Are my CableCards Truly Needed?

[lawilson2]

I've been thinking about this, but don't have experience with them so maybe you can help me.

I have cable with RCN in Chicago. I have the DVR box (which I'm getting rid of). Besides the HDTV channels, I don't get any channels past 99 (I didn't want to spend the extra $20/month for channels I never watch).

That being said, do I really need CableCards? Can't my cable line go directly into the Tivo and I be able to access the channels? I'm assuming the answer is YES, but what about the HD channels that reside in the 3 digit channel range? Thanks!

[jfh3]

If you don't use the CableCards, you would need QAM mapping to associate the cable frequency with the Tivo channel assignment. Since QAM mapping isn't available on the initial Series 3 release, it's unlikely that you could effectively use the HD (or digital) versions.

[megazone]

CableCARD is only used for digital cable. If you only get channels 1-99, you very likely do not have digital cable - just analog. So no cards needed.

[PhillyGuy]

You'll be able to access the analog channels with S3, but for any in the clear digital channels (including HD), you need to be able to map it (either with cable card or manually, which is not yet available) to watch.

[megazone]

No, you don't need to be able to map it. You just have to tune it by the actual channel number the tuner is receiving it on to get to it.

[lawilson2]

I more lost than I was before! lol. For 1.50 each, I think I will just keep my order of them. I want to ensure that I get the HD channels. Thanks!

[rainwater]

I more lost than I was before! lol. For 1.50 each, I think I will just keep my order of them. I want to ensure that I get the HD channels. Thanks!

Make sure you aren't being billed for digital cable service too then. If you only have extended basic and order a CableCard, most cable companies will charge your monthly for digital service (and possibly HD). However, its possible your cable company doesn't do that automatically.

[Stephen Tu]

No, you don't need to be able to map it. You just have to tune it by the actual channel number the tuner is receiving it on to get to it.

But without mapping, according to your own FAQ, you don't get guide, SP, or wishlists, only manual records by time/channel. That bites. I wouldn't want to use a Tivo w/o Guide + SP, using only manual records. That would make it worse than cable DVR!

[Dan203]

Exactly! If you want to record HD from cable then you need CableCARDs. If all you want to do is record analog cable and/or OTA HD then no CableCARDs are required.

Dan