Series 2 Dual Tuner with Comcast HD Service

[Kaelsma]

I've been looking through the threads but haven't been able to find a RECENT answer.

I currently have Comcast Analog service and 2 TiVo Series 2 Dual Tuner units (purchased through the TiVo website - not sure of make/model). I recently purchased a 37" LCD HDTV because I needed a new TV and I wanted a big one (and I got a great deal) - not because I wanted HD. I'm sure you won't be surprised to hear that the picture on my TV is crappy because I have analog cable so I'm thinking of changing my service.

Costco is offering a sweet deal on DirectTV and the purchase of a new HDTV but I decided against that because, from what I've read, my current boxes won't be able to record 2 programs at the same time. I do not want to replace my current boxes with the DirectTV units because they do not have the flexibility that TiVo allows. I transfer recordings between TiVo units and my computer extensively.

My other option is to upgrade my Comcast Service to digital with HD but I am concerned about compatibilty with my current TiVo units.

Let me be clear ... I DO NOT CARE whether or not I am RECORDING in HD. I only need to be able to record all of the channels I am currently recording and in the way I am currently recording them (2 at a time while watching another recorded program). My reason for switching to HD service is solely to get a decent picture on my new TV.

My question is ... will the TiVo Series 2 Dual Tuners I currently have record the Comcast HD channels (although NOT in hi-def)? I keep reading about cable cards but I have no idea what they are.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Gavroche]

I'm basing all of my information here on my personal experience with Comcast in the San Francisco Bay Area, so keep that in mind. It may be different where you are.

First of all, I can tell you that I have recorded from Comcast HD channels to my S2DT. I've been able to do this because the "HD" set-top box that Comcast offers will output an SD signal from it's composite jack. I'm talking about the large Motorolla set-top box here that has component output for HD connections, not the small black digital box that ONLY has RF and Composite out. This box can not display HD at all. (I've had both, at different times.)

My main question, though, is why would you want to? At least in my area, you can get Comcast Digital Cable WITHOUT HD. In fact, around here you have to pay extra for HD. I don't see the point in paying extra for the HD channels when you're not going to watch them in HD, because with VERY few exceptions, the HD channels have the same programming as on their SD counter-parts.

Also, you can not use cable-cards with a Tivo Series2 unit, so that is not an option here.

All you really need is Comcasts's set-top box and you should be good to go.

However, if Comcast is going >ALL< digital in your area (no analog channels at all) you will lose your dual tuner functionality with your S2DT.

In my area, Comcast is going digital after Channel 35, so essentially I will still have dual tuner functionality on my S2DT but the analog side (connected to the RF input on the Tivo) will only be able to record channels up to 35, which over here is basically just the local stations. (Damn you, Comcast!)

If you really want to stick with Comcast and be able to use dual tuner functionality, your best bet is get a new TivoHD (sorry to say) and use it with dual cable cards.

[ThAbtO]

Its the output from the S2 thats the cause because its analog and the only outputs are S-Video and composite. You would need cable boxes for digital cable which may have cable cards within it, but tivo will only record 1 channel.

The picture on the HDTV will only improve slightly if S-Video is used instead of composite (Yellow/white/red).

Cable cards will not work on them. They look similar to PCMCIA cards thats used on laptop computers which require a slot.

Only the Tivo S3/HD/XL Tivo will be able to use cable cards without cable boxes. These have component and HDMI for better picture

[Gavroche]

Its the output from the S2 thats the cause because its analog and the only outputs are S-Video and composite. You would need cable boxes for digital cable which may have cable cards within it, but tivo will only record 1 channel.

Just to be clear, you can use dual tuner functionality with the Series 2 WITH a cable box (i.e. digital) if you use a splitter and plug one side of your "split" Comcast cable into the "RF" input of the Tivo and the other into the cable box (and then use composite yellow/white/red from the cable box to the Tivo).

Tivo does indeed support this and I have been happily using the dual tuner functionality of my Tivo Series 2 this way for years using only 1 cable box.

However, a wrench is thrown into the works when Comcast decides they are going all digital, which I understand is the plan. At that point you will lose the ability to record 2 shows at once.

Also note that obviously, on the "analog" side you can only record from analog channels. You can record one show from the cable box (any channels that you receive) and one show from the analog side (non-digital/non-premium channels only) at the same time. Tivo manages this automatically so you do not have to think about it.

It worked great for me until Comcast decided to seriously limit their analog offering.