Tivo Series 3 QAM Cox

[thunderdogg]

Currently i'm frustrated with my OTA HDTV configuration, and my series 2 tivo doesn't have any HD capability, so i was looking at purchasing at Tivo Series 3, specifically the TCD653080. What i'm wondering is if these support QAM (they're supposed to) and so if i was to acquire one of these would i be able to ditch the OTA HDTV and get the free HDTV channels via my cable company (without signing up for the digital pacakge) just using my new TiVo series 3 box?

I'm just looking for like, CBS, ABC, NBC, etc.. Not HBO, ESPN, A&E, etc. I realize that in order to get those, i'd most likely need to sign up with my provider.

In my area (norfolk, va) i've got Cox cable, through which i'm currently subscribed to the basic package.

Thanks!

[moyekj]

For all the gory details the 1st post of this thread has a good summary:
http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=362736

The short of it: Without signing up for digital cable + CableCards Tivo S3/HD can find and tune the HD locals, but you will not get any guide data for them and hence are restricted to using manual recordings for those channels (and of course no season passes, wishlists, etc.).

[Phantom Gremlin]

The short of it: Without signing up for digital cable + CableCards Tivo S3/HD can find and tune the HD locals, but you will not get any guide data for them and hence are restricted to using manual recordings for those channels (and of course no season passes, wishlists, etc.).

However you can stick with cheap cable, not digital cable, and just get Cablecards. Then you will have guide data for your HD locals.

At least you can here in Oregon with Comcast. With just the $10/mo basic cable, the first cablecard is free, second is under $2/mo.

[moyekj]

However you can stick with cheap cable, not digital cable, and just get Cablecards. Then you will have guide data for your HD locals. I have not heard of a single person that was able to do that with Cox cable yet... Cox requires you subscribe to digital cable (or digital gateway) before you can get CableCards. That's why there are many people clamoring for Tivo to properly support clear QAM on the Tivo S3/HD - the monthly savings would be significant if there was no need for CableCard rental + digital cable (plus expanded basic for some).

[jrm01]

If you can get the OTA HD channels, they will work great with the Tivo HD, including integrated guide data.

[jcthorne]

However you can stick with cheap cable, not digital cable, and just get Cablecards. Then you will have guide data for your HD locals.

At least you can here in Oregon with Comcast. With just the $10/mo basic cable, the first cablecard is free, second is under $2/mo.

Comcast in Houston will not do that either. Yours is the only Comcast system I have heard of that will. Cable cards are only issued with digital cable service. $54 a month. No Thanks, I am not paying $54 a month for guide data.

TIVO needs to get off its high horse and fix this so that guide data can be applied to direct digital feeds from cable without a cable card. The box is digital cable ready, the software is not.

[bkdtv]

Comcast in Houston will not do that either. Yours is the only Comcast system I have heard of that will. Cable cards are only issued with digital cable service. $54 a month. No Thanks, I am not paying $54 a month for guide data.I was not able to order CableCards from Comcast without digital service. But I was able to order CableCards and digital service from Comcast, and then cancel the digital service a month later and keep my CableCards (still on my bill).

It makes sense if you think about it. It costs Comcast money to pay their people to drive out and install CableCards, yet Comcast does not charge you anything to install digital cable service and CableCards. People expect Comcast to pay installers $75 to install CableCards for a customer with $15/mo 'limited basic' service? That's not going to happen.

[bmgoodman]

Comcast in Houston will not do that either. Yours is the only Comcast system I have heard of that will. Cable cards are only issued with digital cable service. $54 a month. No Thanks, I am not paying $54 a month for guide data.

TIVO needs to get off its high horse and fix this so that guide data can be applied to direct digital feeds from cable without a cable card. The box is digital cable ready, the software is not.

FWIW, have you tried writing to your local franchising authority? I thought cable companies were required to provide CCs. My local Comcast provided me 2 with no cost for the install and no monthly fee. I have "basic" plus "expanded", but nothing digital at all.