They still support cards.

If they were changing support you would have been notified in writing.

If your Edge wouldn’t have broke, what would have happened? Your card would still be working.

Call back and get someone to reprovision your card.

 

I did, the agent tried. 2 channels have a V58 error. Any idea how to correct that?

 

Anyone with Optimum/Altice is going to have a problem with Tivo moving forward anyway. Having to use a tuning adapter is already an issue. Losing support for cablecards only makes this worse. I was HOPING Tivo would have made their models with a built in tuning adapter and cablecards going back 10 years, but that didn't happen. I really like the Tivo platform, and I have 4 Tivos, but I won't be buying any new ones. Tivo abandoned their customers.

 

A TiVo with a “built in” tuning adapter and/or card is technically impossible.

The cards and tuning adapters are provided for and maintained by your provider and will only work with the provider and headend that they’re set to.

Not to mention it makes no sense to include a tuning adapter inside a TiVo (it’s also impossible) because not every provider uses them.

TiVo didn’t abandon anyone. Technology has advanced past the device you’re (and many of us) are still using.

 

I communicated with an agent yesterday because I'm still unable to get my cable card paired correctly after repair from Weaknees. I said I was very disappointed that they were ending support for cable cards. He said that he has no knowledge that they would be ending support in my area. I don't know who to believe. I found this article about how many customers Optimum was losing to people switching to streaming. You would think they would want to keep their TIVO customers. Altice's Optimum Lost 267,000 Cable TV and 114,000 Internet Customers in 2023 | Cord Cutters News

 

I communicated with an agent yesterday because I'm still unable to get my cable card paired correctly after repair from Weaknees. I said I was very disappointed that they were ending support for cable cards. He said that he has no knowledge that they would be ending support in my area. I don't know who to believe. I found this article about how many customers Optimum was losing to people switching to streaming. You would think they would want to keep their TIVO customers. Altice's Optimum Lost 267,000 Cable TV and 114,000 Internet Customers in 2023 | Cord Cutters News

They’re not ending support. You’re just getting poor support.

 

Optimum is ending all support for CableCARDs, and therefore TiVo as well. I just received a letter in the mail from them today that states:

"In October 2024, your PowerKey CableCARDs will be outdated and stop working."

So what are my best options as I still own 3 TiVo's with CabelCards? Is it worth switching to another provider like Verizon Fios if they all will end CableCard support soon?

 

First off, your letter does not mean that ALL users are impacted.

Second, please post the complete contents of the letter.

Third, there is no evidence that “all” providers will end support “soon”.

 

I received the same letter and then confirmed with the Optimum Advanced Communications Support Team that Altice is indeed ending support for Cable Cards in October. This is specifically in any area that has been upgraded to Fiber.

If your area has NOT been upgraded to Fiber you may maintain Cable Card support for a little while longer.

I blame the FTC for caving to the lobbying efforts of the Cable Industry to remove support to eliminate an equipment competor (Tivo) and control your saved programs. No commercial skip. And their Cloud DVR automatically deletes saved counted after a set period of time.

 

It certainly does mean that all users are impacted if they are sending out letters like this, which I have attached below. And I was ASKING if it's worth switching providers when the writing is clearly on the wall for Optimum - could it be the same for Verizon Fios and other providers? That is my question...

 

No one knows what Verizon may do except for Verizon. They still support cards today.

That letter is NOT 100% proof that ALL customers are impacted. At minimum, non Scientific Atlantic card users don’t seem to be. We also don’t know the root cause of the issue, it may be region-specific.

Since they don’t even give you the option to rent a box, it looks to me like they’re transitioning your region to an IPTV-only solution, which would only impact those regions which are only IPTV and does not indicate a nationwide ceasing of support. It means that in some regions they are transitioning to a new service that is not compatible with cablecards.

It may ALSO mean they’re doing what Spectrum does which is sending out letters with only PARTIAL options - the options they want you to choose.

I’d recommend you call, and talk to someone KNOWLEDGABLE about cablecards to verify whether they can replace your card with one without whatever this issue is, or if in fact the three options they give are your only options.

 

I just got this letter also. It says that optimum is no longer supporting cable cards and that it will stop working in October. I certainly will not remain a tv customer of Optimum.

 

End of life for these cards has been known since 2022 at least, even in this very forum:

https://www.lightreading.com/cable-technology/time-warp-could-cause-millions-of-old-powerkey-set-tops-to-go-on-the-blink

https://www.tivocommunity.com/threads/time-warp-could-cause-millions-of-old-powerkey-set-tops-cablecards-to-go-on-the-blink.590115/

 

No one knows what Verizon may do except for Verizon. They still support cards today.

That letter is NOT 100% proof that ALL customers are impacted. At minimum, non Scientific Atlantic card users don’t seem to be. We also don’t know the root cause of the issue, it may be region-specific.

Since they don’t even give you the option to rent a box, it looks to me like they’re transitioning your region to an IPTV-only solution, which would only impact those regions which are only IPTV and does not indicate a nationwide ceasing of support. It means that in some regions they are transitioning to a new service that is not compatible with cablecards.

It may ALSO mean they’re doing what Spectrum does which is sending out letters with only PARTIAL options - the options they want you to choose.

I’d recommend you call, and talk to someone KNOWLEDGABLE about cablecards to verify whether they can replace your card with one without whatever this issue is, or if in fact the three options they give are your only options.

It certainly does mean that all users are impacted if they are sending out letters like this, which I have attached below. And I was ASKING if it's worth switching providers when the writing is clearly on the wall for Optimum - could it be the same for Verizon Fios and other providers? That is my question...

I have Motorola Cable Cards.

 

It would seem that Motorola cards are not impacted.

 

The letter from Optimum states that PowerKey CableCARDs will no longer work - it does not mention anything about which manufacturers of PowerKey CableCARDs will or won't be affected - it just happens to show a Scientific Atlanta one in the picture. My CableCARD is made by Cisco, but it still says PowerKey on it, so I'm assuming it will no longer work come October, right?

 

Scientific Atlanta was purchased by Cisco in 2006. PowerKey, whether Cisco or SA branded, will stop working in October 2024 on Optimum, at least if you got that letter (probably the whole service territory, but maybe there are limited exceptions of service areas where they didn't retire SA set top boxes and have more incentive to fix the November 2024 PowerKey date rollover bug.)

 

I would understand if they said it will work until they break but for them to shut it off in October seems so stupid. I have had no issues with my card. I am looking at alternatives now for tv. Optimum will lose another tv customer to some streaming service.

 

I got my letter today. I'm in SW CT. This is very upsetting if we can no longer use Tivo. Our HD has been virtually flawless since 2011. I LOATHE the Optimum DVRs.

 

I just got the letter today, spoke to them on the phone to confirm. Ever since Altice purchased Optimum and started jacking up the prices I've been looking for an excuse to leave... I guess this is it. Fios is my only real alternative... so the question is whether they are in any way committed to Cable Card support for at least a while.

 

I have both Optimum and FiOS - both with Cable Cards and Tivo. I will be able to order additional Cable Cards from FiOS and will be completely dropping Optimum/Altice after a 37 year run.

I could get Samsung Set-Top Boxes and use the Cloud DVR but that just costs more money and I will be at the mercy of Optimum for when they decide to delete my saved programs because of an arbitrary time limit. So I am soon to be done with Optimum.

 

Same here, just received a letter today.
Great 1st Paragraph:
"At Optimum, we're always looking to make your experience better.
In October 2024, your PowerKey Cable CARD(s) will be outdated and stop working."

So, what's the best alternative for Live/DVR? YouTubeTV or Hulu?

 

Any of you that are for sure losing your CableCARD service that might be interested in maybe DirecTV Stream(BYOD - Bring Your Own Device) I've 2 of the latest P21KW (one still in the protective clear wrap, one used for 10 or so days. Original boxes for both that I intended to offer in the 'for sale' section with some other TiVo boxes etc). I was considering a move from Comcast/Xfinity and tried it. If my CableCARD service ever goes away it will be my choice. Very good remotes and service.

DIRECTV Gemini™ Air | 800-480-0872 | Order DIRECTV

The DIRECTV Gemini™ Air is our smallest dongle receiver. Wireless streaming and satellite TV all on one. Order DIRECTV Gemini™ Air today!

www.directhd.tv

 

I did, the agent tried. 2 channels have a V58 error. Any idea how to correct that?

I also have Optimum and I received an undated letter today advising me that my cable card will stop working in October

Same here, just received a letter today.
Great 1st Paragraph:
"At Optimum, we're always looking to make your experience better.
In October 2024, your PowerKey Cable CARD(s) will be outdated and stop working."

So, what's the best alternative for Live/DVR? YouTubeTV or Hulu?

View attachment 97875

I got the same letter in northwestern NJ. Optimum is the only provider in my area.

 

Does Optimum/Altice offer any TVE(TV Everywhere) where you can sign on using your Optimum/Altice Credentials? If they did maybe Channels DVR could be an option. I don't use TVE now but several years ago I tried TVE and Xfinity w/Channels and it worked fine. I use Channels DVR now with my Xfinity CableCARDS and really enjoy it. I believe that maybe NBC doesn't work any longer w/TVE but I don't know for sure.

Channels DVR 1st month is free !!!

 

Does Optimum/Altice offer any TVE(TV Everywhere) where you can sign on using your Optimum/Altice Credentials? If they did maybe Channels DVR could be an option. I don't use TVE now but several years ago I tried TVE and Xfinity w/Channels and it worked fine. I use Channels DVR now with my Xfinity CableCARDS and really enjoy it. I believe that maybe NBC doesn't work any longer w/TVE but I don't know for sure.

Channels DVR 1st month is free !!!

They did when I tried Channels DVR about 6 months ago.
Forgot about Channels DVR, that is an option for me.
I'll need to stream premium channels, but then I won't need them on Optimum.

The only thing I wish that Channles DVR had was a Roku App, but my TV has GoogleTV Software, so I can watch it there.

I'll reactivate Channels and try it out again.
(I have it set-up on a raspberry Pi)

Great suggestion!
Thanks

EDIT: Just re-subscribed to ChannelsDVR and TVE is still working with Optimum, and I also had added Pluto with TVE
No CBS/NBC/ABC though

 

I'm going to try OptimumTV via AppleTV before I bail out.

 

Can the Optimum App on AppleTV DVR?

 

Can you combine an antenna for locals with TV Everywhere in Channels?

 

I have a Bolt so I could do an antenna to keep using it and stream everything else. Biggest issue for me is my wife can't live without News 12 CT so I might go with Optimum fiber and Optimum stream if they can give me a deal like I'm on now.

 

Not every Bolt can do OTA. Check your model number.

 

If they knew what they were doing, you wouldn't need a TECH COMING TO YOUR HOUSE to do what is required over the phone/at the provisioning desk. The on-site tech routine is a symtom of them not knowing anything about cable cards due to training issues...

If they knew what they were doing, you wouldn't need a TECH COMING TO YOUR HOUSE to do what is required over the phone/at the provisioning desk. The on-site tech routine is a symptom of them not knowing anything about cable cards due to training issues...

I know that, however, at this time I have no choice. I have an Edge back from repair from Weaknees that was destroyed by a power surge. I have the same cable card, I am getting all channels except 2. I attempted several times to have them re-pair the card, but they could not get it done. It was at this time, the agent

If they knew what they were doing, you wouldn't need a TECH COMING TO YOUR HOUSE to do what is required over the phone/at the provisioning desk. The on-site tech routine is a symtom of them not knowing anything about cable cards due to training issues...

True, but I want to try to get this done. I attempted several times via messages in X. They were unable to get it done. I have an Edge back from repair after a power surge. It was during one of the sessions that the agent told me that Optimum was ending support for cable cards. Several years ago I had this problem, the tech came to the house and said I would never get the card paired. Next, a Supervisor came, he made a phone call and the card was paired in a second. I hope I can find that guy again.

 

My card is a Motorola.

 

What region are you in? Just wondering how you ended up with a Motorola card.

 

Thank you for the article. It's difficult to find information on this issue. I hope they work things out!

 

New Article:

Altice USA's 'PowerKEY' CableCARDs will soon go on the blink

Altice USA has warned video subs that 'PowerKEY' CableCARDs will become inoperable in October. The operator is directing subs to alternatives, including its app for Apple TV boxes and Optimum Stream, its own Android TV device.

www.lightreading.com

Altice USA's letter to customers did not elaborate on why PowerKEY CableCARDs will become inoperable in October. However, the company confirmed that the situation stems from a broader issue that's poised to cause millions of older set-tops with PowerKEY security to go on the blink because their internal clocks will roll over in November 2024. The limitation of those internal clocks are due in part to memory limitations in the secure microprocessors that keep time.​

​

Vantiva, Synamedia and Adara Technologies have developed remedies that can salvage a sizable portion of those older PowerKEY devices. Adara, for example, has developed a way to spoof the controller time clock so that the underlying conditional access system does not time out. Adara CEO Joseph Nucara told Light Reading recently that an unnamed Tier-1 North American cable operator along with dozens of Tier-2/3 operators are working with the company to help salvage their PowerKEY devices.​

​

However, it's also clear that some operators, including Altice USA, are content to let PowerKEY run its course and instead ask customers to swap in new IP- and app-based streaming alternatives. Potentially disruptive, this rip-and-replace approach carries some risk as some affected customers might leave and sign up with a competing pay-TV service provider.​

In October I'm going to leave and sign up with a competing pay-TV service provider.

 

Interesting that Optimum has an Android Device (Optimum Stream) but App on AppleTV but not on GoogleTV (i.e. Sony TV's)