Tivo HD in parallel to comcast set top box?

ronenbu · 09-22-2007, 02:29 PM

Hi all,

Finally got tired of the awful comcast HD dvr set top box (in Redmond, WA area) and bought a Tivo HD box. how ever we do have some shows recorded on the old comcast box that we haven't watched, so the question is could both be connected at the same time to the the same cable feed? at least until we finish clearing the old view list and return the set top box to comcast?

I have tried connecting the set top box just to power (no cable feed) just to see if I can use the DVR functions but to no avail...

If I connect the tivo box with m-card cablecard the the cable feed while still having the comcast box connected to the feed - would the tivo box operate - or do we need to get some sort of and upgraded service from comcast to basically allow virtually 2 set top boxes to be connected (if possible at all)?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

- Ronen

stream · 09-22-2007, 03:37 PM

You can use a splitter and connect both boxes. Comcast (at least in the bay area) will still charge you for the HD DVR rental until you return it, plus the HD service charge to have the THD connected with an M-card..

jakalope · 09-22-2007, 07:02 PM

hey stream,

it sounds as though you may be able to answer a question i have...
i have a comcast HD box (i am not paying for the dvr or premium services). i just purchased the HD Tivo (not series 3, i just realized this is a series 3 forum). Tivo claims "This DVR is truly an all-in-one solution. Not only is it a digital video recorder, but it's a universal cable box that's compatible with any cable provider. There's no need for another box to receive your digital cable". can i return the comcast hd box and use my tivo HD box to view comcast channels including HD? in order to do this would a "cable card" be in order? i just read on the comcast faq's that the cable card does not allow the use of onDemand or PPV (which could pose a problem for me).

so basically, can i still access comcast hd channels if i take back the box and use the tivo hd box exclusively?

thanks in advance!

aaronwt · 09-22-2007, 09:00 PM

Return the Comcast DVR and get an HD STB for ON Demand. I have the Comast HD STB only for On Demand HD viewing. It costs less than the HD DVR per month.
And you do need the Cable cards from Comcast to be able to watch all the digital channels and also have the guide info which you need to use TiVo as it was intended.

bkdtv · 09-23-2007, 01:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jakalope

so basically, can i still access comcast hd channels if i take back the box and use the tivo hd box exclusively?

Yes. The TivoHD with a CableCard replaces the cable box.

However, if you want ON DEMAND, you will still need a Comcast box for that. The Tivos cannot support ON DEMAND.

jlib · 09-23-2007, 03:21 AM

Are there some things that are only available on On Demand?

bkdtv · 09-23-2007, 03:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlib

Are there some things that are only available on On Demand?

Some older, discontinued kids programs are only available On Demand. Comcast also has several HD programs that are only available On Demand right now. Those include a few programs from the History channel in high-def which you won't be able to get with the Tivo until Comcast adds the History HD channel. Another attraction of VOD is Mad Men in high-def, which you won't get with the Tivo until Comcast launches AMC-HD.

If you don't use On Demand often now, I wouldn't worry about it.

d_anders · 09-23-2007, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jakalope

... i just purchased the HD Tivo (not series 3, i just realized this is a series 3 forum).

You're in the right place. It's a little confusing, but The S3 and TiVoHD are both TiVo units based on the "Series 3" architecture.

The S3, is the original Series 3, and this subforum was created when it was released.

Discussion on the TiVoHD (THD as some other's call it too, though most are using TiVoHD) occurs here too.

There are a few folks that would like to see the forums split on these two units, but given the announced software updates that will unify the software code between the TiVoHD and the S3, except for a couple of minor differences. Most people like the shared "Series 3" architecture and HD based discussion here.

Discussion in the "Cofffee House" subforum is a mix of all things TiVo, and you'll see some Series 3 & HD discussion there too.

AbMagFab · 09-23-2007, 10:04 AM

Also note - Comcast will give you a STB for free if you ask them, if you say the reason is to do OnDemand. At least in my area.

Say you have a Tivo, and you don't need a STB from them, except you want to do OnDemand which you can't do with a Tivo, but you don't want to pay the monthly STB fee. They'll pretty quickly offer you one for free.

hybucket · 09-23-2007, 10:12 AM

So let me see if I understand this...I could hook up a HDTiVO with Cable Cards to my TV, so that I could access all the Comcast HD Channels except for On DEmand...and also hook up a Comcast HD Box ( with no DVR in it) just to access the OnDemand programs. I would split the cable with one going into the TiVO and the other into the Comcast box. I would hook up the TiVO to one input on my TV and the Comcast box to a second input. Thusly, I would have access to both the TiVO and the Comcast box. Would I be paying extra for the Comcast box, or does that come free with the Comcast service? Or would I just be paying for TiVO service? And who charges for the TiVO sevice, TiVO or Comcast, or both? So many questions as I plan to switch from DirecTV to Comcast so that I can continue using TiVO....

stream · 09-23-2007, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jakalope

hey stream,

it sounds as though you may be able to answer a question i have...
i have a comcast HD box (i am not paying for the dvr or premium services). i just purchased the HD Tivo (not series 3, i just realized this is a series 3 forum). Tivo claims "This DVR is truly an all-in-one solution. Not only is it a digital video recorder, but it's a universal cable box that's compatible with any cable provider. There's no need for another box to receive your digital cable". can i return the comcast hd box and use my tivo HD box to view comcast channels including HD? in order to do this would a "cable card" be in order? i just read on the comcast faq's that the cable card does not allow the use of onDemand or PPV (which could pose a problem for me).

so basically, can i still access comcast hd channels if i take back the box and use the tivo hd box exclusively?

thanks in advance!

As others have said, yes, you can return the Comcast box, and have them install an M-card in the TiVo (or 2 single stream cards if no M-cards available). You'll get every channel you now do, but not on demand, or instant PPV (you apparently can call to order PPV).

If you decide to keep the Comcast HD box (for on demand and/or PPV), you'll still be charged for it, plus a "digital additional outlet" charge for the TiVo.

stream · 09-23-2007, 10:45 AM

Comments in bold below

Quote:

Originally Posted by hybucket

So let me see if I understand this...I could hook up a HDTiVO with Cable Cards to my TV, so that I could access all the Comcast HD Channels except for On DEmand...and also hook up a Comcast HD Box ( with no DVR in it) just to access the OnDemand programs.
Yes

I would split the cable with one going into the TiVO and the other into the Comcast box. I would hook up the TiVO to one input on my TV and the Comcast box to a second input. Thusly, I would have access to both the TiVO and the Comcast box.
Yes, yes, yes.

Would I be paying extra for the Comcast box,
Yes--see my previous message

or does that come free with the Comcast service?
No

Or would I just be paying for TiVO service?
You need to pay for the TiVo service, and for the Comcast HD service

And who charges for the TiVO sevice, TiVO or Comcast, or both?
TiVo.

So many questions as I plan to switch from DirecTV to Comcast so that I can continue using TiVO....

AbMagFab · 09-23-2007, 11:07 AM

To be clear, since this seems to be getting ignored:

Comcast will let you use an HD STB (non-DVR) for the use of OnDemand and PPV if you just ask for it, and they won't charge you. If you tell them why (you have a Tivo and only need it for OnDemand and PPV), they'll give it to you for free. Just ask. Make sure to say PPV as well, even if you don't intend to do any PPV.

As for the Tivo fees, they go to Tivo directly, usually on your credit card.

You will pay Comcast for your Comcast TV service, including the cost of the Cable Cards (usually the first one is free, and the second one is around $3/month). And of course any PPV you order.

hybucket · 09-23-2007, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AbMagFab

To be clear, since this seems to be getting ignored:

Comcast will let you use an HD STB (non-DVR) for the use of OnDemand and PPV if you just ask for it, and they won't charge you. If you tell them why (you have a Tivo and only need it for OnDemand and PPV), they'll give it to you for free. Just ask. Make sure to say PPV as well, even if you don't intend to do any PPV.

As for the Tivo fees, they go to Tivo directly, usually on your credit card.

You will pay Comcast for your Comcast TV service, including the cost of the Cable Cards (usually the first one is free, and the second one is around $3/month). And of course any PPV you order.

ABFAb-
Thanks for the info. I thought it odd for them to charge for the STB, but with Comcast, you never know.

jakalope · 09-23-2007, 03:48 PM

wow, thanks for all the replies. you have all been very helpful. i think i have all the answers i was looking for. one last thing, i am very new to all the tivo/cable speak, could someone please define a "STB" for me.

thanks for all the help!

stream · 09-23-2007, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jakalope

wow, thanks for all the replies. you have all been very helpful. i think i have all the answers i was looking for. one last thing, i am very new to all the tivo/cable speak, could someone please define a "STB" for me.

thanks for all the help!

Sexually Transmited....sorry...meant...

Set Top Box