New S3 kicking out one channel

[jacksonian]

I just got my second S3, actually it's the replacement for my second one (first one had an audio issue). I swapped out the cable cards to the new one and everything seemed to work fine with one exception.

When I try to tune ESPN-HD (TWC), it displays the channel for like 2 seconds, then it kicks up the CableCard diagnostic screen. It says, "To start this service, call ________"

It doesn't do it on any other channel, HD, premium, etc...only this one channel. Does this sound like a cablecard issue, or is it another S3 hardware issue?

[litkaj]

Does it do it for both CableCARDs?

[aztivo]

I just got my second S3, actually it's the replacement for my second one (first one had an audio issue). I swapped out the cable cards to the new one and everything seemed to work fine with one exception.

When I try to tune ESPN-HD (TWC), it displays the channel for like 2 seconds, then it kicks up the CableCard diagnostic screen. It says, "To start this service, call ________"

It doesn't do it on any other channel, HD, premium, etc...only this one channel. Does this sound like a cablecard issue, or is it another S3 hardware issue?
I get this on mine every few days if I hit clear on the remote then it just goes away and I can see the channel(s) fine. It only happens on my HD chanels

[bareyb]

Mine does something similar on HBOHD and DHD. Tells me all the time it's "searching for signal". The only cure I've found is to leave it alone for a couple of days and hope it comes back. Neither channel is very reliable. The rest of my channels work pretty well except for some pixillation from time to time.

[jacksonian]

Yep, does it on both cable cards. I know because it pops up the diagnostic screen for each one.

If I hit clear, then the channel goes blank, it doesn't return.

Never says searching for signal. Seems to tune fine at first, then it pops up that screen, then the channel is gone if I hit clear.

So do you guys think that's a cablecard issue? Or an S3 hardware issue? TWC phone person wasn't helpful. I need to figure out if it's a hardware issue in case I need to return this one as well.

[secondclaw]

Have same exact problems with three channels from Comcast - National Geographic HD, A&E HD, and ShopNBC SD (digital). Happens with both CC's - which are actually different type (with different firmware reported on them) so I cannot imagine its CC's - either Comcast sending some flag that prevents CC's from decoding the channels - or Tivo not liking something with the stream. When I had Comcst DVR, I remember A&E working ok.

Also, after I hit clear and channel went blank, I got to the diagnostics screen - and both tuners reported no issues. Went into CableCard menu to look around and nothing special there.

[litkaj]

Have you tried checking the signal strength on that channel?

[secondclaw]

Have you tried checking the signal strength on that channel?

I have - it was showing 85% for the few seconds before it disappeared - same percentage as all other channels.

[secondclaw]

Just got off the phone with Comcast on this issue - according to them the channels are not actually ready yet and are supposed to be activated in a few days - maybe they had them active by mistake before ... I don't know :(