Comcast Tivo Poll [Text View]

boxerboys

02-27-2008, 09:33 PM

I am surprised at the number of smash responses there have been. Although I love the concept, it is unusable on a daily basis. I can live with slow menus, etc; but the green screen is too much to deal with 2-3 times a day. And unfortunately I am one of the ones that can't get around it by pressing Tivo, etc. I am forced to restart; which in itself takes about 10 minutes.

As I said, I love the idea of this, but I can't believe that Comcast let this go out to the public (and now advertises for it) when these bugs are not resolved.

The only reason I haven't returned mine are because as much as my wife hates it, she can't go without the recordings that are on there...so we are stuck.

Can't wait for my HTPC Vista Media Center PC to be completed.

Eric90gt

02-28-2008, 08:02 AM

boxerboys

02-28-2008, 08:44 AM

Thanks for the suggestion; just confirmed it is already set that way. :(

aadam101

02-28-2008, 09:38 AM

I have never seen this green screen that everyone keeps talking about.

Eric90gt

02-28-2008, 01:14 PM

Thanks for the suggestion; just confirmed it is already set that way. :(

weird, also make sure its set that way in the box's menu (power box off from front panel and press menu

i believe this is also one of the issues to be resolved with the new firmware

JoeBarbs

02-28-2008, 04:20 PM

I've been extremely pleased with my Comcast TiVo.

i080054

02-28-2008, 04:40 PM

I started with one Comcast Tivo box on our family room TV. Worked great, decided to replace the noisy old original Tivo we have in our bedroom. Comcast shows up to install the second Tivo and after 60+ minutes of fooling around comes to the conclusion the box he was given is not Tivo capable. He promised to return the next day with the right box. The next day another tech shows up with a box that looks like it's been bouncing around in the back of his truck for a year. Dirty, scratched, etc. I asked him for a new box as I didn't want to deal with a refurb on the new technology. He promised to return with a new box. This was right before MA school vacation week - we went away. Come back and Comcast Tivo box number one is alternating between a flashing dot and all 8's on the front display. No picture whatsoever! Oscar night! Call Comcast and 45 minutes on the phone later have an appointment for the next day. The original offer was 4 days out... The tech shows up the next day, diagnoses the problem as 'need to change the box' but sheepishly states he can't because he is unable to contact Comcast via phone to initiate the download. Yes, Comcast's phones weren't working... Tech promises to escalate to his boss and return the next day. The next day the supervisor comes, installs both boxes - took about 3 hours for the Tivo software downloads to complete (why not give the techs the Tivo software on a USB stick?!?) and get the boxes operational. Fingers crossed - both boxes are working now. I'm hoping the early adopter pain and suffering is behind me!

JoeBarbs

02-28-2008, 04:46 PM

why not give the techs the Tivo software on a USB stick?!?

Because the ultimate goal is to not have a technician there at all (unless of ocurse its your first DVR box). The goal is to be able to push the software onto the DVR box. The technicians are coming out now and making sure that the process goes smoothly and also to note when things hiccup so it can be fixed going forward.

I think once we hear that comcast is expanding the TiVo service beyond Boston, thats when I think we will know that comcast is comfortable with doing installs without a tech involved.

Eric90gt

02-29-2008, 11:26 AM

Because the ultimate goal is to not have a technician there at all (unless of ocurse its your first DVR box). The goal is to be able to push the software onto the DVR box. The technicians are coming out now and making sure that the process goes smoothly and also to note when things hiccup so it can be fixed going forward.

I think once we hear that comcast is expanding the TiVo service beyond Boston, thats when I think we will know that comcast is comfortable with doing installs without a tech involved.

The biggest problem with NOT sending a tech is that the signal levels need to be right for the internal DOCSIS modem to function properly, if the signal isnt right and you attempt to "push" the software to the box, it could render the box useless until a technician can come replace it and correct the signal levels.

also FWIW I have done more than a few installs on these boxes and id say that about 3/4 of the time the signal levels are NOT within the needed parameters when I arrive.

HiDefGator

02-29-2008, 06:00 PM

The biggest problem with NOT sending a tech is that the signal levels need to be right for the internal DOCSIS modem to function properly, if the signal isnt right and you attempt to "push" the software to the box, it could render the box useless until a technician can come replace it and correct the signal levels.

also FWIW I have done more than a few installs on these boxes and id say that about 3/4 of the time the signal levels are NOT within the needed parameters when I arrive.

Do you see this being correctable someday in the future or will a truck roll always be needed? And do you suspect it will be the same through out the country?

Eric90gt

03-01-2008, 05:52 AM

Do you see this being correctable someday in the future or will a truck roll always be needed? And do you suspect it will be the same through out the country?

well, we offer self install kits for our internet modems and those have the same signal requirements so I assume it will be done at some point in the future, but from what i can tell these boxes are very dependent on signal so unless you are absolutely sure the signal is good where you have your dvr (not off a bunch of splitters, no rg59 wire etc....) I'd say the tech visit is a wise investment in your future sanity if the thing starts flaking out and cant get guide info (and then doesn't recort your show) because the modem cant communicate priperly with tivo.

sjashe

03-03-2008, 08:15 AM

I got an early one of these in Mid January.. liked it a lot, but had quite a few green screens and had to reboot a couple times to wake it up.

Then, one day, I too got the 8888, then .... thing happening. I was told that the thing was repeatedly trying to reboot itself.

The service tech showed up 2 or 3 days later to replace the box. The new one had updated software (maybe the last box failed during a software upgrade?) which cleaned up a few of the HMI problems I had been having.

It also added an option to go to standby, not sure what that does... (does it wake itself back up to record?)

I do love the tivo recommendations.. never know what it may catch for you.

The only thing I wish they had done for me was to let me keep the cablecard for free that I had previously had in my tv, so when the box fails I can still watch TV while waiting days for them to come replace it.

JoeBarbs

03-04-2008, 05:46 PM

one of the votes for trash is from user named GuidoTKP (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/member.php?u=69947), who has himself listed as living in Idaho. I didn't realize the Comcast TiVo was released in Idaho already. :rolleyes:

oh and all of his non archived posts are in the DirecTV forum. hmm

Calmante

03-05-2008, 10:58 AM

That's hilarious. It's like picketing a movie you've never seen...

I am a Comcast customer, but by no means would I consider myself having brand loyalty to any provider. It's all about the cost-to-service ratio for me, and as soon as it changes in favor of someone else, I'm gone.

BlackBetty

03-05-2008, 11:53 AM

I was just looking also and noticed user Jebberwocky who is listed as living in Illinois voted "trash". Jebber do you really have the comcast tivo?

markp99

03-05-2008, 05:40 PM

I needed a "pretty good" option in that poll. Almost there, not quite yet due to continuing performance lags in the interface.

JoeBarbs

03-05-2008, 06:05 PM

I needed a "pretty good" option in that poll. Almost there, not quite yet due to continuing performance lags in the interface.

ok, wait 2 weeks or so for the firmware upgrade that is coming and then vote. :)

mtchamp

03-06-2008, 03:36 AM

Everything about my Comcast TiVo was good since it was released until 8888's showed up on my box and rendered it useless. I had to trash it for that reason. I know that Comcast has promised a fix for this problem mid March along with other bug fixes, enhancements. I was going to wait until the bug fix for the 8888's came out before doing anything about it because I have 2 TiVo HD's. However, I'm going to call Comcast right now and get the box replaced so they have another documented case to help them improve the product. The poll does show most people are happy with Comcast's first generation software and it looks like Comcast is serious about fixing the issues that should greatly improve overall customer satisfaction in the near term. Note: Comcast had an option for trouble with your TiVo service. Very cool! I'm on hold.

BlackBetty

03-06-2008, 06:52 AM

mtchamp,
I'd love to hear your take on the box after this software upgrade in a few weeks. I hope it improves upon if not all, then most of the area's you saw that needed improvement/fixes.

civicracer24

03-07-2008, 04:33 PM

I gave up on waiting... the west coast isn't going to get them for a while now... I ordered a TiVo HD... can't wait to get it... I am just a little concerned with the cablecard part.

dorian

03-07-2008, 05:31 PM

I gave up on waiting... the west coast isn't going to get them for a while now... I ordered a TiVo HD... can't wait to get it... I am just a little concerned with the cablecard part.

Where on the west coast? I went with the Tivo HD and was shocked at how well the Comcast tech handled the setup. Of course, I live about 5 miles from the Tivo HQ and the tech mentioned that he setup the boxes that a lot of the beta testers had in their homes.

Calmante

03-07-2008, 08:17 PM

Let me get this straight, you voted trash because you can't get it? Nice.

BlackBetty

03-08-2008, 11:27 AM

I gave up on waiting... the west coast isn't going to get them for a while now... I ordered a TiVo HD... can't wait to get it... I am just a little concerned with the cablecard part.

I'd really love to hear your reasoning on why you voted "trash". :rolleyes:

SeanTivo

03-10-2008, 10:40 AM

I'd really love to hear your reasoning on why you voted "trash". :rolleyes:

I just did a little recon on the users who voted Smash:

2 don't live in New England - Atlanta + Illinois
1 is a comcast employee - Not that there's anything wrong with that
1 has had his box replaced 4 times
1 has had his box replaced 6 times
1 has had a box replaced an undetermined amount of times and has lost season passes

Just an FYI

JSurette

03-10-2008, 11:41 AM

I voted Smash only because I don't think it's Trash. I have had minimal problems since they flipped my DCT3412 I. Yes, it's slow, but I'm a patient guy. :) It's never missed a recording, I've never seen the 8888s, the minor glitches are always fixed with a reboot. And knowing that they're issuing an update soon tells me they're working on making it better, so that's ok with me.

Rebate_King

03-10-2008, 03:50 PM

I just did a little recon on the users who voted Smash:

2 don't live in New England - Atlanta + Illinois
1 is a comcast employee - Not that there's anything wrong with that
1 has had his box replaced 4 times
1 has had his box replaced 6 times
1 has had a box replaced an undetermined amount of times and has lost season passes

Just an FYI

yeah pretty awesome if you ask me. Folks still think its an amazing product even though some have noticed some early bugs (which look like they will be ironed out very soon with a software update). That speaks volumes for the product.

but for someone to vote either negative or positive without ever having the unit, that is just beyond my comprehension. makes no sense.

Calmante

03-11-2008, 10:50 PM

Yep, I'm the guy on his fourth. Can't really say that that doesn't blow. I'm counting on this imminent update.

BlackBetty

03-14-2008, 04:29 PM

70% satisfaction rate seems to be holding strong. Lets create a new poll once the updated software is out to everyone.

ciper

03-20-2008, 03:04 AM

I BET many of the Smash votes are a mistake, the people thought you were joking and voted for "I want to smash this thing"

BlackBetty

03-20-2008, 09:14 AM

I BET many of the Smash votes are a mistake, the people thought you were joking and voted for "I want to smash this thing"

you voted "Smash". Are you really that easily confused?

Calmante

03-20-2008, 10:33 PM

This debacle makes me sad, because my journey from liking Comcast Tivo to giving up on it was a gradual one. I was more than patient. There are some really nice features, but it's not worth the number of visits and frustration and ARGH.

NCARalph

04-02-2008, 12:24 PM

I voted trash even though I keep using it because as a software engineer it's an embarrassment to my profession.

BlackBetty

04-02-2008, 12:33 PM

I voted trash even though I keep using it because as a software engineer it's an embarrassment to my profession.

That logic is an embarrassment to brain cells.

NCARalph

04-02-2008, 01:39 PM

That logic is an embarrassment to brain cells.
Well I wouldn't agree that the logic in the Comcast Tivo software is an embarrassment to all brain cells, or even all human brain cells.

It's just a pretty sorry example of a software product, one that no software organization with any integrity should have released.

Calmante

04-02-2008, 04:56 PM

I can actually relate to what you mean, NCARalph. If it weren't for all the toasted boxes, I would probably still be using it, as well. There is no denying that this software is wonky, to say the least. It is a step forward, maybe a couple of steps, but I don't think this would have been released (outside of beta testing) by any self-respecting software company as a sellable final release candidate. So much so that I got every nickel back and then some.

Having said that, I want it back as soon as it's fixed. However, a Comcast rep told me last week that an overhauled iGuide is on its way in June...

briandigital

04-02-2008, 07:54 PM

If it weren't for the emoticons at the end of the poll choices, I would not have understood that there was a "positive" choice, as I've often wanted both "smash", then "trash" my box.

As someone who works at a usability consultancy, I agree with our software engineering friend, whole heartedly. An embarrassing product to release to the public. I've seen a better experiences on a M$ product. And that's saying something.

ciper

04-04-2008, 01:32 AM

you voted "Smash". Are you really that easily confused?

I guess I am. My first thought was "I want to smash this piece of crap" and voted accordingly.

If it weren't for the emoticons at the end of the poll choices, I would not have understood that there was a "positive" choice, as I've often wanted both "smash", then "trash" my box.
EXACTLY. I tend to ignore smileys and other nonsense.

HDTiVo

04-04-2008, 12:26 PM

I am sitting here in Europe with a laptop using a wireless (cellular) internet card. About 70% of the time the reception drops out. I wanted to take the laptop and through it as hard as I could against the wall. I resisted and thereafter came to realize what I need to do is remove the wirless card and throw it against the wall as hard as I can.

Just a philosophical comment.

sjashe

04-04-2008, 05:03 PM

2 failed boxes, days to get service, when it works it takes up to 5 MINUTES to set up a recording...

Sorry, thats a trash

Calmante

04-06-2008, 08:33 AM

I guess I am. My first thought was "I want to smash this piece of crap" and voted accordingly.

EXACTLY. I tend to ignore smileys and other nonsense.

I laughed at first, and then realized you might be serious. I can see someone having this discussion fifteen years ago, but ignoring this "nonsense" is just not accepting the conventions of message board language! I sense that you may also be skeptical of things like our Beatles' "rock and roll" music and our long shaggy hair? Let's be real, now!

cgove1

04-14-2008, 08:41 PM

I voted smash. I just had 4 comcast TIVO boxes installed this weekend. It's been several months since my Directv TIVO box died. I cancelled Directv and ordered Comcast just to get TIVO back. Buggy TIVO is better then none at all. So, So glad to have TIVO back. 5 Directv boxes being returned to them tomorrow.

Yes it's slow but I'll live with it while the bugs get worked out.

I just did a little recon on the users who voted Smash:

2 don't live in New England - Atlanta + Illinois
1 is a comcast employee - Not that there's anything wrong with that
1 has had his box replaced 4 times
1 has had his box replaced 6 times
1 has had a box replaced an undetermined amount of times and has lost season passes

Just an FYI

jj767

04-18-2008, 10:08 PM

My boyfriend and I have had ours for about 3 weeks. We're trying really hard to be patient since we like TiVo, but this DVR is just plain ridiculous. I just want to punch it so much...

HDTiVo

04-18-2008, 10:32 PM

Why do both poll options imply either destruction or disposal? :confused:

enigma2882

04-20-2008, 11:03 PM

I vote Trash for numerous reasons

the biggest is being the 3+minute wait it gives me anytime i try to set a recording or season pass

a list of others:
-suggestions are working in reverse, it seems to only record things I've thumbed down
-decided not to record the last two weeks of season passes I had setup (Office, ER, scrubs, SNL, etc)
-overall SLOW menus

brytrinque

04-22-2008, 07:02 AM

Mine is going back today. I can't wait any longer for the update (That overall appears to be making it worse) I'm going back to the Iguide; then looking to see if another provider may be a better option. It took me 9 minutes to record a non-season pass show last night.. unacceptable.

mark03110

04-22-2008, 01:39 PM

Add me to the list of those who tried it and are getting rid of it. I signed up on the first day it was available, used it for a few months, thought it wasn't that bad (a bit slow but quality was good) and then I got the latest software update. That just made everything worse. Recordings took 3-10 minutes to set up, items I said to record were not being recorded because it thought it was smarter than me and that stupid doubling up of sound effects!

I bought a TiVo HD on Saturday and Comcast is coming tomorrow afternoon to take back their box and give me a cablecard for the real TiVo.

And on top of it all, I'll be saving $16 a month as the cable card is free since it's my only outlet with a card or cable box attached to it. :)

greenPhantom

05-02-2008, 10:29 PM

I am definitely bummed out with TiVo DVR, the Comcast DVR, Comcast TiVo service and now with Comcast DTV/HDTV.

TiVo DVR: Why did my series 2 box only last two years?

Comcast DVR: Slow with lousy menus and way too many buttons on the remote

Comcast TiVo service: Really, really slow and won't stop recording suggestions (even though I've turned off the damned feature)

Comcast DTV/HDTV: I thought a digital signal was supposed to be superior to analog? It was for about a month. Had a surprise visit by Comcast (subcontractor) to run a new drop from the street to the house. Things were great for a week, but now the signal quality has deteriorated to the point with DTV channels' sound drops out frequently and HD channels lock up altogether.