Tivo HD and SDV adapter questions

[redwolf4k]

Hi.

Have a Tivo HD, with a cablecard for Twc and have enjoyed it since 2007. I was recently informed I would need a SDV tuning adapter soon, in order for TIVO to keep operating properly.

Not a problem.

Few questions though..

With the new adapter, will I be able to access NHL Center Ice (along with the other sport packages)? I have called TWC 3 times with this question. The first time I was told "No" The second time I was told "Yes, you can get the package" and the third time I was told "Not right now, the cable cards in the device won't accept 2-way communications".


So i really have no idea. I thought that the adapter made Tivo HD capable of "two-way" communications?

Anyone have the adapter yet? Can you get the package? Is Tivo HD buggy with the adapter and the request for channels? Recording issues while tivo remains idle?

I want to KEEP my tivo, as I really don't like the TWC SA8300 HDC box (running mystro)...the software is HORRIBLE.

Answering these questions will really help me.

Thanks!

I want to add: I looked through the search feature, but the topic has been beaten to death so bad, I cant find the information about the center ice package I am looking for.

[jbernardis]

I have no idea of the implications of the SDV, but right now I am receiving NHL Center Ice from Comcast through my cablecards (no SDV). It's true that the cable cards don't support 2 way communications, but this just means that you won't be able to order PPV events (such as NHL center ice) with your remote - you need to do it over the phone.

[pdonoghu]

Actually, the cable cards are 2 way capable, the Tivo is not. The tuning adapter does not add 2 way capability. SDV channels are not broadcast unless someone in your area requests them. The tuning adapter allows the signal to be sent to the cable company head end. If you can get Center Ice today without SDV being in effect, you will be able to get it if it becomes an SDV channel with the addition of a tuning adapter. If Center Ice is treated as on-demand programing (different cable companies handle it differently), then a tuning adapter is not going to make a difference.

As far as bugs, like any technology device, some have problems, but overall they seem to work OK. Most of the problems seem to be cable company specific, firmware versions, etc.

One known Tivo bug is that Series 2 Tivos can not see the now playing list on a Series 3 Tivo with a tuning adapter.

[Stone1555]

I know in my area TWC doesn't allow it. PPV packages like NHL center ice are not offered on CableCard devices even though the channel can be received.

[bkdtv]

I know in my area TWC doesn't allow it. PPV packages like NHL center ice are not offered on CableCard devices even though the channel can be received.Are you sure about that?

You should be able to order NHL Center Ice just like HBO or any other premium movie package. TWC does use SDV for NHL Center Ice in most markets, so the SDV adapter would be required.

[redwolf4k]

Thanks for the fast replies.

Let me add a little history to the thread...

I love hockey, and I love tivo. That means I have a big problem with TWC...

Back in 07 I moved to a TWC area, and got there 8300HDC box without a single thought to it. Got home, it had huge problems when hooked up via HDMI. They had big issues with there new MYSTRO software...It was very buggy, and there were tons of "hand shake" issues. It was nearly unusable. TWC solution was to use component video, but I had all those inputs used up on my tv. I was angry.

I went right to circuit city...got a tivo HD, never looked back. Last hockey
season I actually DID order Center Ice on my TIVO, I called them, told them, and they said no problem.

Mid season I started to have problems. I kept loosing the package, and had to call TWC 3 different times to get the NHL center ice package turned back on. The third time I called them I got a Technician head and he told me that he would be refunding my money for the package, because the sales people should not have sold it to me. He said it was not possible to get the package to work correctly on the Tivo HD, and most likely will never be supported. I THOUGHT he said it had somthing to do with lack of "two-way".

So now this SDV adapter is comming out, claiming it gives the tivo the ability to act like a 2 way device and request channels. I figured that means there might be a chance I can get center ice.

If I cannot get center ice....i may have to get rid of TIVO.

Thats going to be hard because I love the damn thing. The TWC box is so poor once you get used to tivo....but its getting tempting, because with that box, I dont have to worry about any of this SDV and center ice bs.

Also, no one at TWC seems to know WHEN I can go pick up my SDV tuning adapter, which is really anoying. They are doing the switch....yet they cannot tell me when I can come get the required hardware.

[dlfl]

Now that I've read "a little history" things make more sense. By my understanding TiVo's with CableCARD(s), with or without tuning adapters, are not able to get PPV, and I believe your experience confirms that. Interesting that it almost worked for a while! The Tuning Adapter isn't going to make it better -- I would guess worse.

Post your TWC region so other people in that region can tell you what they know about getting Tuning Adapters.

Also, do you use MRV (or TTG) ? If so, considering joining the campaign to get TWC to remove CCI Byte copy protection (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=434742).