Brighthouse Central Florida - Tuning Adapter Coming Soon!

[Okeemike]

Hi guys. This is related to thread http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=383361, but I thought it deserved a new thread.

Those of you in the Orlando area likely remember the problems we went through to get our HD channels added back to cable cards.

With the certification of the tuning adapter, and the impending SDV implementation, I pinged the same resource I was working with previously, and asked when we will know more about the adapter, and beta testing, etc...

Here's the response I received this morning:


Mr. Okeemike,
We will support the new adapter and expect to receive one for lab testing within the next three weeks. I don’t have a date for when they will be available in our market for customers, but I will be back in touch as soon as we receive further updates. I have also let our team know that you would be willing to be a beta tester, though plans for customer testing will not be made until the lab testing is successfully completed.

Regards,
BHN


Looks like we ought to know more in perhaps a month or so...once they receive the device in house.

[tivoknucklehead]

great news because I still can't get the 3 new channels they added last month

[acvthree]

I thought that had nothing to do with SDV. Is the tuning resolver going to help that at all?

Al

[moyekj]

I thought that had nothing to do with SDV. Is the tuning resolver going to help that at all?

Al The problem is related to channel lineup for CableCard customers not being updated. Since the Tuning Adapter gets it's own channel lineup independent of CableCards (like the cable set top boxes) presumably that issue should go away as well.

[Okeemike]

It will definitely make a difference once SDV is rolled out in

[acvthree]

The problem is related to channel lineup for CableCard customers not being updated. Since the Tuning Adapter gets it's own channel lineup independent of CableCards (like the cable set top boxes) presumably that issue should go away as well.

Ok, so Tivo is going to use the Tuning Adapter channel lineup before, or at least independent of, SDV.

Interesting. I didn't know that. Thanks.

Al

[acvthree]

It will definitely make a difference once SDV is rolled out in

It should be interesting.

The previous poster says that there are going to be two difference channel lineups, one for the tuning adapter and one for cable card. It is going to be interesting to see how conflicts are handled.

Al

[moyekj]

It should be interesting.

The previous poster says that there are going to be two difference channel lineups, one for the tuning adapter and one for cable card. It is going to be interesting to see how conflicts are handled.

Al Not quite. To be clearer, when using the Tuning Adapter you will get the same channel lineup that customers with Cable Company set top boxes get. As we have already seen in many areas, this can be different from the channel lineup that CableCard customers see. Brighthouse in Orlando is a good example. My provider, Cox Orange County for a while was also intentionally leaving channels out of the CableCard channel lineup before SDV was even deployed (while cable box users got the complete set of channels). So it's not just when SDV is deployed that 2 different channel lineups can exist. Some cable companies already have been using different lineups for CableCard customers vs. set top box customers even before SDV deployment.

As far as conflicts between 2 lineups I'm not sure exactly how it works but I don't think that will be an issue. My perception (could be wrong) is that with the tuning adapter it will completely take over the responsibility of channel mapping (mapping cable channels to the right frequencies - in order to handle SDV channels it must do that). The CableCard will still be used for authorizing/decrypting but not for channel mapping purposes.
If my above understanding is correct, then this also leads to another interesting possibility: those without CableCards that want to get a proper cable channel lineup (see the big unencrypted QAM threads) may be able to do so with the adapter. Of course, how those customers can get hold of the adapter without having CableCards is another story, but in theory this could solve that issue as well.

[acvthree]

Thanks. That was different from what I had imagined.

My guess (and purely a guess, I have no information) was that the tuning adapter was just a communication device for sending an SDV request back to the cable head end. I was thinking that the channel mapping would be done how it had always been done.

This looks more sophisticated than I had imagined.

Al

[JWThiers]

Its not that their are 2 channel lineups its that there is a variable channel lineup depending on who is watching what at any given moment. Actually with SDV not all channels are at the headend all the time. The headend only puts channels that are actually being used by customers being served by the headend. This allows for more channels to be carried, because ALL Channels are usually not being viewed at any one time. For example, say an area served by a headend has 1000 people. How many channels are actually being watched? The number will be surprisingly low. Probably as low as a couple of dozen (well less than the 200+ channels the cable company has available at any rate) Currently without SDV ALL channels are available ALL of the time. With SDV only the channels that are being viewed are available. This is because the cable boxes are sending a request for a channel to the headend and the headend makes it available. The "Channel Frequencies" can change so 2 way communication between the headend and your cable box is needed. Tivo's do not have this ability built in currently so the "Tuning Resolver" (aka Dongle) fills that roll.

This is WAY oversimplified, but that is what the effect is.

[moyekj]

Its not that their are 2 channel lineups its that there is a variable channel lineup depending on who is watching what at any given moment. When SDV is deployed certainly that can be the case. I gave examples specifically where SDV has NOT yet been deployed and yet the channel lineups are different. Even way back when I got my 1st S3 there were cases when channel lineup for CableCards were updated at different times (in some cases days apart) than for the set top box folks in my headend, so obviously the UDCP devices were getting a different channel map than set top boxes back when SDV wasn't even on the radar. (And note when I say different channel lineups I am not talking about missing guide data which can be a difference between zap2it and cable co. listings, I mean the physical channel->frequency mappings).

[JWThiers]

When SDV is deployed certainly that can be the case. I gave examples specifically where SDV has NOT yet been deployed and yet the channel lineups are different. Even way back when I got my 1st S3 there were cases when channel lineup for CableCards were updated at different times (in some cases days apart) than for the set top box folks in my headend, so obviously the UDCP devices were getting a different channel map than set top boxes back when SDV wasn't even on the radar. (And note when I say different channel lineups I am not talking about missing guide data which can be a difference between zap2it and cable co. listings, I mean the physical channel->frequency mappings).

Agreed. I was getting the impression that acvthree thought that SDV was just a different channel lineup and for some reason cablecard couldn't decode it, hence the clarification as to what SDV does and why.

[acvthree]

Actually, I was thinking that SDV just required a signal to be sent to the head end to turn on a channel to be transmitted. I thought the channel mapping would be the same, just dependent on if a channel was turned on (transmitting) or not. I'm now getting a better understanding that there is also a different channel mapping. I did also know about what moyeki was saying, I just hadn't put 2 and 2 together. It wasn't as obviously 4 to me as it was to you guys.

I appreciate the patience. I can get these things figured out eventually. :-)

Al

[cableguy763]

Actually, I was thinking that SDV just required a signal to be sent to the head end to turn on a channel to be transmitted. I thought the channel mapping would be the same, just dependent on if a channel was turned on (transmitting) or not. I'm now getting a better understanding that there is also a different channel mapping. I did also know about what moyeki was saying, I just hadn't put 2 and 2 together. It wasn't as obviously 4 to me as it was to you guys.

I appreciate the patience. I can get these things figured out eventually. :-)

Al

Most companies using sdv with simulcast have the cablecards going to the still existant analog channels. I think this is what they were referring to "different" channel maps.

[moyekj]

Most companies using sdv with simulcast have the cablecards going to the still existant analog channels. I think this is what they were referring to "different" channel maps. I was pleasantly surprised that for my headend (Cox, Orange County), they haven't put any of the digital simulcast channels under SDV and still map CableCard channels to the SD digital versions instead of the analog ones. I was expecting once SDV was deployed for all my sub-100 channels to go analog on my Tivos but so far so good. :)

[ciner]

Question for the ORL folks as I live here as well. Even with this Tuning Adapter, we'll still have the problem of not being able to receive on demand channels right? I love my TMC/HBO/Showtime/Cinemax on demand for free with the regular subscription to the channels. Is there a thread about this already, or when can we expect that fixed as well so we can receive all channels with Tivo?

TIA

[ciner]

Found the answer to my question mostly here:

http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/06/tivo-still-working-on-a-dvr-with-two-way-features-like-vod/

Sounds like soon enough thanks to tru2way there will either be a new Tivo box that supports VOD/PPV or if we're extra lucky they can do it via software for existing Tivo HD owners.

[JWThiers]

Hey Okeemike, Have you heard anything else about this?

[dkahs23]

Bump

[guarh]

I am interested in this too as a new Tivo customer. Cablecards are scheduled to be installed on Tuesday. Called BHN today and talked to their reps that deal with Cable tv, and of course they didn't know anything about SDV or Tuning adapter. I asked them if I will receive all of my current HD channels with Cablecard and they said yes... (that's North Pinellas, FL)
Will see on Tuesday.

[Okeemike]

Hi guys. I haven't been watching this lately... I dropped an email this afternoon to my BHN contact asking for a status up.

I'll reply back here with what I get back.

[guarh]

Would the tuning adapter also fix the problem with channels under 99 being analog?

[tivoknucklehead]

I'm not holding my breath

[Okeemike]

UPDATE
I was contacted by BHN this morning, and advised that they have not yet begun testing the new tuning adapter, and do not have one in house yet. They expect that it will be a 'few more weeks' before they get one in for testing. Their belief is that there is some kind of 'inventory' issue.

[JWThiers]

Thanks for the info. its nice to have info from someone with a contact on the inside.

[guarh]

It would be nice if they can get it out soon and start expanding their HD lineup. Their current channes lineup can't compete with new (http://www22.verizon.com/NROneRetail/NR/rdonlyres/BCD32AEE-5057-4E92-A03E-2A34AC1ECF47/0/FLGC_PF2.pdf) FIOS HD lineup coming up on 10\7
It has most of the channels that I watch in HD, including USA, Sci-fi, Speed and others. It can get very tempting to switch especially if I won't have to deal with SDV and nasty quality analog channels.

[JWThiers]

It would be nice if they can get it out soon and start expanding their HD lineup. Their current channes lineup can't compete with new (http://www22.verizon.com/NROneRetail/NR/rdonlyres/BCD32AEE-5057-4E92-A03E-2A34AC1ECF47/0/FLGC_PF2.pdf) FIOS HD lineup coming up on 10\7
It has most of the channels that I watch in HD, including USA, Sci-fi, Speed and others. It can get very tempting to switch especially if I won't have to deal with SDV and nasty quality analog channels.

And IF I had Fios Available in my area I would be on it like white on rice. Not just for the TV, but especially for the big tubes :up:. they won't clog as easy.

[guarh]

True. The only thing holding me back is that I have 3 more SD tv's that I will have to use boxes for, which can add a lot to the monthly bill. I will have to check into that.

[JWThiers]

Did anyone else lose their HD locals this morning, in the BHN CFL area? I didn't have time to do anything but I wasn't getting signal at all on 1020, 1060 or 1090. I did get a message about a Cable Card Decoder but have no time to check. Has SDV finally hit?

[lombard]

God I hope not. I'll be checking first thing when I get home. I'm on Merritt Island, so if it's a regional problem, we should know.

[cableguy763]

They are not and really cannot put their locad hd's in switched.

[JWThiers]

They are not and really cannot put their locad hd's in switched.

If not then its odd behavior. I'll definitely have to look at whats happening.

[lombard]

Just checked all my HD channels. I'm getting them all, except for Science Channel HD and TLC HD. Frankly, I'm pretty sure Science HD has never worked for me and I have no idea if TLC ever did.

Sorry, looks like you've got a local problem.

[orangeboy]

If not then its odd behavior. I'll definitely have to look at whats happening.

I had the same problem not long ago with different (HD) channels. I think a power cycle (actually unplugging the unit from the wall) was all I needed to resolve the issue. I still don't get all the newly detected channels from a couple of days ago: 47, 116, 1324, and 1331.

[JWThiers]

I had tried a restart, power cycle, rerun guided setup to no avail before I called BHN and they were going to send someone out today between 10 - 12. At 1145 they called to tell me "there was a "SYSTEM wide" problem on their end" and that there was nothing a service call could do on my end. Thanks for the heads up BHN :down:. They could not explain why it only affected 1 of my THD's, but everything is back up now. It would have been nice if they had called when they figured it was a "SYSTEM wide problem instead of making me waste a half day waiting.

[joelkfla]

Just checked all my HD channels. I'm getting them all, except for Science Channel HD and TLC HD. Frankly, I'm pretty sure Science HD has never worked for me and I have no idea if TLC ever did.

Sorry, looks like you've got a local problem.

Are you getting Disney, Family, ESPNU, and CNN in HD? I've never been able to get those recently added channels on my Series 3, in addition to Science & TLC.

[net114]

I had some of the same issues, but now it looks like the only thing not working is MGMHD.

[Rudy7]

Are you getting Disney, Family, ESPNU, and CNN in HD? I've never been able to get those recently added channels on my Series 3, in addition to Science & TLC.

Daytona area...not getting ESPNU or CNNHD. Getting the onscreen message about needing a cable card...which of course I have. I do get Disney and Family, but not Science and TLC. Ridiculous. I'm demanding a pro-rated bill.

[pavanb500]

Daytona area...not getting ESPNU or CNNHD. Getting the onscreen message about needing a cable card...which of course I have. I do get Disney and Family, but not Science and TLC. Ridiculous. I'm demanding a pro-rated bill.

Port Orange here and I'm getting the same message...plus everything above channel 99 is copy protected. And they wonder why people torrent..

[dkahs23]

I am getting the same message. Lost Disney HD, MGM HD, I'm sure some others that I don't Tivo

[hddude55]

How's that tuning resolver/adapter/vaporware working?

[JWThiers]

How's that tuning resolver/adapter/vaporware working?

About as good as your cable company DVR. the difference is the tuning resolver will come out soon enough and you dvr will still be junk.

[dkahs23]

I tried cold starting my Tivo HD to see if the Disney Hd would come back and it didn't. I wonder if this problem has something to do with the cable card being a M-Card?

[nunzio23]

Hello all,

I've been reading this thread for awhile but have never posted. I have tried numerous attempts to get information from Brighthouse support but they usually do not even know what the adapter is. Finally I decided to go straight to the top and emailed the President of BH CFL.

Here is his response:

Thanks for your note Dan. The adapter just began testing in our lab and we hope to have it out by year end, assuming all goes well. I'll be sure you are on the list to get notice of it's availability. Also, we'll get some information to our front line people so they can better answer these questions.

I am copying our VP of Customer Care, Bill Sievers to ensure he is in the loop on these issues.

Chris Fenger

[guarh]

Hello all,

I've been reading this thread for awhile but have never posted. I have tried numerous attempts to get information from Brighthouse support but they usually do not even know what the adapter is. Finally I decided to go straight to the top and emailed the President of BH CFL.

Here is his response:

Thanks for your note Dan. The adapter just began testing in our lab and we hope to have it out by year end, assuming all goes well. I'll be sure you are on the list to get notice of it's availability. Also, we'll get some information to our front line people so they can better answer these questions.

I am copying our VP of Customer Care, Bill Sievers to ensure he is in the loop on these issues.

Chris Fenger

Thank you for taking the time to do this.
I will call in a week or two to see if the CSRs got the memo and make sure I am on the list as well.

[eitingon]

Any word? These things are apparently out in the wild.

[Okeemike]

Hi guys... another update.

On Friday I received the following email from my VP contact at BHN:

Mr. Okeemike:

Phase I testing for the tuning adapter will be completed by the end of this month. It took longer than expected because the code for the tuning adapter was written for a different digital navigator, so we had to make the necessary adjustments. We still have more testing to do, but I thought I’d send this interim update.

So, we're still waiting, but that may explain some of the delay. As far as I know, SDV has not been rolled out, so those of us with Cable Cards aren't missing anything...yet.

[notnow117]

...As far as I know, SDV has not been rolled out, so those of us with Cable Cards aren't missing anything...yet.

aside from a handful of HD channels :(

[bobby4919]

I seem to have lost every HD channel above WOFL. I thought it was due to SDV being rolled out. Does anyone have confirmation as to whether SDV is in use or not? I'd like to know before calling the CSRs at BHN.

[nunzio23]

I seem to have lost every HD channel above WOFL. I thought it was due to SDV being rolled out. Does anyone have confirmation as to whether SDV is in use or not? I'd like to know before calling the CSRs at BHN.

Interesting.. today I seem to have gained all the HD channels that I previously didn't get because of SDV. i.e. CNNHD, ESPNUHD, SCIHD, TLCHD and so on..

Anyone know why?

[tivoknucklehead]

Interesting.. today I seem to have gained all the HD channels that I previously didn't get because of SDV. i.e. CNNHD, ESPNUHD, SCIHD, TLCHD and so on..

Anyone know why?


thanks for the heads up, I too am now getting all HD channels :)
no clue why, but I love it. Hopefully they will keep them live until the tuning adapter comes out

[phdeez]

thanks for the heads up, I too am now getting all HD channels :)
no clue why, but I love it. Hopefully they will keep them live until the tuning adapter comes out

+1 Thanks nunzio23!!

Maybe this is BH's way of saying the Tuning Resolver is going to take longer than they thought? :( Maybe lab testing is going bad....

[orangeboy]

Interesting.. today I seem to have gained all the HD channels that I previously didn't get because of SDV. i.e. CNNHD, ESPNUHD, SCIHD, TLCHD and so on..

Anyone know why?

I dunno why either, but I'm happy about it too! I had to cycle the power to get the 'missing' HD channels (as well as add them back into the channel list.) It's nice to be able to have the channels I pay for! :rolleyes:

[dkahs23]

Any word on this adapter?

[Okeemike]

Any word on this adapter?

I thought I had posted this already, but it seems not.

Here is the email I received from BHN on Friday:


Dear Mike:
I was just thinking about you as I do owe you an update. We expect to receive an order of tuning adaptors before the end of the month. The business policy is expected to be finalized very soon as well. We will be ready in advance of any impact that SDV could have on UDCP devices.

This says to me that all testing is complete, and they're essentially ready to go.

[JWThiers]

I thought I had posted this already, but it seems not.

Here is the email I received from BHN on Friday:




This says to me that all testing is complete, and they're essentially ready to go.

Great news

[WBragg]

I'm guessing we'll probably know here long before they put anything on their WEB site about it. I suppose that since this is BrightHouse, there will be an added fee for the devices.

[JWThiers]

and a truck roll to install.

[Okeemike]

and a truck roll to install.

You're looking at it the wrong way. Think of it as 'white glove treatment'.

[JWThiers]

More like Rubber glove at the Dr.'s office treatment. When they come out I'll have to check again if I can get "M" cards.

[Okeemike]

More like Rubber glove at the Dr.'s office treatment. When they come out I'll have to check again if I can get "M" cards.


So, what's the benefit of having an M-card (other than only needing to rent one card, instead of two)?

[JWThiers]

Only renting one card instead of two is the reason. Or in my case two cards instead of four.

[JimPa]

I suppose that since this is BrightHouse, there will be an added fee for the devices.

Don't you know it. :rolleyes:

Dish Satellite nickles and dimes you as well, but they're more reliable and bottom line price for me is less.

[dkahs23]

Anything yet? I have seen post that other cable company's have release there adapters.

[Okeemike]

Anything yet? I have seen post that other cable company's have release there adapters.

I emailed BHN yesterday and received the following response:

Our SDV launch is a phased approach rather than a hard cutover. We have received a shipment of the tuning adaptors, and will begin offering them in the next month or so, closer to when the viewing experience will change for TiVo users.

[nandopr]

I just received my January bill.

FYI:

"Bright House Networks will a have a separate trip charge for installation of CableCards of $39.95 beginning February 2009".

In case someone is planning to buy a TiVo soon, it will be wise to do it before Feb 2009. You would save $40.00 + tax.

[eabu]

I have 2 S-cards. Do I know need to convert them to an M-card for the pending SDV adapter or will we only find out after February 2009 when we have to pay $40 for a tech to deal with us?

[TomRaz]

I had BHN install 2 M series cards into two Tivo HD units right after Christmas and they charged me a $40 installation charge for the two cards and I did the installation myself because the installer said those famous words

"I have never seen a cable card"

[Nick32714]

I just received a letter from Bright House Networks that states channels 275 through 298 will be switched over to SDV effective 2/24/2009. It further states that I will need to have a Tuning Adapter installed to continue to receive these channels. I called Bright House to set up an appointment for said Tuning Adapters and both the specialist and the supervisor I spoke to were clueless. They are confusing the Tuning Adapters with the digital cut-over next month.

[Agent086]

I just received the same letter from BrightHouse saying Feb 24, 2009 was their SDV start date.

Funny how the first 2/3 of the letter is adamant that "<SDV> programming will no longer be available on Tivo devices with Bright House Networks provided on CableCARD until further notice", then in the final 1/3 of the letter it states "For customers interested in continuing to receive the above services, BHN is making available a Tuning Adapter, developed jointly with TiVo, which will enable your TiVo device to be compatible with SDV-delivered programming" Almost like a scare tactic, with the obvious solution held close to the vest until they've got your blood pressure elevated.

So, the big questions seem to be:

1) when/if BHN will really deliver the Tuning Adapters
2) whether BHN will make the TA's available for FREE as indicated at the Tivo web page regarding Switched Digital Video (I'd post the link, but I'm prevented from doing so due to too few posts here).

Any info on this is greatly appreciated, as I think we all expect maximum cluelessness from the BHN side.

[PopcornGuy]

I just spoke with a Customer Service Specialist at Brighthouse* and tried to schedule an installation for the tuning adapter. The call took 20 minutes with most of it on hold then a call back about 15 minutes later with the answer:

THE TUNING ADAPTER INSTALLATION CANNOT BE SCHEDULED UNTIL BRIGHTHOUSE GETS THE ADAPTERS ON FEBRUARY 24TH.

Amazingly that's the same date the channels will be turned off for cablecards. She did suggest calling back a week before to try again. This is definitely not good news as Brighthouse* likely is trying to time this to an expected in stock date in the future. There's no guarantee they will have the adapters by then but they still give us the promised 30-day notice of the SDV switch.

[Agent086]

Just received this response to my tuning adapter inquiry from Bright House:

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Thank you for your correspondence regarding your Bright House Networks service.

Here are some FAQ's regarding the Tuning adapter that has been developed by Cisco and Motorola and is installed for free by one of our technicians. Currently there is no charge for customers for 12 consecutive months after the tuning adapter is installed.

We have a few FAQ's regarding the Tuning adapter below:

Q) Does the Tuning Adapter work with all models of TiVos?
A) Only TiVo Series 3, TiVo HD and TiVo HD XL DVRs are compatible with the Tuning Adapter.

Q) What is the cost of the Tuning Adapter?
A) There is no charge to customers for the Tuning Adapter for the first twelve (12) months.

Q) Can I continue to receive your service and choose not to get the Tuning Adapter?
A) Yes. However, customers with TiVo Series 3, TiVo HD and TiVo HD XL DVR will not be able to access channels migrated to Switched Digital Video. If the channels you enjoy are not migrated to SDV, no Tuning Adapter is necessary.

Q) Will there be an additional charge on my bill?
A) No. At this time, tuning adapters are being provided at no cost for the first twelve (12) months.

Q) Who installs the Tuning Adapter?
A) A Bright House Networks technician will install the tuning adapter free of charge.

Q) I have a CableCARD TV. How can I get a Tuning Adapter for my TV?
A) Tuning adapters are only compatible with TiVo Series 3, TiVo HD and TiVo HD XL DVR, and are not currently available for CableCARD TVs.

If you have any additional questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us via email. Thank you for taking the time to write to us and have a wonderful day.

Sincerely,
Nick - 367
eCare Specialist
The Bright House Networks Customer Care Team
Central Florida Division

[JWThiers]

So how much will it cost after the first twelve (12) months?

[zylont]

I just received a letter from Bright House Networks that states channels 275 through 298 will be switched over to SDV effective 2/24/2009. It further states that I will need to have a Tuning Adapter installed to continue to receive these channels. I called Bright House to set up an appointment for said Tuning Adapters and both the specialist and the supervisor I spoke to were clueless. They are confusing the Tuning Adapters with the digital cut-over next month.

Bingo! I have Brighthouse in Tampa and just had an M-Card installed in my Tivo HD last week. No one I spoke on the phone or the tech that came out to do the install had a clue what "SDV" or "Tuning Adapters" were. They all thought I was asking about the digital convertion. Are there any key words or secret codes I can use to make them understand what I'm talking about???

[Agent086]

On Merritt Island, our Tivo HD w/ 2 CableCARDs stopped picking up Food Network and HGTV (1359 and 1361). Anyone else have this happen? Wonder if it's a SDV preview or some other glitch?!?

[lombard]

On Merritt Island, our Tivo HD w/ 2 CableCARDs stopped picking up Food Network and HGTV (1359 and 1361). Anyone else have this happen? Wonder if it's a SDV preview or some other glitch?!?

I noticed the Food Network outage. Hadn't noticed the HGTV. I noticed a few days ago but haven't had a chance to see if they're still out.

[Agent086]

Just spoke with BHN customer service, and I've got a Tuning Adapter installation appointment set for Monday afternoon (Feb 2nd). They said SDV isn't scheduled to kick in until Feb 20 (different than the 2/24 date we heard in the letters that went out), but as long as I've got the TA coverage they're welcome to pull the trigger. This availability is different than other people on this thread have been told, so I'll report back on what happens.

One thing I wasn't sure of, but they said was necessary: they're sending two TA's, one for each S-card. Is this right?!?!? I guess we'll see, and at least they're free for the time being. Wish I could have gotten an M-Card, but S-Cards were all I could get from BHN...

[JWThiers]

One thing I wasn't sure of, but they said was necessary: they're sending two TA's, one for each S-card. Is this right?!?!? I guess we'll see, and at least they're free for the time being. Wish I could have gotten an M-Card, but S-Cards were all I could get from BHN...

Sounds silly to me but who knows.

[Talon Raines]

I had an M-Card and Tuning Adapter installed by brighthouse this morning. We tested the TA on the spanish channel pack (currently on SDV, channels 604-606 specifically), and everything worked great. Took an hour or so for the techs and I to get everything up and running, but we had to do the initial CableCard setup too.

TA is larger than I expected, almost the width of the Tivo HD.

[notnow117]

I have an appointment scheduled for Monday morning to install one. It took me two tries to make the appt though. A call to customer service failed miserably, in that they had no idea what was talking about. I tried the live chat on the website afterwards and they were able to schedule it. I'll let you know how it goes.

[TiVoToo]

On page A19 of Sunday's Orlando Sentinel, there is a "Notice to Bright House Networks Cable Customers" regarding SDV. It provides a description of what SDV is then states the following (paraphrased for brevity):

BHN will be moving some existing programming services to the SDV system as well as adding new services on the SDV system. Between March 2 and March 5, 2009 the following new channels will be added as new HD services on the SDV system - Golf HD (1334), Versus HD (1322), Speed HD (1332), CNBC HD (1325). These services will not be available on uni-directional retail devices as of the dates noted above. If you want to subscribe to these services, your will need a digital set-top box or similar bi-directional (two-way) equipment fromm BHN. Customers may continue to used their uni-directional retail device and CableCARD to receive video programming other than the programming delivered on the SDV system.

[steven975]

Bingo! I have Brighthouse in Tampa and just had an M-Card installed in my Tivo HD last week. No one I spoke on the phone or the tech that came out to do the install had a clue what "SDV" or "Tuning Adapters" were. They all thought I was asking about the digital convertion. Are there any key words or secret codes I can use to make them understand what I'm talking about???

I had my CableCard (Mcard) installed Friday.

Surprisingly, the installer knew a lot about it. He also says he does 3+ cablecards a week, so he must be like their green beret cable guy or something. No ETA from him, but he knew what the tuning Adaptor was.

He also mentioned free for a year. Can't I just BUY one??? Isn't Tivo supposedly providing heavy subsidies for these things anyway? It may be that the tuning adaptors have to be programmed for the local market, I guess. Hopefully it doesn't turn into another $6.95 smartbox rental!

[Agent086]

Had my TA appointment today. Tech spent 2+ hours trying to get it to activate, but it stayed in what he called "brick mode", which is when the green LED blinks 8 times in succession, then repeats... Couldn't get it to "activate", probably due to a mismatched MAC address in their system records. Everything looks right otherwise, it just isn't functional yet. They plan to debug remotely.

On the bright side, I was able to swap out my two S-Cards for a single M-Card! Saves me $ each month.

[tivoknucklehead]

I live in Orlando area. Called to schedule a tuning adapter appointment. The clerk was clueless, but after she checked with her supervisor and waiting 20 minutes on hold I have an appointmnet scheduled for Feb 14. FYI, she said there is a limit of 2 tuning adapters per household and I need one per cable card. no idea if this is accurate, just passing it along. I have a Series 3 with 2 cc's and a non tivo tv with one cc, so I told her to bring 2 out. can someone with an S3 confirm that two tuning adapters are needed or is this nonsense?

[SCSIRAID]

I live in Orlando area. Called to schedule a tuning adapter appointment. The clerk was clueless, but after she checked with her supervisor and waiting 20 minutes on hold I have an appointmnet scheduled for Feb 14. FYI, she said there is a limit of 2 tuning adapters per household and I need one per cable card. no idea if this is accurate, just passing it along. I have a Series 3 with 2 cc's and a non tivo tv with one cc, so I told her to bring 2 out. can someone with an S3 confirm that two tuning adapters are needed or is this nonsense?

An S3 with 2 cablecards only needs one TA. (I have this configuration)

[joelkfla]

Just had my TA installed in Ocoee.

They sent out their 2 top techs, who said it was the first installation in this district. They were reading the installation instructions (apparently supplied by TiVo) as they went along.

It took an hour, since they were going by the book, and checking out all the diagnostic screens etc. One TA for both cablecards on an S3 works fine.

The only thing we saw was that on some channels, the picture froze after a few seconds, and then went black. After tuning to another channel and tuning back, it was OK. We went thru all 200 or so channels that I have enabled, and it happened maybe 5-10 times. On NGC-HD, I had to start a recording on the other tuner to force the tuner on NGC to change channels, and then it cleared up.

They didn't know the reason, but we're hoping it is something related to the first time a channel is tuned, and it won't reoccur. Time will tell. Hopefully I won't lose any recordings because of it.

Overall, I'm quite satisfied with the experience. These guys are good.

[PopcornGuy]

I just had two tuning adapters installed. Neither one has been recognized by the Tivos ("No Tuning Adapter"). I have one Series 3 with two m-cards and one Tivo HD with one m-card. The installer said he has done about five installs and could not get them to work. This was after about 1-1/2 hours.

Can anyone offer suggestions on how to troubleshoot this before they come back (if necessary)? Maybe a step was missed or done out of order?

[SCSIRAID]

I just had two tuning adapters installed. Neither one has been recognized by the Tivos ("No Tuning Adapter"). I have one Series 3 with two m-cards and one Tivo HD with one m-card. The installer said he has done about five installs and could not get them to work. This was after about 1-1/2 hours.

Can anyone offer suggestions on how to troubleshoot this before they come back (if necessary)? Maybe a step was missed or done out of order?

Is the green light on the front of the TA on solid or blinking? Did you wait till it was solid green before plugging in the usb cable? You might also try the other USB connector on the TiVo just in case one has a problem.

[PopcornGuy]

The green light is solid. I know it was flashing when the USB was connected on both. When I get back to it I will remove and reconnect the USB cable.

[SCSIRAID]

The green light is solid. I know it was flashing when the USB was connected on both. When I get back to it I will remove and reconnect the USB cable.


To be thorough... you might unplug the USB, power off TiVo and TA. Plug em back in... once green light is solid and TiVo is back up... plug in the TA. You should get the 'TA Attached' screen... and SDV joy.

[saeba]

Just finished with my TA install. Went very smoothly. The BrightHouse reps were very TiVo aware and had it going in minutes. The longest wait was for the TiVo to reboot. They said their team (3 people) had installed 6 TAs and were expecting to do a lot more as they said there were 1300 TiVos in the Orlando area.

Glad to have this off my worries... been concerned we'd lose channels to SDV before the TA solution deployed. But we're all set now :up:!

Thanks for people who posted here on this topic. We've still to receive any official note from BrightHouse that the TAs are available :-)!

[PopcornGuy]

So, I had some time to check the work of the installers last night and discovered they stuck the USB cable in the wrong hole!!!:eek:

...on both Tivos:eek::eek:

USB1 had the wireless network adapter and the tuning adapter USB was "plugged" (wedged) into the ethernet port. I moved the USB cables to USB2 and the Tivos were quickly introduced to their new friend properly.;)

The new Tivo HD got a new m-card at the same time and it did not get added to the account properly so just 1-98 until they can add it.

[SCSIRAID]

So, I had some time to check the work of the installers last night and discovered they stuck the USB cable in the wrong hole!!!:eek:

...on both Tivos:eek::eek:

USB1 had the wireless network adapter and the tuning adapter USB was "plugged" (wedged) into the ethernet port. I moved the USB cables to USB2 and the Tivos were quickly introduced to their new friend properly.;)

The new Tivo HD got a new m-card at the same time and it did not get added to the account properly so just 1-98 until they can add it.

HA!!! That kinda explains why it wasnt working...... :D

So it would seem good advice to anyone with an install coming.... plug in an ethernet cable to block that connector so they will have to find a different hole to plug the USB into... preferbally the USB connector

[eaayoung]

Can we get a picture of the new tuning adapters? Is BH charging for the install? Just curious since considering having an M card installed at same time I have the tuning adapter installed.

[nandopr]

BHN Orlando installed this one in my house two days ago.

Here is the link that show you a front photo of the tuner adapter

http://www.engadgethd.com/tag/tuningadapter/

I am using one M card and there was no charge. When I called to place the order CS did not know what I was talking about. (no surprise there). Go to their web site and use the online chat support instead. They know about it.

Hope this information help

nando

[adamt56]

Will this SDV adapter fix the problem of the majority of channels being displayed in analog through my TivoHD?

BTW, I recently picked up an Explorer 8300HD from my local office and asked about getting an SDV tuner for my TiVO. She said the only thing they had available were component cables :(

Needless to say, she didn't quite understand what I was talking about . . .

[JWThiers]

Will this SDV adapter fix the problem of the majority of channels being displayed in analog through my TivoHD?

BTW, I recently picked up an Explorer 8300HD from my local office and asked about getting an SDV tuner for my TiVO. She said the only thing they had available were component cables :(

Needless to say, she didn't quite understand what I was talking about . . .

Just to check the obvious.
Are you sure you are on the HD Channels (usually>1000)?
Are you using HDMI or Component Video? Composite won't work.

[SCSIRAID]

Will this SDV adapter fix the problem of the majority of channels being displayed in analog through my TivoHD?

BTW, I recently picked up an Explorer 8300HD from my local office and asked about getting an SDV tuner for my TiVO. She said the only thing they had available were component cables :(

Needless to say, she didn't quite understand what I was talking about . . .

I would expect the answer to be yes but you wont know for sure till you try. I would expect that the TA uses the same channel map as the rest of their digital boxes. If so... it should get the same versions as the regular cablebox. Your cablecard must have the 'entitlement' for those channels though.... They could be using the same channel map as the Cablecards though which would leave you with what you have today.

[adamt56]

Just to check the obvious.
Are you sure you are on the HD Channels (usually>1000)?
Are you using HDMI or Component Video? Composite won't work.

The HD channels are fine. Channels 1-100 or so look like garbage - analog signal being displayed I assume. The "digital channel" quality is also sub-par when viewed through my TiVo. Component or HDMI cables makes no difference.

Everything is crystal clear when viewed through Brighthouse cable box.

BTW, I am in Tampa market so just asking in general.

[SCSIRAID]

The HD channels are fine. Channels 1-100 or so look like garbage - analog signal being displayed I assume. The "digital channel" quality is also sub-par when viewed through my TiVo. Component or HDMI cables makes no difference.

Everything is crystal clear when viewed through Brighthouse cable box.

BTW, I am in Tampa market so just asking in general.

You can tell if they are analog by trying to record one by hitting record. If it asks you for a quality setting... they are analog.

[Agent086]

Still no joy getting my Tuning Adapter configured properly.

The tech from last week spent 2 hours here and couldn't get it past the 8 blinks / PowerKey: Waiting EMM status. The tech said they call this "brick mode".

In the interim, I called BHN twice to have them send authorization hits to the TA, without success - even when combined with various reboots and resets of the TA and Tivo HD. This took a ton of time given the wait times for phone support, I'd say an average of 45+ minutes for each call.

Today a second BrightHouse tech visited, but despite all my pleading with phone support, they sent someone who had no idea what a TA was. He asked me "what's that box?" "is that a piece of your personal equipment?". Once I gave him the TA/SDV 101 intro, he tried to act knowledgeable by stating that he now recalled the whole TA story, and how great it was going to be for me to be able to have it provide me with 2-way cable card communication and on-demand services. My hopes for a fix totally sank. At this point, I basically told him to contact his supervisor to reschedule with a trained tech, in hopes of saving the both of us a lot of wasted time.

Will let you know how this plays out...

BY THE WAY: during one of my phone support calls, BHN told me that they have a software glitch in their billing system, and I AM CURRENTLY BEING CHARGED for the FREE TUNING ADAPTER. I explained that the letter we all received said it was free, and she confirmed that the item was labeled as free, but that there was a monthly cost associated with the item ($3.95 or $4.95 - can't remember). She promised to report the problem and get it fixed. We'll see...

UNTIL THEN, EVERYONE WATCH YOUR BHN BILLING STATEMENTS CAREFULLY!!!

[YoungDragon]

Lake Nona
2 Tivo HDs (M-Cards) installed a year ago.
2 Tuning Adapters installed today.
Took 20 minutes.
All is well. :up:

[adamt56]

You can tell if they are analog by trying to record one by hitting record. If it asks you for a quality setting... they are analog.

Ya, they are analog. What's the deal with that?

[SCSIRAID]

Ya, they are analog. What's the deal with that?

Did you check on an SDV channel or a regular? SDV channels here always indicate 'best'... did it offer to let you change the recording quality?

You can also look at signal strength on a channel... if you can get its strength then its digital. You cant check signal strength on an analog channel.

If they are analog... its just how they chose to set up their system. You could appeal to the to change it.....

[adamt56]

I have no idea if it is a SDV channel or not. I checked on what I assume is a regular channel. With Brighthouse Tampa Bay, channels 1-100 have always been regular channels. I checked on one of those.

Yes, I also checked signal strength . . . Nothing measures until I get past the 100 channel mark.

[adamt56]

If they are analog... its just how they chose to set up their system. You could appeal to the to change it.....

Why does the SA 8300HDC (or any other cable company STB) receive channels 1-100 in digital format while my TiVoHD pulls analog. They both have the same cable card installed . . .

And, I would ask Bright House these questions but why bother? They don't know their heads from their you know whats.

[SCSIRAID]

Why does the SA 8300HDC (or any other cable company STB) receive channels 1-100 in digital format while my TiVoHD pulls analog. They both have the same cable card installed . . .

And, I would ask Bright House these questions but why bother? They don't know their heads from their you know whats.

Its all about where the channel map tells the tuner to tune.... They must have the TA using a different channel map than their own STB's. TWC Raleigh used to map the basics to analog but changed it to digitals last year.

[adamt56]

Its all about where the channel map tells the tuner to tune.... They must have the TA using a different channel map than their own STB's. TWC Raleigh used to map the basics to analog but changed it to digitals last year.

Well, I don't have a tuning adapter. Not yet available here apparently. When I went into the office to inquire about one, they said they only had composite cables to give out :)

I am hoping that a tuning adapter (whenever it does become available), will fix this problem.

[SCSIRAID]

Well, I don't have a tuning adapter. Not yet available here apparently. When I went into the office to inquire about one, they said they only had composite cables to give out :)

I am hoping that a tuning adapter (whenever it does become available), will fix this problem.

Ahhh... misunderstood. All may not be lost then. The TA may be using the regular STB channel map so you might get digitals once you get one. It would makes sense for it to act like a regular STB and reuse all the same code.

[joelkfla]

Ah yes - they are digital! I hadn't realized that, but I just checked and new recordings on the formerly analog channels no longer have a Recording Quality.

The Good: Considerably less disk space (seems to be about 2/3 of analog High Quality).

The SoSo: Picture is sharper, but the ghosts picked up by BHN on the local broadcast channels are also sharper.

The Bad: BHN puts no-copy DRM protection on ALL non-broadcast content, so now NO cable network shows can be uploaded to the PC. Before the TA, all content on channels 1-99 was uploadable.

[JWThiers]

The Bad: BHN puts no-copy DRM protection on ALL non-broadcast content, so now NO cable network shows can be uploaded to the PC. Before the TA, all content on channels 1-99 was uploadable.

That sucks wind.

[nandopr]

I can tell that the some (but not all) of the analog channels are now digital channels after the TA installation. There are others that still analog, for example channel 29 (ESPN), 42, . (At least, in my case)

The TA menu tells me that there are a total of 54 SDV channels. (Within the " Switched Digital Video" located in the first page of the Tuner Adapter Diagnostics).

Just out of curiosity, how many SDV channels that menu tell to you?

[adamt56]

I can tell that the some (but not all) of the analog channels are now digital channels after the TA installation. There are others that still analog, for example channel 29 (ESPN), 42, . (At least, in my case)

The TA menu tells me that there are a total of 54 SDV channels. (Within the " Switched Digital Video" located in the first page of the Tuner Adapter Diagnostics).

Just out of curiosity, how many SDV channels that menu tell to you?

Are you asking me? I don't have a functioning TA menu since I do not have a tuning adapter. Actually, I am sitting outside a Bright House office right now after returning one of their STB's.

They have not heard of the tuning adapters and they have no idea what SDV is. I suupose that goes w/o saying.

[nandopr]

Are you asking me? I don't have a functioning TA menu since I do not have a tuning adapter. Actually, I am sitting outside a Bright House office right now after returning one of their STB's.

They have not heard of the tuning adapters and they have no idea what SDV is. I suupose that goes w/o saying.

Actually I was asking JoelkFLA, sorry my bad. I was not that specific but I appreciate your input. :)

Good luck with the TA. Same thing happened to me. They did not know what I was talking about. That is why I chatted with tech support using their web site and I had no problem.

[JWThiers]

I just set up my appt, by phone, for my Tuning adapter and surprisingly the customer service rep actually knew what a tuning adapter was and was able to make the appt with no issues. The tuning adapter installation is free for the first year for the 1st 2 devices and something under $4/ month for additional. Hopefully this means that the first 2 devices (that's all I have need for right now) will always be free with additional one costing more. Also was able to ask for M cards and got them ordered. Unfortunately this has a $24.43 charge. That fee is going up in march so if you want M-cards set up the appt now before the install fee rate goes up to over $30.

[tboydsto]

Setup an appointment yesterday to get my tuning adapters installed on Friday for my two Series 3's via the online chat support. Stevie B is who I talked to and actually knew what I was talking about.

My location: Melbourne, FL

[joelkfla]

I can tell that the some (but not all) of the analog channels are now digital channels after the TA installation. There are others that still analog, for example channel 29 (ESPN), 42, . (At least, in my case)

The TA menu tells me that there are a total of 54 SDV channels. (Within the " Switched Digital Video" located in the first page of the Tuner Adapter Diagnostics).

Just out of curiosity, how many SDV channels that menu tell to you?

Yes, that is what I have.

I woke up this a.m., and the TA led was flashing steady. Low-numbered channels were back to analog. All channels were viewable, but "Test Cable Card Channels" on the TiVo TA menu showed the "No Channels Available" screen.

I power-cycled the TA and pushed the power button, 'cause I remember the techs had to do that to force it to load, but no change.

Coincidentally, I was up until 3 a.m. last night, when I lost cable on both TV and internet. I called BHN, and they said tough luck, they were performing maintenance in my area.

I called BHN this morning about the TA, and there was a recording that they had updated their cable box software at 8 a.m. After more than 30 minutes on hold, I got a support rep who (surprise!) knew about the TA, and she sent some signals to cause it to reload (took about 3 tries.) She said power-cycling for 30 seconds should do the same, but it hadn't.

After it reloaded, just as after it was first installed, I had to force the tuner that was tuned to ch. 4 to change channels (by recording on the other tuner.) Until then, it just showed a black screen.

So ... I hope this isn't going to happen every time they do maintenance or update their software. If it does, when they really go to SDV, the SDV channels will disappear (missed recordings!) until we notice the flashing light and reboot the TA (if power cycling does indeed do the trick.)

[nandopr]

JoellFLA:

Thank you for responding.

Let's hope for the best. Yesterday when I tuned to channel 24 something happened that the Tivo rebooted itself.

Then when I tested the TA the TA displayed no channels at all. I disconnected everything and after 30 minutes or so things were back to normal.

I am kind of concerned as well about the way this is working so far.

[eaayoung]

I'm setup for the TA install for Monday. The CS rep had no clue what I was talking about. It took about 30 mins to setup. Tried to get an M card installed but was told they are hard to come by. I recalled having one already and when I checked I found one installed in a TV already. I may call and see if they will do the change out at the same time the TA is installed.

Of those that have 1 M card installed, do they function the same?

[nandopr]

If they are able to switch the M card from your TV to the Tivo, I believe it will work fine. They need to "get married" the M card with the appropriate Host ID in order for the card to work.

Someone can correct me if I am wrong.

[HDClown]

I've been having problems with my TA since it was "installed" on Tuesday morning. The tech from BHN contractor Groupwise didn't know what the TA was, first time he saw it/heard of it. I basically connected it myself, he called it in and left.

I rebooted the TiVoHD and I was able to get channels on the "test TA with CableCARD" screen. I tested channel 177 which is SDV and that came in, but channel 100 never did.

Multiple times since Tuesday, the TA has either gone to flashing green light. Sometimes I can use power button to turn it off and get it back on. Sometimes I have to pull the A/C power and push power button. Each time I do that, the TiVo sees the TA via TA Diags but never shows any channels in the TA test mode. Sometimes power-cycling the TiVo works, sometimes it doesn't.

The TiVoHD will also randomly go to the "we detected you have a TA screen, please test it". Which is all kinds of annoying because it does it in the middle of watching live TV and/or pre-recorded stuff.

Is my TA defective? Not activated right? What can I look for in TA Diags for some specifics as to if it's properly activated/working? Anyone else having these issues? I dread calling BHN and getting a hold of someone who hasn't heard of the TA.

PS - My TiVoHD is on the newest software available for it and it's using 1 S-Card, which has been installed for a year now with no issues. Speaking of S/M Cards, does BHN charge the same amount per month for a single S card as a single M card? If so, I want to switch from my single S to an M so I can get dual tuners for the same $$.

PSS - When BHN proactively called me to install the TA, the CSR told me the TA is free for first 12 months and then it will be $3.80/mo after that. Of coursee that price will likely go up when the 2010 rate increases hit.

[JWThiers]

I just set up my appt, by phone, for my Tuning adapter and surprisingly the customer service rep actually knew what a tuning adapter was and was able to make the appt with no issues. The tuning adapter installation is free for the first year for the 1st 2 devices and something under $4/ month for additional. Hopefully this means that the first 2 devices (that's all I have need for right now) will always be free with additional one costing more. Also was able to ask for M cards and got them ordered. Unfortunately this has a $24.43 charge. That fee is going up in march so if you want M-cards set up the appt now before the install fee rate goes up to over $30.

Got it done yesterday. Both THD's got 2 S-cards replaced with 1 M-card (That will save a couple of bucks) and had the TA installed. The whole thing took about 40 mins start to stop. The BHN Tech (not a contractor) said it was only his second TA install. He said the first one took a while, but mine went without a hitch that I could see. I still haven't had much time to mess with it to see how well it works. For some reason I had to run the Guided setup twice on one of my units. It seemed to hang at preparing to connect at the second download (the one that gets the guide data). The other unit worked fine except that it seemed slower than without the TA. But then again that just could have been because I was under pressure because my wife started the guided setup about 40 mins before Survivor. At least I got all of it on the other tivo.

[JWThiers]

PS - My TiVoHD is on the newest software available for it and it's using 1 S-Card, which has been installed for a year now with no issues. Speaking of S/M Cards, does BHN charge the same amount per month for a single S card as a single M card? If so, I want to switch from my single S to an M so I can get dual tuners for the same $$.

PSS - When BHN proactively called me to install the TA, the CSR told me the TA is free for first 12 months and then it will be $3.80/mo after that. Of coursee that price will likely go up when the 2010 rate increases hit.

Yes they do charge the same. I was going to ask why you only had 1 S-card? When I called in the CSR seemed a little smarter than most of them that I have dealt with, and while she didn't know a lot technically, She did know how to look up the information quickly and read all of their FAQ. Apparently IF you ASK for the M-cards they can get them. I wish that had worked last year when I got the original install, that one couldn't count her ears and get the say number twice. Unfortunately you have to pay the 20-something fee for them to replace them.

According to the CSR I was talking to, the TA's are free for the first year for up to 2 TA's then they are $3.80 each. She didn't have pricing info for after the first year, I asked. I suspect that that will probably be the case going forward as well because that seems reasonable. Reasonable... Never mind they will probably be $10 a month each.:D

[JWThiers]

I haven't had a chance to dig around really, does anyone know what channels are currently SDV so I can test this thing. Also what screens should one look at to see if the TA is working properly?

[SCSIRAID]

I haven't had a chance to dig around really, does anyone know what channels are currently SDV so I can test this thing. Also what screens should one look at to see if the TA is working properly?

The simplest thing to look at is 'DVR Diagnostics'... At the very bottom is the TA section where it will tell you if one is attached and whether it has provided a channel map. There is also a Tuning Adapter Diagnostics page where you can see loads of info.

[JWThiers]

The simplest thing to look at is 'DVR Diagnostics'... At the very bottom is the TA section where it will tell you if one is attached and whether it has provided a channel map. There is also a Tuning Adapter Diagnostics page where you can see loads of info.

Thanks

[HDClown]

Yes they do charge the same. I was going to ask why you only had 1 S-card?

I got my CableCARD around a year ago I think, maybe longer. The word on the forums at that time was BHN had no M-Cards at all, so I didn't even bother to ask about it.

Now I see I'm going to have to pay $20 or $40, as part of some new lame install fee for CableCARD, if I want them to come swap my single S or an M? Which number is correct?

[JWThiers]

I got my CableCARD around a year ago I think, maybe longer. The word on the forums at that time was BHN had no M-Cards at all, so I didn't even bother to ask about it.

Now I see I'm going to have to pay $20 or $40, as part of some new lame install fee for CableCARD, if I want them to come swap my single S or an M? Which number is correct?

I paid $22.95 (I just checked the bill) to get my 2 TA's installed and swap 4 S-Cards with 2 M-Cards (2 THD). If I just got the TA's it would have been free, so my math says $22.95. Since I am going from 4 cards to two that saves me $5.90 a month so it pays for itself in less than 4 months.

[tivoknucklehead]

ok, had my TA installed today. I have a S3 and two cable cards. It was the tech's first install and he was completely clueless so I basicly installed it as he watched. It hooked up easily and he called it in to another clueless tech who authorized it. After a Tivo reboot the tuning adapter diagnostic screen showed that it was working. My issue is I don't know what channels are currently SDV in Orlando. The tech and the tech on the phone literally had no clue, didn't even know what SDV meant. My guess was the spanish channels 602-607 , but I still can't see them, I get a "use must have a cable card to receive these" message on them. A supervisor on the phone said I don't have the "Spanish Tier" thats why I can't see them, but I get Spanish channels 601, 603 , 608 and 611. I let the guy go, but can someone give me some channels to test please? I still get all my channels I got before so I am no worse off. I know they are adding several SDV HD channels in the next couple of weeks, but I'd like the satisfaction of knowing this damn thing works now. I have HBO and Showtime as my only premiums

[SCSIRAID]

ok, had my TA installed today. I have a S3 and two cable cards. It was the tech's first install and he was completely clueless so I basicly installed it as he watched. It hooked up easily and he called it in to another clueless tech who authorized it. After a Tivo reboot the tuning adapter diagnostic screen showed that it was working. My issue is I don't know what channels are currently SDV in Orlando. The tech and the tech on the phone literally had no clue, didn't even know what SDV meant. My guess was the spanish channels 602-607 , but I still can't see them, I get a "use must have a cable card to receive these" message on them. A supervisor on the phone said I don't have the "Spanish Tier" thats why I can't see them, but I get Spanish channels 601, 603 , 608 and 611. I let the guy go, but can someone give me some channels to test please? I still get all my channels I got before so I am no worse off. I know they are adding several SDV HD channels in the next couple of weeks, but I'd like the satisfaction of knowing this damn thing works now. I have HBO and Showtime as my only premiums

One quick test would be to go into DVR Diagnostics and go to the very bottom where the TA section is. It should show 'Operational', 'Ready' and 'Yes'.

[tivoknucklehead]

One quick test would be to go into DVR Diagnostics and go to the very bottom where the TA section is. It should show 'Operational', 'Ready' and 'Yes'.

thanks, mine does say operational, ready and yes, but a real life channel test would be nice too

[nandopr]

thanks, mine does say operational, ready and yes, but a real life channel test would be nice too

I was bored and needed something to do. I don't have the Spanish channels Tier but I called BHN and added them.

I waited 30 minutes or so, then I tuned to channel 604 and 606 ( SDV already) and both of them worked. I did noticed something different when I tuned to this two channels. After a second or so the image started “drawing" from top to bottom slowly, then was normal view.

My curiosity is over. :) Called BHN again canceled them.

There a few channels that you are able to see without the Spanish package. They are part of the Digital service.

The TA menu tells me that there are a total of 54 SDV channels. (Within the " Switched Digital Video" located in the first page of the Tuner Adapter Diagnostics).

Hope this help.

[tivoknucklehead]

I was bored and needed something to do. I don't have the Spanish channels Tier but I called BHN and added them.

I waited 30 minutes or so, then I tuned to channel 604 and 606 ( SDV already) and both of them worked. I did noticed something different when I tuned to this two channels. After a second or so the image started “drawing" from top to bottom slowly, then was normal view.

My curiosity is over. :) Called BHN again canceled them.

There a few channels that you are able to see without the Spanish package. They are part of the Digital service.

The TA menu tells me that there are a total of 54 SDV channels. (Within the " Switched Digital Video" located in the first page of the Tuner Adapter Diagnostics).

Hope this help.


thanks, I'll assume I'm ok then because my diagnostics also says 54 sdv channels and looks like the thing is functional. The real test will be the new sdv HD channels coming in a week or two

[tivoknucklehead]

ok, found a way to do a real live SDV channel test in Orlando. I have a non-tivo TV with a cable card. Tuned to channel 100, the new MLB network, black screen. However, it comes in fine on the Tivo with the tuning adapter . Success !

[hthomson]

Patrick was out yesterday at 6:00pm to install the TA. Although he said this was his first install, everything went fairly smoothly after he replaced a 2 way spliter that was adding too much gain to the signal. He was in contact with one of his coworkers who has done this before to verify that he was doing everything correctly. The only compaint that I have is that I requested 2 TAs and his work order only called for one. I'll have to schedule another visit for the second one. All of the numbers were good, 54 sdv channels and he tuned to channel 177, I believe, which he said was sdv and it looked good. So far so good.

[smr]

I had scheduled a tech to come out Saturday (Valentines Day) to install the TA and replace my two S cards for an M card. My appointment was between 8 and 10 AM. at 9:30-ish a subcontractor from Jaguar Tech came to the house and announced (almost instantly) that he was going to be unable to install the TA and not able to give me a cable card because "For security reasons, Brighthouse doesn't trust us with them." He said he would have to call his dispatcher and have them send the closest Brighthouse tech that should have the hardware. He made a call and hung up. I asked him if the tech would have the M cards and was told he did not know what they would have in their trucks. He suggested I call Brighthouse to confirm the M card. They were unable to "locate" the tech. After 1 hour 16 minutes on the phone, I was told that the csr was "Sure the tech would have the correct equipment if they had them in stock, if that is what the work order said to bring."

At 1:30 PM, I called Brighthouse again to find out when the tech was supposed to arrive, since my appointment was between 8 and 10 AM. After 58 minutes on the phone (most of them on hold) while the csr tried to reach the tech, a supervisor, and yes, even the GM, I was told they could not give me an ETA but they could schedule another appointment for tomorrow between 8 and 11 AM. I took the appointment.

Sunday came and so did an actual Brighthouse tech, Jim. He knew exactly what it was he was doing and what I needed. He ran into a problem that we called the "Green Screen of Death". The TiVo seemed to have crashed (it rebooted once before giving Jim the green screen. The Green screen actually said

"The DVR has detected a serious problem and is now attempting to fix it.

This will take about three hours.

PLEASE DO NOT UNPLUG OR RESTART THE DVR!

If you have a plasma TV or are concerned about image burn-in, you should turn off your TV for the next three hours.

If, after three hours, the DVR does not restart, please call Customer Support."


Well, after about 45 minutes the TiVo rebooted. I guess it ran some sort of F-Disk on itself. After that the install went smoothly.

The moral to this story as I see it is that we need to make sure we get an actual Brighthouse technician and not a sub-contractor since they are not able to get the hardware.

BTW, Jim said to stay with the S-cards since they are working fine and I called Brighthouse and got a $20 credit since Brighthouse sent a person who was unable to do the job because he was not given the equipment.

PS...Has anyone else seen the green screen?

[JWThiers]

BTW, Jim said to stay with the S-cards since they are working fine and I called Brighthouse and got a $20 credit since Brighthouse sent a person who was unable to do the job because he was not given the equipment.

PS...Has anyone else seen the green screen?

Jim is awfully generous with your money ($3 a month for the extra card) The M-cards I got are working fine also and are saving me money to boot. Didn't get a green screen but one of my tivo's did hang for a while and required an unplug to recover. Also don't forget to re-run the guided setup.

[smr]

Thanks for the setup suggestion. I did not do that yet but will tonight.

[eaayoung]

Subcontractor for BH called me at 4:00 pm for TA install. They had no clue what at TA was. They said the order did not include a part number. So, I've reschd my appointment for Saturday.

[tivoknucklehead]

I've been having problems with my TA since it was "installed" on Tuesday morning. The tech from BHN contractor Groupwise didn't know what the TA was, first time he saw it/heard of it. I basically connected it myself, he called it in and left.

I rebooted the TiVoHD and I was able to get channels on the "test TA with CableCARD" screen. I tested channel 177 which is SDV and that came in, but channel 100 never did.

Multiple times since Tuesday, the TA has either gone to flashing green light. Sometimes I can use power button to turn it off and get it back on. Sometimes I have to pull the A/C power and push power button. Each time I do that, the TiVo sees the TA via TA Diags but never shows any channels in the TA test mode. Sometimes power-cycling the TiVo works, sometimes it doesn't.

The TiVoHD will also randomly go to the "we detected you have a TA screen, please test it". Which is all kinds of annoying because it does it in the middle of watching live TV and/or pre-recorded stuff.

Is my TA defective? Not activated right? What can I look for in TA Diags for some specifics as to if it's properly activated/working? Anyone else having these issues? I dread calling BHN and getting a hold of someone who hasn't heard of the TA.

PS - My TiVoHD is on the newest software available for it and it's using 1 S-Card, which has been installed for a year now with no issues. Speaking of S/M Cards, does BHN charge the same amount per month for a single S card as a single M card? If so, I want to switch from my single S to an M so I can get dual tuners for the same $$.

PSS - When BHN proactively called me to install the TA, the CSR told me the TA is free for first 12 months and then it will be $3.80/mo after that. Of coursee that price will likely go up when the 2010 rate increases hit.



same here, installed on Saturday, worked perfectly until this morning when I noticed a "A tuning adapter is Connected" message on the screen. Went to channel 100 ( a known SDV channel that had come in with the TA until today) and it was black

for me a simple Tivo restart fixed everything, but I hope this is not a trend

[SCSIRAID]

same here, installed on Saturday, worked perfectly until this morning when I noticed a "A tuning adapter is Connected" message on the screen. Went to channel 100 ( a known SDV channel that had come in with the TA until today) and it was black

for me a simple Tivo reboot fixed everything, but I hope this is not a trend

I would be interested to know what your 'booted' date is in TA Diagnostics... Its at the bottom of the second page. My TA has a habit of rebooting every 3 days in the early am hours.

[tivoknucklehead]

I would be interested to know what your 'booted' date is in TA Diagnostics... Its at the bottom of the second page. My TA has a habit of rebooting every 3 days in the early am hours.



to be more specific, its at the bottom of the second page of "Status Summary" in TA diagnostics and the date is today Feb 19

[SCSIRAID]

to be more specific, its at the bottom of the second page of "Status Summary" in TA diagnostics and the date is today Feb 19


What time? Im betting between 1 and 3am.... Mine rebooted this morning at 2:42am

[tivoknucklehead]

What time? Im betting between 1 and 3am.... Mine rebooted this morning at 2:42am



6:59 a.m.

[SCSIRAID]

6:59 a.m.

Well... I guess I would have lost that bet then.... ;)

However... Based on my experience, I believe you will see it again Sunday morning....

Mine has rebooted every 3 days since Ive had it. ToVo stops any in progress recordings when it does it.

[Nick32714]

According to the CSR I was talking to, the TA's are free for the first year for up to 2 TA's then they are $3.80 each. She didn't have pricing info for after the first year, I asked. I suspect that that will probably be the case going forward as well because that seems reasonable. Reasonable... Never mind they will probably be $10 a month each.:D


Interesting .. I was told several times that they were free for the first year.


I had an appointment scheduled for yesterday. The tech showed up with one, even though the order clearly stated that he was to install two of them. He finally admitted that they had run out locally and had more at the warehouse, which is 30 miles away. I decided to let him install this one and that I would reschedule for the second one.

I called today to schedule the install of the second TA and was told that the second one was $4.80 a month. It didn't seem to matter that I was told that both were free for a year.

I then argued that I should get the 'on time' guarantee credit ($20) since they did not install two as ordered. Her response .. Since I signed the work order I would not get that credit.

I told them that they can get this TA. I am waiting to hear back from her manager.

[JimPa]

Nick,

With cable companies loosing so many customers to satellite, you could probably get them to do just about anything. :)

[eaayoung]

TA installed this morning. Took about 45 mins. Tested it on Channel 100 (MLB) and 601 (Telemundo). Seems to be working fine. Switching channels is only slightly slower than normal. Green LED flashes constantly which is distracting.

When is the cable card install rate for BHCF going up? I was told by a CS rep it is $39.99. I thought it was aroung $23.00. I have an M card installed in my TV that I could switch to the Tivo but don't much confidence in making the switch then phone in the changes to tech support.

[SCSIRAID]

TA installed this morning. Took about 45 mins. Tested it on Channel 100 (MLB) and 601 (Telemundo). Seems to be working fine. Switching channels is only slightly slower than normal. Green LED flashes constantly which is distracting.

When is the cable card install rate for BHCF going up? I was told by a CS rep it is $39.99. I thought it was aroung $23.00. I have an M card installed in my TV that I could switch to the Tivo but don't much confidence in making the switch then phone in the changes to tech support.

If the green led is flashing then you have a problem. When TA is authorized and properly communicating with TiVo... the LED should be solid green.

How many flashes? Constant? 6 blinks? 8 blinks?

[eaayoung]

It went solid green a couple hours after the install. But now I can't access channel 100. Seemed to work fine when it blinked. Maybe a problem with the channel. Hopefully all the problems will be resolved when the additional SDV channels start coming out. BHN is saying 14 new channels in 14 days.

[eaayoung]

An earlier post noted channels 604 & 606 are SDV. Tried them and no picture.

[tivoknucklehead]

An earlier post noted channels 604 & 606 are SDV. Tried them and no picture.


they only work if you have the Spanish tier. try 100 and 177

[eaayoung]

Finally got my TA to work. I was looking at the DVR diagnostics menu and saw at the end they have TA info and mine was listed as "not available" and "intializing." I disconnected both the power and USB cords a couple of times which caused the green LED to start flashing. Eventually the LED went solid green and the diagnostic sreen noted the TA was ready. Cycled thru the channel, including channel 100, without any problems. Hopefully it will last.

[Okeemike]

Well, I got my letter from BHN this afternoon, announcing that the implementation of SDV was here, and to call a "Customer Service Specialist" They were, obviously, clueless as to what I was talking about.

[JWThiers]

Well, I got my letter from BHN this afternoon, announcing that the implementation of SDV was here, and to call a "Customer Service Specialist" They were, obviously, clueless as to what I was talking about.

Encouraging isn't it. After all you went thru.

[tivoknucklehead]

what's up with "no guide data" on any of the new BH channels ? And yes I have a working TA

[PopcornGuy]

I have not checked any of the new channels, but I believe Tivo needs to officially add the channel (you get the message saying there is a change in the channel lineup). There used to be a page at tivo.com to report a lineup change but I can't seem to find it today.

[PopcornGuy]

A Brighthouse* announcement ad in today's Orlando Sentinel states that the Tivo Tuning Adapter is now available for $3.80 a month. This contradicts the "free for a year" we've been told so keep checking those monthly bills!

[tivoknucklehead]

I called Tivo to report that none of the new channels have guide data, it can't hurt

[nandopr]

I am afraid I will have problem recordings some channels.

Sometimes when I tune to channels 100 and 177 I get the image fine for a few seconds only. The following message appears:

“This channel is temporary unavailable. Press select to try tuning to this channel again. Contact your cable provider for more information."

The green light is solid and Tivo "see” the tuner adapter properly. I restart both the Tivo and the tuner adapter. Wait until the TA green light is solid green. It work but after a couple of days I get the same message.

I was hoping the latest software update (I got it today) will fix this issue but it behaves the same.

I am wondering if someone else is having this problem.


Thanks

Nando

[SCSIRAID]

I am afraid I will have problem recordings some channels.

Sometimes when I tune to channels 100 and 177 I get the image fine for a few seconds only. The following message appears:

“This channel is temporary unavailable. Press select to try tuning to this channel again. Contact your cable provider for more information."

The green light is solid and Tivo "see” the tuner adapter properly. I restart both the Tivo and the tuner adapter. Wait until the TA green light is solid green. It work but after a couple of days I get the same message.

I was hoping the latest software update (I got it today) will fix this issue but it behaves the same.

I am wondering if someone else is having this problem.


Thanks

Nando

Do you have a regular cablebox that you could also try tuning the same channel at the same time you get this message? Can you tell if the image you get for a few seconds is the right program for the channel? The message suggests that BH has insufficient QAM's in its SDV pool and they are all busy with other content. If you try the tune again in a few minutes will it be successful or is the problem constant?

[nandopr]

"Do you have a regular cablebox that you could also try tuning the same channel at the same time you get this message?"

Yes, I also have a BHN cablebox box. The image that I get is the correct program. I resolved the problem after several restart but it is really annoying doing this every other day or so.

Next time it happen I will do what you suggested with the cablebox box.

"If you try the tune again in a few minutes will it be successful or is the problem constant?"

Sometimes it is successful, other time is not.

I appreciate you taking the time to respond. Thank you.

Nando

[hthomson]

I have 2 Tivo Tuning Adapters. The first was install 2 weeks ago and the second was installed last Monday. Both TAs should have been installed on the first trip but the tech arrived with only one even though the work order called for two. With the first TA, I've had to restart several times the first week. The second one has only been restarted once or twice. Everything has been working good the last couple of days since the TiVo update was received. I'm not sure if the update helped, I really think the probelms were due to BH making changes at their end. Hopefully everything has stabalized and there will be no more restarts. We'll see.

[eaayoung]

I have the same problem with channel 100. Plus, lots of breakup when you first tune to that channel. I've also notice increased time in tuning in the upper band of channels (ie: 1020, 1343, 1360 & etc). Last night it was taking 10-15 seconds. Better today. Hopefully, BH and/or Tivo will get the bugs worked out before March 24th.

[Nick32714]

"Do you have a regular cablebox that you could also try tuning the same channel at the same time you get this message?"

Yes, I also have a BHN cablebox box. The image that I get is the correct program. I resolved the problem after several restart but it is really annoying doing this every other day or so.

Next time it happen I will do what you suggested with the cablebox box.

"If you try the tune again in a few minutes will it be successful or is the problem constant?"

Sometimes it is successful, other time is not.

I appreciate you taking the time to respond. Thank you.

Nando

Actually, Tivo covers this on their website. It seems that with SDV, there is no guarantee that you will receive the channels that you want when you want.

I cannot post the link but just google the message and you'll find it on the Tivo site.

[nandopr]

Actually, Tivo covers this on their website. It seems that with SDV, there is no guarantee that you will receive the channels that you want when you want.

I cannot post the link but just google the message and you'll find it on the Tivo site.

I found the information...

-----------------------------
The SDV server uses this communication to determine if someone is actively watching the channel or if the TV was simply tuned to that channel when it was turned off. If you press SELECT, the timer for the channel resets.

If you do not press SELECT, the server may temporarily remove the channel to make room for another, requested channel. If this happens you will see the following message:

(This channel is temporary unavailable. Contact your cable provider for more information.)

To get the channel back, simply tune to it. If bandwidth is available, the server will set the channel up again. If you still see this message, it means that there is no bandwidth available to send you the channel.

IMPORTANT: Cable providers are working very hard to “size” SDV areas so that all customers in each area receive the channels they request. SDV and Tuning Adapters are very new technologies that are being deployed rapidly, however. While it is possible for you to request a channel that the cable provider does not have the bandwidth to send, this should be very rare. If you have any concerns about SDV or Tuning Adapter operations, please contact your cable provider.
-----------------------------------------

Here is the link.
http://www.tivo.com/setupandsupport/technicalsupport/compatibilityhelp/Switched_Video_Cable_Details.html


Thank you Nick for the information.

[SCSIRAID]

after reading this I'm afraid we will never get a program guide for these new SDV channels, am I wrong?

Tribune is up to their rears in alligators with the DTV transition so I expect it will take some time. You should call TiVo support and report a lineup problem for the missing guide data.

[tivoknucklehead]

does anyone know if we will EVER have guide data for these new SDV channels? if not, the whole point of a tuning adapter is pretty worthless. it has been 2 weeks since the first of the 14 new channels was added and still no guide data for that or any of them. I called Tivo last week and they blamed the guide firm, but I don't know who to believe.

[Okeemike]

does anyone know if we will EVER have guide data for these new SDV channels? if not, the whole point of a tuning adapter is pretty worthless. it has been 2 weeks since the first of the 14 new channels was added and still no guide data for that or any of them. I called Tivo last week and they blamed the guide firm, but I don't know who to believe.

I may be mistaken, but I thought there were only a handful of channels that were currently being brodcast via SDV (as indicated in the letter BHN sent me last week).

[tivoknucklehead]

I may be mistaken, but I thought there were only a handful of channels that were currently being brodcast via SDV (as indicated in the letter BHN sent me last week).


SDV or not, none of these new channels has guide data

[SCSIRAID]

SDV or not, none of these new channels has guide data

Call TiVo and ask to report a lineup issue.... tell them what channels are missing guide data... the will send the issue to Tribune for resolution.

[tivoknucklehead]

Call TiVo and ask to report a lineup issue.... tell them what channels are missing guide data... the will send the issue to Tribune for resolution.


I did a week ago and again today

[mcassoni]

I have a TA also and the only way I found to add the new channels on the channel list and to get the program guide is to repeat the guided setup. I have done this a couple of times with the new channels and will wait until Saturday to do another. Wait a day to update when a new channel is there because it seems to take a day for the guide to update

[hthomson]

I may be mistaken, but I thought there were only a handful of channels that were currently being brodcast via SDV (as indicated in the letter BHN sent me last week).

I believe once you get the Tuning Adapter, all of you channels will be SDV.

[tivoknucklehead]

I have a TA also and the only way I found to add the new channels on the channel list and to get the program guide is to repeat the guided setup. I have done this a couple of times with the new channels and will wait until Saturday to do another. Wait a day to update when a new channel is there because it seems to take a day for the guide to update


are you telling me you have guide data for channels like 1357 Bravo HD and 1001 MLB HD after re-running guided setup?

[silentbobdrummer]

I just got my TiVoHD over the weekend and BH is coming out on saturday to install the cable cards (there's two on the work order cause the guy at bright house didn't know if they were single or multi-streamed). Should I call back and add the tuning adpater to the order or will they know enough to add it themselves?

[tivoknucklehead]

I just got my TiVoHD over the weekend and BH is coming out on saturday to install the cable cards (there's two on the work order cause the guy at bright house didn't know if they were single or multi-streamed). Should I call back and add the tuning adpater to the order or will they know enough to add it themselves?



call em back, never assume anything with those people. Besides, it is a separate issue. Not everyone will want to pay extra for a TA

[Okeemike]

I believe once you get the Tuning Adapter, all of you channels will be SDV.

Could be, I guess. However, the letter from BHN states that only a handful of them are (I don't recall which ones). If I understand the letter, the channels that are SDV I really don't care about, however, I scheduled a TA installation so I'm ready for when something good does finally make it on the new system.

Perhaps that the number / specific channels that are on SDV vary by locale (i.e. Orando, Apopka, Altamonte, etc...). They break the channels for these regions out seperately on the website, perhaps there's a technical reason for it.

[silentbobdrummer]

call em back, never assume anything with those people. Besides, it is a separate issue. Not everyone will want to pay extra for a TA

Without the tuning adapter, will I be able to get all the HD channels or will the new ones being added not show up?

[mcassoni]

Yes I have program guides for the new channels once you run the guided setup and wait a day after a channel is premiered.

[tivoknucklehead]

Without the tuning adapter, will I be able to get all the HD channels or will the new ones being added not show up?




no, most (if not all) of these new channels are SDV, get the TA if you want all channels

[tivoknucklehead]

Yes I have program guides for the new channels once you run the guided setup and wait a day after a channel is premiered.

ok, I am running it right now, I will report back later

[Okeemike]

Yes I have program guides for the new channels once you run the guided setup and wait a day after a channel is premiered.

wait, so are you saying to run guided setup each time a new channel is added? Or just after the TA is installed?

[mcassoni]

for every channel added

[silentbobdrummer]

call em back, never assume anything with those people. Besides, it is a separate issue. Not everyone will want to pay extra for a TA
Just called Bright House, explaining that I will need a tuning adapter for my Tivo and they said they don't give out tuning adapters for your own equipment, only for their equipment...

[SCSIRAID]

for every channel added


That is not required here in Raleigh... Not sure why you would have to do that. Are you saying you dont see the channel being offered in the channel list till you do a guided setup? Did you try just doing a power cycle to force a new channel map to be loaded from the cablecard?

[SCSIRAID]

Just called Bright House, explaining that I will need a tuning adapter for my Tivo and they said they don't give out tuning adapters for your own equipment, only for their equipment...

Sounds like you lost that round of CSR Roulette... Call again and maybe you will get an intelligent life form this time.

[silentbobdrummer]

Sounds like you lost that round of CSR Roulette... Call again and maybe you will get an intelligent life form this time.

Bright House CS is one of the worst that I've dealt with.

[StStephen]

wait, so are you saying to run guided setup each time a new channel is added? Or just after the TA is installed?

I've had my TA for my Series 3 for about 2 weeks, no problem at all. I avoided dealing with the CSR idiots by making my appointment on line.

I haven't had to run guided setup for each new channel that has been added, but I have had to be aware that a new channel was added, if I wanted to show up in my guide I needed to "check" it in the channels list.

[silentbobdrummer]

I did the online chat with the tech support and they knew right away what I was talking about and what I needed. They were able to adjust the work order to include the Tuning Adapter.

[tivoknucklehead]

Just called Bright House, explaining that I will need a tuning adapter for my Tivo and they said they don't give out tuning adapters for your own equipment, only for their equipment...


:D you talked to an idiot, call them again

[tivoknucklehead]

Yes I have program guides for the new channels once you run the guided setup and wait a day after a channel is premiered.



well, I re-ran guided setup 6 hours ago and still have "to be announced" on the guide info for every one of the new Bright House channels. I didn't think this would work anyway, I never had to run guided set up before when new channels were added, all you have to do is make sure they are check marked in the channel list


anyone else have guide info for 1357, 152 or 1001 as examples?

[nandopr]

well, I re-ran guided setup 6 hours ago and still have "to be announced" on the guide info for every one of the new Bright House channels. I didn't think this would work anyway, I never had to run guided set up before when new channels were added, all you have to do is make sure they are check marked in the channel list


anyone else have guide info for 1357, 152 or 1001 as examples?


I do have guide info for channels 1001 and 1357. Nothing on 152.

[Okeemike]

Just as a heads up, I received an email from the BHN VP I've been in contact with over the past year, and she's requested me to pass along word that in order for the TA to work, the TiVo has to have the most current software release. I don't think this will really affect anyone, and likely pretains to the update (last Fall?) which initially added the TA to the summary screen. In any case, I'm passing this information along, just in case.

Mr. Okeemike

I received some information that customers have to ensure they have the most current TiVo software before the tuning adapter can be installed. Just wanted to be sure you also knew that, since you have a home visit with us next week and TiVo stated that they require a two day window for the software download.

If you think there may be low awareness about this requirement, do you think it would be a good idea to post information on the forum?

Regards,
Your Friendly BHN VP

[tivoknucklehead]

I do have guide info for channels 1001 and 1357. Nothing on 152.



now I'm baffled. I've had "to be announced" on all these new channels the past 2 weeks. I have no clue what to do to get them at this point. I've called Tivo (twice), re-run guided setup (twice)

[mcassoni]

The guided set up worked for me with getting guide info and to keep the channels checked in the channel list. They wouldn't stay checked after a little while.

[tivoknucklehead]

horray, guide data showed up today for 1001 and 1357. This is a start anyway, now at least I can be patient for the rest

[Multipass]

Hi, this'll be my first post. Ran across this forum a few days ago when researching the SDV notice I got from Brighthouse. I've had my TiVo for about a month now.

Had a Tuning Adapter (Cisco STA1520) installed yesterday in the Melbourne area and I just wanted to relate my install experience . I called on Wednesday to get an appointment for a TA install and to have my 2 S-cards replaced with and M-card to lower my bill.

The tech arrived about 1.5 hours into the scheduled appointment time. First thing he started on was the replacement of the S-Cards with the M-Card. About 5 seconds after he had pulled my S-Cards he got a call from his supervisor to inform me that there was no price break for the M-card! The cost of the M-card was the same as 2 S-cards and if the S-cards we're working we shouldn't mess with them. Figures. I grumbled something and said fine put the S-cards back. Easier said than done. When he put them back none of my HD channels would come in. We tried a bunch of things, including actually taking the S-cards out again and trying to get the M-Card to work. The M-Card was authorized but would never show any channels. So after about 4 hours of reboots, rerunning the guided setup and re-pairing the S-cards we had things back to square one. By now the supervisor had arrived at my house and was leading the effort.

On to the TA. The tech told me when he first arrived that the initial batch of TAs they were installing had a "bad" version of firmware and needed to be updated in order to work. He thought the unit he had brought with him had newer firmware. He was wrong. The correct behavior of the TA is that it should initialize and the LED remains solid green. This one blinked 3 times, then like 11 times and went out. After several phone calls by the supervisor he managed to track down the one person at the Deland head-end who could send a firmware update to my TA. After that had been done the LED went out. It is necessary to push the power button on the front of the unit again. The light comes on solid green. Then and only then can you connect the USB cable to the TiVo. It recognized the TA and I used channels 168 and 177 to successfully test the functioning. They are coming in.

What I learned:

Yes tuning adapters are available. I had no problem scheduling an install appointment with the Melbourne office.

Apparently now 1 M-card costs the same as 2 S-cards. Someone may want to verify this. If you have working S-cards don't try to replace them with an M-card. It cost me 4 painful hours and even though we tried the M-card it never worked. They were not sure why.

The TA the tech shows up with may need a firmware update. If after power on and initialization the green LED doesn't stay on solid, you need a firmware load from the head-end.

Do not connect the USB cable from the TA to the TiVo until you have a solid green LED. If the LED is out after the firmware update, push the power button on the front of the unit.

Hope this helps someone.

[mcassoni]

I did have one issue where yesterday Speed HD and VSHD wouldn't show up and you couldn't direct access the channel. I turned the power on and off on the TA and they came back.

[Okeemike]

Do not connect the USB cable from the TA to the TiVo until you have a solid green LED. If the LED is out after the firmware update, push the power button on the front of the unit.

Hope this helps someone.

This is good advice, thanks. I have an install this week. Hopefully mine will go well.

[orangeboy]

This is good advice, thanks. I have an install this week. Hopefully mine will go well.

Did the CSR state that yes, the first year is free, but then a monthly fee of $3.80 will be charged? I find this contrary to what Tivo says here: http://www.tivo.com/setupandsupport/technicalsupport/compatibilityhelp/Switched_Video_Cable_Details.html, specifically "Call your cable provider to get a FREE Tuning Adapter." Is this future charge going to be considered an illegal act by the FCC? My apologies if this has been discussed before...

I'm just a little miffed because I spent 3+ hours today waiting for Brighthouse to come without a TA! I have another appointment set for next Saturday that I hope goes well, too. I'm not sure how the first CSR I spoke with interpreted "I need a tuning adapter" as "reception problems with pixelation"! The girl I just got off the phone with seems to know what (vaguely) is going on.

Good luck Mike! I'm going to look deeper into the monthly charges proposed...

[Multipass]

Did the CSR state that yes, the first year is free, but then a monthly fee of $3.80 will be charged?

Yes I was told the first year was free and $3.80 thereafter. Was also told there would be some small tax amount applied for the first "free" year though.

[efreedenburg]

...

On to the TA. The tech told me when he first arrived that the initial batch of TAs they were installing had a "bad" version of firmware and needed to be updated in order to work. He thought the unit he had brought with him had newer firmware. He was wrong. The correct behavior of the TA is that it should initialize and the LED remains solid green. This one blinked 3 times, then like 11 times and went out. After several phone calls by the supervisor he managed to track down the one person at the Deland head-end who could send a firmware update to my TA. After that had been done the LED went out. It is necessary to push the power button on the front of the unit again. The light comes on solid green. Then and only then can you connect the USB cable to the TiVo. It recognized the TA and I used channels 168 and 177 to successfully test the functioning. They are coming in.

...


Same problem and solution in Satellite Beach/Melbourne.
TA Installed 2/27/09 finally working 3/5/09.

--
Ed

[eaayoung]

Just rcvd my first bill from BH and didn't see a charge for the TA. I've had my TA for around 3 weeks.

[mcassoni]

I received my bill and I WAS charged. I gave them a call and they said because I already received the channels needed for the TA before on their 8300HD, I wasn't qualified for the free 1 year.

[Multipass]

I received my bill and I WAS charged. I gave them a call and they said because I already received the channels needed for the TA before on their 8300HD, I wasn't qualified for the free 1 year.

Wow, just amazing logic there. :rolleyes: You must pay for the TA because you already pay for their equipment and those that don't pay for their equipment get a year free? Turn in your 8300HD and see what they say.

FWIW I have an 8300HD as well and they told me when I ordered the TA I'd get a year free. Guess I'll be carefully watching my bill.

[net114]

Just had a tech out to install the TA. They had two techs come out, one that had installed one before and one to learn. (a good thing I think). They had no idea about firmware updating. I literally read the post about firmware update, and the tech called his supervisor. The guy's name in Deland/Orlando that needs to send the firmware update is "Steve"...I have his last name if someone thinks they might need it.

The tech's supervisor needs to call Steve, who will either immediately or sometime when he gets to it will send the firmware update.

So, right now I have the TA but the firmware hasn't updated. The tech left and will call me back later to check on if it came through. I'll keep you updated.

[Multipass]

Yep that's the guy, Steve. Same person the supervisor at my place called to get the download.

[eaayoung]

If you are having problems accessing channels since TA installed, try replacing the cable that comes with the TA. American Idol was almost unwatchable tonight. So, after the show I checked the signal via Tivo's meter and it registered around 60. Same with other channels (mostly local stations). Switched out the cable and the signal increased to 90+ for all channels. My S3 seems to lock into channels the way it did before the TA was installed. Before switching the cable, some channels were would not come up at all. Channels that I had no problems accessing in the past.

[net114]

Yeh my tech laughed when he saw the included cheap cable that came with the TA. All is working on my TA, by the way. The supervisor had to call Steve and then after about an hour they updated the firmware. The tech even stopped back by to make sure it was up and running.

[hthomson]

If you are having problems accessing channels since TA installed, try replacing the cable that comes with the TA. American Idol was almost unwatchable tonight. So, after the show I checked the signal via Tivo's meter and it registered around 60. Same with other channels (mostly local stations). Switched out the cable and the signal increased to 90+ for all channels. My S3 seems to lock into channels the way it did before the TA was installed. Before switching the cable, some channels were would not come up at all. Channels that I had no problems accessing in the past.

I'm guessing your talking about the coax cable and not the usb cable. I'll be checking the signal tonight.

[orangeboy]

Yeh my tech laughed when he saw the included cheap cable that came with the TA. All is working on my TA, by the way. The supervisor had to call Steve and then after about an hour they updated the firmware. The tech even stopped back by to make sure it was up and running.

Congrats! Wish me luck - my appointment is for tomorrow...

[eaayoung]

Yes, it was the coax cable and not the USB cable. My TA was installed around 2-3 weeks ago and started having problems with macro blocking, unable tune non SDV channels and etc. Finally took the time to switch cables.

[orangeboy]

Success! The tech (#52308) was in and out in about 25 minutes. I was at first concerned when he immediately plugged in the coax and the USB just prior to the power cable. No worries though, as this was done to gain access to the TA diagnostic screens. A second call to the office by the tech was made to have the TA 'hit' again. After a few minutes, the data that the tech was looking for appeared, and he had me test out some of the channels. 168 & 177 tuned in fine. Overall, I'm pretty satisfied! He suggested a restart of the Tivo wouldn't hurt. I'll do that before too long.

[hthomson]

Yes, it was the coax cable and not the USB cable. My TA was installed around 2-3 weeks ago and started having problems with macro blocking, unable tune non SDV channels and etc. Finally took the time to switch cables.

I checked the level on the TiVo in the bedroom and the level was around 96 which is very good. It does not have the cable that came with the TA. I haven't had any problems with that TiVo. In fact, I upgraded it to a 1tb drive last week and all has bee good.

When I checked the level on the Tivo in the family room, it was reading about 64. It had the supplied cable. I found an old cable put that on and the level went up to 80. This is better but still not like the other one. I may have to call BH to come out and see if they can get this corrected. By the way, I have to reboot the Tivo about once a week since the TA was installed, the TA has a flashing light on it. This seems to happen on Friday nights for some unknow reason.

[tivoknucklehead]

Bright House also charged me for the TA, I'll call them to argue it


edit: turns out it was a $2 increase for HBO/Showtime, not the TA

[hthomson]

Does anyone know what signal level I should expect when using a TA? Right now it is around 75 on one and 96 on the other. The one with the lower signal also acts up, sometimes I get a continuous blinking light on the TA but right now it's bilnking six times followed by a pause. Is there anything I can do to correct this or do I need a truck roll?

[JWThiers]

Does anyone know what signal level I should expect when using a TA? Right now it is around 75 on one and 96 on the other. The one with the lower signal also acts up, sometimes I get a continuous blinking light on the TA but right now it's bilnking six times followed by a pause. Is there anything I can do to correct this or do I need a truck roll?

try powering off (Pull plug) both the TA and Tivo and then power them up 1 at a time. I forget what order worked but I think I did the TA first. You should have solid green light not blinking.

[silentbobdrummer]

BrightHouse finally came out on Saturday. They were suppose to come out last saturday but ran out of CableCards so they came out this saturday. It was the tech's second time hooking up CableCards and Tuning Adapter to TiVo (they sent a service tech, who normally doesn't do installilations). Anyways, 45 minutes later, everything was hooked up and working good. I have one Tuning Adapter and two S-Cards (they were out of M-Cards, figures). Tivo found all of the newer HD channels but they guide still says "To Be Announced". I did a TiVo service update, but I haven't redone the Guided Setup yet so I'll probably have to do that.

But so far, so good.

[eaayoung]

I starting to get low numbers on my S3 after the TA was installed. Mine was running in the 60-70s for some channels and in the 90s for other channels. For channels with the low readings, they would act up and sometimes I couldn't access the channel. Channels 1013 and 1027 were unavailable at times. Plus, American Idol (channel 1135) which almost unwatchable last Tuesday. Switching the coax cable that came with the TA fixed my problem. Now I get a signal in the 90s or 80s.

[silentbobdrummer]

I'm in the process of re-doing the guided setup after having the CableCards installed, in hopes of the guide getting all of my HD channels. It's been going for the past hour now. It's at the spot when its trying to connect to the TiVo service to get the guide info and its been at "Preparing" for the last 30 minutes. Is this normal and should I just wait longer or am I going to have to restart my TiVo?

Edit: Nevermind, It finally finished. Took about an hour and a half though...

[orangeboy]

I starting to get low numbers on my S3 after the TA was installed. Mine was running in the 60-70s for some channels and in the 90s for other channels. For channels with the low readings, they would act up and sometimes I couldn't access the channel. Channels 1013 and 1027 were unavailable at times. Plus, American Idol (channel 1135) which almost unwatchable last Tuesday. Switching the coax cable that came with the TA fixed my problem. Now I get a signal in the 90s or 80s.

Something I did no more than 30 minutes after the tech left was to remove the coax going from the TA to my Tivo, and run a second coax (from a 4 port amplified 'splitter': PCT site (http://www.pctinternational.com/_products/northamer/amplifiers/dropamps.html)) directly to the TA. I never checked the levels when the coax was daisychained to the TA; I just view any additional junction in any cable as a potential loss, unless the junction boosts or amplifies the signal. I also wanted/needed to change where the power cord for the TA was plugged in (it was plugged into 'surge protection only' and not 'battery backup' on my UPS), and found it an opportune time to switch the coax's around while the TA was powered off/unplugged.

[Okeemike]

Does anyone know what signal level I should expect when using a TA? Right now it is around 75 on one and 96 on the other. The one with the lower signal also acts up, sometimes I get a continuous blinking light on the TA but right now it's bilnking six times followed by a pause. Is there anything I can do to correct this or do I need a truck roll?

Did you ever resolve this? My TA started blinking today. I still appear to get SDV channels (i.e. 1304 - Universal HD), but blinking is going to drive me nuts.

note: I have not yet unplugged anything yet. Since it's working, I think it might be better to let sleeping dogs lie....

[hthomson]

Did you ever resolve this? My TA started blinking today. I still appear to get SDV channels (i.e. 1304 - Universal HD), but blinking is going to drive me nuts.

note: I have not yet unplugged anything yet. Since it's working, I think it might be better to let sleeping dogs lie....

BH is scheduled to come out on Thursday to replace the TA. I'll have them look at the signal strength while they are out. I'll keep you posted.

By the way, it's still blinking.

[net114]

Ok well today I lost most if not all of my SDV channels. Had a green light, everything seemed fine...but nada. So, I unplugged everything, and replugged in. TA gave me blinking lights for a bit, then no light at all. Testing the channels said "no channels available".

Finally I scheduled a service call. Since I didn't want to wait for all my tv, I was going to watch the non-SDV channels anyway, except I forgot to unplug the TA. (Without a light I forgot it was on). So, guess what? All the channels are back. If I go to "test channels" - it says "no channels available"....but if I go to live tv, all the SDV's are back. Also, I still have no green light - not blinking, not solid. I'm not going to unplug it again now since their back, but it's just weird behavior.

The TA diagnostics show its ready by the way, authorized, etc. But - no green light and still receiving SDVs. I'm going to leave the service call in effect right now just in case.

[SCSIRAID]

Ok well today I lost most if not all of my SDV channels. Had a green light, everything seemed fine...but nada. So, I unplugged everything, and replugged in. TA gave me blinking lights for a bit, then no light at all. Testing the channels said "no channels available".

Finally I scheduled a service call. Since I didn't want to wait for all my tv, I was going to watch the non-SDV channels anyway, except I forgot to unplug the TA. (Without a light I forgot it was on). So, guess what? All the channels are back. If I go to "test channels" - it says "no channels available"....but if I go to live tv, all the SDV's are back. Also, I still have no green light - not blinking, not solid. I'm not going to unplug it again now since their back, but it's just weird behavior.

The TA diagnostics show its ready by the way, authorized, etc. But - no green light and still receiving SDVs. I'm going to leave the service call in effect right now just in case.

Press the power button on the front of the TA?

[Multipass]

Press the power button on the front of the TA?

The same thing net114 is describing happened to me on Sunday, except I lost all channels. Nothing was coming through the TA. Pushing the power button on the front (green led goes out) seems to put it in bypass mode. I could then get non-SDV channels. I power cycled the TA and got everything back for a short time but then lost it again. I ended up leaving it planning to call BH Monday morning. When I checked again Monday morning everything was back working fine :confused:

[net114]

Power button doesn't do anything. There's no LED light on for me to see if its "on" or "off", but the channels are working right now, so I'm going to cancel the service call for now. I don't want to wait for them to re-install and download firmware and blah blah....so I'll wait and see how it does today.

[Prestond]

I am trying to find out the pricing for the Tuning Adapter (TA) and cable cards and wanted to check here to see what Brighthouse in CFL does for you or to you. I made one veiled attempt to get pricing from a CS with brighthouse and she just totally confused me and she didnt know difference between the TA and the cable cards.

Please bear with me and advise at your earliest convenience if you know:

1. With the TA do I need also the cable cards? Sounds like I do but want to confirm before I call back Brighthouse
2. How much would I pay for truck roll (I guess they make you pay for that) and the purchase price for the TA and the cable cards?
3. What is the monthly charge for TA and cable cards?
4. Would I have to pay an additional charge for digital service for the TA/cablecards in addition to the digital service I already pay? Or do you just pay for the cable cards?
5. What can I expect to get in terms of channels that I do or do not get with my Scientific Atantic HD8300 (oh crap (OCAP) its rebooting again).
6. Is there ON Demand capability with the TA and TivoHD?

I wouldnt have to do any of this if Tivo would implement QAM mapping like they do in HDHomeRun tuner. With that you can point a cable channel to a QAM channel. Pretty slick...but this is another topic in another

Thanks for your help!

[orangeboy]

I am trying to find out the pricing for the Tuning Adapter (TA) and cable cards and wanted to check here to see what Brighthouse in CFL does for you or to you. I made one veiled attempt to get pricing from a CS with brighthouse and she just totally confused me and she didnt know difference between the TA and the cable cards.

Please bear with me and advise at your earliest convenience if you know:

1. With the TA do I need also the cable cards? Sounds like I do but want to confirm before I call back Brighthouse
2. How much would I pay for truck roll (I guess they make you pay for that) and the purchase price for the TA and the cable cards?
3. What is the monthly charge for TA and cable cards?
4. Would I have to pay an additional charge for digital service for the TA/cablecards in addition to the digital service I already pay? Or do you just pay for the cable cards?
5. What can I expect to get in terms of channels that I do or do not get with my Scientific Atantic HD8300 (oh crap (OCAP) its rebooting again).
6. Is there ON Demand capability with the TA and TivoHD?

I wouldnt have to do any of this if Tivo would implement QAM mapping like they do in HDHomeRun tuner. With that you can point a cable channel to a QAM channel. Pretty slick...but this is another topic in another

Thanks for your help!

1. Short answer: Yes, both TA and CableCard(s) are needed. The TA will only request an SDV channel. CableCard(s) are still required to decrypt the signal.

2. I've never been charged for a truck roll. The CableCards and TA are property of BrightHouse. You rent them.

3. Monthly pricing can be found here: http://cfl.mybrighthouse.com/products_and_pricing/prices/default.aspx. What remains to be seen is what will be charged for the (still unlisted) TA. At this time, it's free for a year, with customer service stating after which, the price goes to $3.80/month. From me a few posts back: I find this contrary to what Tivo says here: http://www.tivo.com/setupandsupport/technicalsupport/compatibilityhelp/Switched_Video_Cable_Details.html, specifically "Call your cable provider to get a FREE Tuning Adapter." Technically, I did get a free tuning adapter, but as soon as I start paying a monthly fee, it doesn't seem to be free anymore.

4. The service rate stays the same; the only additional costs are for the hardware rental.

5. You will not be able to use any of the OnDemand/PPV channels; all other channels should be equal once the TA is installed.

6. You will not be able to use any of the OnDemand/PPV channels; all other channels should be equal once the TA is installed.

[hthomson]

BH is scheduled to come out on Thursday to replace the TA. I'll have them look at the signal strength while they are out. I'll keep you posted.

By the way, it's still blinking.

I tried posting an answer last week but the internet connection went down during the post and it never made it.

BH did show up on Thursday but the tech that arrived did not have a new TA as promised and was not one of the three TA knowledgable techs. His words, not mine. Anyway, he was able to get the TA working after a power down of the TA and a hit from the office. He checked the signal level and said it was at -4 which was way above the -10 that means trouble. I'm still getting around a 76 on this TiVo and 95 on the other. I may mess around with the cable when I get some time.

[SCSIRAID]

I tried posting an answer last week but the internet connection went down during the post and it never made it.

BH did show up on Thursday but the tech that arrived did not have a new TA as promised and was not one of the three TA knowledgable techs. His words, not mine. Anyway, he was able to get the TA working after a power down of the TA and a hit from the office. He checked the signal level and said it was at -4 which was way above the -10 that means trouble. I'm still getting around a 76 on this TiVo and 95 on the other. I may mess around with the cable when I get some time.

I would replace the RF cable between TA and the TiVo. The local BH office should be able to give you a short length of good cable.

[tivoknucklehead]

I'm still getting "to be announced" in the guide for most of the new channels they added. Anyone else?

[mcassoni]

I still don't channel info for 1156, VSHD 1322, CNBCHD 1324, and SpeedHD 1332

[Nick32714]

I've been having reboot issues with my TA's since they were installed. When I called tech support they wanted me to reboot them, but seeing that rebooting is my issue, I talked them into sending someone out to take a look.

I started to keep track two weeks a go and have noticed the following:

1. They appear to reboot every five days.
2. They appear to reboot on the 8's .. My 'living room' TA rebooted on 3/14/2009 at 8:48 and then on 3/19/2009 at 9:48 The other TA rebooted on 3/17/2009 at 8:28 and then on 3/22/2009 at 12:58.

The 'living room' TA did reboot early this weekend on 7/21 at 7:26 PM. This was most likely a self-inflicted reboot as I had the Tivo disconnected to upgrade the internal harddrive.

Anyone else notice a pattern in their TA reboots?

[hale]

How is the picture quality on CFL Brighthouse for the high def channels?


Hale

[orangeboy]

I would replace the RF cable between TA and the TiVo. The local BH office should be able to give you a short length of good cable.

Why even have a cable (other than the USB) between the TA and Tivo at all? Just to have yet another junction between the source and destination? Because I needed a splitter anyway to provide signal to my BHN STB for onDemand programming, I used an outlet on the splitter to feed the TA and an outlet on the splitter to feed Tivo. No problems tuning SDV channels at all.

[SCSIRAID]

Why even have a cable (other than the USB) between the TA and Tivo at all? Just to have yet another junction between the source and destination? Because I needed a splitter anyway to provide signal to my BHN STB for onDemand programming, I used an outlet on the splitter to feed the TA and an outlet on the splitter to feed Tivo. No problems tuning SDV channels at all.

That works fine too... However, you lose 3.5db of signal thru the splitter while the TA has an internal amp which you arent taking advantage of. But if it isnt broke... no need to fix it. If your signal levels are low... then the passthru with the amp may be an advantage.

I have two cable feeds behind my setup. I also arent using the TA passthru and have the TA and the TiVo hooked to their own individual feeeds from the distribution amp.

[SCSIRAID]

I've been having reboot issues with my TA's since they were installed. When I called tech support they wanted me to reboot them, but seeing that rebooting is my issue, I talked them into sending someone out to take a look.

I started to keep track two weeks a go and have noticed the following:

1. They appear to reboot every five days.
2. They appear to reboot on the 8's .. My 'living room' TA rebooted on 3/14/2009 at 8:48 and then on 3/19/2009 at 9:48 The other TA rebooted on 3/17/2009 at 8:28 and then on 3/22/2009 at 12:58.

The 'living room' TA did reboot early this weekend on 7/21 at 7:26 PM. This was most likely a self-inflicted reboot as I had the Tivo disconnected to upgrade the internal harddrive.

Anyone else notice a pattern in their TA reboots?

The TA Rebooting issue is a well known bug in the .0701 firmware. .0801 fixes it. Mine rebooted every 2 days regular as clockwork (TWC though).

[Nick32714]

The TA Rebooting issue is a well known bug in the .0701 firmware. .0801 fixes it. Mine rebooted every 2 days regular as clockwork (TWC though).

Yes .. I have .701. I thought I saw someone's name at Brighthouse who 'controlled' the firmware. I'll have to poke around.

Thanks

[orangeboy]

That works fine too... However, you lose 3.5db of signal thru the splitter while the TA has an internal amp which you arent taking advantage of. But if it isnt broke... no need to fix it. If your signal levels are low... then the passthru with the amp may be an advantage.

I have two cable feeds behind my setup. I also arent using the TA passthru and have the TA and the TiVo hooked to their own individual feeeds from the distribution amp.

I guess I should clarify: I have a multimedia drop amplifier from pct: http://www.pctinternational.com/_products/northamer/amplifiers/dropamps.html

[tivoknucklehead]

The TA Rebooting issue is a well known bug in the .0701 firmware. .0801 fixes it. Mine rebooted every 2 days regular as clockwork (TWC though).



seems like I have .0701. How do I get .0801?

[SCSIRAID]

seems like I have .0701. How do I get .0801?

BH has to 'push' it to you... when they feel like it... :)

[orangeboy]

seems like I have .0701. How do I get .0801?

I've got 0701 and haven't had a problem yet. Of course now that I've looked and said something, I'm prolly screwed... :rolleyes:

[mcassoni]

anyone lose channel 33 BTN today? I got a message of a lineup change and it took the guide away from that channel. I called TiVo to have them put it back on.

[orangeboy]

Missing on Tivo and SA4250 (BHN's non-DVR STB).

[Nick32714]

Yes .. I have .701. I thought I saw someone's name at Brighthouse who 'controlled' the firmware. I'll have to poke around.

Thanks

Well . I had two techs here today. The first had never seen a TA. He checked my signal strength, which was okay, and called for someone more knowledgeable with the TA's to come over. A few hours later the 2nd tech arrived with two new TA's. Same firmware as the old ones. He called around asking about a firmware upgrade but no one at Brighthouse knew anything. So I guess I'll wait for these to start rebooting before I call to complain!

[eaayoung]

My TA reboots like clockwork every 7 days. Usually occurrs on Friday. To get it working again I have to restart the TIVO. How do you get the TA to updated to the new software?

Other than that problem, my TA works as advertised.

[eaayoung]

Sorry.., saw the answers to my problem above.

[Multipass]

BH has to 'push' it to you... when they feel like it... :)

Looks like tomorrow is the day. Email I received last night:

On April 2, 2009, Bright House Networks will be performing a network software upgrade that may affect the TV connected to your TiVo DVR and Tuning Adapter. When you turn your TV on for the first time after the upgrade, you may see a screen that says, "Tuning Adapter Connected." This message simply indicates that a Tuning Adapter is connected to your DVR.

There is no need to test your Tuning Adapter. Just use your Remote to select "Continue" and your DVR will operate normally.

You may test the Tuning Adapter later by selecting "Tuning Adapter Menu" from the Settings Menu. Please be aware that any active recordings will be canceled during the test.