Does re-insert of CableCards require provider to re-initalize every time?

[audiowurks]

Hello...

sorry if this has been answered before... looked but could not find...

What is the consensus on these questions:

Does one need to have their cable provider (Comcast for me) re-initialize CableCards if you remove them from the S3, and then re-insert them?

What if you swap their positions?

What if you put them in a replacement S3?

Or, does the equipment you put them in, and the slots within those dual-slot pieces of equipment, not matter?

thanks!

[generaltso]

It depends if Comcast in your area has the cable card IDs linked to the host ID. For me they do, but others have reported that they don't in other areas.

Assuming that the cards are linked to the host ID in your area, swapping the cards positions in the S3 or moving them to a different device would require Comcast to re-initialize them. If Comcast just authorizes the cards by mac address in your area, you can swap the cards between slots or devices freely.

Regardless, you should be able to take a card out and replace it in the same slot without having Comcast do anything. Just don't put it in another slot or device or it could break the original pairing.

[audiowurks]

Thanks for the info.

I called Comcast again, and they said it didnt matter (for just me or my area? I don't know).

I'm experiencing the apparently common loss of some channels only on one tuner. This fault follows the position of the cable card when I swap them. Sure appears to be a faulty cable card, but I've had so many problems with this S3, and been told so many conflicting things from both Comcast and Tivo, I don't belive much of anything anymore.

Nonetheless, the Comcast guy is coming out for his 3rd visit, to try to get my second S3 box working, tomorrow.

ug...

[generaltso]

It definitely could be a bad card. But it's also possible that Comcast doesn't have that card authorized properly. Either scenario would follow the card when you swapped it. Regardless, replacing the card is probably a good bet because that will also force them to redo the pairing and initialization. Good luck!

[Foxturn]

My experience with Comcast (Dover DE) has been exhausting. Once the techs realize you have cablecards installed in something other than a TV, you can have them get the Host ID for each card. But you have to instruct them each step of the way!