomend a low-pass filter as everytime they've seen that issue it's been a signal problem.

Also, now it seems to be coming in and out, where it will show the video for 30 seconds then go back to black.

[mrdazzo7]

Actually i've had the exact same problem for months, I just keep forgetting to do anything about it. I'm currently unable to watch 703, 723, 730, 732, 758, and 61 (same as you). I tried to reset the cards through the phone, and I was troubleshooting with a CV person who wanted to send a tech out to replace them, I just never got around to it. It's very frustrating though because I like ch.61 for traffic and I love TruTV.

We''re all having the same problem with the same providers (Tivo and CV) so how do we conclude who's at fault? BTW the two techs I've had in the past were both cool--I don't know how I'd react to a **** like the one you got.

[lopinc1]

Yup 758 is down as well, don't watch it so I didn't see it. Well it clearly means it's not our boxes, cable cards, or wiring. The only thing in common is the signal. What to the diagnostics say about the SNR and Signal values?

Also, which system are you on? I'm on CV of Hauppauge

[LouB]

I have the same problem.. It all began after I called them to ping one of cards on the upstairs tivo. Tech was out for 6 hours, got 1 tivo up and running with new S cards.. still getting some freezing (HGTV was one, funny how the current programming is fine).

Upstairs Mcard totally messed up.. No CP Auth.

I think they have the wrong CC info as the tech was reading the card #s not the CC numbers the Tivo reported.

I have to block out a couple of hours to call them...

Lou

[lopinc1]

Yup sounds like your M-card problem is the wrong card/host numbers.

Can you check to see if all the other channels mention freeze as well? What CV system are you located on? Please call and report it as well so they know, I suspect they recently juiced up the signal and now it's screwing everything up

[LouB]

CV of Hauppauge... I'll check the working tivo tonight. I know MSNGC and the channel right (toon I think) were freezing. As was HGTV.. not that that is an issue right now.

[lopinc1]

CV of Hauppauge... I'll check the working tivo tonight. I know MSNGC and the channel right (toon I think) were freezing. As was HGTV.. not that that is an issue right now.

Thanks Lou. Yes please check 723, 730, 732, 758 and 61. Also can you tune in 703 on the working tivo with the S cards? Also, if those channels fail to come in, do you have a regular CV box in the house you could try them on (I don't have one)?

I ask because another tech just left (#3) and said that the signal in my house was fine, not too strong , not too noisy, etc. Even tried a 6db attenuator, nothing (he didn't have a low-pass filter). However, he went outside and he picked up signal leakage from the outside street tap. Someone from outside plant is supposed to now come by in the next day or so to see where that leak is coming from. Hopefully that's it, because if it's not, I'm going to have to buy a low pass filter and cross my fingers.

[LouB]

Will do.. I know 703 (ION) is not working on the S cards in my LR but is working on the M card upstairs which is a split from the LR line.

No CV boxes in the house... Will check those channels later for you.

[mrdazzo7]

Thanks Lou. Yes please check 723, 730, 732, 758 and 61. Also can you tune in 703 on the working tivo with the S cards? Also, if those channels fail to come in, do you have a regular CV box in the house you could try them on (I don't have one)?

I ask because another tech just left (#3) and said that the signal in my house was fine, not too strong , not too noisy, etc. Even tried a 6db attenuator, nothing (he didn't have a low-pass filter). However, he went outside and he picked up signal leakage from the outside street tap. Someone from outside plant is supposed to now come by in the next day or so to see where that leak is coming from. Hopefully that's it, because if it's not, I'm going to have to buy a low pass filter and cross my fingers.

I know absolutely nothing about cable, but why would a "stronger signal" impede only those specific channels on ALL of our boxes? I've had this problem since June/July so I don't think it's something new they did. I do know it's annoying though!

[lopinc1]

I know absolutely nothing about cable, but why would a "stronger signal" impede only those specific channels on ALL of our boxes? I've had this problem since June/July so I don't think it's something new they did. I do know it's annoying though!

Because if a signal is boosted too much it can get noisy and those particular channels may be on frequencies that the TiVo tunner is sensitive to noise on. The same way if you turn up the volume on music too high it sounds distorted.

More importantly, how do we get CV to fix this considering this is clearly not an isolated incident. Was CV able to help you with this problem when you let them know? What did they do or reccomend? Do you have any regular boxes in the house with problems on the same channels? Are you in CV of Hauppauge?

Also, I'm getting the idea that 703 will only tune on Tivos that have M cards and not S cards, can anyone back that up?

[pdonoghu]

Will do.. I know 703 (ION) is not working on the S cards in my LR but is working on the M card upstairs which is a split from the LR line.

No CV boxes in the house... Will check those channels later for you.

I am a able to receive 703 which is ION out of the Oakland, NJ head end on an HD with 2 S cards. I also have a tuning adapter, if that makes any difference. I also get all of the other channels listed, not sure if they match up the same here in NJ. 730 was HGTV but is now showing the BS message from Cablevision about Scripps pulling the plug.

[lopinc1]

I wonder if a tunning adapter will help. Anyone who can't tune 723, 730, 732, 61, etc have a tunning adapter?

[LI-SVT]

I too am having issues with ch 61 freezing. No others that I have checked are doing this. I have two Tivo HDs both with two S cards and no tuning adapters.

[lopinc1]

I too am having issues with ch 61 freezing. No others that I have checked are doing this. I have two Tivo HDs both with two S cards and no tuning adapters.

Amazing. What head end are you on? What is the signal strength and the SNR reported (for both the tuner and card) in the diagnostics?

[LouB]

Sorry I got tied up the past two days... Wish I could even trouble shoot this but things seem to keep changing !!

723 is fine... used to hang. Let it run for 5 min and NP
730 Hangs it ws scrolling the CV HGTV msg fine 2 nights ago
732 is fine like 732 it was hanging now it's not
758 works fine
61 hangs
and now 703 is tuning in where a few days ago it was not.

I'm so confused !

[lopinc1]

Sorry I got tied up the past two days... Wish I could even trouble shoot this but things seem to keep changing !!

723 is fine... used to hang. Let it run for 5 min and NP
730 Hangs it ws scrolling the CV HGTV msg fine 2 nights ago
732 is fine like 732 it was hanging now it's not
758 works fine
61 hangs
and now 703 is tuning in where a few days ago it was not.

I'm so confused !

You and me both. I'm going to take my Tivo and hook it up at a friends house who lives locally. He has a HD without any tuning problems, so that will prove whether it's the signal or the Tivo box.

[LI-SVT]

Amazing. What head end are you on? What is the signal strength and the SNR reported (for both the tuner and card) in the diagnostics?

I live in Centereach, town of Brookhaven. No issue with signal strength or SNR. Signal is always above 95 and SNR at around 36.

[lopinc1]

So I ran an experiement where I took my Tivo and brought it to a friends house who lives about 10 min away (same head end). I plugged it in and turned it on and low and behold 3 of the 5 frozen channels started working again (723, 732, 753, 51 and 730 still have problems) AND 703 tuned in for the first time ever.

Ok, So that means a) it's not the Tivo and B) there is something wrong with the signal at my house or the cable cards aren't being programed right there. So I brought it back home, fully expecting it not to work again when I plugged it back in here, however it did! Not only did those 3 channels now work, but I could still tune 703.

Clearly since nothing else changed, there is a problem where the cable cards aren't being properly programmed in certain sub sections of the service area. Can anyone else try the same experiment?

[Lrscpa]

So I ran an experiement where I took my Tivo and brought it to a friends house who lives about 10 min away (same head end). I plugged it in and turned it on and low and behold 3 of the 5 frozen channels started working again (723, 732, 753, 51 and 730 still have problems) AND 703 tuned in for the first time ever.

Ok, So that means a) it's not the Tivo and B) there is something wrong with the signal at my house or the cable cards aren't being programed right there. So I brought it back home, fully expecting it not to work again when I plugged it back in here, however it did! Not only did those 3 channels now work, but I could still tune 703.

Clearly since nothing else changed, there is a problem where the cable cards aren't being properly programmed in certain sub sections of the service area. Can anyone else try the same experiment?

Call Cablevision and ask for the 'HD' department. Also post in the DSL Reports Optimum Online Direct forum (http://www.dslreports.com/forum/ooldirect). Explain that you moved the Tivo/cablecards to another location with some success. They should be able to help.

[mrdazzo7]

So I ran an experiement where I took my Tivo and brought it to a friends house who lives about 10 min away (same head end). I plugged it in and turned it on and low and behold 3 of the 5 frozen channels started working again (723, 732, 753, 51 and 730 still have problems) AND 703 tuned in for the first time ever.

Ok, So that means a) it's not the Tivo and B) there is something wrong with the signal at my house or the cable cards aren't being programed right there. So I brought it back home, fully expecting it not to work again when I plugged it back in here, however it did! Not only did those 3 channels now work, but I could still tune 703.

Clearly since nothing else changed, there is a problem where the cable cards aren't being properly programmed in certain sub sections of the service area. Can anyone else try the same experiment?

Not to upset your experiment but I've been able to watch 723, 732, and 758 for the past two days, when they haven't worked in months. Ch. 61 is still not working though.

Maybe they fixed something? I did recently re-connect my SDV adapter, so maybe that has something to do with it (although the channels didn't work immediately).

[lopinc1]

Not to upset your experiment but I've been able to watch 723, 732, and 758 for the past two days, when they haven't worked in months. Ch. 61 is still not working though.

Maybe they fixed something? I did recently re-connect my SDV adapter, so maybe that has something to do with it (although the channels didn't work immediately).

What about 730? 730 & 61 still don't work for me. Also I'm not using a SDV adapter.

[pdonoghu]

What about 730? 730 & 61 still don't work for me. Also I'm not using a SDV adapter.

730 was HGTV-HD here in northern NJ, its been removed due to Cablevision and Scripts battle over the Food Network and HGTV, along with 29, 30, and 729.

[lopinc1]

730 was HGTV-HD here in northern NJ, its been removed due to Cablevision and Scripts battle over the Food Network and HGTV, along with 29, 30, and 729.

They haven't been removed. If you go into the Channel Lineup settings in the Tivo you can turn those channels back on and see the repeating video/audio loop of CV propaganda.

[mrdazzo7]

They haven't been removed. If you go into the Channel Lineup settings in the Tivo you can turn those channels back on and see the repeating video/audio loop of CV propaganda.

This. I still get Food Network showing the CV message (I laugh every time I head that Scripps is "holding viewers hostage"--its a tv channel not a terrorist cell). When I tune to 730 I just get a grey screen.

It's werid that 723 and 758 *seem* to be working fine for me. I made it through about 20 minutes on each channel, whereas before I'd get maybe 15-30 seconds before it froze. I will schedule some full recordings later to see if it holds. Still no channel 61... watching traffic online is getting annoying (although I'm glad it's there as a back up)

[TVisitor]

Just out of curiosity - I see all manner of reboots mentioned with the SDV adapters and cablevision (seen 'em myself) but one of my family told me that they could not tune channels one day. I took a look and cycled power to the tuning adapter - got channels right away (the non SDV ones), but the TA sat there blinking for a *long* time. I left and went to work, got home that night and it was solid.

It's a bit scary that the TA locked up (apparently) and nothing tuned. Not happy about that.

From what I understand, the TA tells cablevision upstream to tune a particular channel on a particular frequency. If I were to take a splitter and split the cable one to the TA in, one to the Tivo CABLE IN, would that work? That way if the TA ever locks up in the same fashion, at least the non switched channels would still work. I suppose I could try it...

(Of course - leaving the USB connected... I probably didn't need to mention that, but I didn't want someone to think I'd remove it. I realize it's needed.)

[lopinc1]

It's werid that 723 and 758 *seem* to be working fine for me. I made it through about 20 minutes on each channel, whereas before I'd get maybe 15-30 seconds before it froze. I will schedule some full recordings later to see if it holds. Still no channel 61... watching traffic online is getting annoying (although I'm glad it's there as a back up)

Are 723, 732, and 758 still working for you? Because they were for me, up until tonight, now none of them are working anymore.

Also, I found out that if I power cycle my tivo, then all 5 of those channels will work as long as I stay tuned to them after the reboot. Once I start changing channels, it looses it's ability to tune to those 5 channels. So does that mean it's my tivo? Can any of you replicate the same behavior?

[MookieNJ]

My TiVo HD was pretty solid for the last year or so, until the power blinked yesterday morning. After restarting, my TiVo has a blank screen on just about all of the iO channels. In the past, restarting the TiVo usually has some success, but I'm on to my 4th or 5th restart without any success. Fortunately most of the shows I watch are on the basic cable and HD channels that are coming in fine ... but still quite frustrating. Damn you cable cards!

[ZFAM14]

I have one question: Can the TIVO HD be used without the cable cards; like the regular setup with the cable going directly to the TIVO? There seems to be a lot of cable card problems. I will be getting the HD TIVO soon. I have Cablevision as a carrier.

[pdonoghu]

I have one question: Can the TIVO HD be used without the cable cards; like the regular setup with the cable going directly to the TIVO? There seems to be a lot of cable card problems. I will be getting the HD TIVO soon. I have Cablevision as a carrier.

A Tivo HD can be used without cable cards. You will get guide data for the analog channels. You can do a manual scan to receive any in the clear digital (QAM) channels that Cablevison transmits. You will not receive any premium channels like HBO without cable cards.

Without cable cards, you will not get guide data for any of the digital channels, nor will they show up on the published channel numbers. No season passes, etc. For example, WNBC HD's published channel is 704. Without cable cards, you will find it on 4-1. Kind of defeats the purpose of having a Tivo HD if you can't get guide data and utilize season passes and wish lists.

Keep in mind that people generally only come here to post if they have a problem, and that cable card issues have decreased significantly as the cable companies have learned how to properly authorize them. I've had cable cards from Cablevision for several years without any problems.

[ZFAM14]

Thank you. I will go with the cable cards. If you can also help me in my confusion as to which to use: 2 S's or 2 M's or 1 M.

[pdonoghu]

Thank you. I will go with the cable cards. If you can also help me in my confusion as to which to use: 2 S's or 2 M's or 1 M.

The original Series 3 requires 2 cable cards, either S or M.

The Tivo HD and HD XL will work with 1 M card (cheaper) or 2 S cards.

[ZFAM14]

Thanks again. 1 M card for me.

[mrdazzo7]

Are 723, 732, and 758 still working for you? Because they were for me, up until tonight, now none of them are working anymore.

Also, I found out that if I power cycle my tivo, then all 5 of those channels will work as long as I stay tuned to them after the reboot. Once I start changing channels, it looses it's ability to tune to those 5 channels. So does that mean it's my tivo? Can any of you replicate the same behavior?

Just an update, these channels are still working for me. The only ones that don't work now seem to be 730 and 61, Traffic and Weather, which is still extremely annoying. I'm even more confused now that some of the ones that were originally out are back, but two aren't.

Has anyone with this problem been successful in getting channel 61 to work?

[lopinc1]

Just an update, these channels are still working for me. The only ones that don't work now seem to be 730 and 61, Traffic and Weather, which is still extremely annoying. I'm even more confused now that some of the ones that were originally out are back, but two aren't.

Has anyone with this problem been successful in getting channel 61 to work?

Same here, just 730 and 61 are out. But I have found out something new. If I reboot the Tivo, those channels work again, and if they are the first you tune to after the restart, they'll work fine. However once you tune away from them a few times, they'll stop working. A reboot again fixes it temporarily. Is this a Tivo issue then?

[LouB]

730 is out on main tivo but works on upstairs (which is a split from the main tivo site) so I give up.. If it something the wife wants to record I do it upstairs and transfer it.

Never look at 61...

[lopinc1]

730 is out on main tivo but works on upstairs (which is a split from the main tivo site) so I give up.. If it something the wife wants to record I do it upstairs and transfer it.

Never look at 61...

- Are the 2 tivos the same type?
- are they using the same type of cards?
- what happens if you restart the main tivo, does 730 work then?

[LouB]

Yup - Tivo HD, 2-S cards in each.

New wrinkle.. looked at 730 last night on upstair and it was hung...
Main Tivo automagically rebooted Sunday afternoon and 730 still hung.

Seems to be very intermittent. Sometimes it works sometimes it doesn't.

Sigh.... I liked when everything just worked...

[MaryT]

I lost all my non broadcast basic channels between Sat night & Sunday morning.

I called technical support and was told they sent a firmware update and sometimes the package level information is lost.

[jaj2276]

I have Cablevision in Morris County, NJ. I rebooted my two Tivo HDs today and both of them updated the Cablecard firmware to 3.92.10 (dated Nov 9 2009). They were on a May 2008 revision.

Does anyone know if these upgrades fix/resolve any issues? I had Cablevision out in Long Island and had no issues (those were two S cards). Here I have one M card and in 80% of my recordings, there will be 6-8 seconds of audio dropout.

[Lrscpa]

I have Cablevision in Morris County, NJ. I rebooted my two Tivo HDs today and both of them updated the Cablecard firmware to 3.92.10 (dated Nov 9 2009). They were on a May 2008 revision...

Curious - where do you see this data?

[jaj2276]

Well I *think* it's different depending on which Cablecards you have. I say that because the Tivo screens (if I remember correctly) were different when I had the S cards.

Anyways, I find this info at:

Tivo->Messages & Settings->Settings->Remote, CableCARD, & Devices->CableCARD Decoder->Congiure CableCARD 1 (Multi-Stream)->CableCARD Menu->Conditional Access

From this screen, it shows:

NDS M-Card for Cablevision
NDS s/w version:
3.92.10 Nov 09 2009 20:21:01

[Lrscpa]

NDS M-Card for Cablevision
NDS s/w version:
3.92.10 Nov 09 2009 20:21:01

I have a Cisco Cablecard, which is why I don't see anything like those version numbers.

[LI-SVT]

I have Cablevision in Morris County, NJ. I rebooted my two Tivo HDs today and both of them updated the Cablecard firmware to 3.92.10 (dated Nov 9 2009). They were on a May 2008 revision.

Does anyone know if these upgrades fix/resolve any issues? I had Cablevision out in Long Island and had no issues (those were two S cards). Here I have one M card and in 80% of my recordings, there will be 6-8 seconds of audio dropout.

The new software is Cablevisions attempt at fixing the conditional lock problem for the NDS M-Cards. The conditional lock problem causes audio and video dropouts for many customers.

How is it working for you?

[jaj2276]

That's good to know that this update is supposed to fix the issue I was having!

We've only had the update for two days so I can't say for sure it's been fixed. I haven't encountered it at all tonight so that's a good sign. I've got the GF on the lookout for these things (she was annoyed by it more than I was) so will respond back in a few days.

[jaj2276]

I'm happy to confirm that audio dropouts were fixed with the recent cablecard firmware upgrade for NDS Mcards (from version 3.92.08 to 3.92.10).

[bcronin]

If I buy a new TiVo, can I simply move the CableCard from my old one to the new one and have it work, of do I have to call CV to come out and do it?

[pdonoghu]

If I buy a new TiVo, can I simply move the CableCard from my old one to the new one and have it work, of do I have to call CV to come out and do it?

The cable card needs to be paired with the host ID of the Tivo. New Tivo, new host ID. You can try calling Cablevision customer support, tell them you have a cable card issue (without giving them the details) and ask for the hi def department. The hi def department are who deal with cable card and tuning adapter issues. If you ask nicely, you may get them to repair the cable card to the new Tivo without a truck roll.

[jimpmc]

Question on truck rolls for cablecards...I have a TiVoHD with 2 S-Cards from Cablevision (Nassau County) that has been working for several years. I want to get a new Premiere and give the HD to my folks who also are Cablevision subscribers, but in Suffolk County.

So, what are my options with the Cablecards? Do I really need 2 truck rolls or can I avoid one by moving the HD as is and having them transfer the cablecards to another account?

[pdonoghu]

Question on truck rolls for cablecards...I have a TiVoHD with 2 S-Cards from Cablevision (Nassau County) that has been working for several years. I want to get a new Premiere and give the HD to my folks who also are Cablevision subscribers, but in Suffolk County.

So, what are my options with the Cablecards? Do I really need 2 truck rolls or can I avoid one by moving the HD as is and having them transfer the cablecards to another account?

Only Cablevision customer support can answer that one. At a minimum, the existing Tivos 2 S cards wouild have to be put on your folks account. If you are off the same head end, it should be fairly straight forward. You will need a truck roll for your new HD, even though you probably know more than the Cablevision installer does about cable cards.

I would move the Tivo HD to your parents house, and connect it up. See if all the channels you (not your folks) subscribe to come in. If they do, try calling customer support, ask for the hi def department to get a CSR familiar with cable cards. Plead your case nicely to move the cards to the folks account. If they won't do it, and require a truck roll, at least you can get one M card, and your folks can save a few bucks per month.

[sb1975]

Hey guys, I'm having trouble with 2 of my TiVo HD's both have two single streams (I think) and for the past few weeks ch. 759 has no audio and ch. 765 will play for a second then the audio and video will freeze.

Seeing how its happening to both my TiVo's I think its a Cablevision problem. Is there anything I can do or just call Cablevision CS?

[RickNY]

ch. 765 will play for a second then the audio and video will freeze


I had this issue several months back with one of the Encore channels.. The only solution that worked was the tech swapping out the singlestream cards for a multistream.

[headless chicken]

Just got a Series3 Tivo so I'm a little late to the game. My provider is Cablevision of Woodbury (Long Island) and these techs seem to know nothing about the S3. They insist I only need one M-card although I know otherwise.

Anyway, after the installation of two multistream NDS cards, I've been experiencing intermittent error messages saying This message is on behalf of your cable provider (or something to that effect): (04) This service is blocked.

Anyone else have this issue and if so, how did you solve it?
Are single stream cards better for the Series3 or should I just try and get SA or Motorola cablecards from Cablevision if available?

[RickNY]

Two multistream cards should work fine in the S3.

The message you are receiving is shown when you tune a channel that you don't subscribe to. If you are supposed to receive it, call customer service.

If you are not supposed to receive it, uncheck it from your channel list -- it gets annoying to get out of when you inadvertently tune to one of those channels.

[headless chicken]

The message you are receiving is shown when you tune a channel that you don't subscribe to. If you are supposed to receive it, call customer service.


It happened when I tuned into NBCHD the other day...called Tivo, who did a 3-way call with Cablevision. They sent a software/firmware upgrade but that hasn't taken care of the issue. Apparently the first four digits of the CA status on the Conditional Access (Cablecard) menu should read 0001 if everything is functioning as it should, but mine was 0000.

[pdonoghu]

It happened when I tuned into NBCHD the other day...called Tivo, who did a 3-way call with Cablevision. They sent a software/firmware upgrade but that hasn't taken care of the issue. Apparently the first four digits of the CA status on the Conditional Access (Cablecard) menu should read 0001 if everything is functioning as it should, but mine was 0000.

Call Cablevision customer support and ask for the Hi Def department. That will get you routed to a higher level customer support group that understands cable cards and tuning adapters.

[saramj]

Just got a Series3 Tivo so I'm a little late to the game. My provider is Cablevision of Woodbury (Long Island) and these techs seem to know nothing about the S3. They insist I only need one M-card although I know otherwise.

Your Cablevision tech. is correct, you only need one "M" card. The Multi-Stream card will run both tuners. I just replaced the two "S" cards I had on my TiVo HD with one "M" card and everything looks great especially with the tuning adapter. Why pay for an additional card when you do not need to?
Cablevision only uses NDS cards.

[lopinc1]

Your Cablevision tech. is correct, you only need one "M" card. The Multi-Stream card will run both tuners. I just replaced the two "S" cards I had on my TiVo HD with one "M" card and everything looks great especially with the tuning adapter. Why pay for an additional card when you do not need to?
Cablevision only uses NDS cards.

He's not using a HD, he's using a S3, that requires 2 cards.

[saramj]

He's not using a HD, he's using a S3, that requires 2 cards.

Yes a Series 3 is very similar to the HD it will still take one "M" card to handle both tuners.

[mad6c]

The Series 3 requires 2 CableCARDs regardless of type.

[lopinc1]

Yes a Series 3 is very similar to the HD it will still take one "M" card to handle both tuners.

RTFM

http://support.tivo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/144/kw/M-Card%20Support%20by%20DVR%20model/r_id/100041

"Series3 HD DVRs support M-Cards in single-stream mode only, which means that you must install two (2) CableCARDs for the DVR to run in dual-tuner mode."

[Dr_Zoidberg]

In more recent times, Cablevision in Central NJ has been putting channels (mostly premium) up in the 1300's. I am paying for the Gold package, which includes all premium channels. In the HD, I have two cablecards, and the Cisco TA. I cannot tune to those channels. I get a message that says that it's not provided by my setup. On a lark, I tried redoing the channel lineup, and now, I get the message

"This channel is temporarily unavailable. Press select to try tuning to this channel again. Contact your cable provider for more information"

Are we supposed to have access to those channels on an HD? I have an S2 with a Cablevision-supplied box, and I am able to get to those channels on it.

[Brighton Line]

Hold on, we have Series 3 and Tivo HD, both are sometimes refered to as Series 3 as in the brand so lets use the MODEL Number:
TiVo Series 3 HD DVR TCD648250B supports multistream cards in SINGLE stream mode only. You need two cards multistream or single stream.
TiVo HD DVR TCD652160 does support multi-stream cards and you can use a single multi-stream card for both tunners.
Now just to confuse some more there is also the TiVo HD XL DVR TCD658000 which I don't know anything about >G<.

[dturturro]

I've had an S3 for a few years now. I just added a Premeire XL and 2 HD XLs to get rid of the other cable boxes. CV is installing the M-cards on Saturday. When they 1st installed the S3 they did a Clear and Delete All (or Master Reset as the tech called it). My problem is I have already started using the boxes and I don't want to lose everything. Are they still doing this or have they figured out how to install the cards without screwing up the TiVos?

[pdonoghu]

I've had an S3 for a few years now. I just added a Premeire XL and 2 HD XLs to get rid of the other cable boxes. CV is installing the M-cards on Saturday. When they 1st installed the S3 they did a Clear and Delete All (or Master Reset as the tech called it). My problem is I have already started using the boxes and I don't want to lose everything. Are they still doing this or have they figured out how to install the cards without screwing up the TiVos?

There is absolutely no reason or need to do a clear and delete all. Don't let them do that. Have them follow the instruction sheet for installing and configuring cable cards.

[dturturro]

It happened when I tuned into NBCHD the other day...called Tivo, who did a 3-way call with Cablevision. They sent a software/firmware upgrade but that hasn't taken care of the issue. Apparently the first four digits of the CA status on the Conditional Access (Cablecard) menu should read 0001 if everything is functioning as it should, but mine was 0000.

I'm getting this exact problem on a newly installed HD XL with 1M-Card. It was working for about an hour while the tech was installing additional devices then this. How did you find that info about the card?

[nn2g2bT]

I forced all 3 of my new TiVoHD's to update to Software Version 11.0g prior to my $35 appointment to install the Cablevision Cablecards and Tuning Adapters, but ...

The installer claims that because I didn't leave the TiVoHD's connected to Cablevision's RF signal for 24-48 hours, the units haven't yet received the info needed to install the Cablecards, and I will have to reschedule.

Really?

[pdonoghu]

I forced all 3 of my new TiVoHD's to update to Software Version 11.0g prior to my $35 appointment to install the Cablevision Cablecards and Tuning Adapters, but ...

The installer claims that because I didn't leave the TiVoHD's connected to Cablevision's RF signal for 24-48 hours, the units haven't yet received the info needed to install the Cablecards, and I will have to reschedule.

Really?

Total BS. They install the card, give the Tivo number and card number to the head end, then the head end sends a hit to the card to authorize it. Then it should all work.

[nn2g2bT]

Total BS. They install the card, give the Tivo number and card number to the head end, then the head end sends a hit to the card to authorize it. Then it should all work.
Thanks for the quick reply, pdonoghu --

To "prove" his point, he showed me an error page in my TiVo's On-Screen Cablecard Installation Wizard that said something like "Your cable provider has not provided any information about the Cablecard in Slot 1."

He warned me that my 3 TivoHD's probably would NOT receive the necessary Cablecard info from Cablevision unless I connect each unit to it's own separate cable outlet for the full 24-48 hours, and...

He also said that using splitters (to feed all 3 from the same outlet for 24-48 hours, or even to just maintain our current rented-box service alongside them) might degrade the signal too much for the 2-way RF connection to function properly.

And BTW, he said that Cablevision can't possibly be blamed for these TiVo problems, because they don't sell them.

What a runaround!

.

[Brighton Line]

[QUOTE=nn2g2bT;8032728]He also said that using splitters might degrade the signal too much for the 2-way RF connection to function properly.QUOTE]

No,
I have a Series 3 and HD behind 3 splitters without issue. And no they weren't plugged into coax for 24/48 hours before but I did have them updated to the latest software.
The Tivo can't talk to the cableservices, that is why you need the cablecard. What could be coming over the coax to a Tivo without a cable card??
Nothing.
Well you could have watched any unencrypted QAM channel but no information from the head end. Just another uninformed tech who refused to RTFM I think.

[nn2g2bT]

He also said that using splitters might degrade the signal too much for the 2-way RF connection to function properly.

No,
I have a Series 3 and HD behind 3 splitters without issue. And no they weren't plugged into coax for 24/48 hours before but I did have them updated to the latest software.
The Tivo can't talk to the cableservices, that is why you need the cablecard. What could be coming over the coax to a Tivo without a cable card??
Nothing.
Well you could have watched any unencrypted QAM channel but no information from the head end. Just another uninformed tech who refused to RTFM I think.

After a good night's sleep, I'm thinking that the installer probably mis-spoke about there being any real 2-way RF connection before the Cablecards are installed, and that he was probably being overly cautious about the splitter warnings, but...

Since it does take quite a while for the TiVoHD to scan Cablevision's 500 channels, there's probably some validity to the claim that the units should be hooked up to the RF cable for a day or two prior to the Cablecard installation.

Am I giving the installer too much benefit of the doubt? (Maybe he just wanted to see the end of the World Cup Finals or something --)

[pdonoghu]

After a good night's sleep, I'm thinking that the installer probably mis-spoke about there being any real 2-way RF connection before the Cablecards are installed, and that he was probably being overly cautious about the splitter warnings, but...

Since it does take quite a while for the TiVoHD to scan Cablevision's 500 channels, there's probably some validity to the claim that the units should be hooked up to the RF cable for a day or two prior to the Cablecard installation.

Am I giving the installer too much benefit of the doubt? (Maybe he just wanted to see the end of the World Cup Finals or something --)

Keep in mind that the purpose of the cable card is to provide the channel map to the Tivo, so it does not have to scan all the possible combinations of channels for signal. Each time a Tivo boots up with a cable card, it goes to the cable card and checks the channel list. This takes a few seconds. There really is not much (if any) 2 way communication. The Tivo is not 2 way capable. The cable card downloads the authorized channel map. If there were a cable card firmware update needed, that should only take a few minutes, not days.

[Grumock]

After a good night's sleep, I'm thinking that the installer probably mis-spoke about there being any real 2-way RF connection before the Cablecards are installed, and that he was probably being overly cautious about the splitter warnings, but...

Since it does take quite a while for the TiVoHD to scan Cablevision's 500 channels, there's probably some validity to the claim that the units should be hooked up to the RF cable for a day or two prior to the Cablecard installation.

Am I giving the installer too much benefit of the doubt? (Maybe he just wanted to see the end of the World Cup Finals or something --)

It is always recommended that you have at least the guided setup run on regular cable b4 the tech gets there. Not to mention that you want to have the software updated in the TIVo prior to install. These things will make install go smoother.

[nn2g2bT]

It is always recommended that you have at least the guided setup run on regular cable b4 the tech gets there. Not to mention that you want to have the software updated in the TIVo prior to install. These things will make install go smoother.

I did force the software updates, and did all 3 of the guided setups, but I didn't connect to Cablevision RF until about 45 minutes before the 1st Tech arrived (and I had not yet activated the TiVo Service at that time), so...

My bad, for not understanding that the RF connection made a significant difference -- :o


NOW my issue is that the first 2 Tuning Adapters I'm trying to install keep cycling on-and-off (mostly off):

Every time I plug in (what I assume to be) the properly wired Cisco STA1520 Tuning Adapters, the indicator light stays on steady for maybe 6-8 seconds, there are 4 quick flashes, then there are 10 slow flashes, then the light goes out for several minutes, and then the cycle eventually repeats on it's own, if left plugged in.

A TiVo tech told me that these adapters need to be running at least Version 0.0801 of the firmware, and that he thinks the current version is probably above 0.09 by now, but...

They won't even power up long enough for me to find out what version firmware is running -- AFAIK, they've never even registered on the TiVo Tuning Adapter Diagnostic Page.

An installer is due again tomorrow, between 8 -11am, so please stay tuned...

On 11/6/09, dlfl wrote: The following applies to the Cisco STA1520 TA used by many providers, not sure about yours:

You normally don't have to reboot your TiVo. Unplug the usb cable, then unplug the TA power for 30 secs. Plug the TA back in and wait until the green light is either solid or repeating a 6-blink-pause sequence. This wait can be several minutes. Then reconnect the USB cable. The TiVo should give a message that you have connected it, and go from there.

If you don't get either solid or the 6-blink sequence, but instead get a sequence of 8 blinks-then-pause, that usually means your TA needs to be "reprovisioned" (or "hit") by the cable co. office. Call support and tell them it's blinking 8-then-pause and you want them to hit it.

I guess what I'm calling OFF might be a long pause, but I've consistently counted 10 slow flashes before the light goes out for several minutes -- definitely not just 6 or 8 blinks.

(But thanks to dlfl, I'm off right now to try the suggested procedure!)



To Be Continued --
.

[nworich]

wanted to watch the mlb free preview on the hd tivo box i have. I got a grey screen. Can these channels be watched if i have the cablecards?

[nn2g2bT]

After a fruitless 90 minute plus visit from an installer, we concluded that all 3 of my STA1520 TAs should be swapped out, but [of course] he had none on his truck, so I ended up swapping them myself, at the Cablevision Store.

2 of the 3 replacements worked fine, but the 3rd had the exact same power-recycling problem that my first batch had, so...

One more visit from an installer on Friday finally solved the issue, by swapping out the bad TA again.

Overall, 4 out of 7 brand new STA1520s were apparently defective out-of-the-box, so I'm surprised that this power recycling problem hasn't been reported here before --

BTW, all of the working TAs report the following info in the Software Versions section of my TiVo's "Tuning Adapter Diagnostics" Page:

STA1.0.0_1520_BDSG.LR_F.1101

.

[rcliff]

I added Sports package today to get TennisHD and customer service told me they were having system problems and it took two hours to finally get the SA boxes working but they could not get my Tivo/cablecard/tuning adapter to add the channels. Otherwise, the Tivo, cablecard and TA work fine. The people I spoke to @ CV seemed really clueless and insist on dispatching a tech now. Seems ridiculous. Anyone have any suggestions? I did power cycle both the TA and Tivo to no avail.

Thanks,
Cliff

[Lrscpa]

I added Sports package today to get TennisHD and customer service told me they were having system problems and it took two hours to finally get the SA boxes working but they could not get my Tivo/cablecard/tuning adapter to add the channels. Otherwise, the Tivo, cablecard and TA work fine. The people I spoke to @ CV seemed really clueless and insist on dispatching a tech now. Seems ridiculous. Anyone have any suggestions? I did power cycle both the TA and Tivo to no avail.

Thanks,
Cliff

You need to call customer service and ask for Cablevision's HiDef department.

[rcliff]

You need to call customer service and ask for Cablevision's HiDef department.They were the ones who told me I needed a truck roll. Anyway, I just turned it on and the missing channels now working today so I'm all good. CVs support was just awful though.

[njdtivo]

Finally!

Picked mine up this past Saturday and installed it in my new Premier, worked like a charm.

Here's the link to the information on Cablevision's website:

http://optimum.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/optimum.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=651&p_sid=Ho*APjbk&p_lva=2119&p_accessibility=0&p_redirect=&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPTEmcF9zb3J0X2J5PSZwX2dyaWRzb3J0PSZwX3Jvd19jbnQ 9MywzJnBfcHJvZHM9JnBfY2F0cz0mcF9wdj0mcF9jdj0mcF9wYWdlPTEmcF9 zZWFyY2hfdGV4dD1TRFY%2A&p_li=

[blacknoi]

That is great news. I wish I could get my prior two install fees ($48 and then $35) refunded though.

[Brighton Line]

That is great news. I wish I could get my prior two install fees ($48 and then $35) refunded though.

Haha, just like my first Modem from Cablevision, had to pay $90 and pick it up from The Wiz!! Never got that back ;)

Maybe I should trade in my two single stream for a MS and save $2 a month now that we can pick them up for my Tivo HD.

[blacknoi]

Maybe I should trade in my two single stream for a MS and save $2 a month now that we can pick them up for my Tivo HD.

Thats a great idea actually.

I used to have 2 S-Cards in my TivoHD before my area got M Cards. I got a tech to swap them for an M card during an unrelated service call (not my issue so I didnt pay for that one) and have had less cablecard flakeouts since the Mcard was installed.

Give it a go. Why pay more when you don't have to.

[LI-SVT]

Shortly before Thanksgiving I decided to swap out my working single stream cards for multi stream cards. I have two Tivo HDs each had two of the four total single stream cards. Picking up the M-Cards went smoothly at the Cablevision center.

When the cards were installed I followed the directions and tried to get them activated. The phone rep was not able to complete this task. She told me someone from "digital services" would call me back in an hour. No such phone call happened.

Some time passed and I called again to try and get the cards activated. Again it did not happen. The phone rep said they were getting an error on Cablevisions end and suggested a tech visit or swap the cards myself.

I decided to swap the cards myself but did call in one more time to see if they could be activated. It didn't work so I planned a visit to the walk in center.

Yesterday I picked up two new M-Cards and took them home. After inserting them and letting the software update I called. This time I was told the system was not accepting the numbers. A tech is coming Thursday.

So much for self installed cable cards:(

[Lrscpa]

Call Cablevision back and ask for the "Hi-Def" department. Let us know what happens.

[LI-SVT]

Call Cablevision back and ask for the "Hi-Def" department. Let us know what happens.

Went that rout the first three times. Yesterday after the front line CSR couldn't get it to work I gave in and let her schedule a tech.

[LI-SVT]

Shortly before Thanksgiving I decided to swap out my working single stream cards for multi stream cards. I have two Tivo HDs each had two of the four total single stream cards. Picking up the M-Cards went smoothly at the Cablevision center.

When the cards were installed I followed the directions and tried to get them activated. The phone rep was not able to complete this task. She told me someone from "digital services" would call me back in an hour. No such phone call happened.

Some time passed and I called again to try and get the cards activated. Again it did not happen. The phone rep said they were getting an error on Cablevisions end and suggested a tech visit or swap the cards myself.

I decided to swap the cards myself but did call in one more time to see if they could be activated. It didn't work so I planned a visit to the walk in center.

Yesterday I picked up two new M-Cards and took them home. After inserting them and letting the software update I called. This time I was told the system was not accepting the numbers. A tech is coming Thursday.

So much for self installed cable cards:(

Tech came yesterday. Nice guy, smart guy, and he wanted it fixed right. As soon as he walked in he showed me his paperwork and confirmed I had no cable boxes, just cable cards. He pointed out his paperwork showed the cable cards were entered in to the system as cable boxes. he spent quite a bit of time on the phone getting that worked out.

Once that problem was solved the cards were activated but some channels still did not work. A second long phone call ensured my account had the correct packages. He then used his equipment to rule out any signal issues. The signal was fine.

A third phone call and another long wait and it turned out no one had done the binding. Once the binding was done everything was back to working.

[LouB]

Good to hear.. I have been wanting to update my S-Cards to an M but have not wanted the hassles now that everything is working. My HGTV started working a few weeks ago...

My 2 year promotion in up and my rates are going up for my 3 services and I wonder if I should look at FIOS since they are lighting up my area in suffolk.

[LI-SVT]

If FIOS was available to me I would sign up.

[LouB]

Yeah... Just need sometime to look at the switch.

[Alvysyngr]

I called cv to order a cable card for my new/used series 3 and they totally insisted on the $35 installation even though I said I have no problem installing one (how hard can it be?) anyway, after 10 min they lowered the price to $20 and I agreed. Just found the thread saying I can just pick one up from the cv store, called them to confirm and cancelled the appt. The guy was cool about it and now I'll grab one tomorrow and have an hdtivo in the bedroom! Thanks to you guys and this forum!

[blacknoi]

Went to the local walk-in center over the weekend to pick up a cablecard for my premier.

They told me since this was my 5th cablecard, any more and they REQUIRE a truck roll.

I told them that 3 of my 5 cabecards are on one outlet (tv with cablecard, then a tivo S3 with 2 s-cards).

They said it didn't matter. If you have 5 cablecards, if you want any more its a mandatory truck roll.

I'm sure they'll spin it as they need to check signal levels but I'm more than capable of doing that myself.

[Loquitur]

I did a self install Cablevision M Card on Friday and it went pretty well.
When I picked it up at the store, they couldn't get the computer to
send the info to the electronic box that the customer signs. They kept
saying it was showing up on my account but the computer wouldn't finish its
process so they had me sign a paper receipt that I received it instead
of signing on the electronic box.

This is my 5th cable card so I'm familiar with them. I had already
completed the guided set up. I put the card in the Premiere and let
it update and then called for activation. I asked for the HD dept but the
rep insisted she could help me. I then told her that before we got
started, I needed to be sure the cable card was properly bound to my
account since the computer process at the Cablevision store never
completed. Then she told me she would switch me to the ASD Dept.
When I got this rep on the phone, she definitely knew about cable cards.
She put me on hold a number of times coming back now and then to
tell me my account was "locked", not for any reason attributable to me,
and that she and her manager were working on it. Once that was
straightened out, which took about 10 minutes, she told me it would
take two minutes for the channels to come in and that was about right.
It was really fast once they got my account "unlocked".

I don't know what the ASD dept is but I did notice an ASD screen
in the Cable Card Menu diagnostics. So if you are having trouble getting your
card activated and asking for the HD dept doesn't help, try asking for
the ASD dept. I believe the name of the rep that helped me was Dierdre
and she was very good.

[LI-SVT]

Are all areas of Cablevision using NDS M cards?

[cwolfey]

Looking to also upgrade my 2 single stream cablevision cards to multi stream cards since I have to get a new M-Card for the premier 4 I am ordering
Question: Do I need to still get 2 of the M-cards for the series 3?

[RickNY]

Question: Do I need to still get 2 of the M-cards for the series 3?

For Series 3, YES. For TivoHD, no. Series 3 can use multistream cards, but only in single-stream mode - so you need two. TivoHD can use multistream card in multistream mode.

[cwolfey]

For Series 3, YES. For TivoHD, no. Series 3 can use multistream cards, but only in single-stream mode - so you need two. TivoHD can use multistream card in multistream mode.

OK figured that, does it benefit me to swap the single stream cards to new multi stream ones?

[Blahman]

Ok, had 2 Series 3 TiVo units going with 2 S-card cablecards for years now.
Added 2 more S3 OLED TiVo units.
Go to Cablevision, say I need 4 cablecards and 2 tuning adapters for an older S3 TiVo slots in the back. Lady at the counter knew right away what I was talking about. Got the cards, tuning adapters, and bring it all home.
Well, somehow in adding the new cards and tuning adapters to the account she messed up the pairing on the very first card on the account as the S3 that has been working for years suddenly gets nothing but the in the clear channels on one tuner.
After lots of checking and verifying it is definitely just that one card that is missing channels.
That was Tuesday night. Come Saturday ready to get everything going and get the last 2 cable boxes out of the house. Everything all hooked up, cable boxes returned. All is good. Call to have all the new cards paired to their hosts and have another hit on the one card that somehow got messed up by adding equipment to the account.
At that point everything is working except CC-1 on S3-1. Although it is now getting some but not all the channels it should.
Give it about an hour. Call back on the one card not working. Guy hits the card and does a few other things.
About 30 min later I now have 3 working TiVos with 6 working cards and the very first TiVo on the account now has both cards giving only the non-encrypted channels.
4th time is a charm as this last time I get someone who really knew what they were doing and this person managed to activate and pair both cards from the main S3 and get all my cards on all systems working.

So, clearly they don't know quite what they are doing still over at Cablevision but with enough tries you can find people who have a clue.