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05-11-2008, 09:13 AM
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#1
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Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 21
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Tivo HD - Enhanced Analog cable plus unencrypted HD locals
Hi,
I am looking for an HD tuner for a new Front projector I am buying. At the Tivo site, it looks like I can get the Tivo HD with lifetime (I have a Tivo S1 with lifetime) for $698.
The question is regarding what the Tivo HD will and will not let me do with my Comcast analog TV service and unencrypted HD locals. I am not interested in a Cablecard.
I assume the analog channels work just like my S1. What I am unclear on is the HD channels I have available now(CBS 2.1, NBC 5.1, ABC 7.1, Fox 32.1)
Can I even tune these HD channels in with the Tivo tuner? (The front projector has no TV tuner)
Can I record them with the Tivo Guide?
Can I record them manually?
If I can't do the above, I guess I either need to cough up for digital cable, or look at non-tivo solutions. Any suggestion on a non-tivo solution?
I saw a long thread about you can't record them with the TV guide, I am not sure if the situation has changed... I wasn't sure if I could even tune these in based on that thread. Thanks for any help
Last edited by gtxjoe : 05-11-2008 at 09:38 AM.
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05-11-2008, 09:19 AM
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#2
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 3,858
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Without a CableCARD, you should be able to record 2.1, 5.1, etc., since those are likely over-the-air channels. If they're QAM channels, then, no, you can't really record them without a CableCARD because you won't have the channel mapping.
Why not get a CableCARD?
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05-11-2008, 09:35 AM
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#3
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Now in HD
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Slower Lower Delaware
Posts: 6,376
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Some people (including myself) have cablecards with Comcast and just have basic cable.
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05-11-2008, 09:42 AM
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#4
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Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 21
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The 2.1, 5.1, 7.1 and 32.1 are QAM channels, so I can't record them. Can I even tune them in?
I guess I will have to look into the cable card. I didn't want to have to go through the hassle of contacting Comcast, setting up basic HDTV and scheduling someone to come out with a cable card. I keep reading about cablecard install nightmares...
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05-11-2008, 09:50 AM
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#5
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Cuckoo for TiVo
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Northeast Joisey
Posts: 1,545
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gtxjoe
The 2.1, 5.1, 7.1 and 32.1 are QAM channels, so I can't record them. Can I even tune them in?
I guess I will have to look into the cable card. I didn't want to have to go through the hassle of contacting Comcast, setting up basic HDTV and scheduling someone to come out with a cable card. I keep reading about cablecard install nightmares...
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I guess the very nature of these fora will tend to expose the negative CABLECard experiences. I have to believe that the majority of installs go without a problem. Speculation on my part of course. My 3 CC installation encounters (2 with Verizon and 1 with Cablevision) were effortless.
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05-11-2008, 11:00 AM
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#6
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Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Pittsburgh
Posts: 2,614
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gtxjoe
The 2.1, 5.1, 7.1 and 32.1 are QAM channels, so I can't record them. Can I even tune them in?
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Yes, they are in-clear QAM channels that TiVo will tune and allow you to watch on LiveTV. You will also be able to record them using the manual recording options (including repeating recordings).
What you will not have is Guide Data, therefore you will not be able to setup Season Passes or Wishlists. Also there will be no program information displayed for them. They will be listed in your NowPlayingList with titles like "Wdenesday 10:00 p.m Channel 2.1" rather than by titles, meaning that you cannot use groupings.
The problems with cablecards appears much greater by reading posts here. The many people who have installed them without problems never show up.
Also, you may want to consider getting a set of rabbit ears. The HD TiVos work fine with them and provide all the viewing and recording options.
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05-11-2008, 11:44 AM
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#7
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Heavy User (of TiVo)
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Renton, WA
Posts: 990
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We picked up our cable card at the Comcast office and installed it ourselves. Best $1.79 per month we ever spent. Have Limited Basic cable.
__________________
Dave
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05-11-2008, 02:07 PM
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#8
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Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,721
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gtxjoe
I assume the analog channels work just like my S1. What I am unclear on is the HD channels I have available now(CBS 2.1, NBC 5.1, ABC 7.1, Fox 32.1)
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Yes, you will have cable plug in for your analog cable service. You will also need an ANTENNA for your OTA Locals. One cable input for analog cable, one for Antenna.
Quote:
Originally Posted by gtxjoe
Can I even tune these HD channels in with the Tivo tuner? (The front projector has no TV tuner)
Can I record them with the Tivo Guide?
Can I record them manually?
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Yes, Yes, Yes.
Quote:
Originally Posted by gtxjoe
If I can't do the above, I guess I either need to cough up for digital cable, or look at non-tivo solutions. Any suggestion on a non-tivo solution?
I saw a long thread about you can't record them with the TV guide, I am not sure if the situation has changed... I wasn't sure if I could even tune these in based on that thread. Thanks for any help
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You won't need to record them manually. It will work just fine useing the "TV Guide" function.
Keep in mind. EVENTUALLY.... Analog cable will be dropped & digital cable will be the only choice. Albeit it won't happen anytime this year, & probably not anytime before the end of 2009. However, starting in 2010 you will find alot of cable companies will BEGIN dropping analog cable service. So BE PREPARED.
TGC
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05-11-2008, 03:27 PM
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#9
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TiVoholic by the bay
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 3,677
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As you can tell from my sig, I use the THD for OTA digital and analog channels.
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05-11-2008, 07:57 PM
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#10
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Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 21
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Thanks for the quick replies, everyone. I think I know how I am spending my "Economic Stimulus" refund check 
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