Time Warner Cable Tuning Adapter (ALL LOCATIONS) / Bugs & Issues

[dcstager]

I've been able to tune in all the channels without having to do the channel up/channel down trick, so it looks like that bug is fixed. I have not noticed the pixellation problems on SDV channels so I think that has been addressed. It also seems to be able to tune in the SDV faster - sometimes. However, there are still times where there is a 3-5 second delay.

I have a question for the experts -- is the Cisco Tuning Adapter actually capable of tuning in two different SDV channels at once? I have a friend with a regular Time Warner HD DVR and it can record two different SDV channels at once. I have not been able to get my Tivo to do it. I think the rest of the bugs might have to be addressed in a Tivo software update.

[dlfl]

I've been able to tune in all the channels without having to do the channel up/channel down trick, so it looks like that bug is fixed. I have not noticed the pixellation problems on SDV channels so I think that has been addressed. It also seems to be able to tune in the SDV faster - sometimes. However, there are still times where there is a 3-5 second delay.
If .1001 gets rid of SDV pixelation, I hope we get it in SW Ohio soon!

I have a question for the experts -- is the Cisco Tuning Adapter actually capable of tuning in two different SDV channels at once? I have a friend with a regular Time Warner HD DVR and it can record two different SDV channels at once. I have not been able to get my Tivo to do it. I think the rest of the bugs might have to be addressed in a Tivo software update.
:confused: Huh? A Series 3 TiVo should definitely tune two SDV channels at the same time.

[dcstager]

Okay -- from the last post I take it that the Series 3 can tune in two different SDV channels at the same time, so, by proper inference, the Cisco Tuning Adapter is capable of providing two different SDV channels at the same time to the Series 3. Okay then the bug that occurs when you schedule two recordings at the same time on different SDV channels is something to be addressed by a Tivo software upgrade.

Or does the previous poster have it wrong or perhaps misunderstood the point?

[dlfl]

Okay -- from the last post I take it that the Series 3 can tune in two different SDV channels at the same time, so, by proper inference, the Cisco Tuning Adapter is capable of providing two different SDV channels at the same time to the Series 3. Okay then the bug that occurs when you schedule two recordings at the same time on different SDV channels is something to be addressed by a Tivo software upgrade.

Or does the previous poster have it wrong or perhaps misunderstood the point?
I didn't realize you meant schedule two SDV channel recordings at the same time. I may never have done that. However, I just created that situation to occur in a half hour and will let you know what happens. My TA is Cisco BTW.

[SCSIRAID]

Okay -- from the last post I take it that the Series 3 can tune in two different SDV channels at the same time, so, by proper inference, the Cisco Tuning Adapter is capable of providing two different SDV channels at the same time to the Series 3. Okay then the bug that occurs when you schedule two recordings at the same time on different SDV channels is something to be addressed by a Tivo software upgrade.

Or does the previous poster have it wrong or perhaps misunderstood the point?

The tuning adapter is capable of managing the two channels that TiVo is capable of handling. Note that the TiVo is actually doing the 'tuning' and extracting the program. The TA is only asking the node to provide the program and telling TiVo what frequency and program number the program is assigned to.

[dlfl]

Well my experiement (scheduling 2 SDV channels to start recording at the same time) did show up a bug. It started recording both channels and I was able to switch between tuners one timie to verify it actually had tuned the two channels. However there was a lag of perhaps a minute in responding to the live TV button to switch tuners and then the remote control response was dead although the yellow light was responding. The guide info for the channel I just switched to was stuck on and live video kept playing. After another minute or so the TiVo rebooted.

Of course after rebooting it immediately started recording the same two channels again with about 5 seconds delay between starting one and the other. This went without problems.

Is this what you see? It smacks of some kind of glitch/bug in the interface between the TA and TiVo to me. It may be caused by trying to tune two SDV's at exactly the same moment. Thus a workaround would be to start one of the channels a minute early.

Edit: I did it again with the 1 minute workaround -- no problem.

Edit2: Hmmm.... Did it again with timed recordings starting exactly the same time. No problem. Apparently it's erratic, maybe sensitive to slight timing variations in the TA responses.

[Jiffylush]

Blinking/Flashing Tuning Adapter after update to STA1.0.0_1520_LR_F.1001

Tried unplugging/replugging the tuning adapter, rebooting the tivo, disconnecting/reconnecting the usb cable between the two and still all I seem to get is flashing and no SDV channels.

Any advice that doesn't involve me calling a CSR who has never heard of a Tuning Adapter, who will at best send out a tech who has never seen one?

[Jiffylush]

Blinking/Flashing Tuning Adapter after update to STA1.0.0_1520_LR_F.1001

Tried unplugging/replugging the tuning adapter, rebooting the tivo, disconnecting/reconnecting the usb cable between the two and still all I seem to get is flashing and no SDV channels.

Any advice that doesn't involve me calling a CSR who has never heard of a Tuning Adapter, who will at best send out a tech who has never seen one?

Called this morning, call was picked up by regular CSR I told them I was having trouble with my Tuning Adapter and she immediately transferred me to the nation cable card line (which is good!). Unfortunately they don't open till 10am EST (which is bad), I left a VM with my work number but will probably try them around lunch if I don't hear back.

What are the chances I can get them to fix it without me being in front of the device?

[Stormspace]

Had a problem last night recording Bones on FOX. TiVo reported a failure to tune the station. :( can TWC fix this, or is it a TiVo issue?

[dlfl]

Blinking/Flashing Tuning Adapter after update to STA1.0.0_1520_LR_F.1001

Tried unplugging/replugging the tuning adapter, rebooting the tivo, disconnecting/reconnecting the usb cable between the two and still all I seem to get is flashing and no SDV channels.

Any advice that doesn't involve me calling a CSR who has never heard of a Tuning Adapter, who will at best send out a tech who has never seen one?

http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=7654428&highlight=important#post7654428

Did you leave the TA unpowered for at least 2 minutes, as noted as IMPORTANT in that post? -- I had a CSR tell me it should be 3 to 5 minutes.

[dlfl]

Had TA problem this morning, details **here**. (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=7658242#post7658242)

Neither the local TWC CSR or the TiVo tech rep I called knew about the TWC National Cable Card help desk! (I finally got connected by insisting that it existed to the TiVo rep., and they fixed my problem in a minute as usual.)

Note: The NCC desk person never heard of having to leave the power disconnected from the TA for 2 minutes or more and in fact when she had me do this it was only disconnected for a few seconds. It's possible there is a difference depending on whether you're working alone or they have just sent signals to it. (?)

[SCSIRAID]

Had TA problem this morning, details **here**. (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=7658242#post7658242)

Neither the local TWC CSR or the TiVo tech rep I called knew about the TWC National Cable Card help desk! (I finally got connected by insisting that it existed to the TiVo rep., and they fixed my problem in a minute as usual.)

Note: The NCC desk person never heard of having to leave the power disconnected from the TA for 2 minutes or more and in fact when she had me do this it was only disconnected for a few seconds. It's possible there is a difference depending on whether you're working alone or they have just sent signals to it. (?)

Whenever I power cycle a TA, I only have it off for a couple seconds and that is all it seems to take.

[dlfl]

Whenever I power cycle a TA, I only have it off for a couple seconds and that is all it seems to take.
Does that include cases where you were working alone, i.e., had not contacted TWC for a hit, etc. ? I'm wondering if the system polls TA's and if one doesn't respond for 2 minutes it goes into a different state (in which it will "hit" the TA the next time it sees it back on line)?

[Stormspace]

Any way to turn off SDV on analog locals? I have at least one local channel that has been remapped to SDV and the TiVo has on at least two occasions failed to tune to the station.

[SCSIRAID]

Does that include cases where you were working alone, i.e., had not contacted TWC for a hit, etc. ? I'm wondering if the system polls TA's and if one doesn't respond for 2 minutes it goes into a different state (in which it will "hit" the TA the next time it sees it back on line)?

Yes. Im usually able to get it working again without calling in. The .1001 firmware seem a lot more problematic than the previous version. Ive had to recycle TA's several times in the last couple weeks. I just unplug, count to 2 and plug it back in.

[dlfl]

.............The .1001 firmware seem a lot more problematic than the previous version. Ive had to recycle TA's several times in the last couple weeks......
Arrgghh! Any discussion with TWC about this?

[shanebowman]

Will the cycling information with the TA unhooked from the Tivo solve the issue without calling for a hit? or do you call for the hit and then cycle?

I have this issue everytime we get new channels, last time it knocked out even my CBS, ABC, etc. It takes forever to get someone on the phone that even knows what you are talking about.

[SCSIRAID]

Will the cycling information with the TA unhooked from the Tivo solve the issue without calling for a hit? or do you call for the hit and then cycle?

I have this issue everytime we get new channels, last time it knocked out even my CBS, ABC, etc. It takes forever to get someone on the phone that even knows what you are talking about.

It should be quite rare that you need a 'hit'. Ive had multiple TA's since Feburary and Ive only needed a hit once and that was the night of the 8 blinks where everybody got messed up (probably due to a glitch at TWC). Ive encountered quite a few TA 'hangs' though. All I have to do is unplug the TA USB, Unplug the TA power, Count to 2 or so, Plug in TA power... wait for TA light to go on solid, plug in TA USB and peace and harmony reigns...

Note that I dont use the RF output of TA. I use a 2 way splitter on the coax from the wall and drive the TA with one output and the TiVo with the other.

[shanebowman]

thanks I will try the splitter too

[spassmeister]

Who is not sick of this? I now reboot both TAs on a weekly basis (at least). You don't need to unplug them for two minutes, a few seconds should be enough. This past week here in San Diego, on an unrelated note, TWC changed their lineup...at least they moved Comedy Central to channel 60 from 68, but TiVo still thinks ch 60 is lifetime, and that channel seems to freeze. This is such a fiasco. I have a third HD machine in my office with an official TWC cable box...and IT reboots all the time too.

[scottc42]

I suddenly have an opposite problem... My TiVO HD with tuning adapter is tuning SDV channels just fine, while my Time Warner HD stb (non-dvr) is getting "currently not available" on sdv channels.

[Conard]

I've been following all of the TA threads here for a few weeks and wonder just how many of the problems mentioned are TWC induced.

I have been using TWC cable cards and a TA since March of this year. There have been 2 times in that period when the TA would lock up or lose connection and both of those times happened withing 24 hours of calls from TWC trying to get me to up grade my service. Each time unpluging the TA and starting it up again brought things back to "normal".

Yes, I do get pixelation on the SDV channels and the Tivo will pull up a blank screen from time to time but nothing compared to all the posts on this forum.

Me thinks that a lot of you are being played with by the cable co.

[dlfl]

..........Me thinks that a lot of you are being played with by the cable co.
Yes, either intentionally or just by their ineptitude. I would guess the latter is more likely, but their financial incentive would be to discourage TiVo penetration in their market. They are also attacking TiVo by setting copy protection on all channels except local broadcasts, which prevents MRV and TTG. Frankly, if I were TWC, given my understanding of how the Tuning Adapter kluge came about, I would be tempted to do the same thing, or at least I wouldn't be jumping to make it work better.

[SCSIRAID]

Yes, either intentionally or just by their ineptitude. I would guess the latter is more likely, but their financial incentive would be to discourage TiVo penetration in their market. They are also attacking TiVo by setting copy protection on all channels except local broadcasts, which prevents MRV and TTG. Frankly, if I were TWC, given my understanding of how the Tuning Adapter kluge came about, I would be tempted to do the same thing, or at least I wouldn't be jumping to make it work better.

I dont see it to be in TWC's best interests to be doing anything purposely to frustrate cablecard customers such as causing their TA's or cablecards to go off line or into brick mode. Such actions would cost them money. Every call to Customer Care costs them money... a truck roll costs them even more money. Where I work, we do everything we can do to drive down service cost as it comes right off the bottom line. Now I DO think that they arent investing in training CSR's and Techs on cablecard as they likely view it as not having a good return on the investment.

As to marking everything 'copy 1 generation' (CCI 02).... I dont believe that has anything to do with wanting to restrain cablecards or UDCP's. I believe it is simply to put them in a position where they can never be accused by content owners of not using everything tool in their bag of tricks to protect content. I see that as in the best interests of the stockholders. Im sure not happy about it but I believe I understand where their head is at (Ill refrain to say what im thinking here... :) ) Im sure they have seen the lawsuit happy RIAA and dont want any part of that kind of mess.

[dlfl]

I dont see it to be in TWC's best interests to be doing anything purposely to frustrate cablecard customers such as causing their TA's or cablecards to go off line or into brick mode. Such actions would cost them money. Every call to Customer Care costs them money... a truck roll costs them even more money. Where I work, we do everything we can do to drive down service cost as it comes right off the bottom line. Now I DO think that they arent investing in training CSR's and Techs on cablecard as they likely view it as not having a good return on the investment.

2 out of the 3 times I've called TWC about getting my TA reset (all in the last two months) they have not fixed it and wanted to roll a truck. (As I said in another recent post, they didn't even know about the TWC National Cable Card Desk - I had to go thru TiVo support to get there). It seems like it would be obvious to them that better training would be more cost effective......go figure!

As to marking everything 'copy 1 generation' (CCI 02).... I dont believe that has anything to do with wanting to restrain cablecards or UDCP's. I believe it is simply to put them in a position where they can never be accused by content owners of not using everything tool in their bag of tricks to protect content. I see that as in the best interests of the stockholders. Im sure not happy about it but I believe I understand where their head is at (Ill refrain to say what im thinking here... :) ) Im sure they have seen the lawsuit happy RIAA and dont want any part of that kind of mess.
Yet this factor doesn't cause (all) Comcast, Cox and Verizon FIOS to set the same copy protection (?).

[Conard]

The copy protection I'm seeing is caused by the TA.
If I disconnect the TA and tune to a local HD channel and do a recording I can see that recording on my S2 Tivo and transfer it, no problem.

Hook the TA back up and record another program on a local channel and the S2 can't see that program but still sees the one recorded with the TA out of the picture.

[SCSIRAID]

2 out of the 3 times I've called TWC about getting my TA reset (all in the last two months) they have not fixed it and wanted to roll a truck. (As I said in another recent post, they didn't even know about the TWC National Cable Card Desk - I had to go thru TiVo support to get there). It seems like it would be obvious to them that better training would be more cost effective......go figure!

Yet this factor doesn't cause (all) Comcast, Cox and Verizon FIOS to set the same copy protection (?).

Agree... A ineffective service organization costs them money. On one hand, creating a centralized cablecard support desk is a great idea... but not adding it to the script so customer issues can get fixed seems downright stupid.

On copy protection... I understand your arguement, but there really isnt always just one 'correct' answer. Consensus doesnt necessarily make it right either. Note that Im not saying they are 'right'... Im just suggesting a thought process other than them just wanting to 'screw cablecard users' that may have lead to their position. Id certainly rather have them unlock the stuff so I can use MRV.

[shanebowman]

Missing newest channels, Tivo says channels not provided by tuning adapter

So I put in a splitter so now I have line going to adapter and separate line going to Tivo. Then I unplugged adapter from wall and Tivo cycled up to steady green light before connecting to Tivo and same issue.

Restarted Tivo = same issue so ran through cycling again, same issue

Went on line and found that TWC has online chat (woo-hoo) and got tech to send refresher hit to adapter, no luck. Tech tells me I have to exchange box or schedule visit.

Any other advice?

[dlfl]

Request connection to the TWC National Cable Card Support Desk. They will most likely fix it in a few minutes or less. The local TWC people frequently don't know what they are doing and can even make things worse. See **this**. (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=7658242#post7658242)

When you talk to the national help desk ask them to please inform the local TWC support people of their existence and phone number (again).

[dolfer]

Kaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhnnnnnnnnnnnnnn!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!! God I hate this Tuning Adapter with all my heart and soul... Tried TW support chat (like last time, which was successful) but this time "refreshing" the signals as they call it didn't work. Nor did the unlug, power off, reattach procedure... So now I have to waste a good portion of my day messing with this cr*p again. Of course, the rep scheduled a truck roll for tuesday. I am now trying to connect to the NCCS. Awesome!!!!!!!!

[dolfer]

Request connection to the TWC National Cable Card Support Desk. They will most likely fix it in a few minutes or less. The local TWC people frequently don't know what they are doing and can even make things worse. See **this**. (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=7658242#post7658242)

When you talk to the national help desk ask them to please inform the local TWC support people of their existence and phone number (again).

What are you talking about?!!?!?!? There is no such thing as the TWC National Cable Card Support DEsk according to the very helpful, informative level 3 support tech I just talked to! So TW sends out a truck... And we all pay for it with their ridiculous rates!

TWC has taken at least a year off my life!!!!!!! I just wish I could find a lawyer who could prove it. ;)

So I got to waste half my day and I still have a blinking TA. SUPER AWESOME!!!

[SCSIRAID]

What are you talking about?!!?!?!? There is no such thing as the TWC National Cable Card Support DEsk according to the very helpful, informative level 3 support tech I just talked to! So TW sends out a truck... And we all pay for it with their ridiculous rates!

TWC has taken at least a year off my life!!!!!!! I just wish I could find a lawyer who could prove it. ;)

So I got to waste half my day and I still have a blinking TA. SUPER AWESOME!!!

I would just keep calling until you find intelligent life that knows about the cablecard support desk. It absolutely exists. Ive talked to folks there twice. All I had to do was ask to be transferred there.....

[dolfer]

I tried again... I asked to be transferred to NCCS and I've been on hold for over 20 minutes. ;(

Even their on-hold music system SUCKS! First, it plays ONE STUPID & ANNOYING song over and over again. It sounds like something from the Entertainment Tonight guy. Second, the volume of the song cuts in and out so for a second you think someone has actually picked up.

Since I have spent a good portion of my life on hold waiting for Time Warner Cable support, I had to mention this. I think it's their way of screwing with you even more... As much money as they make the least they could do is invest in a decent On Hold Music System!

[dolfer]

I would just keep calling until you find intelligent life that knows about the cablecard support desk. It absolutely exists. Ive talked to folks there twice. All I had to do was ask to be transferred there.....

I guess it would make to much sense to have a direct number. Instead I have to call repeatedly until I find someone who knows what it is. This is everything customer service shouldn't be. I will leave them the second there is an alternative that will work with my Tivo HD.

[dolfer]

Hanging up... On hold for about 30 minutes with absolutely no information. Just stupid music. Thanks for wasting my Sunday Time Warner! You are the best!

[dlfl]

What are you talking about?!!?!?!? There is no such thing as the TWC National Cable Card Support DEsk according to the very helpful, informative level 3 support tech I just talked to! So TW sends out a truck... And we all pay for it with their ridiculous rates!

TWC has taken at least a year off my life!!!!!!! I just wish I could find a lawyer who could prove it. ;)

So I got to waste half my day and I still have a blinking TA. SUPER AWESOME!!!
Gee Dolf, Did you read my post in the TWC Southwest Ohio thread (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=7658242#post7658242), that was linked in my post you are just responding to?

I've had to go through **TiVo support** twice now to get to the TWC NCCS desk. Both TiVo and NCCS said they sent email to make all the TiVo and TWC CSR's aware of NCCS, not that I would count on that.

BTW, don't feel like the Lone Ranger with all the time you've wasted on this.

[Stormspace]

Yes, either intentionally or just by their ineptitude. I would guess the latter is more likely, but their financial incentive would be to discourage TiVo penetration in their market. They are also attacking TiVo by setting copy protection on all channels except local broadcasts, which prevents MRV and TTG. Frankly, if I were TWC, given my understanding of how the Tuning Adapter kluge came about, I would be tempted to do the same thing, or at least I wouldn't be jumping to make it work better.

Spoke to a cable card rep the other day. Said that TiVo chose the wrong way to implement MRV and that the CCI byte was set so people wouldn't try to sell TV recordings. :rolleyes:

Tech this morning said that in our area TWC STB's are due in the next 6 months that do MRV. Sounds like a preemptive strike against a vulnerabilty in TIVo's design to get something the TiVo box doesn't do.

[dlfl]

Spoke to a cable card rep the other day. Said that TiVo chose the wrong way to implement MRV and that the CCI byte was set so people wouldn't try to sell TV recordings. :rolleyes:

Tech this morning said that in our area TWC STB's are due in the next 6 months that do MRV. Sounds like a preemptive strike against a vulnerabilty in TIVo's design to get something the TiVo box doesn't do.
I admit to being as guilty as anybody on this, but please let's not divert this thread from being about TA problems! TIA

[Stormspace]

I admit to being as guilty as anybody on this, but please let's not divert this thread from being about TA problems! TIA

I'm sorry. I should have added. "While he was here working on a TA problem."

Better? :)

[aine]

This past week here in San Diego, on an unrelated note, TWC changed their lineup...at least they moved Comedy Central to channel 60 from 68, but TiVo still thinks ch 60 is lifetime, and that channel seems to freeze.
I am watching this thread to decide whether to endure the apparent pain of getting a Tuning Adapter here in San Diego.

Tonight when I flipped on Channel 68 (Comedy Central) it's black -- "searching for signal, etc." I went over to 60 after reading this post -- same thing. Did I just lose an analog channel? Do I need a tuning adapter to receive what I thought was an analog channel? I'm worried that the TA is going to screw up the relative reliability of my TiVo HD. But I gotta watch Jon Stewart!!

[Stormspace]

I am watching this thread to decide whether to endure the apparent pain of getting a Tuning Adapter here in San Diego.

Tonight when I flipped on Channel 68 (Comedy Central) it's black -- "searching for signal, etc." I went over to 60 after reading this post -- same thing. Did I just lose an analog channel? Do I need a tuning adapter to receive what I thought was an analog channel? I'm worried that the TA is going to screw up the relative reliability of my TiVo HD. But I gotta watch Jon Stewart!!

It's at a point now where the only 100% reliable way to get SDV channels is to use the cable STB. I frequently lose connection to channels even with the TA.

I feel like the TiVos I own are just expensive buggy whips that won't work by this time next year.

[Grumock]

I am watching this thread to decide whether to endure the apparent pain of getting a Tuning Adapter here in San Diego.

Tonight when I flipped on Channel 68 (Comedy Central) it's black -- "searching for signal, etc." I went over to 60 after reading this post -- same thing. Did I just lose an analog channel? Do I need a tuning adapter to receive what I thought was an analog channel? I'm worried that the TA is going to screw up the relative reliability of my TiVo HD. But I gotta watch Jon Stewart!!

In many markets SDV channels are also analog.

[SCSIRAID]

In many markets SDV channels are also analog.

Did you mean to say 'also have an analog version'? Some digital simulcast versions of analog channels are being done via SDV.

[SCSIRAID]

It's at a point now where the only 100% reliable way to get SDV channels is to use the cable STB. I frequently lose connection to channels even with the TA.

I feel like the TiVos I own are just expensive buggy whips that won't work by this time next year.

Using the Cable STB is NOT 100% reliable for SDV. Ive had to reboot my bedroom SA4250 twice in the last week because it couldnt tune SDV channels.

[scottc42]

Using the Cable STB is NOT 100% reliable for SDV. Ive had to reboot my bedroom SA4250 twice in the last week because it couldnt tune SDV channels.

Agreed - I am having better luck with my 2 tuning adapters than with my TW stb.

[Grumock]

Did you mean to say 'also have an analog version'? Some digital simulcast versions of analog channels are being done via SDV.

Well Yes & no. Sorry. Even though i dont watch it, I know that for instance in my area, channel 40 (Fox News) is SDV now.

[shanebowman]

Request connection to the TWC National Cable Card Support Desk. They will most likely fix it in a few minutes or less. The local TWC people frequently don't know what they are doing and can even make things worse. See **this**. (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=7658242#post7658242)

When you talk to the national help desk ask them to please inform the local TWC support people of their existence and phone number (again).

All right so I called and spent an hour on the phone with the CC experts and still have a truck roll scheduled for tomorrow. I guess from here on out we should just get trucks scheduled everytime they update our channel listing since I am evidently not capable to mange the updates..

[shanebowman]

Using the Cable STB is NOT 100% reliable for SDV. Ive had to reboot my bedroom SA4250 twice in the last week because it couldnt tune SDV channels.

So even their standard equipment doesn't work correctly?? That is great!!!

[SCSIRAID]

Missing newest channels, Tivo says channels not provided by tuning adapter

So I put in a splitter so now I have line going to adapter and separate line going to Tivo. Then I unplugged adapter from wall and Tivo cycled up to steady green light before connecting to Tivo and same issue.

Restarted Tivo = same issue so ran through cycling again, same issue

Went on line and found that TWC has online chat (woo-hoo) and got tech to send refresher hit to adapter, no luck. Tech tells me I have to exchange box or schedule visit.

Any other advice?

Did you do a full power cycle of both TiVo and TA?

[shanebowman]

Did you do a full power cycle of both TiVo and TA?

several times and again today with the cable card folks from TWC, I apologize that is what I am calling restarting the Tivo

[rric31]

My tuning adapter is not even recognized any more. I have had this thing for a few months and had nothing but trouble. I would go through the reboot process every few days and my HD channels would show up--for the most part. Well, that has all come to an end. I have lost all of the SDV and even a few of the other HD channels. When I go through the TIVO settings, the Tuning adapter is not even recognized any more. I have tried to reboot the TIVO, the tuning adapter but no luck.

TIVO and Time Warner Maine have not been a great experience.

Any help would be appreciated.

rich in maine

[Solana_Steve]

It's at a point now where the only 100% reliable way to get SDV channels is to use the cable STB. I frequently lose connection to channels even with the TA.

I feel like the TiVos I own are just expensive buggy whips that won't work by this time next year.


I am in San Diego and am having the same problem. Comedy Central has moved to 60 from 68. However, I try to update the TiVo Channel Listing and it doesn't effect and channel list changes.

Is there a way to update the channel list manually? I noticed Zap2It also hasn't go the new channel lineup either.

Steve

[Stormspace]

I am in San Diego and am having the same problem. Comedy Central has moved to 60 from 68. However, I try to update the TiVo Channel Listing and it doesn't effect and channel list changes.

Is there a way to update the channel list manually? I noticed Zap2It also hasn't go the new channel lineup either.

Steve

If you know that the issue isn't with the channel line up changing, TiVo has a form online where you can report incorrect guide data (http://www.tivo.com/setupandsupport/contactsupport/lineup_tool.html).

[jrmints23]

So Time Warner called me back (They are on their way out in the morning). The supervisor that will be coming out claims he knows the exact problem and how to fix it. The statement they made was that the cable cards were not bound correctly. <shrug> not sure why other things would be working fine if that was the case.

But, I am cautiously optimistic.

Were they able to fix the problems you've been having? I'm having the same extremely annoying problem, except sometime restarting the TiVo and cycling the power on the tuning adapter don't give me my missing channels.

[darkavich]

Were they able to fix the problems you've been having? I'm having the same extremely annoying problem, except sometime restarting the TiVo and cycling the power on the tuning adapter don't give me my missing channels.

Where do you live? The problem has not been fixed, but we now know the exact problem. The problem is a bad repeating/routing device on the line that is blocking the return path of some of the SDV-TV frequencies. When the frequency that is bad is chosen for a given channel it fails. They were able to block some of the frequencies and it fixed the problem, but later the same day a few more frequencies had the same problem.

We had a MAJOR power outage yesterday, so everything lost power for 13 hours (including all the TWC equipment), I am so glad I don't have their phone service... The channels were working yesterday, but that could be due to nobody watching any SDV-TV. They were planning to replace the equipment that was failing, but I do not know if that has been done.

BTW, I had this escalated all the way up to the IT-noc. The field techs had no clue, but one guy knew who to contact.

BTW, Tivo support was no help. They basically told me "it was not their problem and goodbye." I was very disappointed with the person I spoke to.

Anyway, I will post an update soon once I have more information.

[jrmints23]

Where do you live? The problem has not been fixed, but we now know the exact problem. The problem is a bad repeating/routing device on the line that is blocking the return path of some of the SDV-TV frequencies. When the frequency that is bad is chosen for a given channel it fails. They were able to block some of the frequencies and it fixed the problem, but later the same day a few more frequencies had the same problem.

We had a MAJOR power outage yesterday, so everything lost power for 13 hours (including all the TWC equipment), I am so glad I don't have their phone service... The channels were working yesterday, but that could be due to nobody watching any SDV-TV. They were planning to replace the equipment that was failing, but I do not know if that has been done.

BTW, I had this escalated all the way up to the IT-noc. The field techs had no clue, but one guy knew who to contact.

BTW, Tivo support was no help. They basically told me "it was not their problem and goodbye." I was very disappointed with the person I spoke to.

Anyway, I will post an update soon once I have more information.

I live in Greensboro, NC. I had someone on the phone from twc TiVo support who seemed to know what he was doing and told me that my adapter diagnostics were barely in range and that something might be wrong with the cable signal to my house (this would make sense considering I have two tivos with tuning adapters and they both have the same problem. Anyway, this guy then sent some tech to my house who said the diagnostics were perfect so who knows.

[darkavich]

I live in Greensboro, NC. I had someone on the phone from twc TiVo support who seemed to know what he was doing and told me that my adapter diagnostics were barely in range and that something might be wrong with the cable signal to my house (this would make sense considering I have two tivos with tuning adapters and they both have the same problem. Anyway, this guy then sent some tech to my house who said the diagnostics were perfect so who knows.

I had to have them fixed the signal strength and SNR values. They were WAY high. It didn't solve the TA problem, but it fixed other issues in the house. My problem came back this morning, so it is back to the IT guys to see if they replaced the network equipment yet.

[scottc42]

I recently purchased my 2nd TiVo HD. When it got here I really didn't want to order cable cards right away just for a lack of time available to be here for the appointment, but I did go ahead and order a tuning adapter. I completed the order process online (email request I think), and a couple days later a Time Warner rep called. He said he saw that I ordered a TA, and he wanted to confirm my shipping address. He did a simple rundown of how to install the TA, and then told me to call if I have troubles. Then he said he noticed that I already have a TA and asked if there is anything wrong with that one. I said no... this is for a second TiVo. He asked if I had ordered cable cards yet, and I said no; I mentioned my time concerns. He said he could have a tech out on Saturday afternoon if I wished, so I agreed. I mentioned that my exisiting unit had 2 'S' cards, and I asked if they had the 'M' cards - he said that yes, they are now available, so I scheduled the appointment to have one 'M' card installed and another 'M' card swapped for 2 'S' cards.

Two days later, and the tech is at my house with 2 'M' cards. He makes mention that he does not really know much about cable cards, as they never really get orders for them, but he will try his best. We tackle the new unit first. He is cool with me going through all the menus and getting him to where he needs to be. He wrote down all the cc info before inserting - good thing. He called in and the dispatcher had absolutely no idea what he was talking about... as if never having heard of a cable card. The tech got flipped to a supervisor where he read off the numbers, and 30 seconds later I heard the supervisor say, "okay, it's paired now." I checked everything out, and it worked great. All-in-all, I was up and running in less than 15 minutes.

The next set (the swap) was a little trickier, but worked out overall. By this time a second tech had shown up (I'm far from the office, it was the last job of the day, comraderie in the field...), and he was equally informed about cable cards. They asked me what they are for, and I explained that they are the equivalent of a cable box. Ahhh.... After inserting the new card, he tried to set it up with his laptop. he had direct access to my account, added the new cards, removed the old cards, and removed a stb I was returning. The he paired the new cc right from his computer. Unfortunately he was unable to get the service hit with his computer, so he had to call in for that and got placed on hold for a good 25 minutes. If it wasn't for the wait on the phone, this would have been another 15 minute setup.

Anyway, the guys left, and everything has been working since. Overall I'd say it was a pretty pleasant, although interesting, experience with Time Warner Milwaukee.

If only I could transfer shows now...

[dlfl]

All right so I called and spent an hour on the phone with the CC experts and still have a truck roll scheduled for tomorrow. I guess from here on out we should just get trucks scheduled everytime they update our channel listing since I am evidently not capable to mange the updates..
This experience would be the exception AFAIK. Are you sure you were connected to the TWC National Cable Card Support desk? One case has been reported in which it appeared the local TWC support people spoofed the NCCS desk with local people. My advice is to ask "is this the national cable card help desk" when you get connected and get the name of the person. There are only 5 people in that group and I know two of their names: Mike and Doraine (sic). It would be nice if we could figure out all five names, then we would be better able to determine whether we are actually talking to the national unit.

It would be interesting to know the exact details of what they did and what they had you do in this case.

[dlfl]

See **this** (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=7679135#post7679135)

They set up a national help desk staffed by 5 people and don't bother to make either TWC or TiVo support people aware of it. Amazing! :(

[eddieb187]

Since adding a Cisco STA1520 Tuning Adapter, my Tivo HD DVR stops responding to remote control commands and then after a few minutes Restarts.
This occurs every couple of days. Maybe two or three times a week.
I have one SA multi stream Cable Card.
This never happened before the Tuning Adapter.
Anyone else have this issue?

[spassmeister]

My XMAS card to TWC:

Very Disappointed in your customer care

I had about the worst customer care visit ever from one of your expert technicians last month. Not only did his lengthy visit not fix the problem with your cable service, but today, Christmas, I have to go outside my house and fix the cables he needlessly disconnected so that my daughter can watch her new television.

I’m both a residential HD customer and a Business class roadrunner customer. I pay TimeWarner well over $250/month. I have two HD TiVo systems which as you know, by law, TimeWarner is supposed to support. I pay for 4 cable cards to support these, and recently a tuner adapter was added to both. I picked up these Cisco TAs from your office and installed them myself (I think it's a travesty that you charged me to have one of your technicians "install" my cablecareds which was much easier than the tuning adapter).

When the service degraded so severely that I was getting virtually no HD stations, let along expanded cable stations, I contacted Time Warner and went over the problem with your telephone "cablecard/tuning adapter expert". He assured me that there were no issues with the Cisco tuning adapters, so I scheduled a truck roll.

Your service technician came to my home and began measuring the signal directly from the cable connected to my TiVo (not outside at the distribution point) He informed me that I had “tons of signal” and he did not really understand why I had no picture, or how the tuning adapter “thingy” works. He had no new ones (tuning adapters) with him. He then disappeared.

I found him on the side of my home disconnecting every TV from the CATV distribution area of my home. When I asked him what he was doing, he replied “this will help you get more signal”, to which I replied “you told me I have tons of signal, what is the point in what you are doing?” he said “it will help”. Clearly, he had no idea what he was doing. I then told him “you realize that what you are doing now will make absolutely no progress towards fixing the problem you are here to fix”. I did not fix my problem. It made no difference whatsoever.

He left, and still, I still had the same problems with the cable signal, and now (bonus) half the TVs in my house were disconnected. I went online and realized that, in fact, many TWC customers with HD TiVo units with cable cards and tuning adapters have repeating, nagging problems that require constant resets of their Cisco tuning adapters. I power cycled and reset both units and, for a week anyway, it worked fine. Now I need to perform this procedure weekly.

I have concluded that inasmuch as you have no motivation to keep customers such as myself happy, you will put us through these issue and provide us with pathetic (in reality counterproductive as I not only had to fix the issue myself, but had to more work to re-connect the cables your technician disconnected).

I intent to contact both my local congressman as well as the FCC to inform them of how TimeWarner chooses to deal with simple regulatory issues and abide by the law. Of course, I’m also looking at what alternatives I have (AT&T UVerse)

Merry Christmas

[shanebowman]

This experience would be the exception AFAIK. Are you sure you were connected to the TWC National Cable Card Support desk? One case has been reported in which it appeared the local TWC support people spoofed the NCCS desk with local people. My advice is to ask "is this the national cable card help desk" when you get connected and get the name of the person. There are only 5 people in that group and I know two of their names: Mike and Doraine (sic). It would be nice if we could figure out all five names, then we would be better able to determine whether we are actually talking to the national unit.

It would be interesting to know the exact details of what they did and what they had you do in this case.

They ran through the normal series of tests before transferring me and she answered as the NCCS desk. She (forgot her name) also was very familiar with the Tivo screens as in knowing that she wanted to skip the test channels option on the cable card menu and asking during reboot of the Tivo if the screen had changed yet on the "a few minutes more" screen. So if they were spoofing me they were better informed than any of the other techs I have gotten since my adventures began. I have had a Series 3 since about three months after roll out and in fact am on my second as the first one's HD died.

Long to short, she wasn't much help as she scheduled a visit after verifying the channels had been pushed out. Two visits, two more cable cards and a new tuning adapter with the techs (yes plural he brought help on the second visit) communicating with the NCCS the whole time it was established that they had not pushed out the channels and an email would be sent. Sat. evening lost use of TA rebooted three times both TA and Tivo following the directions included in posts before and we now have all but 2 of the channels, so we will call it a push.

[fritolayguy]

Anyway, the guys left, and everything has been working since. Overall I'd say it was a pretty pleasant, although interesting, experience with Time Warner Milwaukee.

If only I could transfer shows now...

As someone that has been through multiple cc installations, I look through these forums regularly for others' experiences. Nice to know that others have had success with TWC (KC for me) as well. Most Time Warner threads are tough to read through for all the horror stories.

Except for my original install back in 2005 from Mediacom in Springfield, MO. and one CSR that was not familiar with cable cards, all of my experiences have been very pleasant.

I have also had very good experiences with both TWC SDV TA's for my Series 3 and my HD unit....

I concur about show transfers....:(

[inahaz]

This may help others (I'm certain this is not new for several tech folks on this board). I have 2 TivoHD's with TA's. (1 M card in each). The last couple months, I've had the 8-blink pause sequence and have had to call to have the boxes hit.

This last time took 3 calls. I typically bail when they say they need to schedule a truck roll and call back later. (2 months ago, they scheduled a truck roll and the guy merely called the office and had the boxes hit.)

I've found there are some CSR's who confuse TA's with Cable Cards. They appear to be sending the signal to pair the Cable Cards rather than the TA signal. This is the point where they sometimes just move to scheduling the truck. Today, I had a CSR who knew about the National CC Line and connected me (he had sent the CC hit rather than the TA hit and acknowledged he didn't know there was a difference). The lady told me the term "pairing" is a Cable Card related term. The Cards are paired to the Tivos. TA's aren't paired with anything.

So, the point of my post is, if you are calling a local TWC office and someone thinks they are following the manual and sending the right code, ask if they are sending the TA code or the Cable Card Code, then try to get them to connect you to the National CC line.

[bobrt6676]

Since I post negative experiences I thought I would give Props when due.
Got home tonight, 8 blinking stinking lights on my TA!! :mad: After dinner I prepare myself for a lenghthy call. I state " I have a TA problem are you familiar with them." Sure I can help you with that. He asks for the last 4 letters of the SN. He sends a hit and INSTANTLY my SDV stations are back.
Total CR time approx 1 min. :D No hesitation, No rebooting, No transfers, No truck roll, just instant results!!!!

[dlfl]

Since I post negative experiences I thought I would give Props when due.
Got home tonight, 8 blinking stinking lights on my TA!! :mad: After dinner I prepare myself for a lenghthy call. I state " I have a TA problem are you familiar with them." Sure I can help you with that. He asks for the last 4 letters of the SN. He sends a hit and INSTANTLY my SDV stations are back.
Total CR time approx 1 min. :D No hesitation, No rebooting, No transfers, No truck roll, just instant results!!!!
Well now we know there are at least two CSR's in TWC SW Ohio that know what they are doing, because I had a very similar experience a while back and it was a "she". Unfortunately the other two occasions I called with the same problem all they could do was schedule a truck roll and I ended up having to go thrugh TiVo support to get to the TWC National Cable Card Support desk, which fixed it quickly.

[gbronzer]

I had a TA problem recently after it got a firmware update. Tivo saw it, but it wouldn't tune any SDV channels. It was very similar to the 8 blink problem. They scheduled a service call, but the tech called me before arriving and asked, "Have you tried pressing the power button?"

Turns out the button on the front that used to do nothing is now functional and the stupid thing defaults to off. So it blinks a bunch of times, goes off, but if you press the button, the light comes on and it tunes fine.

What a stupid firmware update.

[SCSIRAID]

I had a TA problem recently after it got a firmware update. Tivo saw it, but it wouldn't tune any SDV channels. It was very similar to the 8 blink problem. They scheduled a service call, but the tech called me before arriving and asked, "Have you tried pressing the power button?"

Turns out the button on the front that used to do nothing is now functional and the stupid thing defaults to off. So it blinks a bunch of times, goes off, but if you press the button, the light comes on and it tunes fine.

What a stupid firmware update.

What is the version number of your TA Firmware?

[dlfl]

I had a TA problem recently after it got a firmware update. Tivo saw it, but it wouldn't tune any SDV channels. It was very similar to the 8 blink problem. They scheduled a service call, but the tech called me before arriving and asked, "Have you tried pressing the power button?"

Turns out the button on the front that used to do nothing is now functional and the stupid thing defaults to off. So it blinks a bunch of times, goes off, but if you press the button, the light comes on and it tunes fine.

What a stupid firmware update.
I don't think that's a firmware revision issue. I have .0801 firmware (not a new revision) and I've seen this same behavior. If you power cycle the TA the light will sometimes blink for a while then go out completely, then you have to press the front panel power button. Other times it will not need this. Go figure. :confused:

What is your firmware revision after the update?

[rtfromnc]

I wish I would have read this post before I started down this trail. For my wife's Christmas present I upgraded to TWC's (Raleigh, NC) digital package and bought her a HD Tivo. All she said was don't mess up her cable. This said, the TWC tech will be out with a M-Card and TA in a few days. If I have the issues you guys described my arse is grassed!

Can any of you guys give me any advice, other than cancel the order, on how I can try to mitigate any of the issues described in this post. Any help would be appreciated!

RTFROMNC

[dlfl]

I wish I would have read this post before I started down this trail. For my wife's Christmas present I upgraded to TWC's (Raleigh, NC) digital package and bought her a HD Tivo. All she said was don't mess up her cable. This said, the TWC tech will be out with a M-Card and TA in a few days. If I have the issues you guys described my arse is grassed!

Can any of you guys give me any advice, other than cancel the order, on how I can try to mitigate any of the issues described in this post. Any help would be appreciated!

RTFROMNC
Be sure to look at the thread devoted to your area **here** (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=418262), in which SCSIRAID is working with TWC techs to track down pixelation problems that occur mainly on SDV channels and only on TiVo's. Search for posts by him. There is at least hope this problem will be fixed.

Then there is the other type problem, which is not just in your TWC area, of TA's losing their proper functionality and having to be rebooted or "hit" by TWC. I'm in a different TWC region and this happens roughly once a month for me, and has cost me hours on the phone since the response you get when you call either TWC or TiVo is very spotty. I don't know how likely it is you will have these problems or how often. Maybe someone from your service area will post something helpful.

[woodburger]

I must say I am not impressed with Time-Warner here in Austin. Problems continue in my setup (TA, TiVo HD w/ M card) where several SDV channels are absent now and then. One took me SIX tries before I could get it to appear... and even then there was periodic pixelization. The net result is you really cannot rely on TiVo to 'catch" certain channels, which defeats the reason (or pleasure) of having TiVo. I have had techs here several times. To be fair, the issues are intermittant.

[ptsailor]

I wish I would have read this post before I started down this trail. For my wife's Christmas present I upgraded to TWC's (Raleigh, NC) digital package and bought her a HD Tivo. All she said was don't mess up her cable. This said, the TWC tech will be out with a M-Card and TA in a few days. If I have the issues you guys described my arse is grassed!

Can any of you guys give me any advice, other than cancel the order, on how I can try to mitigate any of the issues described in this post. Any help would be appreciated!

RTFROMNC

I wanted to relay my experience here in Raleigh... Besides the poor customer service that I've come to expect from TWC (this time they didn't show up yesterday, no call to inform me.. the tech was completely unfamiliar with the technology, etc...) I had to go through the following:


I installed, connected, and forced calls to update the Tivo to 11d yesterday.
The Tech comes in and inserts the Mcard into slot 2 and I have to politely correct him.
Tech installs the entire bundle (both the CCard and the Tuning Adapter (TA) and calls to activate both. Tivo recognizes both, (CP Auth Received / Tuning Adapter Detected Screen) but no video on any channel, no signal lock, etc..)
After an hour of futzing around, I convince him to bypass the TA to see if the CCard is properly paired/subscribed/initialized/authorized (whatever the proper term-of-art is.)
Video on Channels 3, 4, 6, 7, etc... No video on any digital channel
View the "Active Programs" on the SA CCard CP Screen to see that the channels I'm receiving are Clear broadcasts and all other (that I'm not receiving show as NOT ENT (not entitled?) Ask Tech to ensure that the card is properly paired/subscribed/initialized/authorized. He assures me that it is.
After another hour he finally is directed by his supervisor to the CC Nat'l Support who go through the reboot-Tivo, reboot-TA, etc... but never seem to verify that the card is properly subscribed.
They get disconnected.
He calls to confirm subscription data and is told that TA is not on the account... recites a series of numbers (none of which are the TA - they were the CCard ids) and when this doesn't do any good, he hangs up shrugs his shoulders, and tell me that he'll be back next week with a new TA and MCard.


So, once he's gone, I bypass the TA and call the TiVo desk to see if they will confirm that the behavior is consistent with the card not being subscribed so that I can call TWC with confidence that they need to correct the data in their system. We go through some diag screens and learn that in the interim, I'm now receiving digital tier as well (3 hours after install)...

At this point I'm not receiving any switch (SDV) channels, but this expected with no TA attached.

We then hook up the TA and I get zero video on any channel (it 'acquired channels' but just a black screen on all channels) so the TiVo tech suspects a TA issue (either authorization or hardware).
I thank him, hang up the phone, and go to remove the TA so that I can watch my non-SDV channels.

While doing so, I wonder if TA just needs more time to receive its authorization data so I split the cable at the wall and run one cable to the TA and the other direct to the TiVo so that I watch TV while the TA is connected to whatever signal it may be looking for to authenticate itself.
All works like I expect it would.. I get my non-switched signals..
Wondering if the TA may need to talk to the Tivo during whatever process it may be going through, I plug in the USB cable fully prepared for the possibility that this will kill all video.
ALL OF A SUDDEN.. I now get all channels, switched or not.... I hooked the TA back up as designed (passing through the cable signal rather then having it split) and no video.. back to the split configuration.. all works perfectly.


Has anyone else heard of this? Is this how we're supposed to hook these things up (it's not what tivo.com shows here: http://support.tivo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/133/kw/133/r_id/100041)?
Do I have a bad TA (the cable out port is faulty?)

Anyway, I'm up and running now (TWC has no idea that this is so), but would like to know if I should request a new TA, and is there any concern about the method of connection that I currently have? They're going to have to come out and pick up the HD box they left, so I could have them bring one then.. or is this just asking for trouble?

[SCSIRAID]

I wanted to relay my experience here in Raleigh... Besides the poor customer service that I've come to expect from TWC (this time they didn't show up yesterday, no call to inform me.. the tech was completely unfamiliar with the technology, etc...) I had to go through the following:


I installed, connected, and forced calls to update the Tivo to 11d yesterday.
The Tech comes in and inserts the Mcard into slot 2 and I have to politely correct him.
Tech installs the entire bundle (both the CCard and the Tuning Adapter (TA) and calls to activate both. Tivo recognizes both, (CP Auth Received / Tuning Adapter Detected Screen) but no video on any channel, no signal lock, etc..)
After an hour of futzing around, I convince him to bypass the TA to see if the CCard is properly paired/subscribed/initialized/authorized (whatever the proper term-of-art is.)
Video on Channels 3, 4, 6, 7, etc... No video on any digital channel
View the "Active Programs" on the SA CCard CP Screen to see that the channels I'm receiving are Clear broadcasts and all other (that I'm not receiving show as NOT ENT (not entitled?) Ask Tech to ensure that the card is properly paired/subscribed/initialized/authorized. He assures me that it is.
After another hour he finally is directed by his supervisor to the CC Nat'l Support who go through the reboot-Tivo, reboot-TA, etc... but never seem to verify that the card is properly subscribed.
They get disconnected.
He calls to confirm subscription data and is told that TA is not on the account... recites a series of numbers (none of which are the TA - they were the CCard ids) and when this doesn't do any good, he hangs up shrugs his shoulders, and tell me that he'll be back next week with a new TA and MCard.


So, once he's gone, I bypass the TA and call the TiVo desk to see if they will confirm that the behavior is consistent with the card not being subscribed so that I can call TWC with confidence that they need to correct the data in their system. We go through some diag screens and learn that in the interim, I'm now receiving digital tier as well (3 hours after install)...

At this point I'm not receiving any switch (SDV) channels, but this expected with no TA attached.

We then hook up the TA and I get zero video on any channel (it 'acquired channels' but just a black screen on all channels) so the TiVo tech suspects a TA issue (either authorization or hardware).
I thank him, hang up the phone, and go to remove the TA so that I can watch my non-SDV channels.

While doing so, I wonder if TA just needs more time to receive its authorization data so I split the cable at the wall and run one cable to the TA and the other direct to the TiVo so that I watch TV while the TA is connected to whatever signal it may be looking for to authenticate itself.
All works like I expect it would.. I get my non-switched signals..
Wondering if the TA may need to talk to the Tivo during whatever process it may be going through, I plug in the USB cable fully prepared for the possibility that this will kill all video.
ALL OF A SUDDEN.. I now get all channels, switched or not.... I hooked the TA back up as designed (passing through the cable signal rather then having it split) and no video.. back to the split configuration.. all works perfectly.


Has anyone else heard of this? Is this how we're supposed to hook these things up (it's not what tivo.com shows here: http://support.tivo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/133/kw/133/r_id/100041)?
Do I have a bad TA (the cable out port is faulty?)

Anyway, I'm up and running now (TWC has no idea that this is so), but would like to know if I should request a new TA, and is there any concern about the method of connection that I currently have? They're going to have to come out and pick up the HD box they left, so I could have them bring one then.. or is this just asking for trouble?

Sounds like the RF passthru of the TA may be broken. I have all of my TA's hooked up as you do... split the incoming cable and run one RF cable to TA and one to TiVo. I dont use the passthru. The SDV magic is in the USB connection. :D You should be 'good to go'. I wouldnt mess with it as long as the signal level is good. I suggest that you tune an SDV channel such as 260 and then go into TA Diags and hit select twice once you hit the screen. You should see three values in dBmV... Tuner, FDC and RDC. You would like to have Tuner and FDC between say -5 and 0.

[ptsailor]

Sounds like the RF passthru of the TA may be broken. I have all of my TA's hooked up as you do... split the incoming cable and run one RF cable to TA and one to TiVo. I dont use the passthru. The SDV magic is in the USB connection. :D You should be 'good to go'. I wouldnt mess with it as long as the signal level is good. I suggest that you tune an SDV channel such as 260 and then go into TA Diags and hit select twice once you hit the screen. You should see three values in dBmV... Tuner, FDC and RDC. You would like to have Tuner and FDC between say -5 and 0.

on 260 I show RDC: 39 dBmV, FDC:-1 dBmV, Tuner: -12dBmV

[SCSIRAID]

on 260 I show RDC: 39 dBmV, FDC:-1 dBmV, Tuner: -12dBmV

Yuk... Looks like you have on heck of a 'tilt' problem. RDC and FDC are fine but Tuner is awlful. TWC needs to fix the signal situation.

[ptsailor]

Yuk... Looks like you have on heck of a 'tilt' problem. RDC and FDC are fine but Tuner is awlful. TWC needs to fix the signal situation.

Removing the splitter (and running the TA cable across the room to another outlet) dropped the Tuner value to -9 but a) that's probably still not close enough to zero and b) not a workable solution with cable draped across my floor.

What specifically should I tell the tech needs to be adjusted?

[Max Camber]

I just got back from a couple weeks of vacation and would love to know if the .1001 firmware has fixed the TA locking up issue. Mine is still working fine though it shows a reboot on 12/25 at 6:45 AM while I was out of town.

On the pixelation issue I have unsurprising news. I received a replacement TiVo HD unit and within 10 minutes of setting it up I was seeing the same problems. I'm waiting for a call back from my TiVo escalated support person after the new year.

I can confirm pixelation under the following conditions:
1. Non-SDV channels (it's worse on SDV)
2. Both tuners on SD channels
3. Signal levels on both tuners within range specified by TiVo support (80-99 strength, 32-35 dB)
4. Tuning adapter disconnected
5. No RS corrected/uncorrected errors

With the new TiVo HD unit I have now replaced every piece of my system out to the curb and am still seeing exactly the same problem. As I can now confirm the pixelation on multiple TiVo units while the tuning adapter is unhooked I should probably start posting in the pixelation thread, but I wanted to give an update here as well.

[comcastblows]

In my search for missing HD channels, it appears my direct call to the cable card folks may have gotten me a step further...
After seeing that my wireless adapter for the tivo wasn't causing the problem (really, wireless adapters are now the problem?), guy was able to determine that my tuning adapter is on my account, but not connected to the network and is therefore stuck in "B'CAST ONLY" (broadcast only) mode. He thinks my signal, splitter and/or amplifier is the problem. So the truck rolls to my house on Tuesday. The problem is I've bypassed everything before and then not been able to tune even more channels. I lost all the local HD stations completely or they're unreliable (frozen and pixelated). So using the amp. has been the only way that I've actually been able to use the Tivo, mostly. TWC reps come out, disconnect the amp., hook up an TWC HD BOX, tune to a channel that I can't get, and say "there ya go, see, your signal is fine". As if to say good luck with that there tivo box. I guess the fact that I have to use the amp at all proves it's a signal issue, right? Argh. I'll let ya'll know what comes of Tuesday. Thanks for all the help.

[SCSIRAID]

In my search for missing HD channels, it appears my direct call to the cable card folks may have gotten me a step further...
After seeing that my wireless adapter for the tivo wasn't causing the problem (really, wireless adapters are now the problem?), guy was able to determine that my tuning adapter is on my account, but not connected to the network and is therefore stuck in "B'CAST ONLY" (broadcast only) mode. He thinks my signal, splitter and/or amplifier is the problem. So the truck rolls to my house on Tuesday. The problem is I've bypassed everything before and then not been able to tune even more channels. I lost all the local HD stations completely or they're unreliable (frozen and pixelated). So using the amp. has been the only way that I've actually been able to use the Tivo, mostly. TWC reps come out, disconnect the amp., hook up an TWC HD BOX, tune to a channel that I can't get, and say "there ya go, see, your signal is fine". As if to say good luck with that there tivo box. I guess the fact that I have to use the amp at all proves it's a signal issue, right? Argh. I'll let ya'll know what comes of Tuesday. Thanks for all the help.

How did he reach the conclusion that it was in broadcast mode?

[lyrxst]

After speaking to TWC in Dallas it appears they don't offer multi-stream cable cards nor provide the tuning adpaters. Anyone else dealing with TWC Dallas?

[Stone1555]

How did he reach the conclusion that it was in broadcast mode?

On the status and summary page it will tell u. If it's in broadcast only its not in two way mode.

[SCSIRAID]

On the status and summary page it will tell u. If it's in broadcast only its not in two way mode.

Yes, I know that but I was wondering how the CSR reached that conclusion. I wouldnt put it past them to be looking at their own screen where they are taking to the TA and see it in broadcast.... and then say its an RF problem.... when they are obviously able to log into the TA.

[pmiranda]

He thinks my signal, splitter and/or amplifier is the problem. So the truck rolls to my house on Tuesday. The problem is I've bypassed everything before and then not been able to tune even more channels. I lost all the local HD stations completely or they're unreliable (frozen and pixelated). So using the amp. has been the only way that I've actually been able to use the Tivo, mostly. TWC reps come out, disconnect the amp., hook up an TWC HD BOX, tune to a channel that I can't get, and say "there ya go, see, your signal is fine". As if to say good luck with that there tivo box. I guess the fact that I have to use the amp at all proves it's a signal issue, right? Argh. I'll let ya'll know what comes of Tuesday. Thanks for all the help.

What does all your cabling look like between the curb and your TA? Where is the amp, what splitters, etc?

[KeinoDoggy]

Lost the upper HD channels last night. I tried all the cures recommended here to no avail. I was getting the 8 flashes and pause over and over. Finally called TWC tech this morning who wanted to send out a repair van (seems to be their standard approach). Finally convinced the girl to connect me to the TWC national cable card support division. The lady there diagnosed my problem immediately and resolved the problem by reinitializing the TA along with an update. She called it giving it a "kick". So I'll see how long this works. I've had recurring loss of channels since I've gotten the TA when it was first available here in northeast Ohio. I suggested there should be a way to connect to the cable card support division either buy phone or chat in order to bypass the time wasted with TWC's standard tech people. Let's hope someone in management listens.

[Shmooh]

In my search for missing HD channels, it appears my direct call to the cable card folks may have gotten me a step further...
After seeing that my wireless adapter for the tivo wasn't causing the problem (really, wireless adapters are now the problem?), guy was able to determine that my tuning adapter is on my account, but not connected to the network and is therefore stuck in "B'CAST ONLY" (broadcast only) mode. He thinks my signal, splitter and/or amplifier is the problem. So the truck rolls to my house on Tuesday. The problem is I've bypassed everything before and then not been able to tune even more channels. I lost all the local HD stations completely or they're unreliable (frozen and pixelated). So using the amp. has been the only way that I've actually been able to use the Tivo, mostly. TWC reps come out, disconnect the amp., hook up an TWC HD BOX, tune to a channel that I can't get, and say "there ya go, see, your signal is fine". As if to say good luck with that there tivo box. I guess the fact that I have to use the amp at all proves it's a signal issue, right? Argh. I'll let ya'll know what comes of Tuesday. Thanks for all the help.

Your amp may not be allowing the return path to go through - either simply by blocking it (unlikely), or just because the signal is too weak going back from the TA to the street.

This is often the case with amplified splitters (and possibly splitters in general? I'm not an expert.). You can get amps or amplified splitters with an 'active return path', which will either amplify (or at least not degrade) the signal heading back through the amp from the TA. E.g., the one I have is an 8-way amp/splitter that adds +3dB downstream to each output port (one of which goes to the the TA/Tivo) and +0 upstream from the TA to the street. Standard 8-way amplified splitters will do +4 down and -15 up (very bad!).

See **here** (http://tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=7236337#post7236337) for my experiences with this. Replacing my amp/splitter fixed my problem.

If you just have an amp (no splitter), then maybe you just need a bi-directional one? If the signal is already too weak coming in from that strong signal coming from the street, your TA probably doesn't stand a chance.

[dlfl]

TA blinking again this AM, but a new pattern for me: 4 quick blinks then a pause. Power cycling and talking to TWC support did no good, although now it seems it's blinking 3 times and pause. The blinks are so fast it's hard to count them. SDV channels are missing of course. It was too early to reach the NCCS Help desk (opens 10am EST) so will have to call support back later and get connected to NCCS. As usual the CSR was clueless about what to do and tried to tell me both cable cards are bad, but she was able to find the NCCS number.

[realityboy]

TA blinking again this AM, but a new pattern for me: 4 quick blinks then a pause. Power cycling and talking to TWC support did no good, although now it seems it's blinking 3 times and pause. The blinks are so fast it's hard to count them. SDV channels are missing of course. It was too early to reach the NCCS Help desk (opens 10am EST) so will have to call support back later and get connected to NCCS. As usual the CSR was clueless about what to do and tried to tell me both cable cards are bad, but she was able to find the NCCS number.

Same problem here this morning. It looks like 3-4 blinks, but it appears somewhat erratic.

[dlfl]

Just got off the phone with NCCS. They say TWC SW Ohio is pushing out a TA firmware upgrade (to 0.1010 I think). The 3 or 4 blinks corresponds to getting a firmware update. (Would be nice if the CSRs knew anything about this!). Mike (NCCS) said updating could take several hours. During this time you get the blinks and no SDV channels, and the TA is unresponsive to anything.

I chided him about CSR's still not being aware of NCCS and he said they are working on it.

[realityboy]

Just got off the phone with NCCS. They say TWC SW Ohio is pushing out a TA firmware upgrade (to 0.1010 I think). The 3 or 4 blinks corresponds to getting a firmware update. (Would be nice if the CSRs knew anything about this!). Mike (NCCS) said updating could take several hours. During this time you get the blinks and no SDV channels, and the TA is unresponsive to anything.

I chided him about CSR's still not being aware of NCCS and he said they are working on it.

Awesome. Not so much that they will be unresponsive for several hours, but the fact that you just saved me the hassle of calling TW is greatly appreciated. I will give it a few hours and hopefully it will work then. Did he mention if a reboot or anything would be required or if they would just start working on their own?

(Hopefully, I didn't screw mine up by trying to restart it earlier.)

[Max Camber]

The reflash process itself only took about 10 minutes here in Austin and the TA will reboot itself automatically when complete.

[dlfl]

Awesome. Not so much that they will be unresponsive for several hours, but the fact that you just saved me the hassle of calling TW is greatly appreciated. I will give it a few hours and hopefully it will work then. Did he mention if a reboot or anything would be required or if they would just start working on their own?

(Hopefully, I didn't screw mine up by trying to restart it earlier.)
NCCS said you should not have to reboot it. However, after Max Camber's previous post, I'm suspecting SW Ohio has screwed up their update script, since it's been 4 hours so far. I will be talking to NCCS again in a few hours if mine doesn't work.

Please update your experience here in a couple of hours, since if we both have the same problem it's more evidence to tell NCCS.

TWC SW Ohio = the gang that can't shoot straight.

[SCSIRAID]

The reflash process itself only took about 10 minutes here in Austin and the TA will reboot itself automatically when complete.

What version did you get there in Austin?

[Max Camber]

What version did you get there in Austin?

.1001

[SCSIRAID]

.1001

That is what we are running here in Raleigh.

I trust the SW Ohio guys will let us know what version they get....

[Austin_Martin]

he reflash process itself only took about 10 minutes here in Austin and the TA will reboot itself automatically when complete.


So that is what has screwed up both my TIVO's in the past couple of days?

This is the second time in a month that the adapters have gone down.

[revx]

After speaking to TWC in Dallas it appears they don't offer multi-stream cable cards nor provide the tuning adpaters. Anyone else dealing with TWC Dallas?
I just got off a call with TWC in Dallas. They said they do offer multi-stream cards and the Tuning Adapter is available and required for the SDV channels.

It took the guy quite a while to come up with these answers, though. And I think if I hadn't asked the right questions they would have steered me wrong. I got the impression that the *only* card they have is the M-card.

Hope that helps...
re\/x

[dlfl]

NCCS said you should not have to reboot it. However, after Max Camber's previous post, I'm suspecting SW Ohio has screwed up their update script, since it's been 4 hours so far. I will be talking to NCCS again in a few hours if mine doesn't work.
...........
Update: Just talked to Mike (NCCS) again, as my TA is still blinking 3-blinks-pause. He said it looks like every TA in SW Ohio had the same problem. They have declared it an official "outage" and have set a "maintenance window" for tonight where they will try to fix things.

SW Ohio insists there was nothing wrong with their push script but I could tell Mike is skeptical about that.

[realityboy]

Update: Just talked to Mike (NCCS) again, as my TA is still blinking 3-blinks-pause. He said it looks like every TA in SW Ohio had the same problem. They have declared it an official "outage" and have set a "maintenance window" for tonight where they will try to fix things.

SW Ohio insists there was nothing wrong with their push script but I could tell Mike is skeptical about that.

I just got home and sure enough, it's still blinking. I guess 10 minutes in other markets = at least 1 day here.

[bobrt6676]

Same here. 3 Blinks since I got up for work @ 6AM. Got home @5PM and still blinking.:( Called CS before checking the forum. Guess what, you got it! Truck Roll!! Scheduled for Saturday. They have no clue it is an expanded issue or that a firmware upgrade was being pushed.:confused:

[Effinay]

I've got the 3 blinks, too. Can TW get anything right in SW Ohio?

[henderpa]

I'm getting the 3 blinks as well. At least I'm not alone. . .

[dlfl]

While all you SW Ohio guys are here, how many of you get the the sporadic pixelation on SDV channels like I do?

[bobrt6676]

630AM. TA solid green. all stations back. Had to channel up/down on a couple to get them to tune. "VS" was the worst, but working. firmware is now .1001 :D

[dlfl]

Yep my light went solid sometime between midnight and 1:50am, and I confirm Ver. .1001. I got a follow-up call from NCCS just now. I asked what improvements .1001 is supposed to have. He said improved reliability, in particular fewer 8-blink issues. He stated this version has performed perfectly where it was already deployed. (??)

[Shmooh]

Yep my light went solid sometime between midnight and 1:50am, and I confirm Ver. .1001. I got a follow-up call from NCCS just now. I asked what improvements .1001 is supposed to have. He said improved reliability, in particular fewer 8-blink issues. He stated this version has performed perfectly where it was already deployed. (??)

We have .1001 in Raleigh/Cary/Apex NC. We had a rash of 8-blink issues about what.. 6 weeks ago? And another one about a month before that.

Not sure when we got .1001, but I'm pretty sure it was before that.

We also lose SDV occasionally with no evidence from the TA (i.e., no blinking light). My wife tells me about it sometimes - she has to force the Tivo to change SDV channels a few times on both tuners and that clears it up. (I suspect this is a Tivo/TA communication issue more than a systemic SDV/TA problem, though.)

[SCSIRAID]

Yep my light went solid sometime between midnight and 1:50am, and I confirm Ver. .1001. I got a follow-up call from NCCS just now. I asked what improvements .1001 is supposed to have. He said improved reliability, in particular fewer 8-blink issues. He stated this version has performed perfectly where it was already deployed. (??)

.1001 was a mess when it rolled out here. I was seeing lots of hangs and black screens. I spoke with my contact about it who said they were making some adjustments at the head end to deal with it and just after that things got much much better. My S3 hasnt seen a TA issue since that conversation.

[dlfl]

.1001 was a mess when it rolled out here. I was seeing lots of hangs and black screens. I spoke with my contact about it who said they were making some adjustments at the head end to deal with it and just after that things got much much better. My S3 hasnt seen a TA issue since that conversation.
Your hangs and black screens were when trying to tune, correct? (not on channels already successfully tuned).

Looks like your area was the initial test-and-debug region for .1001 (thanks!). I learned yesterday that NCCS is in the Carolinas. I had guessed they were on the west coast due to their hours starting at 10am.

[comcastblows]

Whew... So after a year of not getting all the channels I've been paying for, countless hours on the phone, at least 10 service calls with several different technicians, and I'm finally up and running with all the channels.

3 techs came out today, one who knew what he was doing, and 2 that just observed. First, we tried swapping the m card for another, but no luck. Then we swapped out the TA (third one thus far) that was stuck in "B'cast Only". The cable card desk folks determined that the entire first batch of TA's that came to Charlotte, NC for the surrounding areas were all still set-up for the Raleigh area (about 3 hours away). And therefore were not going to show up correctly in their system, or rather work at all, from the Charlotte area. It took a little over 2 hours in total on the phone, but they were able to somehow manually move the TA into the correct area on their network. Which then allowed the tuning adapter to go into it's 3 blink update phase and finally activate in two-way mode to give me all the damn channels. The amplifier was taken out of the picture for this to work, but I still get random pixelation on some of the HD channels. So it might go back in line, which I'm sure will probably mess up the TA again.

The moral is, NC tivo people, there is an end in sight, so hold out. If not for the lifetime sub on one of my boxes, this whole experience might have soured my tivo relationship. I was really close to telling TWC off, throwing in the towel and going to direct tv or something. I'm glad it was finally worked out, but wow was this whole experience a huge PITA.

[scubajwd]

I'm out here in sunny warm San Diego; received two Moto M700 TA's from
TW yesterday; initially the TA's would not sync; tried everything to no avail; finally I
called TWC tech support suspecting that they would not know a TA and/or a TIVO if
it were sitting on their desk but what a surprise! The guy was on it; he "refreshed"
my TA from his network side and lo & behold after a minute or so the TA blinking stopped and went solid..the trick: do not plug in the TA USB until you get the
solid amber lite; so far after about 18 hrs I'm still up with SDV and no pixelation issues
yet; config: MOTO M700 TA, TIVO Series3 @11.XX, M1 (multistream cable card)

[scottc42]

it seems that whenever my TA is not getting channels, my Time Warner cable box is also not receiving the same channels.

[ragweedz]

I'm out here in sunny warm San Diego; . . . config: MOTO M700 TA, TIVO Series3 @11.XX, M1 (multistream cable card)

Wow, I didn't realize the M-card was an option here in SAN.

Just called TWC and scheduled a swap-out for my S-card on Monday. I've already received a TA from them but I was waiting for the dust to settle before attempting to set it up but will do so on Sunday. Wish me luck.

[dlfl]

Just got the .1001 firmware update 4 days ago. So far it's been a step backwards. Had to reboot the TA 2 days ago to regain channels and this am had the 8-blinks and had to call TWC. Details in **this post** (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=7710366#post7710366) and the one following it.

My TA signal levels are:
Tuner 6 dBmV (yes, positive)
FDC -3 dBmV
RDC: 39 dBmV

The Tuner value is way above the normal range (-8 to 0). I wonder if that could be a problem?

[Grumock]

Just got the .1001 firmware update 4 days ago. So far it's been a step backwards. Had to reboot the TA 2 days ago to regain channels and this am had the 8-blinks and had to call TWC. Details in **this post** (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=7710366#post7710366) and the one following it.

My TA signal levels are:
Tuner 6 dBmV (yes, positive)
FDC -3 dBmV
RDC: 39 dBmV

The Tuner value is way above the normal range (-8 to 0). I wonder if that could be a problem?

I don't think it is an issue, normally the optimum range is between +7 to -7

[dlfl]

I don't think it is an issue, normally the optimum range is between +7 to -7
Thanks!

I'm curious where you got that from? My "normal range" (-8 to 0) came from a post by SCSIRAID in the SDV FAQ (**this** (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=7378554#post7378554)).

[SCSIRAID]

Thanks!

I'm curious where you got that from? My "normal range" (-8 to 0) came from a post by SCSIRAID in the SDV FAQ (**this** (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=7378554#post7378554)).

The Cisco tuners are quite good and are said to be able to deal with that high of a signal level... but its not optimal. TiVo does NOT like that kind of level and if you are feeding the TA +6 and driving TiVo from TA then you are feeding TiVo MORE than +6 since TA contains an amp.

What concerns me about your levels is the positive tilt... I would have expected FDC and Tuner to be much closer in level. Wouldnt you agree Grumock?

[dlfl]

Hmmm.... The Tuner value is now +2 and I remember about a week ago it was +1. I'm suspecting this depends on what channel you last tuned or something like that(?). I noticed in RF PARAMETERS there is a Tuner: item which is obviously a frequency (e.g., 723.000 MHz) and this is the same frequency listed under CURRENT QAM Freqand this is one of the 2 frequencies tuned in DVR diagnostics, i.e., this is a channel frequency (rather than OOB).

Now this is weird. I jockeyed the channels tuned around to get two frequencies that were NOT 723 MHz (525 and 735) but the frequency given in the TA diagnostics is still 723 for both RF PARAMETERS tuner and in CURRENT QAM Freq (???). (And the two tuned frequencies are in the SDV SESSION INFO section.)

Aha! After some more tuning exercises, the TA Tuner freq is now 573 and the (TA tuner) strength is -2 dBmV. I don't know what sets the frequency used for this measurement but it clearly varies depending on recent tuning history.

I've always had some tilt (or at least variation) of signal across channel frequencies and a lot of my channels are pegged at 100. I experimented with attenuators but had to let some channels hit 100 (actually slightly above) in order to get most of the others into the 80+ range. The only PQ issue I've ever had is the sporadic pixelation of SDV channels consistent with the join-leave-TS theory being investigated by SCSIRAID. So I'm thinking having some channels a little above 100 isn't causing problems.

Bottom line: I think the TA tuner signal value varies from time to time because of tuning history and tilt across the band.

[SCSIRAID]

Hmmm.... The Tuner value is now +2 and I remember about a week ago it was +1. I'm suspecting this depends on what channel you last tuned or something like that(?). I noticed in RF PARAMETERS there is a Tuner: item which is obviously a frequency (e.g., 723.000 MHz) and this is the same frequency listed under CURRENT QAM Freqand this is one of the 2 frequencies tuned in DVR diagnostics, i.e., this is a channel frequency (rather than OOB).

Now this is weird. I jockeyed the channels tuned around to get two frequencies that were NOT 723 MHz (525 and 735) but the frequency given in the TA diagnostics is still 723 for both RF PARAMETERS tuner and in CURRENT QAM Freq (???). (And the two tuned frequencies are in the SDV SESSION INFO section.)

Aha! After some more tuning exercises, the TA Tuner freq is now 573 and the (TA tuner) strength is -2 dBmV. I don't know what sets the frequency used for this measurement but it clearly varies depending on recent tuning history.

I've always had some tilt (or at least variation) of signal across channel frequencies and a lot of my channels are pegged at 100. I experimented with attenuators but had to let some channels hit 100 (actually slightly above) in order to get most of the others into the 80+ range. The only PQ issue I've ever had is the sporadic pixelation of SDV channels consistent with the join-leave-TS theory being investigated by SCSIRAID. So I'm thinking having some channels a little above 100 isn't causing problems.

Bottom line: I think the TA tuner signal value varies from time to time because of tuning history and tilt across the band.

Right now I am setting at:

Tuner -3
FDC -4
RDC 46

All is well and TiVo is happy as a clam. Since I am splitting prior to TA to feed TiVo, TiVo should also be seeing -3.

No Tilt.. happy TiVo... what else could you want.. except the SDV pixelation issue fixed. :D

[dlfl]

Right now I am setting at:

Tuner -3
FDC -4
RDC 46

All is well and TiVo is happy as a clam. Since I am splitting prior to TA to feed TiVo, TiVo should also be seeing -3.

No Tilt.. happy TiVo... what else could you want.. except the SDV pixelation issue fixed. :D
How about TA reliability? You got your .1001 firmware updates two months ago and said things were bad initially. Are you having no problems requiring reboots or calling TWC now?

[SCSIRAID]

How about TA reliability? You got your .1001 firmware updates two months ago and said things were bad initially. Are you having no problems requiring reboots or calling TWC now?

.1001 was initially problematic. My contact indicated some changes were being made at the head end to address it and all has been great since then. I do still see the random black screen / 'video signal not available' but no hangs requiring TA reboots.

[Shmooh]

.1001 was initially problematic. My contact indicated some changes were being made at the head end to address it and all has been great since then. I do still see the random black screen / 'video signal not available' but no hangs requiring TA reboots.

I've been meaning to ask... Do you remember/know the timeframe of the .1001 rollout in Raleigh/Cary/Apex, or when your contact said they were making changes?

I only ask because I don't want to unfairly judge the .1001 firmware because of the problems we had a couple months ago. If it and the back end system configuration have had the kinks worked out since then, then I can just look at it going forward and safely say the .1001 has been an improvement.

[SCSIRAID]

I've been meaning to ask... Do you remember/know the timeframe of the .1001 rollout in Raleigh/Cary/Apex, or when your contact said they were making changes?

I only ask because I don't want to unfairly judge the .1001 firmware because of the problems we had a couple months ago. If it and the back end system configuration have had the kinks worked out since then, then I can just look at it going forward and safely say the .1001 has been an improvement.

If I were at home I could tell you exactly when the changes were supposed to have been made. I believe it was around 12/15 if memory serves.

[Max Camber]

The only PQ issue I've ever had is the sporadic pixelation of SDV channels consistent with the join-leave-TS theory being investigated by SCSIRAID. So I'm thinking having some channels a little above 100 isn't causing problems.

I'm seeing exactly the same thing. It doesn't matter what the signal levels are on the SDV channels as you will always get pixelation, and the linear channels at or above 100 strength come in just fine.

.1001 was initially problematic. My contact indicated some changes were being made at the head end to address it and all has been great since then. I do still see the random black screen / 'video signal not available' but no hangs requiring TA reboots.

I also get the occasional "signal not available" message but so far hitting Select on the remote has worked most of the time and only once did I have to do the channel up/down shuffle. No TA crashes here since the .1001 deployment.

[jchas41]

Just to follow-up with my situation...I was able to get my Refurb Tivo (was talked into RMAing my original unit) up and running after TWC came out and installed a new M-Card. As I suspected, no change whatsoever. In fact, I would say that the pixellation on my SDV channels seems worse than before (cry). What a waste of $50bucks, really frustrated. All non-SDV stations are perfectly fine. Signal strength is locked in at 93 (was 100, I used an attenuator which made no difference), and no RS errors. At this point, being that Fios is not available in CNY, I guess I will have to grin and bear it and hope this gets resolved...yeah right...sigh

[SCSIRAID]

Just to follow-up with my situation...I was able to get my Refurb Tivo (was talked into RMAing my original unit) up and running after TWC came out and installed a new M-Card. As I suspected, no change whatsoever. In fact, I would say that the pixellation on my SDV channels seems worse than before (cry). What a waste of $50bucks, really frustrated. All non-SDV stations are perfectly fine. Signal strength is locked in at 93 (was 100, I used an attenuator which made no difference), and no RS errors. At this point, being that Fios is not available in CNY, I guess I will have to grin and bear it and hope this gets resolved...yeah right...sigh

Hang in there... I remain confident that it will get fixed. It is costing TiVo and TWC money with all the service calls and HW replacements. Im sure both will be motivated to get it fixed. Up till now, I dont believe they were convinced anything was wrong or pointing at each other. With the evidence on the table now.. it cant be denied.

Did I ask you already what cable system you are on?

[jchas41]

Did I ask you already what cable system you are on?

Thanks for the hopeful words, I am on the TWC system in Central NY.

[dlfl]

Hang in there... I remain confident that it will get fixed. It is costing TiVo and TWC money with all the service calls and HW replacements. Im sure both will be motivated to get it fixed. Up till now, I dont believe they were convinced anything was wrong or pointing at each other. With the evidence on the table now.. it cant be denied.
...........
Is there a possibility this might be fixed with TiVo software mods, or will it have to be TWC adjustments? (I'm assuming a TiVo hardware retrofit can be ruled out.)

[SCSIRAID]

Is there a possibility this might be fixed with TiVo software mods, or will it have to be TWC adjustments? (I'm assuming a TiVo hardware retrofit can be ruled out.)

Unknown at this point.... Ive seen nothing that makes me believe this is on TWC's side of the fence. We will have to wait and see.

[Jim7201]

I live in Cumberland County, Maine and I recently had a tuner adapter installed for a Tivo Series 3 HD with cable cards. My TA reboots every 90 minutes. I've read all the posts concerning this problem that were dated last year but I haven't seen any recent posts on this subject. Does that mean there is a simple fix? I reported the problem and TWC came out and replaced the TA. But it has not solved the problem. I have the .801 firmware. When it is not rebooting, I get all my SDV channels. But it is darned annoying. Any suggestions? :confused:

[SCSIRAID]

I live in Cumberland County, Maine and I recently had a tuner adapter installed for a Tivo Series 3 HD with cable cards. My TA reboots every 90 minutes. I've read all the posts concerning this problem that were dated last year but I haven't seen any recent posts on this subject. Does that mean there is a simple fix? I reported the problem and TWC came out and replaced the TA. But it has not solved the problem. I have the .801 firmware. When it is not rebooting, I get all my SDV channels. But it is darned annoying. Any suggestions? :confused:

Has your signal quality been checked? If its good, about all you can do is stay after TWC... You might try asking them to contact Tech Ops from other divisions (such as TWC Carolinas) which have already solved this problem.

Good Luck...

[dolfer]

Well... Here I go again... ANother weekend, another Tuning Adapter outage! It appears to happen every 6-8 weeks. I'm too lazy to look up my last angry rant.

Nonetheless, this time the "Level 3" guy can't get it to work over the phone... [Of course I have to go through the level 1/2 person even though I tell them that they can't fix it based on the 100 prior outages I have faced.] AWESOME!

Truck roll scheduled for tomorrow between 3:30 and 6:00pm... The perfect Sunday...

And DLFL, every person I have talked to refuses to acknowledge the existence of a "National Cable Card Support" group. Does it still exist?

A *direct* way to contact them would be very much appreciated. The CSR's I have spoken to over the last two incidents refuse to acknowledge such a group... ;(

[SCSIRAID]

Well... Here I go again... ANother weekend, another Tuning Adapter outage! It appears to happen every 6-8 weeks. I'm too lazy to look up my last angry rant.

Nonetheless, this time the "Level 3" guy can't get it to work over the phone... [Of course I have to go through the level 1/2 person even though I tell them that they can't fix it based on the 100 prior outages I have faced.] AWESOME!

Truck roll scheduled for tomorrow between 3:30 and 6:00pm... The perfect Sunday...

And DLFL, every person I have talked to refuses to acknowledge the existence of a "National Cable Card Support" group. Does it still exist?

A *direct* way to contact them would be very much appreciated. The CSR's I have spoken to over the last two incidents refuse to acknowledge such a group... ;(

wow... Well, I assure you they exist. I have talked to them a couple times when Raleigh had the 8 blinks epidemic. I saw somewhere that there was a number but that you had to say that the local cableco transferred you there.

What is the nature of your problem? 8 blinks? Something Else...

[Effinay]

Fwow... Well, I assure you they exist. I have talked to them a couple times when Raleigh had the 8 blinks epidemic. I saw somewhere that there was a number but that you had to say that the local cableco transferred you there.

What is the nature of your problem? 8 blinks? Something Else...

I've called the cablecard hotline directly on one occasion. They were annoyed that I wasn't transferred from the cable company, but still helped me. Other people in here have posted that they have had to give the csr the phone number to dial the nccs hotline.

On another note, after my tuning adapter was replaced and then updated to the new firmware, I have had no issues with it. Whatever issues used to cause me to make a weekly call to the cable company now seem to be resolved... at least for now.

[bongoherbert]

I'm experiencing a beloved hang-on-reboot, seemingly caused by the tuning adapter's presence.

Im in the TW Albany area. Running an HD XL, there is a wireless adapter connected along with the cisco tuning adapter.

Last night at about 11:15 the TiVo appears to have crashed for unknown reasons (this has happened before after overnight TiVo software updates). When it rebooted it hung before the "Almost There" screen, all night. (I missed taping the final Conan, thank you very much TiVo, thank goodness for Hulu).

When I woke up (well, when I was awoken by my daughter at 6AM wanting to watch Chowder), the tuning adapter was doing the 8-blink "not authorized" pattern.

To get the machine to boot properly, I have to 1) disconnect the USB for the tuning adapter, 2) power cycle it 3) power cycle the TiVo 4) wait until I get to the "almost there" screen to re-plug-in the tuning adapter.

The tuning adapter goes through its crazy flashing authorization dance, eventually succeeding in doing so. When the TiVo finally boots 10 min or so later all is well.

This is really getting annoying, sure makes me suspect that there's something up at the kernel level w/ the driver for the tuning adapter, since it can't even get to the "almost there" screen with it attached at boot time.

I'm a Series 1 / hacked the b'jebus out of it / user from way back, but haven't looked in to how the HD XL can be molested, I'd be happy to look at logs, etc, to help people out, but it doesn't seem that it's as easy to do so w/ the newer machine revs. (googling for simply getting a rsh/ssh working leads to such a terrible signal to noise ratio that I gave up, came here, searched, yielding almost the same.)

Is this a known issue? Any better voodoo to get it to work?

tl;dr:Hang-on-reboot caused by the tuning adapter being connected. Known problem? Help?

[dolfer]

If it matters I am on 1001... thanks for the responses...

If anyone has that number please post it! ;) I can't take another weekend of wasting my time like this...

Right now I am on non-stop blinks. I believe the initial failure was the 8 blinker. But since all of the reboots, refreshes, etc... I have a new pattern to keep me entertained.

[SCSIRAID]

I'm experiencing a beloved hang-on-reboot, seemingly caused by the tuning adapter's presence.

Im in the TW Albany area. Running an HD XL, there is a wireless adapter connected along with the cisco tuning adapter.

Last night at about 11:15 the TiVo appears to have crashed for unknown reasons (this has happened before after overnight TiVo software updates). When it rebooted it hung before the "Almost There" screen, all night. (I missed taping the final Conan, thank you very much TiVo, thank goodness for Hulu).

When I woke up (well, when I was awoken by my daughter at 6AM wanting to watch Chowder), the tuning adapter was doing the 8-blink "not authorized" pattern.

To get the machine to boot properly, I have to 1) disconnect the USB for the tuning adapter, 2) power cycle it 3) power cycle the TiVo 4) wait until I get to the "almost there" screen to re-plug-in the tuning adapter.

The tuning adapter goes through its crazy flashing authorization dance, eventually succeeding in doing so. When the TiVo finally boots 10 min or so later all is well.

This is really getting annoying, sure makes me suspect that there's something up at the kernel level w/ the driver for the tuning adapter, since it can't even get to the "almost there" screen with it attached at boot time.

I'm a Series 1 / hacked the b'jebus out of it / user from way back, but haven't looked in to how the HD XL can be molested, I'd be happy to look at logs, etc, to help people out, but it doesn't seem that it's as easy to do so w/ the newer machine revs. (googling for simply getting a rsh/ssh working leads to such a terrible signal to noise ratio that I gave up, came here, searched, yielding almost the same.)

Is this a known issue? Any better voodoo to get it to work?

tl;dr:Hang-on-reboot caused by the tuning adapter being connected. Known problem? Help?

How old is this XL? There is a know issue with WD Green drives (like the ones used in the XL) which prevent a successful 'soft' reboot. A hard reboot always works. This just impacts XL that were built in the last few months as I recall.

If its truly 8 blinks... then it has nothing to do with the TiVo... its the cableco. When the TA link to TiVo is lost, TA goes to 6 blinks and stays there until connection is restored and then the led goes on solid. That said, Ive seen lockups where TA led is solid but you cant tune anything and you have to reboot TA and TiVo.

Was power interrupted by any chance? Do you have TiVo and TA on a battery backup? If you dont.. you should really consider getting a battery backup. Pretty cheap and it can eliminate a lot of headaches.

[SCSIRAID]

If it matters I am on 1001... thanks for the responses...

If anyone has that number please post it! ;) I can't take another weekend of wasting my time like this...

Right now I am on non-stop blinks. I believe the initial failure was the 8 blinker. But since all of the reboots, refreshes, etc... I have a new pattern to keep me entertained.

If I remember correctly, solid blink occurs after a power up while TA is trying to communicate with 'momma' at the hub. You could have a wiring issue in the house or to the pedistal outside. Has the cableco inspected your wiring and signal quality? Do you have other cableboxes and can the do SDV channels right now?

[bongoherbert]

How old is this XL? There is a know issue with WD Green drives (like the ones used in the XL) which prevent a successful 'soft' reboot. A hard reboot always works. This just impacts XL that were built in the last few months as I recall.

Interesting. It is relatively new. Bought in January. And it will always hard reboot but I just tried for a soft reboot and it wouldn't (nb- In fact, it -is- 6 blinks, I was just impatient with the counting)

What a fascinating development. I suppose its now time to call TiVo.

Thanks for the pointer!

[drhendrix]

Hey Dolfer,

I'm in Loveland and I've had similar problems to yours with the TA for my S3. The last time it locked into the 8 blink cycle was about six weeks ago. I spoke with the clueless CSRs and even a Tech with no resolution. The blinking just stopped and changed to a solid green light a couple of days later.

I'm convinced that info needs to be sent to the TA by TWC to reset the TA. The real issue is, how do we get them to do that?

Dennis

[dlfl]

If it matters I am on 1001... thanks for the responses...

If anyone has that number please post it! ;) I can't take another weekend of wasting my time like this...

Right now I am on non-stop blinks. I believe the initial failure was the 8 blinker. But since all of the reboots, refreshes, etc... I have a new pattern to keep me entertained.
The TWC NCCS number is: 866.532.2598.

You are not supposed to call it directly, rather be referred by either a TWC or a TiVo support person. The first level support people at both places are supposed to know about NCCS but frequently don't. In one case a TiVo tech had a "a number for TWC" but didn't know it was the NCCS.

The NCCS hours are 10am to 11pm but I don't know what their weekend hours are. I've had the local TWC support people fix my 8-blink problem very quickly on a couple of occasions, but if they don't I recommend pushing for connection to the NCCS.

When SW OH updated the TA firmware to .1001 recently, they screwed it up and my TA was out for almost a full day. The NCCS got it fixed and told me what was going on (local TWC was clueless of course). And NCCS apprioved a $5 credit too, although they can't actually put it on your account -- local has to do that.

It continually amazes me that TWC has paid the money to create this great resource (manned by 4 or 5 people) and yet can't get the word out to their support people so it will be used when needed. Every time I talk to NCCS I ask them about this and they say they've tried to spread the word.......

[dolfer]

My story... I called the NCCS number directly. (1-866-532-2598) At first the (very nice) CSR tried to tell me he could not help me because I had to be referred by Level 1/2/3 CSR's (like many of you reported)... I LOST IT... I feel bad. But they have created this mess. "How can I be referred to you when EVERY SINGLE CSR I talk to doesn't know about your existence???", I asked wondering if he realized the conundrum I was experiencing.

After settling me down, the rep did help me. Of course, he was able to fix the problem that two other CSRs couldn't. They apparently failed to go "one more screen" when they refereshed the signals to my TA. He said he notated my account with the steps he used to fix it. Hopefully when this inevitable happens again, the level 1 rep can replicate the steps.

The rep was great. He told me that if a CSR doesn't know what NCCS is, you need to ask for that person's supervisor and that the supervisor *should* know.

He said if they refuse to connect, I should call the NCCS and let them know about it.

Next time I have this problem, I will make sure I have the NCCS number READY to give to the CSR. Of course, I will respect the tech's request not to call the number directly any more. Maybe... :)

[mdreuben]

Plug in the TA. Solid green, then a few 8 blinks, then no LED at all. Happens repeatedly when I plug in.

Sigh...what next?

[SCSIRAID]

Plug in the TA. Solid green, then a few 8 blinks, then no LED at all. Happens repeatedly when I plug in.

Sigh...what next?

Did you push the power button on the front after the led goes out?

[jcdutton]

Jim and everyone - sorry to jump in late.

I have had the same problems since last summer (TA reboots every 30- 90 minutes) and I also live in Cumberland County, Maine. Long story short, I monitored this board until the firmware was updated and tried again with the tuning adaptor a few weeks ago. (and joined the forum) Still had the same problem even with Firmware v. .801

TiVo sent me a new unit as I have been at this for a while and they want to rule it out. I'm on my second TiVo, 4th Cablecard and 4th tuning adaptor, 5th tuning adaptor power supply and second location in the house...

Last week, TWC issued firmware version 1.10. All was up and running yesterday and have had one complete day trouble free with the tuning adaptor attached. This is the first time ever!

The techs are beginning to get some experience and believe that Firmware version 1.10 is the key. They mentioned that this has fixed the 5 or 6 remaining problems with this in my area (mine included).

It was a pleasant surprise when TiVo swapped the unit for me. I had to put the deposit for it on my credit card and will get full credit when the other unit is received by them.

We will see...

[SCSIRAID]

Jim and everyone - sorry to jump in late.

I have had the same problems since last summer (TA reboots every 30- 90 minutes) and I also live in Cumberland County, Maine. Long story short, I monitored this board until the firmware was updated and tried again with the tuning adaptor a few weeks ago. (and joined the forum) Still had the same problem even with Firmware v. .801

TiVo sent me a new unit as I have been at this for a while and they want to rule it out. I'm on my second TiVo, 4th Cablecard and 4th tuning adaptor, 5th tuning adaptor power supply and second location in the house...

Last week, TWC issued firmware version 1.10. All was up and running yesterday and have had one complete day trouble free with the tuning adaptor attached. This is the first time ever!

The techs are beginning to get some experience and believe that Firmware version 1.10 is the key. They mentioned that this has fixed the 5 or 6 remaining problems with this in my area (mine included).

It was a pleasant surprise when TiVo swapped the unit for me. I had to put the deposit for it on my credit card and will get full credit when the other unit is received by them.

We will see...

That version number looks odd... are you sure its 1.10 or perhaps .1001

[mdreuben]

Did you push the power button on the front after the led goes out?

Well, THAT was embarrassing... :o

Reset the TiVo and had it relearn all the stations and now everything seems to be working correctly. All the stations that I'm supposed to be receiving are actually there. The lag is a bit of a PIA, but I suppose I'll get used to it.

[bongoherbert]

Well, THAT was embarrassing... :o

Reset the TiVo and had it relearn all the stations and now everything seems to be working correctly. All the stations that I'm supposed to be receiving are actually there. The lag is a bit of a PIA, but I suppose I'll get used to it.

I'm sure this has come up before, but why the heck is there a power button on this thing in the first place?

This box has ended up in my 'great big list of bad design decisions' talk...

[dlfl]

I'm sure this has come up before, but why the heck is there a power button on this thing in the first place?

This box has ended up in my 'great big list of bad design decisions' talk...
You mean the extensive owner's manual doesn't answer this? :D:D

[SCSIRAID]

You mean the extensive owner's manual doesn't answer this? :D:D

Now THAT is FUNNY!!! :D:D:D

[dlfl]

Here's another funny: **this** (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=7739244#post7739244)

[jcdutton]

That version number looks odd... are you sure its 1.10 or perhaps .1001

I tried to find it on the diagnostics page. I found the version a few weeks ago (.810), so I think its right.

[Effinay]

8 blinks again this morning... had to call TW to get it re-authorized. The first rep I talked to didn't even know what a tuning adapter or SDV was. Finally got me transferred to a tier 3 rep who actually knew what to do to get my TA back up and running.
We started talking about all the issues I've been having with my TA and I told him to check out this thread. He had no idea that so many people were having these issues with the TA's "un-authorizing."
Hopefully he'll check out this thread and pass on the word that we are all nearly fed up with the nuisance that the TA has become.
In his defense, he was very helpful and aplologetic and ultimately fixed the issue... I just wish I didn't have to call in every 2 or 3 weeks for the same thing.

[jcdutton]

I tried to find it on the diagnostics page. I found the version a few weeks ago (.810), so I think its right.

Still doing okay - 2 weeks now and the tuning adaptor is still stable - no reboots in that time period. Its a big change from the reboots every 30 minutes. I have to believe the firmware upgrade is the answer to this one.

[scole250]

I have a Tivo HD XL w/M card and tuning adapter. Been installed for a couple weeks with no known issues no far. I also have another HD TV that has no Tivo, just the cable feeding it. The TV has a digital tuner built into it and picks up analog, digital, HD, whatever is being broadcast and un-encypted/scrambled. Recently, some channels have been getting bad reception. Analog channel 5 (WRAL in Raleigh) has been particularly bad with fuzzy video and jumping horizonal lines. Sometimes pixelization on other digital channels whenever the analog channel 5 is coming in bad. Is this stictly a cable system problem or could the tuning adapter (connected to a Tivo on a different TV) be causing the problem? Problem is sporadic. Has happened most mornings over past week, again yesterday evening. This morning channel 5 is crystal clear. TWC sending tech out this afternoon, but wanted to know if anyone has other suggestions or insight. Thanks.

[SCSIRAID]

I have a Tivo HD XL w/M card and tuning adapter. Been installed for a couple weeks with no known issues no far. I also have another HD TV that has no Tivo, just the cable feeding it. The TV has a digital tuner built into it and picks up analog, digital, HD, whatever is being broadcast and un-encypted/scrambled. Recently, some channels have been getting bad reception. Analog channel 5 (WRAL in Raleigh) has been particularly bad with fuzzy video and jumping horizonal lines. Sometimes pixelization on other digital channels whenever the analog channel 5 is coming in bad. Is this stictly a cable system problem or could the tuning adapter (connected to a Tivo on a different TV) be causing the problem? Problem is sporadic. Has happened most mornings over past week, again yesterday evening. This morning channel 5 is crystal clear. TWC sending tech out this afternoon, but wanted to know if anyone has other suggestions or insight. Thanks.

Sounds like a TWC signal issue. The tuning adapter should have zero impact on something it isnt connected to.

[dcstager]

SCSIRAID - been following all your troubleshooting efforts. I have not been seeing any picture breakup lately in Austin on the SDV channels. I've had one middle of the night reboot of my tuning adapter which makes me believe it was planned because of the channel lineup changing here where more and new SDV and HD channels were added.

One thing I read in your posts on the issue has to do with the firmware date/version present on the actual cablecards. I have an original S3 that needs two cards and they are both the newer cards - I think the M cards (Scientific Atlanta). How do I find out their firmware versions and/or request they be updated to the latest version available?

I have a distinct feeling there is a Austin TX guardian angel looking out for Tivo Community members with problems who is reading the posts and getting fixes and updates put out to affected customers.

I still occasionally get missed recordings on SDV channels. I don't think I've ever successfully recorded Stossel on the Fox Business Channel on the first try or Caprica on SyFy. It just seems like you can't reliably tune in to an SDV channel by scheduling a recording at the same time as another recording. It works fine if you are just recording one thing no matter what channel you select, but two recordings at once is a crap shoot. I've started the practice of pretuning my Tivo when possible when I have a dual recording scheduled, i.e., getting the two tuners tuned to the two upcoming channels ahead of the scheduled recordings and that works pretty well.

I think they must be getting pretty close to fixing this and I'm hoping the Austin TX/Time Warner insider is still looking out for me here. It seems to be getting better -- but it's only because of people like you out there keeping them honest and reporting issues. Thanks and keep it up.

[SCSIRAID]

SCSIRAID - been following all your troubleshooting efforts. I have not been seeing any picture breakup lately in Austin on the SDV channels. I've had one middle of the night reboot of my tuning adapter which makes me believe it was planned because of the channel lineup changing here where more and new SDV and HD channels were added.

One thing I read in your posts on the issue has to do with the firmware date/version present on the actual cablecards. I have an original S3 that needs two cards and they are both the newer cards - I think the M cards (Scientific Atlanta). How do I find out their firmware versions and/or request they be updated to the latest version available?

I have a distinct feeling there is a Austin TX guardian angel looking out for Tivo Community members with problems who is reading the posts and getting fixes and updates put out to affected customers.

I still occasionally get missed recordings on SDV channels. I don't think I've ever successfully recorded Stossel on the Fox Business Channel on the first try or Caprica on SyFy. It just seems like you can't reliably tune in to an SDV channel by scheduling a recording at the same time as another recording. It works fine if you are just recording one thing no matter what channel you select, but two recordings at once is a crap shoot. I've started the practice of pretuning my Tivo when possible when I have a dual recording scheduled, i.e., getting the two tuners tuned to the two upcoming channels ahead of the scheduled recordings and that works pretty well.

I think they must be getting pretty close to fixing this and I'm hoping the Austin TX/Time Warner insider is still looking out for me here. It seems to be getting better -- but it's only because of people like you out there keeping them honest and reporting issues. Thanks and keep it up.

It has nothing to do with the cablecard firmware version. The issue is that TiVo cannot handle the SDV Transport Stream adding or removing programs. Whenever the PAT version changes (which happens when a program stream is added or removed), you will see a pixelation event (if the stream you are watching is encrypted). There is nothing TWC can do except turn off PowerKey encryption to fix this... and I wouldnt hold my breath on that. Cisco could change cablecard firmware to disable 'CP' encryption and that would fix it too... but would be violating the cablecard spec. This problem lies in TiVo's yard... they need to fix it.

Thanks for your kind words. I am continuing to poke 'em... You can count on that :D

[Max Camber]

I have a distinct feeling there is a Austin TX guardian angel looking out for Tivo Community members with problems who is reading the posts and getting fixes and updates put out to affected customers.

I can tell you that there are TWC Austin people keeping tabs on this forum. If they had the power to fix this issue it would probably be done by now. They are pretty much stuck waiting for news from the TiVo/TWC Raleigh/SCSIRAID project just like the rest of us.

[SCSIRAID]

I can tell you that there are TWC Austin people keeping tabs on this forum. If they had the power to fix this issue it would probably be done by now. They are pretty much stuck waiting for news from the TiVo/TWC Raleigh/SCSIRAID project just like the rest of us.

Well... they CAN fix it... just turn off Powerkey encryption on the SDV channels and the pixelation will be gone gone gone.... I wouldnt hold my breath for that though....

[CrispyCritter]

Well... they CAN fix it... just turn off Powerkey encryption on the SDV channels and the pixelation will be gone gone gone.... I wouldnt hold my breath for that though....
Thanks for you continued work on this, and your earliler responses here!

Do you have any insight as to why it seems to be affecting only SDV in certain locations and not others? It's unlikely to be encryption, but what else is it? Is it only certain SDV head-end hardware?

[SCSIRAID]

Thanks for you continued work on this, and your earliler responses here!

Do you have any insight as to why it seems to be affecting only SDV in certain locations and not others? It's unlikely to be encryption, but what else is it? Is it only certain SDV head-end hardware?

The only thing I could imagine is service group size and peoples behavior. If SDV usage is more around 'popular' stuff then the streams would be fairly static and the pixelation wouldnt be seen as often. If SDV stuff is what folks would typically 'surf' thru looking for something to watch then that surfing could be generating pixelation for others. Also, if SDV utililzation was low... impact would be minimized. Sometimes I can record something and see nothing.. some times it pixelations so much its nearly unwatchable at times. Good ole probability theory I expect. Per TWC, Cisco and BigBand SDV all work the same way so all systems are exposed to the problem.

[dcstager]

Well... they CAN fix it... just turn off Powerkey encryption on the SDV channels and the pixelation will be gone gone gone.... I wouldnt hold my breath for that though....

I have not seen the issue in the last week or so in Austin. Not even once. I think that something has changed. I used to see it all the time but the last time I saw it was on the recording of the Caprica pilot two Fridays ago.

There's a new episode of Caprica tonight and if the problem exists, it will be visible on this particular program because it's on a switched channel and it's scheduled at the same time as another recording.

What am I to think if the problem is actually gone?

[SCSIRAID]

I have not seen the issue in the last week or so in Austin. Not even once. I think that something has changed. I used to see it all the time but the last time I saw it was on the recording of the Caprica pilot two Fridays ago.

There's a new episode of Caprica tonight and if the problem exists, it will be visible on this particular program because it's on a switched channel and it's scheduled at the same time as another recording.

What am I to think if the problem is actually gone?

Perhaps that you are fortunate enough to have not seen it lately.....?

Watching a single program on a switched channel doesnt mean that you will see the problem. The problem only occurs if the SDV QAM you are watching has programs added to or removed from it while you are watching it. It can be hit or miss as to whether you see it or not. If you are fortunate enough to land on a QAM that is at full capacity with shows that have 'good' viewership then the problem wont occur.... The QAM is 'full' and all the shows are being actively watched... The problem only occurs when a program joins or leaves the QAM you are watching.

[dcstager]

Perhaps that you are fortunate enough to have not seen it lately.....?

Watching a single program on a switched channel doesnt mean that you will see the problem. The problem only occurs if the SDV QAM you are watching has programs added to or removed from it while you are watching it. It can be hit or miss as to whether you see it or not. If you are fortunate enough to land on a QAM that is at full capacity with shows that have 'good' viewership then the problem wont occur.... The QAM is 'full' and all the shows are being actively watched... The problem only occurs when a program joins or leaves the QAM you are watching.

I figured the only way to make the problem re-occur was to post a message like that and sure enough, the problem has returned. Waiting for the next super secret Tivo software update I guess.

[dlfl]

My TA goes 8-blinks about once a month. Does anyone know if forcing a reboot every two weeks or so would prevent this?

[pmiranda]

Hmm...if the 8-blinks is due to a memory leak or something like that, then a preventative reboot every week or two might just help. On the other hand, mine runs fine for a couple months at a time, so I tend to think the problems I have are to do with TW mucking about, but if you have different firmware on yours it might make a difference.

Can't hurt to try it!

[SCSIRAID]

My TA goes 8-blinks about once a month. Does anyone know if forcing a reboot every two weeks or so would prevent this?

8 blinks is an authorization problem.... I see that as a TWC head end / business system issue, not one local to your TA.

[TroyB]

My TA goes 8-blinks about once a month. Does anyone know if forcing a reboot every two weeks or so would prevent this?

Glad to know I am not the only member of the monthly blinking tuning adapter club. At least now when I call to complain about 50% of the time I get a hold of someone that knows what the problem is and what hits to send to fix it. It beats calling when they first came out and the person on the phone would say "a tuning..what?"
I hate Time Warner Cable.

[dolfer]

Glad to know I am not the only member of the monthly blinking tuning adapter club. At least now when I call to complain about 50% of the time I get a hold of someone that knows what the problem is and what hits to send to fix it. It beats calling when they first came out and the person on the phone would say "a tuning..what?"
I hate Time Warner Cable.

If your first line of service can't help, then insist on being connected to NCCS... There is a very good chance they will have NO IDEA what you are talking about.

At that point, you can give them NCCS's direct number so they can connect you: 1-866-532-2598

After the NCCS successfully resolves your problem (which they seem to be able to do 100% of the time, in my experience) have them thoroughly document what they did on your account so NEXT time (and there will be a next time) the first level CS can fix your problem.

[dolfer]

Got a message about the new HD channels. Finally! Comedy Central and MTV!

However, as quickly as they came, they seemed to vanish.

Haven't done a reboot yet or called CS, anyone else experience this with the new lineup???

Please tell me a simple TA reboot will fix it! ;) Since my TA is *NOT* blinking I am almost too scared to mess with it at all!!! Even a reboot...

[dlfl]

Got a message about the new HD channels. Finally! Comedy Central and MTV!

However, as quickly as they came, they seemed to vanish.

Haven't done a reboot yet or called CS, anyone else experience this with the new lineup???

Please tell me a simple TA reboot will fix it! ;) Since my TA is *NOT* blinking I am almost too scared to mess with it at all!!! Even a reboot...
I got that message yesterday morning then in early afternoon my TA rebooted (I presume at TWC's instigation). If I hadn't happened to be there to see the blinking light I wouldn't have known about this reboot.

After that even some of the SDV channels I normally receive were missing. I ended up rebooting the TA again (with usb disconnected) and rebooting the TiVo twice to force the "acquiring channels" phase (rotating disc symbol -- does anyone know how to force this without rebooting the TiVo?). After that I had my normal SDV channels back and 3 of the 8 new channels that were in the message. I called TWC and was told that 2 of the channels were not in my subscribed packages and that the new ones weren't officially scheduled to be there until today -- so I'm waiting.

When I attempt tuning the 3 missing new channels I get the "temporarily unavailable" message rather than the "the tuning adapter doesn't provide this channel" message -- I take that as a good sign, I guess.

EDIT: Just checked again -- all six of the new channels I'm supposed to get are there now (with the occasional pixelation and freezes I've come to expect from SDV channels.)

[djkid4]

Tuning adapter problem. Charlotte NC
I have 3 series 3 with tuning adapter at one location and they work fine.

I have TiVo HD at another location that hasn't worked since I got the tuning adapter. The light comes flashes then goes completely off then nothing. I have had techs out and no one can give me an answer. Some of the techs stated the SDV is a complete mess.

I have about had it. I have had the tuning adapter since March of 2009.


That's almost a year.

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

[SCSIRAID]

Tuning adapter problem. Charlotte NC
I have 3 series 3 with tuning adapter at one location and they work fine.

I have TiVo HD at another location that hasn't worked since I got the tuning adapter. The light comes flashes then goes completely off then nothing. I have had techs out and no one can give me an answer. Some of the techs stated the SDV is a complete mess.

I have about had it. I have had the tuning adapter since March of 2009.


That's almost a year.

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

DId you press the power button on the front of the TA?

[SCSIRAID]

I got that message yesterday morning then in early afternoon my TA rebooted (I presume at TWC's instigation). If I hadn't happened to be there to see the blinking light I wouldn't have known about this reboot.

After that even some of the SDV channels I normally receive were missing. I ended up rebooting the TA again (with usb disconnected) and rebooting the TiVo twice to force the "acquiring channels" phase (rotating disc symbol -- does anyone know how to force this without rebooting the TiVo?). After that I had my normal SDV channels back and 3 of the 8 new channels that were in the message. I called TWC and was told that 2 of the channels were not in my subscribed packages and that the new ones weren't officially scheduled to be there until today -- so I'm waiting.

When I attempt tuning the 3 missing new channels I get the "temporarily unavailable" message rather than the "the tuning adapter doesn't provide this channel" message -- I take that as a good sign, I guess.

EDIT: Just checked again -- all six of the new channels I'm supposed to get are there now (with the occasional pixelation and freezes I've come to expect from SDV channels.)

If you unplug TA USB and then replug it, TiVo should go back thru the spinning drillbit acquiring channels.

[djkid4]

DId you press the power button on the front of the TA?

I have tried everything.

[SCSIRAID]

I have tried everything.

What happens when you press the power button?

Does the TiVo ever see the TA?

Has the cableco given you a different TA?

I would try the following... unhook the USB cable between TiVo and TA. power cycle TiVo and TA... Pay attention to the flash patterns on TA. If the led goes off and stays off, press the power button. Ultimately, the TA led should go on solid. Then and only then, plug in the usb cable... You should then get the 'ta found' screen.

[dlfl]

What happens when you press the power button?

Does the TiVo ever see the TA?

Has the cableco given you a different TA?

I would try the following... unhook the USB cable between TiVo and TA. power cycle TiVo and TA... Pay attention to the flash patterns on TA. If the led goes off and stays off, press the power button. Ultimately, the TA led should go on solid. Then and only then, plug in the usb cable... You should then get the 'ta found' screen.
And if you don't get the rotating symbol with "acquiring channels", do whatever you have to do to get it. Unplug/plug the USB again and if that doesn't do it, reboot the TiVo again.

[dolfer]

channels reappeared... didn't have to do anything.

[Effinay]

The wife just called and the 8 blinks on the TA are back!!! I almost believe that Time Warner is doing this just to annoy us TiVo users in the hopes that we will give up and get one of their POS DVRs.

So now I get to go home this evening and sit on the phone for 30 minutes with some tech support person who has never heard of a tuning adapter...

[Grumock]

The wife just called and the 8 blinks on the TA are back!!! I almost believe that Time Warner is doing this just to annoy us TiVo users in the hopes that we will give up and get one of their POS DVRs.

So now I get to go home this evening and sit on the phone for 30 minutes with some tech support person who has never heard of a tuning adapter...

just tell them to go into the 07 screen & hit "Enter", but have your USB cord unplugged when they do. Sometimes that hit will make the TA light go off, & you will then have to hit the power button. Other times it will just make the light go solid & you can then reconnect your USB cord & as long as the TIVo see it you will be good. On Rare occasions that hit will not make the light change & you will have to reboot the TA with the USB disconnected. Wait for the light to go back to solid after it starts blinking though. If for some reason it does not go to solid & goes back to the 8 blink pattern it will be Cable Card Support Desk time & you should ask to be xferred to them. They will have to call the Head End (DNCS) & have them restage the TA.

[Stormspace]

The wife just called and the 8 blinks on the TA are back!!! I almost believe that Time Warner is doing this just to annoy us TiVo users in the hopes that we will give up and get one of their POS DVRs.

So now I get to go home this evening and sit on the phone for 30 minutes with some tech support person who has never heard of a tuning adapter...

You could do what I'm doing and give them back the TA and Cable cards. However when you call them to have digital cable removed from your plan they'll tell you your rate is going up as a result.

[Grumock]

You could do what I'm doing and give them back the TA and Cable cards. However when you call them to have digital cable removed from your plan they'll tell you your rate is going up as a result.

good way to cut down on the headache meds LOL

[Effinay]

Contstant blinking today on the TA. Rebooted everything.... waited 30 minutes... no go. Rebooted everything again while I called TW. Wouldn't you know it, as soon as I'm connected to a rep, the TA goes solid and the TiVo sees it and starts aquiring channel data.

Here's the disturbing part. I asked the rep why so many of us are having issues with the TAs. His reply was, "None of us here know of any issues anywhere with the tuning adapters. I've been here over 5 months and I've never had a call about a TA. We aren't aware of any users having issues."

That got me a little ticked, considering this thread alone is riddled with horror storied of countless people having the SAME EXACT ISSUES with their TAs.

GD it TW! Get your act together!!!

/end rant.

[kevin120]

Add Dallas to the list of cites that have SDV as of april 5th they are moving most of our HD to SDV no SD channels are affected at this time:up:.



Have to give credit to SteveGoTex at broadband reports for uploading the above image.

We have 5 open analogs right now so they are freeing up 14QAMs on April 5th.

[dlfl]

Contstant blinking today on the TA. Rebooted everything.... waited 30 minutes... no go. Rebooted everything again while I called TW. Wouldn't you know it, as soon as I'm connected to a rep, the TA goes solid and the TiVo sees it and starts aquiring channel data.

Here's the disturbing part. I asked the rep why so many of us are having issues with the TAs. His reply was, "None of us here know of any issues anywhere with the tuning adapters. I've been here over 5 months and I've never had a call about a TA. We aren't aware of any users having issues."

That got me a little ticked, considering this thread alone is riddled with horror storied of countless people having the SAME EXACT ISSUES with their TAs.

GD it TW! Get your act together!!!

/end rant.
Nothing new here -- and don't hold your breath expecting it to improve. TWC volunteered to provide TA's just to get the FCC off their back, i.e., so SDV channels could not be viewed as a "reduction in service" to one-way UDCP users (i.e., mostly TiVo's). They have no business incentive to care about how well TiVo's work -- in fact their incentives grind the other way. And TiVo's are about 0.5% of their digital subscriber base, which is why many TWC people don't deal with a TA or CableCARD for months at a time.

The only thing that might have an impact on TWC is to complain to the FCC and I'm skeptical about that too.

I see we are neighbors. I've had my TA for nine months now and roughly once a month I get the 8-blinks and have to call TWC. About 50% of the time the rep knows how to fix it right away. And that hasn't changed over nine months.

What bothers me even more is the pixelation on SDV channels, which SCSIRAID has proved is a TiVo deficiency. I hear they are working on it and there is hope a software update might fix it.

[CrispyCritter]

What bothers me even more is the pixelation on SDV channels, which SCSIRAID has proved is a TiVo deficiency. I hear they are working on it and there is hope a software update might fix it.
You keep on repeating that, and it's not true. It may be something that TiVo has to fix, but it has not been proven to be TiVo's fault instead of TW's. There is no proof that TiVo has not followed existing standards in their implementation, or that TW is following the standards. All we have is one TW engineer stating what he thinks is wrong, and that in his opinion TiVo is at fault. A TW employee blaming TiVo and you completely accept it?

I'm still very puzzled by the fact that this seems to be quite localized problem - many/most folks are not seeing it. That doesn't fit the explanation given. There is still something unexplained here.

[SCSIRAID]

You keep on repeating that, and it's not true. It may be something that TiVo has to fix, but it has not been proven to be TiVo's fault instead of TW's. There is no proof that TiVo has not followed existing standards in their implementation, or that TW is following the standards. All we have is one TW engineer stating what he thinks is wrong, and that in his opinion TiVo is at fault. A TW employee blaming TiVo and you completely accept it?

I'm still very puzzled by the fact that this seems to be quite localized problem - many/most folks are not seeing it. That doesn't fit the explanation given. There is still something unexplained here.

There certainly IS proof that TiVo is not following MPEG standards. The MPEG spec allows programs to added to or removed from a transport stream. When that happens, the PAT changes and its 'version number' increments. If you put an MPEG real time analyzer on the QAM TiVo is tuned to (which we did), every time the PAT version increments, TiVo macroblocks. The Hewlett Packard MPEG analyzer found absolutely nothing non compliant in the transport stream. TiVo appears to have made an assumption (probably to simplify their sw) that the transport stream will always be 'static'. That is absolutely true for linear QAM and OTA television... however... its not true when you introduce SDV into the mix.

Whether a user see it depends totally on whether the QAM they are watching gets a stream added or removed. This depends on the 'load' on the SDV system and whether folks are 'surfing' or watching statically. If you tune to a 'full' QAM and the others watching that QAM stay put, there will be no macroblocking.

Be glad you arent seeing it. It would drive you nuts if you were.

[NiteCourt]

Every month since last October I've had to call TW since my TA goes into the 8 blink brick mode. In December they sent a tech out because they said it was a problem on my end. He couldn't find anything wrong. On March 4th (the same day my bill was cut) it went out again. This time they couldn't get it working so they scheduled a truck roll for the next day. Of course he didn't have a TA with him but the whole scheduled appt. was to replace the TA! The exact same thing happened about a year ago when they were to replace a cable card. I made the the tech stop anyway and he finally got it working again. I don't know how TW functions as a company.

[Stormspace]

You keep on repeating that, and it's not true. It may be something that TiVo has to fix, but it has not been proven to be TiVo's fault instead of TW's. There is no proof that TiVo has not followed existing standards in their implementation, or that TW is following the standards. All we have is one TW engineer stating what he thinks is wrong, and that in his opinion TiVo is at fault. A TW employee blaming TiVo and you completely accept it?

I'm still very puzzled by the fact that this seems to be quite localized problem - many/most folks are not seeing it. That doesn't fit the explanation given. There is still something unexplained here.

I was seeing it as well. No where near DLFL.

[CrispyCritter]

I was seeing it as well. No where near DLFL.
Yes, I think it's been verified in at least 3 different systems, although it's tough to separate out the normal random attacks of pixelation from what SCSIRAID and others are seeing. It's definitely a very real compatibility problem that needs attention.

But if the root cause is as simple as SCSIRAID's explanation, it should be seen everywhere just as badly as he sees it and that's not the case. What he describes seems to be a basic failing on the TiVo's part that should affect every SDV system out there equally. But there are a whole lot of SDV'd TiVos, and the reports seem to be only from a few locations. Perhaps those locations are the only ones with a heavily loaded SDV system so that they need to add and remove streams from a QAM, but that seems unlikely. I'm not convinced we have the whole story yet.

[dlfl]

Yes, I think it's been verified in at least 3 different systems, although it's tough to separate out the normal random attacks of pixelation from what SCSIRAID and others are seeing. It's definitely a very real compatibility problem that needs attention.

But if the root cause is as simple as SCSIRAID's explanation, it should be seen everywhere just as badly as he sees it and that's not the case. What he describes seems to be a basic failing on the TiVo's part that should affect every SDV system out there equally. But there are a whole lot of SDV'd TiVos, and the reports seem to be only from a few locations. Perhaps those locations are the only ones with a heavily loaded SDV system so that they need to add and remove streams from a QAM, but that seems unlikely. I'm not convinced we have the whole story yet.
I have no "normal random attacks of pixelation" on my non-SDV channels -- where pixelation is extremely rare.

There are two factors that could lead to a mistaken impression that the "SCSIRAID" effect is localized to only a few TWC locations:

1. SCSIRAID's investigations, which are somewhat unique, have been reported mainly in the TWC Carolinas thread, where it is not likely to be noticed by Cox, Charter, ComCast, etc. subscribers, and less likely to be noticed by TWC subscribers in other regions. Seeing his posts prompts people having the same problem to post, and vice-versa.

2. You may not be noticing SDV pixelation posts as much as some of us who have the problem and thus tend to search out such posts. For example, **this thread** (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=7697883#post7697883), which includes complaints from other cable systems and places.

We may never know the "whole story". TiVo may know it but probably wouldn't tell us if they did. SCSIRAID has at least given us a major piece of the story.

[CrispyCritter]

2. You may not be noticing SDV pixelation posts as much as some of us who have the problem and thus tend to search out such posts. For example, **this thread** (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=7697883#post7697883), which includes complaints from other cable systems and places.

We may never know the "whole story". TiVo may know it but probably wouldn't tell us if they did. SCSIRAID has at least given us a major piece of the story.
I'm not trying to diminish the importance of SCSIRAID's investigation. It's excellent work and indicates a problem for both TiVo and TW to look into.

But there are many potential causes of pixelation, and even of pixelation on just SDV channels, and even of pixelation with 0 RSS errors (which I see often, with no SDV). A good number of the reports in the thread you cite (which I follow) and other threads are not the same problem. People reporting pixelation starting and intermittently continuing for 45 minutes are probably not the same problem, as I understand the issue. People reporting constant pixelation on only one channel are almost certainly not the same problem. Some of the reports have symptoms matching much better, and are potentially the same issue. Nyijedi is almost certainly the same problem, though Time-Warner in the NYC area has lots of other issues also!

Given that perhaps 20% of cable users have SDV, and therefore I assume 20% of the members here, we are not getting the number of complaints I would expect from a problem that SCSIRAID describes as "Be glad you arent seeing it. It would drive you nuts if you were." I also am not seeing reports of the timing correlation that SCSIRAID observes and is good evidence of the conjecture that stream addition is causing his problems. Unless we understand why we aren't getting those reports, I'm reluctant to conclude that SCSIRAID's explanation (which would affect TiVos on every SDV system out there) is the complete answer.

[dlfl]

I'm not trying to diminish the importance of SCSIRAID's investigation. It's excellent work and indicates a problem for both TiVo and TW to look into..................... .
That's good --- I was confused by your earlier response to my post where you seemed to toss off his work with: "A TW employee blaming TiVo and you completely accept it?" ;)

What would you expect TWC to "look into" if the mpeg2 analyzer says their signal meets standards?. :confused:

[SCSIRAID]

Crispy asks some reasonable questions... It surely seems that many more folks should be seeing this. The only explanations that I can offer are 1) People are not recognizing that the issue is limited to SDV or that the SDV breakups are somehow 'different' from 'run of the mill' random pixelations that are seen on both TiVo and Cisco equipment, 2) They arent seeing them because the usage habits of folks in their service groups arent causing TS updates 3) Their systems simply dont have much interesting stuff on SDV. Here in the Carolina's, virtually ALL of the non-premium HD content is SDV. That pretty much assures good probability of seeing the issue if you are watching HD. The issue has been reported in not just TWC but also Cablevision areas. It has been reported on both Cisco and BigBand equipment. I would expect to hear more complaints about it and I cant explain why that isnt happening. However, there is not a grain of doubt in my mind as to what the issue is and where the problem lies.

I did discuss with TWC whether it would be possible to implement an SDV system with preallocated programs which would yield a static PAT. This wouldnt excite the issue... but TWC Engineering stated that it didnt meet MPEG specs and that wasnt the way Cisco or BigBand worked. From my reading of the spec, I agree with them as if the PAT didnt change version numbers, the receiver of a stream would not be aware of any content changes. It probably wouldnt matter to a TiVo like implementation but the spec has to cover ALL usages. Even if such a system DID exist, it doesnt change the fact that the current TiVo implementation cannot handle an MPEG standard transport stream and that TiVo needs to get in line with the MPEG standard.

[kevin120]

Crispy asks some reasonable questions... It surely seems that many more folks should be seeing this. The only explanations that I can offer are 1) People are not recognizing that the issue is limited to SDV or that the SDV breakups are somehow 'different' from 'run of the mill' random pixelations that are seen on both TiVo and Cisco equipment, 2) They arent seeing them because the usage habits of folks in their service groups arent causing TS updates 3) Their systems simply dont have much interesting stuff on SDV. Here in the Carolina's, virtually ALL of the non-premium HD content is SDV. That pretty much assures good probability of seeing the issue if you are watching HD. The issue has been reported in not just TWC but also Cablevision areas. It has been reported on both Cisco and BigBand equipment. I would expect to hear more complaints about it and I cant explain why that isnt happening. However, there is not a grain of doubt in my mind as to what the issue is and where the problem lies.


I did discuss with TWC whether it would be possible to implement an SDV system with preallocated programs which would yield a static PAT. This wouldnt excite the issue... but TWC Engineering stated that it didnt meet MPEG specs and that wasnt the way Cisco or BigBand worked. From my reading of the spec, I agree with them as if the PAT didnt change version numbers, the receiver of a stream would not be aware of any content changes. It probably wouldnt matter to a TiVo like implementation but the spec has to cover ALL usages. Even if such a system DID exist, it doesnt change the fact that the current TiVo implementation cannot handle an MPEG standard transport stream and that TiVo needs to get in line with the MPEG standard.

that wont work as the SDV protocol calls for the x-xxxx channel designation this is not a TWC decision it is industry standard whether you use Motorola, Cisco, or bigband SDV servers they all do this it is probrably a SCTE standard.

Also there has not been a problem with motorola tuning adapter pixelating on SDV channels using bigband SDV servers. so this is a cisco problem with the Conditional Access and tuning adapter.

Did you know that the color bars test pattern is a SCTE standard so they have standards due to euipment compatibility requirements.

Twc Dallas gets to try out SDV starting on april 5th only the HD expanded channels are going except for the popular HBO HD,SHO, and HDPPV now has replays going so they dont want it to kick you off of your program and you loose your money due to system issues such as timeout.

They have 30 and 40 dollar events on HDPPV everyday even if it is replays and the adult programs late at night.

[SCSIRAID]

that wont work as the SDV protocol calls for the x-xxxx channel designation this is not a TWC decision it is industry standard whether you use Motorola, Cisco, or bigband SDV servers they all do this it is probrably a SCTE standard.

Also there has not been a problem with motorola tuning adapter pixelating on SDV channels using bigband SDV servers. so this is a cisco problem with the Conditional Access and tuning adapter.

Did you know that the color bars test pattern is a SCTE standard so they have standards due to euipment compatibility requirements.

Twc Dallas gets to try out SDV starting on april 5th only the HD expanded channels are going except for the popular HBO HD,SHO, and HDPPV now has replays going so they dont want it to kick you off of your program and you loose your money due to system issues such as timeout.

They have 30 and 40 dollar events on HDPPV everyday even if it is replays and the adult programs late at night.

The 'channel number' is not what I suggested be static. The suggestion was that the 'program number' in the mpeg stream be static.... and as I said in my post, I agree that its not in compliance with the standard. I believe it 'would' work for TiVo but its not going to get the chance because its non standard.

The tuning adapter in this case has nothing to do with the pixelation. The issue is TiVo dumping the CP encrypton nexus when it sees the PAT version increase.

TWC Austin is a Cisco plant using BigBand SDV and it shows the problem as reported by several folks there....

[kevin120]

The 'channel number' is not what I suggested be static. The suggestion was that the 'program number' in the mpeg stream be static.... and as I said in my post, I agree that its not in compliance with the standard. I believe it 'would' work for TiVo but its not going to get the chance because its non standard.

The tuning adapter in this case has nothing to do with the pixelation. The issue is TiVo dumping the CP encrypton nexus when it sees the PAT version increase.

TWC Austin is a Cisco plant using BigBand SDV and it shows the problem as reported by several folks there....

you total ignored that I said the motorola tuning adapter using the bigband solution does not have any pixelation with SDV channels, because TWC maines motorola areas deployed the bigband solution and the MTR700 had no problems and no pixelation on SDV channels.

I already knew that austin uses bigband with SA boxes so the problems is not the tivo it is cisco.

[denispelletier]

There certainly IS proof that TiVo is not following MPEG standards. The MPEG spec allows programs to added to or removed from a transport stream. When that happens, the PAT changes and its 'version number' increments. If you put an MPEG real time analyzer on the QAM TiVo is tuned to (which we did), every time the PAT version increments, TiVo macroblocks. The Hewlett Packard MPEG analyzer found absolutely nothing non compliant in the transport stream. TiVo appears to have made an assumption (probably to simplify their sw) that the transport stream will always be 'static'. That is absolutely true for linear QAM and OTA television... however... its not true when you introduce SDV into the mix.

Whether a user see it depends totally on whether the QAM they are watching gets a stream added or removed. This depends on the 'load' on the SDV system and whether folks are 'surfing' or watching statically. If you tune to a 'full' QAM and the others watching that QAM stay put, there will be no macroblocking.

Be glad you arent seeing it. It would drive you nuts if you were.

I'm a Time Warner costumer in Cary, NC and I have this macroblock/pixelisation problem big time with SDV channels. At this point, would it make a difference if I get in touch with TiVo to complain about this?

[SCSIRAID]

I'm a Time Warner costumer in Cary, NC and I have this macroblock/pixelisation problem big time with SDV channels. At this point, would it make a difference if I get in touch with TiVo to complain about this?

They already know. Someone posted that they called TiVo and was told that a fix was in progress. I have no conformation of that though. Never hurts to add your voice though.

Im in Apex so Im in the same boat.

[SCSIRAID]

you total ignored that I said the motorola tuning adapter using the bigband solution does not have any pixelation with SDV channels, because TWC maines motorola areas deployed the bigband solution and the MTR700 had no problems and no pixelation on SDV channels.

I already knew that austin uses bigband with SA boxes so the problems is not the tivo it is cisco.

With all due respect, we have proven that the problem lies with TiVo. We monitored the MPEG TS with a Tektronix real time analyzer and found that every time the PAT version number changed indicating a program addition or deletion to the transport stream, TiVo macroblocked. The analyzer did not flag any MPEG protocol violations in the stream. As you pointed out previously... there is only one MPEG spec and everybody, including TiVo, Cisco and Motorola have to follow it.

The brand of tuning adapter should have no bearing on the situation as its not involved in the mpeg transport stream decoding. I doubt that BigBand does anything different in its SDV server or edge QAM between a motorola plant or a cisco plant relative to TS generation.

[Stormspace]

Crispy asks some reasonable questions... It surely seems that many more folks should be seeing this. The only explanations that I can offer are 1) People are not recognizing that the issue is limited to SDV or that the SDV breakups are somehow 'different' from 'run of the mill' random pixelations that are seen on both TiVo and Cisco equipment, 2) They arent seeing them because the usage habits of folks in their service groups arent causing TS updates 3) Their systems simply dont have much interesting stuff on SDV. Here in the Carolina's, virtually ALL of the non-premium HD content is SDV. That pretty much assures good probability of seeing the issue if you are watching HD. The issue has been reported in not just TWC but also Cablevision areas. It has been reported on both Cisco and BigBand equipment. I would expect to hear more complaints about it and I cant explain why that isnt happening. However, there is not a grain of doubt in my mind as to what the issue is and where the problem lies.

I did discuss with TWC whether it would be possible to implement an SDV system with preallocated programs which would yield a static PAT. This wouldnt excite the issue... but TWC Engineering stated that it didnt meet MPEG specs and that wasnt the way Cisco or BigBand worked. From my reading of the spec, I agree with them as if the PAT didnt change version numbers, the receiver of a stream would not be aware of any content changes. It probably wouldnt matter to a TiVo like implementation but the spec has to cover ALL usages. Even if such a system DID exist, it doesnt change the fact that the current TiVo implementation cannot handle an MPEG standard transport stream and that TiVo needs to get in line with the MPEG standard.

I've seen macroblocking happen quite a bit, but generally it's only a second or two and it goes away. One or two times the macroblocking has been so bad the show was unwatchable. The issues seemed to be a hit and miss and by the time I was watching the recorded show the issues weren't happening on the effected channels.

[SCSIRAID]

I've seen macroblocking happen quite a bit, but generally it's only a second or two and it goes away. One or two times the macroblocking has been so bad the show was unwatchable. The issues seemed to be a hit and miss and by the time I was watching the recorded show the issues weren't happening on the effected channels.

I havent seen anything where it goes on 'constantly' but even one hit a minute can be very annoying. The hits did take about a second to resolve. About the only way to reasonabally 'prove' that its the same issue is to also record the show on an 8300 and check TiVo's RS Uncorrected error count before the show finishes recording. If its this issue, you will find no uncorrected errors on TiVo... A perfect recording on the 8300... and glitches on the TiVo recording. I even did multiple TiVo's and the glitches repeated exactly between the two.

[kevin120]

With all due respect, we have proven that the problem lies with TiVo. We monitored the MPEG TS with a Tektronix real time analyzer and found that every time the PAT version number changed indicating a program addition or deletion to the transport stream, TiVo macroblocked. The analyzer did not flag any MPEG protocol violations in the stream. As you pointed out previously... there is only one MPEG spec and everybody, including TiVo, Cisco and Motorola have to follow it.

The brand of tuning adapter should have no bearing on the situation as its not involved in the mpeg transport stream decoding. I doubt that BigBand does anything different in its SDV server or edge QAM between a motorola plant or a cisco plant relative to TS generation.

could the tivo process mediacypher and power key differently it is possible and this could explain the differences.

[SCSIRAID]

could the tivo process mediacypher and power key differently it is possible and this could explain the differences.

The TiVo doesnt process 'CA Encryption' (Conditional Availability aka Mediacypher and Powerkey). That is all done in the cablecard and hidden from us 'outsiders'. The issue is around 'CP Encryption'. TiVo is likely killing the existing CP encryption nexus when the PAT changes. CP (Copy Protection) is the encryption used between the cablecard and the UDCP.

[SCSIRAID]

could the tivo process mediacypher and power key differently it is possible and this could explain the differences.

Whoa... Eureka?.!... One difference could be that Motorola Cable cards may have chosen to not enable CP encryption when CA Encryption is enabled and CCI = 00. The early versions of the Cablecard Copy Protection spec says no CP encryption in that case but later versions made it optional. Cisco Cablecards DO turn on CP encryption in this case. So... if you are on a Motorola plant that uses CCI=00 for SDV channels AND Motorola cablecards do not force CP encryption for CCI=00 then the TiVo issue wont be excited and you wont see any issue..... If CCI= non00 then the spec requires CP encryption which should see the issue.

This could be an explanation of why many dont see it.

[CrispyCritter]

Whoa... Eureka?.!... One difference could be that Motorola Cable cards may have chosen to not enable CP encryption when CA Encryption is enabled and CCI = 00. The early versions of the Cablecard Copy Protection spec says no CP encryption in that case but later versions made it optional. Cisco Cablecards DO turn on CP encryption in this case. So... if you are on a Motorola plant that uses CCI=00 for SDV channels AND Motorola cablecards do not force CP encryption for CCI=00 then the TiVo issue wont be excited and you wont see any issue..... If CCI= non00 then the spec requires CP encryption which should see the issue.

This could be an explanation of why many dont see it.
I think that could be a very reasonable explanation (you know much more about the technical details than I do). Congratulations!

One quick question: what is being bundled together when we're talking about the PAT version being incremented? Is it all SDV streams being bundled into one stream, or is it only those at one QAM frequency, or a group of QAM frequencies? I've been looking, but since the official ISO docs are off-line, I haven't been able to find anything on the web that describes this process.

[SCSIRAID]

I think that could be a very reasonable explanation (you know much more about the technical details than I do). Congratulations!

One quick question: what is being bundled together when we're talking about the PAT version being incremented? Is it all SDV streams being bundled into one stream, or is it only those at one QAM frequency, or a group of QAM frequencies? I've been looking, but since the official ISO docs are off-line, I haven't been able to find anything on the web that describes this process.

The PAT is only concerned with the programs on that specific Transport Stream on that specific QAM. There is only one Transport stream per QAM.

[CrispyCritter]

The PAT is only concerned with the programs on that specific Transport Stream on that specific QAM. There is only one Transport stream per QAM.
Thanks. One of the theories I have about why we aren't seeing more pixelation is that the cable companies that are still ramping up their SDV may be limiting their channels per QAM for the time being. Thus a channel addition will affect fewer other streams in those locations as compared to a fully loaded implementation like you apparently have.

[SCSIRAID]

Thanks. One of the theories I have about why we aren't seeing more pixelation is that the cable companies that are still ramping up their SDV may be limiting their channels per QAM for the time being. Thus a channel addition will affect fewer other streams in those locations as compared to a fully loaded implementation like you apparently have.

True. Here, I believe they allow 2 HD and 2 SD per QAM. If a system is 3 HD per QAM you have less chance of being hit (2 other slots which a program could be added or deleted as opposed to 3)

[Pilot20]

I'm on TWC in South Texas.

I've had my Tivo HD for over two years.

Until about two months ago, I was just on the expanded basic package, and had a few HD channels from QAM.

I then decided to upgrade to the Digital Tier with a cable card as most of the QAM channels had disappeared. Installing the cable card was a real pain, as none of the techs here knew anything about them.

After many truck rolls and phone calls, we finally got the cable card (Scientific Atlanta “M” card in slot 1) working. It had not been configured properly on their end.

Last week, TWC moved to SDV. Now, I need a tuning adapter to get most of the channels that I want.

I thought the cable card installation was a pain, but this has been ridiculous.

I went to the retail center to pick up the tuning adapter (Cisco). I'm pretty knowledgeable about such stuff, so I had no trouble connecting it to my Tivo.

However, I couldn't get a steady green light no matter what I did.

Now the fun begins. TWC sent out 4 techs at the same time. They said that it was a training trip as I was the only one here that needed the adapter. They had no idea what they were doing. They checked my signal, called the Nat'l Service Desk, and determined that the tuning adapter was defective. I went back to the Retail Center to get another. Brought it home and again, no steady green light. I called the Nat'l Service Desk and after numerous reboots etc., was told that I had a bad box. So, I went back to the Retail Center and got a third box.

Got it home...no steady green light.

Called the local TWC number and was told that a tech was on the way. I said if he didn't have another box with him, that he was wasting his time. A few hours later, the tech called and said that the tuning adapter was not configured properly on their end, and that it should now work. It didn’t'.

TWC is scheduled again for this PM. I don't have much faith that they will get it working anytime soon. They seem to be out of tuning adapters.

I have made so many phone calls and have had to go through the same song and dance on each call, and I am really getting discouraged.

Could I possibly have 3 bad boxes? The Retail Center said that that is all that they have as there is little demand for them.

It is my understanding from the Service Desk that the box should boot up with a series of green light blinks, and then a steady green, even if the box is not connected to anything but power.

I am getting power to the box as I can get the non SDV channels with the cable routed through the box.

Tivo can see the adapter, but doing a channel test indicates "no channels available" and I never get the “acquiring channels” screen.

I have rebooted the Tivo and tuning adapter numerous times, and tried with and without the USB cable. Nothing I try gets a steady green light.

Any suggestions would be helpful.

Thanks.

[jmbissell]

I'm on TWC in South Texas.

I've had my Tivo HD for over two years.

Until about two months ago, I was just on the expanded basic package, and had a few HD channels from QAM.

I then decided to upgrade to the Digital Tier with a cable card as most of the QAM channels had disappeared. Installing the cable card was a real pain, as none of the techs here knew anything about them.

After many truck rolls and phone calls, we finally got the cable card (Scientific Atlanta “M” card in slot 1) working. It had not been configured properly on their end.

Last week, TWC moved to SDV. Now, I need a tuning adapter to get most of the channels that I want.

I thought the cable card installation was a pain, but this has been ridiculous.

I went to the retail center to pick up the tuning adapter (Cisco). I'm pretty knowledgeable about such stuff, so I had no trouble connecting it to my Tivo.

However, I couldn't get a steady green light no matter what I did.

Now the fun begins. TWC sent out 4 techs at the same time. They said that it was a training trip as I was the only one here that needed the adapter. They had no idea what they were doing. They checked my signal, called the Nat'l Service Desk, and determined that the tuning adapter was defective. I went back to the Retail Center to get another. Brought it home and again, no steady green light. I called the Nat'l Service Desk and after numerous reboots etc., was told that I had a bad box. So, I went back to the Retail Center and got a third box.

Got it home...no steady green light.

Called the local TWC number and was told that a tech was on the way. I said if he didn't have another box with him, that he was wasting his time. A few hours later, the tech called and said that the tuning adapter was not configured properly on their end, and that it should now work. It didn’t'.

TWC is scheduled again for this PM. I don't have much faith that they will get it working anytime soon. They seem to be out of tuning adapters.

I have made so many phone calls and have had to go through the same song and dance on each call, and I am really getting discouraged.

Could I possibly have 3 bad boxes? The Retail Center said that that is all that they have as there is little demand for them.

It is my understanding from the Service Desk that the box should boot up with a series of green light blinks, and then a steady green, even if the box is not connected to anything but power.

I am getting power to the box as I can get the non SDV channels with the cable routed through the box.

Tivo can see the adapter, but doing a channel test indicates "no channels available" and I never get the “acquiring channels” screen.

I have rebooted the Tivo and tuning adapter numerous times, and tried with and without the USB cable. Nothing I try gets a steady green light.

Any suggestions would be helpful.

Thanks.

I had similar problems (though I didn't swap out boxes) when first trying to hook up my TA. The light just kept blinking. TWC wanted to roll a truck but I figured that would be worthless. I asked for the National Cable Card Support Center but the tech had no knowledge of such a group. On a tip from this forum, I contacted TiVo and the tech there had the number and connected me. She even stayed on the line while the NCCC tech looked at the problem. It turned out that my account was not flagged properly for the TA (I'm not sure excatly what they set on your account to enable the TA) so that no amount of effort on my part was going to fix it. He fiddled w/ the account info and almost immediately everything worked.

Lately I've been having a lot of trouble w/ THD freezing. t did it twice yesterday - no response to the remote, black screen. Rebooting solved the problem but this has now been happening so frequently that it must be similar to the other TA problems reported here. THD never froze when I was just on analog cable.

[Pilot20]

I had similar problems (though I didn't swap out boxes) when first trying to hook up my TA. The light just kept blinking. TWC wanted to roll a truck but I figured that would be worthless. I asked for the National Cable Card Support Center but the tech had no knowledge of such a group. On a tip from this forum, I contacted TiVo and the tech there had the number and connected me. She even stayed on the line while the NCCC tech looked at the problem. It turned out that my account was not flagged properly for the TA (I'm not sure excatly what they set on your account to enable the TA) so that no amount of effort on my part was going to fix it. He fiddled w/ the account info and almost immediately everything worked.

Lately I've been having a lot of trouble w/ THD freezing. t did it twice yesterday - no response to the remote, black screen. Rebooting solved the problem but this has now been happening so frequently that it must be similar to the other TA problems reported here. THD never froze when I was just on analog cable.

Thanks for the tip on calling TIVO. I considered that, but assumed that they wouldn't be much help. I will give them a call.

[Thess]

They already know. Someone posted that they called TiVo and was told that a fix was in progress. I have no conformation of that though. Never hurts to add your voice though.

Im in Apex so Im in the same boat.

Over in Durham. For what little it's worth, a friend and I (the friend lives about 2 miles away) have identical TiVoHD/TWC/TA setups and we both see major macroblocking issues on our SDV channels, particularly DSC and Syfy. My recording of Caprica from the SyfyHD airing two Fridays ago was all but unwatchable, and I had to re-record another (middle of the night) airing. My husband and the friend both complain about it ruining a lot of Mythbusters episodes. (I realize it's not show-specific, but if I'm following some of the theories correctly, it would make sense that we see it much worse during shows that air at primetime?)

Anyway--I just wanted to get a small amount of whining in, and also thank the folks who are trying so hard to track this problem down.

[dlfl]

Roughly once a month I get the 8-blinks. A few times it has been fixed quickly by local (Southwest Ohio) support, but usually I end up talking to the National Cable Card Support (NCCS) desk.

A new wrinkle this time: The local CSR said he was transferring me to "Level 3 Support". When I asked he said that was local. Well he transferred me to the national support desk for internet services. They of course could do nothing and transferred me back to local support -- where I was starting all over again. They sent some signals (which they could not describe in any understandable terms) but after 20 minutes still no joy.

So I finallly ended up at NCCS and they sent signals that finally fixed it, after some reboots, etc. Another 1:15 hrs wasted.

The NCCS guy made some interesting comments:
1. There is a time-out of 30 days on TA's. They are supposed to get a refresh signal automatically ("Balancing" hit I think) before the 30 days expires, but he suspects this isn't working. This would be consistent with my experience.
2. He has heard there is another TA software update in the works that will address a number of problems -- but no specifics available yet.

[cdeckert219]

I just gotta say it... the tuning adapter solution is the most flaky, frustrating piece of electronics I've ever had. I have to unplug and reinsert the USB adapter 5-6 times a week when it loses connectivity with the TiVo. It reboots at least once a week... and won't reconnect with the TiVo unless I reboot the TiVo, also. I'd love to toss it out!

TWC in San Diego...

[bongoherbert]

I should probably also mention this too..... I can't say absolutely that it is due to the TA but the evidence does seem to be pointing to it.

When I installed TA on my S3... Suggestions stopped recording. About 2 weeks later I got a TA for my wife's THD... shortly thereafter she complained that her TiVo wasnt recording suggestions anymore. Ive had 2 suggestions record in about 2 weeks. Same for her.

Anybody else seeing this? There is another thread on this subject where it seems that all the people exhibiting it had TA's....

Yep. Me too. Ever since the TA.

I called in to TiVo (actually did their on-line chat). We did a little dance and rebooted, eventually I started receiving suggestions again. Then, a few days ago, I was getting alerts that my guide data was running out (even though I had two weeks worth). I called in again, they told me to do a reboot, and had me force a connection right after it came back up. Another reboot and that fixed the guide-data issue, but now, you guessed it, no more suggestion recording. I've always been a fan of the suggestions, so I'm sort of sad to not have 'em.

But- on the plus side, magically, the HD streaming of netflix is working pretty well. Give a little, get a little.

[Effinay]

Anyone know if the new TiVo Premier boxes will need a tuning adapter, as well? Are they just a revamped TiVo HD?

[pmiranda]

Anyone know if the new TiVo Premier boxes will need a tuning adapter, as well? Are they just a revamped TiVo HD?

As far as I can tell, they still need a TA. It's pretty much just a refresh of the TiVo HD with new user interface software on a faster processor. There might be some juicy new hardware hiding inside but nothing has been announced that I know of. I'd expect it can do transfers from the PC faster. I actually don't like what little I've seen of the new UI so I'll be sticking with my S3.

[dlfl]

As far as I can tell, they still need a TA. It's pretty much just a refresh of the TiVo HD with new user interface software on a faster processor. There might be some juicy new hardware hiding inside but nothing has been announced that I know of. I'd expect it can do transfers from the PC faster. I actually don't like what little I've seen of the new UI so I'll be sticking with my S3.
Yes TA's are still required. Transfer speeds are MUCH improved.

See bkdtv's excellent FAQ sticky thread (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=7805469#post7805469), which includes transfer benchmarks.

He says the new UI is too slow and this is being worked on. The old "classic" interface is selectable and runs faster than previous models.

[apsarkis]

Yes TA's are still required.

This is the most disappointing lack of a feature. After all the issues we continue to have with our S3 and HD on TWC with their TA's, there's no way my wife will let us get another Tivo until they build in SDV handling into their design.

Perry

[Effinay]

Yes TA's are still required. Transfer speeds are MUCH improved.

See bkdtv's excellent FAQ sticky thread (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=7805469#post7805469), which includes transfer benchmarks.

He says the new UI is too slow and this is being worked on. The old "classic" interface is selectable and runs faster than previous models.

Thank you both. Good to know. I was thinking of getting one to replace my S2DT in my bedroom. Maybe I'll wait awhile and see what other issues it has after it gets some real world testing.

[pmiranda]

This is the most disappointing lack of a feature. After all the issues we continue to have with our S3 and HD on TWC with their TA's, there's no way my wife will let us get another Tivo until they build in SDV handling into their design.

Perry

Judging by how often I missed recordings with TW's own DVR on SDV channels, I'm not very disappointed with my TiVo and a TA. It's kludgey and not pretty to look at, but it's roughly functional. If TiVo would implement a feature to attempt tuning more than once then it would be just fine with me.

[aine]

Yes TA's are still required. Transfer speeds are MUCH improved.
What about the well-known bug where a Series2 TiVo cannot transfer from a TiVo HD with a TA attached? The TiVo HD's NPL as seen on the Series2 is always empty.

All the transfer speed in the world doesn't help with the TA disables transfers!

[dlfl]

What about the well-known bug where a Series2 TiVo cannot transfer from a TiVo HD with a TA attached? The TiVo HD's NPL as seen on the Series2 is always empty.

All the transfer speed in the world doesn't help with the TA disables transfers!
According to **this post** (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=7842134#post7842134) from a TiVo employee, Series 3 software update 11.0f, now being tested and due to be pushed out within a week, will address this problem.

Thus it would be bizarre if the problem existed in the Premiere.

[dcstager]

There have been firmware updates for the Cisco TA since Time Warner put out the last one here in Austin. Since we Tivo people are still getting errors with SDV tuning with the new Tivo update, maybe it's time for TW to obtain and push out the latest firmware just on the chance it addresses the issues Tivo users are still having.

[mihalik]

I really wish TW would get this figured out. I've had my Tuning Adapter for over a year now but I've had nothing but problems with it. My Tivo now locks up at least once a week since I hooked it up. And now it has gone into the 8-blinks state and I've called and they don't know how to fix it without sending someone out. I'm gonna try again tomorrow to see if I can get them to transfer me to the NCCS to resolve this without a truck roll.

[dlfl]

I really wish TW would get this figured out. I've had my Tuning Adapter for over a year now but I've had nothing but problems with it. My Tivo now locks up at least once a week since I hooked it up. And now it has gone into the 8-blinks state and I've called and they don't know how to fix it without sending someone out. I'm gonna try again tomorrow to see if I can get them to transfer me to the NCCS to resolve this without a truck roll.
You need to get their National Cable Card Support desk involved, See **this** (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=7737675#post7737675). I get 8-blinks once per month and a truck roll has NEVER been the solution. In most cases it just takes the right few key strokes on their keyboard, plus power cycling your TA with the USB unplugged and some times rebooting your TiVo to make it do the "acquiring channels" thing.

[mvnuenen]

This is the most disappointing lack of a feature. After all the issues we continue to have with our S3 and HD on TWC with their TA's, there's no way my wife will let us get another Tivo until they build in SDV handling into their design.

Perry

FWITW: I just switched from a Series 3 to the Premiere XL. With that I switched 2 S CableCards to 1 M Card but I did keep the existing SDV adapter TWC had provided last year. With the Series 3 I saw all of the issues reported in this thread (stuttering, macroblocking etc etc). Even while my experience with the XL is less than a week, I have not experienced any of them with the Premiere. I can't give a technical explanation for it (who knows the HDMI 1.1 to HDMI 1.3 even helped) but it sure is appreciated! I wrote more about my PXL impressions in the Premiere area

[SCSIRAID]

FWITW: I just switched from a Series 3 to the Premiere XL. With that I switched 2 S CableCards to 1 M Card but I did keep the existing SDV adapter TWC had provided last year. With the Series 3 I saw all of the issues reported in this thread (stuttering, macroblocking etc etc). Even while my experience with the XL is less than a week, I have not experienced any of them with the Premiere. I can't give a technical explanation for it (who knows the HDMI 1.1 to HDMI 1.3 even helped) but it sure is appreciated! I wrote more about my PXL impressions in the Premiere area

One request please.... keep us posted about TiVo suggestions being recorded with your new XL. One issue folks are seeing with Series 3's with TA's is that suggestions fail to record. Id really like to know if Premier records them fine even with a TA attached.

Thanks,

[mvnuenen]

One request please.... keep us posted about TiVo suggestions being recorded with your new XL. One issue folks are seeing with Series 3's with TA's is that suggestions fail to record. Id really like to know if Premier records them fine even with a TA attached.

Thanks,

I can confirm Premiere XL suggestions records fine the SDV channels (I have already 72 shows recorded by Suggestions from a variety of SDV channels: AnimalPlanet HD, HistoryInt'l HD, LMN HD, SyFy HD and a variety of non-SDV: TBS HD, FOX HD. I quickly scanned a few recorded shows, and all are perfect. No issues whatsoever.

[dlfl]

Three days after getting 11.0g, one (just one!) of my SDV channels showed blank (black) video and no audio. However, no message that the TA didn't provide that channel, etc.

DVR Diagnostics for that channel showed it was successfully tuned. Every parameter, including Signal Lock and Program Lock matched what you would expect for a healthy tuned channel. I re-tuned many times to that channel over a day or so with exactly the same result.

My theory was the TWC system was screwing up and sending a blank signal (this has happened before) and so I waited a day or so before doing anything, figuring it was better to let one of their STB or DVR customers complain and get it fixed. (Since if a TiVo customer complains, all they want to do is roll a truck and imply it's the TiVo's fault.)

After a day with no change I was about to call TWC but figured I should try rebooting the TA first. (I had not rebooted the TA earlier because the light was solid and all other channels were tuning OK.)

Amazingly (to me at least) after the TA reboot this channel (and all other channels) were there. What could explain this? Could this be a "balancing" issue, i.e., for some reason the TA (or CableCARDs ?) didn't think I was authorized for that channel on my account?

EDIT: Think I just answered my own question. I tried to tune to a channel I know I'm not authorized (subscribed) to on my plan, and got exactly this behavior. Is this authorization list stored by the TA, or the CableCARDs, or both?

[SCSIRAID]

Three days after getting 11.0g, one (just one!) of my SDV channels showed blank (black) video and no audio. However, no message that the TA didn't provide that channel, etc.

DVR Diagnostics for that channel showed it was successfully tuned. Every parameter, including Signal Lock and Program Lock matched what you would expect for a healthy tuned channel. I re-tuned many times to that channel over a day or so with exactly the same result.

My theory was the TWC system was screwing up and sending a blank signal (this has happened before) and so I waited a day or so before doing anything, figuring it was better to let one of their STB or DVR customers complain and get it fixed. (Since if a TiVo customer complains, all they want to do is roll a truck and imply it's the TiVo's fault.)

After a day with no change I was about to call TWC but figured I should try rebooting the TA first. (I had not rebooted the TA earlier because the light was solid and all other channels were tuning OK.)

Amazingly (to me at least) after the TA reboot this channel (and all other channels) were there. What could explain this? Could this be a "balancing" issue, i.e., for some reason the TA (or CableCARDs ?) didn't think I was authorized for that channel on my account?

EDIT: Think I just answered my own question. I tried to tune to a channel I know I'm not authorized (subscribed) to on my plan, and got exactly this behavior. Is this authorization list stored by the TA, or the CableCARDs, or both?

The authorizations are in the cablecard. The TA doesnt care if you are authorized or not for a channel.

Im guessing, but it sounds as if the TA gave TiVo a frequency and PID that was at one time valid but that wasnt currently valid when you tuned the channel. It is possible that its mini carousel was corrupt or out of sync with the hub and/or you had temporary reverse channel communications issues leading to a stale mini carousel. The PID may have simply not been present in the transport stream so TiVo wasnt seeing anything.

Did the 'time bar' show that TiVo was buffering video? Could you FF/REW thru the nothingness?

[dlfl]

The authorizations are in the cablecard. The TA doesnt care if you are authorized or not for a channel.
The story I've heard is that when my TA goes 8-blink once per month, the signal they are sending it (which fixes it) is a "balancing" hit, and that that had to do with authorizing the channels I receive. Obviously that doesn't match what you're saying, so what is the balancing hit?

Im guessing, but it sounds as if the TA gave TiVo a frequency and PID that was at one time valid but that wasnt currently valid when you tuned the channel. It is possible that its mini carousel was corrupt or out of sync with the hub and/or you had temporary reverse channel communications issues leading to a stale mini carousel. The PID may have simply not been present in the transport stream so TiVo wasnt seeing anything.
Makes sense, thanks. Geez, too many things that can go wrong (and that aren't self-correcting) -- what a system. :rolleyes:

Did the 'time bar' show that TiVo was buffering video? Could you FF/REW thru the nothingness?
I thought about trying this and I also thought about recording the PID's and comparing them later -- but you know what "thought about" accomplishes! :o
(I was too convinced by my theory about them sending blank video.)

[SCSIRAID]

The story I've heard is that when my TA goes 8-blink once per month, the signal they are sending it (which fixes it) is a "balancing" hit, and that that had to do with authorizing the channels I receive. Obviously that doesn't match what you're saying, so what is the balancing hit?


Makes sense, thanks. Geez, too many things that can go wrong (and that aren't self-correcting) -- what a system. :rolleyes:


I thought about trying this and I also thought about recording the PID's and comparing them later -- but you know what "thought about" accomplishes! :o
(I was too convinced by my theory about them sending blank video.)

The TA hit is about 'authorizing' its basic operation and not around what channels it supports. The TA does zero processing of the actual channel content... it just does a 'tune' as a proxy for the TiVo.

[dlfl]

The TA hit is about 'authorizing' its basic operation and not around what channels it supports. The TA does zero processing of the actual channel content... it just does a 'tune' as a proxy for the TiVo.
So is the hit it takes to overcome 8-blinks properly called a "balancing hit"? Or does their system send several different types of signals together, including the balancing hit, which must go to the CableCARDs ?

[SCSIRAID]

So is the hit it takes to overcome 8-blinks properly called a "balancing hit"? Or does their system send several different types of signals together, including the balancing hit, which must go to the CableCARDs ?

Grumock could probably answer that much better than I... but I believe the balancing hit basically does a complete reauthorization of everything on your account so that all the devices get updated with the current entitlements on the account... i.e. all current and balanced across the account with the billing system info matching the DNCS system. This would be in contrast to just sending a wake up hit to a single device on the account.

[Grumock]

Grumock could probably answer that much better than I... but I believe the balancing hit basically does a complete reauthorization of everything on your account so that all the devices get updated with the current entitlements on the account... i.e. all current and balanced across the account with the billing system info matching the DNCS system. This would be in contrast to just sending a wake up hit to a single device on the account.

You are correct from what I have gathered. :) The "balancing hit" reauthorizes all equipment on the account, not just the TAs. Not sure what hits people are sending to the TAs when not going through the "07" screen.

[dlfl]

When local support or NCCS sends the hits to fix my 8-blinks it seems instantaneous -- there is no delay before either my light pattern changes or they tell me to power-cycle the TA. Yet the TA takes minutes to reboot. What is the TA doing that takes so long?

[Grumock]

When local support or NCCS sends the hits to fix my 8-blinks it seems instantaneous -- there is no delay before either my light pattern changes or they tell me to power-cycle the TA. Yet the TA takes minutes to reboot. What is the TA doing that takes so long?

Think about when you reboot your PC. How long does that take? LOL that is my only answer, even though it's more of my attempt at a joke.

[dlfl]

Think about when you reboot your PC. How long does that take? LOL that is my only answer, even though it's more of my attempt at a joke.
LOL, maybe it uses Windows 3.1.

[cableguy763]

LOL, maybe it uses Windows 3.1.
It actually uses Linux :D

[dlfl]

Following up on ***my recent post*** (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=7870034#post7870034), this morning two of my SDV channels would not tune. Different channels than before. Again the DVR Diagnostics were totally healthy. I did write down the PID's so I could see if they changed later, when able to tune the channels. There was no green progress bar or ability to navigate although one channel had been "tuned" for over two hours (i.e., a missed recording). Again the TA light was solid and other SDV channels were tuning OK.

TA signal levels:
Tuner -2 dBmV, FDC: -4 dBmV, RDC: 38 dBmV

I rebooted the TA, twice and finally rebooted the TiVo. Even after that the channels would not tune. Had to leave it alone for a couple of hours and when I came back the channels would now tune. (????). The PID's were the same as when they wouldn't tune before.

I'm getting a bad feeling about this --- it started right after getting 11.0g. It does appear the SDV pixelation problem is gone but.......having to fiddle with the TA every 2 or 3 days may be a worse problem.

[woodburger]

I am SO frustrated with Time-Warner Austin. Again I find certain subscribed HD channels through the Cisco TA into TiVo won't appear. The latest call made me wait 8A to 8P for the tech who arrived (no call prior) at 8:40PM and was able to tell me the problem was at the street in the feed at the tap, in that certain channels were too hot and others too low. He said that as a service provider to TW he was not allowed to fix it. Said his supervisor would have to verify and then they'd put in a work order. Well, apparently they did that, and the 'work' didn't work, in that I still don't get maybe 60% of the switched digital channels. Heck, maybe I don't get ANY of them, I don't know which is which, but I continue to miss many. Calling TW is an exercise in frustration. Sounded like I was initially speaking with someone for whom English was a second language. I couldn't understand her well and she certainly didn't understand what I was telling her. AGAIN a tech will arrive today.

[dlfl]

I am SO frustrated with Time-Warner Austin. Again I find certain subscribed HD channels through the Cisco TA into TiVo won't appear. The latest call made me wait 8A to 8P for the tech who arrived (no call prior) at 8:40PM and was able to tell me the problem was at the street in the feed at the tap, in that certain channels were too hot and others too low. He said that as a service provider to TW he was not allowed to fix it. Said his supervisor would have to verify and then they'd put in a work order. Well, apparently they did that, and the 'work' didn't work, in that I still don't get maybe 60% of the switched digital channels. Heck, maybe I don't get ANY of them, I don't know which is which, but I continue to miss many. Calling TW is an exercise in frustration. Sounded like I was initially speaking with someone for whom English was a second language. I couldn't understand her well and she certainly didn't understand what I was telling her. AGAIN a tech will arrive today.
With a Cisco TA you can tell whether a channel that you are able to tune is SDV ("switched") or not ("broadcast") like **this** (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=7394726#post7394726).

In my experience you can't get a reliable listing of SDV channels from TWC. This is something 99+% of their customers have no need or interest to know.

[DrSnoCaps]

This is a new one :-/ Same behavior on two different HD Tivos with cable cards and Tuning Adapters...

Disconnect Tuning Adapter and all normal channels (sans the SDV ones) come through.

Connect the Tuning Adapter, wait until it does its thing, and regular HD channels come in but no SDV channels and most basic 2-74 channels are also missing. It seems the basic low def broadcast channels are there but none of the others...

TWC support - as usual and expected at this point - is clueless and worthless. I have no idea what to tell my daughter to do.

Has anyone else experience this kind of behavior???

[darkavich]

I am on my 15th month of troubleshooting my S3 TA issue. What we have determined is the problem is NOT:

Cable Cards
Tuner Adapter
Physical TiVo.
Cable Signal

The have all been replaced. The only things left are the following:

TiVo firmware (Rumor is that TiVo serious broke something on the S3 with their last firmware and a fix is due out late April).
TA Firmware (there are newer firmwares, but TWC is not releasing them)
Two-way communication being blocked.

More than likely the latter is the problem, but it's very difficult to find anyone at TWC that knows how to test any of this.

The issue that drives me nuts, is sometimes it works and others it doesn't. We think that some of the frequencies are being blocked (probably by a bad piece of equipment). We also, noticed that when we tuned off a SDV channel, it would take a little longer than it should to register at the head-end.

I have some pretty senior folks at TWC in my area working on it (WE WILL get to the bottom of this eventually). I wish I could get the number of someone at TiVo. Hopefully, they are reading this and will contact me. I am very close to tossing all my TiVos at the moment.

[dlfl]

I am on my 15th month of troubleshooting my S3 TA issue. What we have determined is the problem is NOT:

Cable Cards
Tuner Adapter
Physical TiVo.
Cable Signal

The have all been replaced. The only things left are the following:

TiVo firmware (Rumor is that TiVo serious broke something on the S3 with their last firmware and a fix is due out late April).

Can you give a reference for this "rumor"? That's new to me. Also, does this apply to TiVo HD models or just the original S3? TiVo software update 11.0g fixed the SDV pixelation issue for me, but I've seen a lot more other problems (tuning failures and video freezes) since getting it. Don't know if this is just coincidence or not.


TA Firmware (there are newer firmwares, but TWC is not releasing them)

I was told about a month ago by someone at the TWC National Cable Card Suppport desk that this might be happening. No other details available.

........
I have some pretty senior folks at TWC in my area working on it (WE WILL get to the bottom of this eventually). I wish I could get the number of someone at TiVo. Hopefully, they are reading this and will contact me. I am very close to tossing all my TiVos at the moment.
So how did you get these senior folks involved? I've had TA problems for 10 months now. However each time I have a problem they are able to get it fixed for another month or so, which is different than your case. I am skeptical that even "senior" people would be able to fix any really serious chronic problem related to TA's in my TWC region.

[darkavich]

Can you give a reference for this "rumor"? That's new to me. Also, does this apply to TiVo HD models or just the original S3?


It apparently is just for the S3. I do not have a reference (I am trying to get this myself). I also do not know if it is related to my issue.


So how did you get these senior folks involved? I've had TA problems for 10 months now. However each time I have a problem they are able to get it fixed for another month or so, which is different than your case. I am skeptical that even "senior" people would be able to fix any really serious chronic problem related to TA's in my TWC region.

I know a couple of well placed techs that were able to escalate. I also would open a ticket and get a tech on-site every time I had an issue. You should just be persistent and ask to have them to forward your issue to the engineers responsible for the SDV side of the house. Also, don't be afraid to keep asking for a supervisor, even a supervisor has a supervisor.

[Andyw2100]

Any update on this? Or more specifically, any word on a fix for how the software version 11.0 is working on Series 3s?

I ask because I have been experiencing the following, and I believe it started at around the time my Series 3s might have received the software upgrade.

One Series 3 we don't use enough to know if we really have a problem, so for purposes of this post, I'll assume we don't.

The Series 3 we use as our primary TiVo has two cable cards installed and a tuning adapter connected to it. We use Time Warner for our digital cable. Everything was running relatively smoothly for about a year, give or take. Occasionally there would be some tuning adapter issue, but as annoying as those issues were when they arose (partial and/or missed recordings) I was living with them.

In the last few weeks the tuning adapter on this TiVo was rebooting on its own quite often. Thinking the tuning adapter was bad, I had Time Warner send a replacement. The replacement was no better. I experienced the "Tuning Adapter has been disconnected" and "A Tuning Adapter has been connected" screens constantly. Of course this often resulted in partial or completely missed recordings. It was frustrating as hell.

I called TiVo support, and they suggested switching the USB ports for the tuning adapter and my Tivo Wireless G network adapter. This did not help. In fact I noticed that I was now experiencing issues with respect to connecting to the TiVo service. There were failed attempts to connect when this had never been an issue before.

In messing around with this I discovered that the TiVo brand wireless network adapter could not connect to my network properly if the tuning adapter was also connected to the other USB port. However...

If the network adapter is connected by itself, it works just fine. Also if the tuning adapter is connected by itself, it seems to work fine. The tuning adapter has not reset in the two-plus days since I connected it and disconnected the network adapter. It had been reseting several times a day.

I am hoping a software fix resolves everything, but I really don't know if I have the right to hope for that. In a thread in these forums on tuning adapter problems, someone suggests that the tuning adapter might have damaged the USB port. I fear that may have happened to me as well.

For now I will periodically disconnect the tuning adapter, connect the network adapter, force a connection to the TiVo service to get programming information, and then reconnect the tuning adapter and disconnect the network adapter. This is a lousy solution, and one that sees me losing a lot of the TiVos capabilities in the process. So it is not a great solution by any means.

Any light anyone can shed on any of this would be much appreciated.

Thanks!