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Spectrum no longer supporting cable cards? Fact or Fiction?

56K views 405 replies 63 participants last post by  MaaHuu  
#1 ·
I received an email yesterday from Spectrum that they will no longer support cable cards.

Does anyone have any details about this?

Here is part of the letter: One thing it doesn't say is how soon before they stop supporting them and this is due to future service upgrades, but no timeline.
If they stop supporting CableCards will my TIVO stop working or is there a workaround?

Hello Spectrum Customer,​
Our records indicate that you are currently paying a monthly fee for one or more CableCARDs. A CableCARD is a one-way card device – about the size of a credit card – that allows access to TV services.

As we continue to upgrade our networks and technology, CableCARDs will not be compatible with future service upgrades. We have other options for you to consider that will enhance your TV viewing experience, including providing you DVR functionality and access to thousands of Video On Demand options.

Avoid the monthly fee of a CableCARD by taking advantage of one of the below offers:
  • 50% off Apple TV† (not available for pick-up in stores)
  • Free Spectrum Receiver for 24 months*
In addition, we are offering free Cloud DVR services for 24 months! ** With Spectrum’s Cloud DVR service, you can record your favorite TV programs and watch them remotely from your devices.

To learn more about these offers or if you no longer require your CableCARD(s), call us at 866-532-2598 or stop by your local Spectrum Store. Visit Spectrum.com/stores for locations. We will remove any monthly CableCARD fee from your account. You do not need to return your CableCARD(s) to Spectrum.


Thanks
Elliot

 
#4 · (Edited)
I am in the Spectrum DFW area and received the same email from Spectrum. I called a trusted Spectrum number and was informed the email is legit. Spectrum is upgrading their internet speeds and the cable cards are using bandwidth frequencies they need for the internet upgrade. I was told Spectrum would be offering an HSC (High Split Converter) device. Still unclear to me if the HSC replaces tne Switched Video Tuning Adapter or works with it to keep the cable cards working.
It's interesting the Spectrum email does not address this. I was told we have a couple of months... But we have been experiencing a lot of pixelation, stuttering and sound dropouts lately on certain channels. The Tivo Series3 DVR diagnostics show Signal Strength 100, SNR 36dB, and RS Uncorrected and Corrected are both zero. Over the years I have replaced power supply, recapped the replaced power supply when it failed, and replaced the HD twice. I know, it's ancient, but so am. Also, starting likely close to a year ago, the Tivo tuner we are not watching will lose the channel tuned. If we record that channel not being watched it stays tuned. I had a tech out and he said it was signal related, he installed an amp at the cable entrance. The amp did nothing to fix the issue of losing the tuned channel in the tuner not being watched. I also pointed out to the tech that more than one channel was on the same frequency. He agreed it didn't seem correct, was go to have his supervisor call me.. but that never happened. Anyway, back to the Spectrum email.. it was sent from spectrumemails com the same domain my bill notification come from and it's signed with TLS encryption. It's legit. Spectrum is making changes. Sorry for the brain dump but this is cheaper than therapy would be!:D
 
#6 · (Edited)
I received same email from Spectrum regarding support for cable cards. After much research, this has been in the works since 2020 FCC decision to remove cable card mandate. Here is a quote from the tech. "I'm a tech and everything I've heard from supervisors and even their superiors is that tivo will be gone with no exceptions. Even Spectrum's current cable boxes will need replaced. I've seen some areas send customers email that their tivo will no longer work and offer apple tv streaming." I can't find any information confirming HSC replaces tuning adapter in fact the link to order one is dead, High Split Converter at Spectrum.net.

I personally am heavily invested in Tivo with an Edge and 3 mini LUX units. This configuration gives me a tons of options and flexibility that simply do not exist with streaming or cloud DVR's. The two options in Spectrum's email are a joke. It's basically an Apple Roku like device or Spectrum receiver, neither of which provide current functionality, (central 6 tuner DVR where any TV with mini LUX can access recordings, local storage of programming, skipped commercials and pause to name a few).

Cloud DVR is a cool concept but it relies on a internet connection in order to work so any time you have storms come through and loose ISP service, you're dead in the water unlike Tivo.

Once cable card support is dropped, cable companies will have their way with me charging rental fees for cable receivers per TV and a standalone DVR's that can only be watched from a single TV. It's certainly going to increase my monthly cable bill exponentially.

I would suggest that all faithful Tivo users hammer the FCC with comments/complaints and try to get 2020 decision reversed or make cable companies provide suitable replacement that works with Tivo at https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov/hc/en-us. Cable companies argued to FCC that they can replace current Tivo functionality with new streaming technologies and cable cards are no longer needed. But in my case, with my Tivo configuration, that simply is not the case.
 
#12 ·
I just removed the Tuning adapter all together. It was not bringing any channels that I cared about. And now I don't have to do the once/week Powercycle when TiVO would issue a tuning adapter error. I have been playing the once/week reboot game for about 15 years. Now I don't use the Tuning adapter and life is better (for me) and TIVO never complains about missing it..
 
#13 ·
thanks! yeah, that's a good solution in your case for sure but i really like the switched digital video (SDV) channels for premium content like hbo and hd quality. it's really nice to just change channels to access hbo rather than changing source to roku and launching hbo max app. i like simple. :)
 
#16 ·
I received an email yesterday from Spectrum that they will no longer support cable cards.

Does anyone have any details about this?

Here is part of the letter: One thing it doesn't say is how soon before they stop supporting them and this is due to future service upgrades, but no timeline.
If they stop supporting CableCards will my TIVO stop working or is there a workaround?

Hello Spectrum Customer,​
Our records indicate that you are currently paying a monthly fee for one or more CableCARDs. A CableCARD is a one-way card device – about the size of a credit card – that allows access to TV services.

As we continue to upgrade our networks and technology, CableCARDs will not be compatible with future service upgrades. We have other options for you to consider that will enhance your TV viewing experience, including providing you DVR functionality and access to thousands of Video On Demand options.

Avoid the monthly fee of a CableCARD by taking advantage of one of the below offers:​
  • 50% off Apple TV† (not available for pick-up in stores)
  • Free Spectrum Receiver for 24 months*

In addition, we are offering free Cloud DVR services for 24 months! ** With Spectrum’s Cloud DVR service, you can record your favorite TV programs and watch them remotely from your devices.

To learn more about these offers or if you no longer require your CableCARD(s), call us at 866-532-2598 or stop by your local Spectrum Store. Visit Spectrum.com/stores for locations. We will remove any monthly CableCARD fee from your account. You do not need to return your CableCARD(s) to Spectrum.


Thanks
Elliot
 
#28 · (Edited)
My Tuning adapter needs to be rebooted on occasion. I know others that have the same problem. I actually have a timer on the TiVO DVR/Tuning adapter, it reboots every night. I just checked the operation of my DVR, it still is functioning.

I now mostly use the Spectrum Cloud DVR, compared to the TiVo DVR it really is still terrible, but most if the time it works good enough and they do improve it ever so slowly. For instance, there is no way to record all NFL games automatically; you can only automatically record all NFL games on a single channel and you can't add a second recording for the other channel. You can manually record all NFL games, just not automatically.

Even though the Spectrum Streaming service and Cloud DVR is terrible compared to any other DVR, it has the advantage of no equipment to replace or fail and since my home and my RV lot both have bulk contracts, it costs me very little. Also, I can easily watch my recorded shows anywhere in the world. That feature of my TiVo never worked well enough to use.

Also, I just checked the current "rate card" and Spectrum still lists the CableCARD.

Many providers are switching to Internet only service. Spectrum's streaming TV service is not that bad and probably will remain after cable service is discontinued. Note: Currently, Spectrum plans on continuing standard cable service indefinitely, but it is clear that the day will come where all cable TV service is only streamed over the internet.

So, what I am saying is that eventually all TV cable service will discontinue, and I bet until that time CableCARDs will still be available.

So, while CableCARDs are not being discontinued, many providers, such as "Frontier" FIOS, don't support new cableCARDs because they no longer offer new Cable TV service at all.
 
#29 ·
My Tuning adapter needs to be rebooted on occasion. I know others that have the same problem. I actually have a timer on the TiVO DVR/Tuning adapter, it reboots every night. I just checked the operation of my DVR, it still is functioning.

I now mostly use the Spectrum Cloud DVR, compared to the TiVo DVR it really is still terrible, but most if the time it works good enough and they do improve it ever so slowly. For instance, there is no way to record all NFL games automatically; you can only automatically record all NFL games on a single channel and you can't add a second recording for the other channel. You can manually record all NFL games, just not automatically.

Even though the Spectrum Streaming service and Cloud DVR is terrible compared to any other DVR, it has the advantage of no equipment to replace or fail and since my home and my RV lot both have bulk contracts, it costs me very little. Also, I can easily watch my recorded shows anywhere in the world. That feature of my TiVo never worked well enough to use.

Also, I just checked the current "rate card" and Spectrum still lists the CableCARD.

Many providers are switching to Internet only service. Spectrum's streaming TV service is not that bad and probably will remain after cable service is discontinued. Note: Currently, Spectrum plans on continuing standard cable service indefinitely, but it is clear that the day will come where all cable TV service is only streamed over the internet.

So, what I am saying is that eventually all TV cable service will discontinue, and I bet until that time CableCARDs will still be available.

So, while CableCARDs are not being discontinued, many providers, such as "Frontier" FIOS, don't support new cableCARDs because they no longer offer new Cable TV service at all.
hey, thanks for info. i was curious about the spectrum cloud dvr and had some questions if you don't mind.
  • is the monthly charge based on number of tuners, amount of storage or both?
  • does your cloud dvr have multiple tuners or just one as that might explain why you can only record games on a single channel?
  • can live content only be recorded from spectrum app or are there other options like youtube tv, etc.?
  • if you record a live show from spectrum app, during playback can you skip commercials, pause and download to local device?
  • are you able to watch live broadcast through cloud dvr and pause it for like 15 minutes enabling you to fast forward through commercials?
i certainly understand if you don't have time to answer these questions or just don't want to but i'd rather get info from a current user than trying to find it on spectrum.net.
the main disadvantage imo to cloud dvr's besides obvious streaming issues is that you can't watch without an internet connection and in my area we lose isp service quite a bit during storms and as you can see i despise watching commercials. i have little time to watch content and don't want to spend it on commercials. your feedback would be much appreciated.
 
#31 · (Edited)
hey, i appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions. i was in a hurry when listing questions and should have been more precise. i understand what a cloud dvr is as i'm a sys admin for a major cloud service provider and it's simply an app probably within a container running on physical or virtual server in a datacenter. i've used the spectrum tv app many times for on-demand content from both roku and phone but not live broadcasts. from what you said, live broadcasts cannot be paused/buffered in order to skip commercial so that sucks.

i found via research that not all channels and not all shows are available to record as the streaming services are constantly cutting deals with different channels and different programs. so that is probably why you couldn't record both games in you original post.

most cloud drv services are married to its provider as you indicated so trying to record live programming from YouTube TV using spectrum service is not a thing. although tivo cloud dvr service allows you to record and watch tv shows and movies from a variety of streaming services. some of the streaming services that are available with tivo cloud dvr include: amazon prime, apple tv+, disney+, hbo max, hulu, netflix, youtube tv and more but of course you'd have to pay for each subscriptions respectively.

tuner functionality has kind of been replaced with number of concurrent streams for cloud dvr's and varies depending on service provider. so if you have two streams, you can record two programs simultaneously or watch the same program on two devices simultaneously. if there is a limit on the number of shows recorded then there is a limit on storage as well. i've found for example, Sling TV cloud dvr lets you record 10 hours with standard package but premium version gives you 50 hours. although they base price on time or number of programs, under the hood they're talking about disk space and it's a marketing thing. people understand 100 recordings vs. 100GB of storage.

summary:
Q - is the monthly charge based on number of tuners, amount of storage or both?
A - spectrum tv apparently has a fixed number of available streams and user storage, (100 recordings). with other providers it's based on number of concurrent streams, (equivalent to a virtual tuner) and recording hours or number of recordings, (amount of allocated user storage or account storage quota).

Q - does your cloud dvr have multiple tuners or just one as that might explain why you can only record games on a single channel?
A - could have been lack of concurrent streams, (not enough) or show was not available to record because spectrum hadn't signed agreement with channel, (streaming services are constantly cutting deals with different channels and different programs).

Q - can live content only be recorded from spectrum tv app or are there other options like youtube tv, etc.?
A - not with spectrum but other service providers like tivo cloud dvr are able to record content from various streaming content providers like amazon prime, apple tv+, disney+, hbo max, etc..

Q - if you record a live show from spectrum tv app, during playback can you skip commercials, pause and download to local device?
A - with spectrum you can pause but other providers offer premium packages that allow you to skip commercials as well while downloading to local device is not a thing so constant network connection is required. good luck when you lose isp connection due to storm.

Q - are you able to watch live broadcast through cloud dvr and pause it for like 15 minutes enabling you to fast forward through commercials?
A - no, this is only available with physical tivo dvr's. there's apparently no available method to avoid commercials when watching live programming with spectrum tv app, which sucks. not sure with other providers but probably not.

conclusion:
when spectrum drops support for cc/ta, i'll probably change provider to #1 youtube tv by Reviews.org, 6 Best Streaming Cloud DVRs | Reviews.org, stick a roku/chromecast device on each tv and go with fiber for higher up/dl speeds/reliability as i'm not tied to a hoa.

cheers!
 
#32 · (Edited)
I can record all the games, just not automatically. I have to manually choose the games in the DVR. It is considered a bug when talking to technical support. And I can pause live TV as long as you are recording the program. So you can record a football game and start watching 30 minutes after the start to miss all the commercials. Also, I believe there is an unlimited number of simultaneous shows that can be recorded. Unfortunately there are no other high speed internet alternatives in my building. We could switch, but the new provider would want a whole building contract. Right now, every other provider of internet here doesn't provide cable TV service. Many people still want that.

If we lose the ISP connection we also lose the cable TV. Only over the air antennas are totally resistant to that. In addition, when I lose power I can still watch all programs through my phone using the cell connection. Since I am in a downtown location, we never lose power. Two hurricanes and never lost power. The only time we lost power, it was scheduled, days in advance.
 
#36 ·
I use Spectrum too and have had techs tell me that they would soon be dropping support for cable cards so I told them that the minute they do that they will lose a customer. I live in an area where I have my choice of three cable providers so it's not like I am stuck with Spectrum.

For about the last year (I am not sure when it started) the TA in my set up started throwing errors. I don't know what those errors said because TiVo's screen reader doesn't read them. One time I did get sighted help and they told me that it said "Error 0256", but I have no way of knowing if the error message is the same every time it pops up. It seems to throw errors only when I am listening to one of the Music Choice channels. I never get any errors while I am listening to a recording, in other words, these TA errors seem to only affect live TV. Half the time the error doesn't seem to do anything, and half the time it causes the music to stop playing. Spectrum refuses to do anything to fix this problem. If it only happened once a week, I could live with it, but it happens several times a day and is becoming very annoying.
 
#37 · (Edited)
I'm not familiar with the above error as I don't listen to music through Tivo but have received an email from Spectrum stating that cable cards will not be compatible with future network upgrades however it doesn't state an exact date. I also received a letter yesterday stating the same so it's probably going down pretty soon in my area, Carrollton, TX. I too have service provider choices, (really can't call them cable service providers anymore) in my area and WILL switch when Cable Card stops working. I'm sure Spectrum doesn't care about losing one customer but if all Tivo Spectrum users' dropped its service where applicable, it might have a greater impact.

Cheers!
 
#38 ·
As they drop cable card support, those people who don't want to stop using their TiVos will have no choice but to switch to another provider.

Where I am I can choose Spectrum, Wow, or Frontier.

Being totally blind, the Music Choice channels serve a purpose other than being something to listen to. Since I know where my stereo is, all I have to do is listen to where the music is coming from to know where I am in my one bedroom apartment. My favorite channel to listen to is their easy listening channel. Music all day long without a single commercial.

So far I have not recieved any emails or letters from Spectrum about cable card support being dropped, but several of their techs have said that that was the direction Spectrum was headed.
 
#40 ·
I know. While I was living in Chicago, there was a news report about a bill in the Illinois legislature that would have removed exclusivity of cable TV coverage areas allowing provider coverage areas to overlap. It did not pass. I wonder what ever happened to the idea of not allowing companies to hold a monopoly.
 
#42 ·
In most cities, cable was a de facto monopoly because it was so outrageously expensive to wire a large area, aside from securing pole access rights. Potential cablecos discovered there was no point in bribing city officials more than the existing cableco already had to allow them to start a second service.

People who wanted into the cable business found it easier to buy an existing company (and then occasionally build out from there).

Satellite was, for quite a while, the only competition.

When fiber became a reality, it was thought the improvements were sufficiently large that it was worth the cost of the build out, and people would flock to it.

Verizon discovered that it was not the case, and gave up, selling off the areas they wired up to Frontier.

Then AT&T got into fiber, but as always, everything they touch turns to low quality unreliable feces. That list is very long.
 
#48 ·
I thought that I had been told by somebody that the FCC required that all cable providers support cable cards and that Spectrum's telling people that they are going to stop supporting cable cards is just an attempt to get people to use their equipment instead of third party equipment like TiVo. Maybe those complaints to the FCC should also mention what Spectrum is advertising about their cable card support.
 
#49 ·
Yes, there was a mandate by FCC making cable companies provide/support cable cards for 3rd party equipment but that mandate was dropped in 2020 as the cable companies or their lobbyist convinced FCC that cable cards are no longer needed and that they can replace Tivo functionality with their new tech which is misleading at best. I have file complaint with FCC just to make me feel better as I don't think they'll reinstate mandate.
 
#63 ·
Had to spend time with Spectrum tech today. As the hard drive on my Bolt died an had an extra Bolt so I pulled that out.
After dealing with the help desk and going thru several different people. We had to put in a different Cable Card as they couldn’t used the card that worked in the old bolt yesterday. Learned that spectrum has combined the card card help desk with their regular help desk now. So all the special knowledge in dealing with TiVos has been lost. Also learned that High split is about balancing the upload Download speed of their system.
 
#64 ·
Also learned that High split is about balancing the upload Download speed of their system.
AT&T's high speed fiber offering with symmetrical up/down speeds is killing them in the market.

Spectrum seems to think that giving me 300/10 service is the ultimate Internet experience. It is not.

We'll see if they actually implement any of those plans. They are famous for dragging their feet. Years after other cablecos went to the vastly superior H.264 codec for compression, Spectrum was still using the pathetic garbage 20 year old first MPG codec which takes up three times the bandwidth for an inferior picture in what is likely their largest market - Southern California.

Everything in the system was compatible with H.264, they were just too stupid or lazy to make the switch. They could have saved easily half their cable bandwidth with the change.

But no.
 
#65 ·
after receiving second notification, (email & letter) from Spectrum about cable cards not being compatible with future service upgrades, i emailed CEO Sunday, 05/14/23 to express my dissatisfaction with the decision and the high probability of changing service providers. I received a response Monday, today. the area operations manager requested copies of email/letter and responded with, cable cards aren't going away but a new tuning adapter will be needed, (HSC). i have to assume the marketing department is sending out these notifications both letters and emails to confuse customers and drum up more business for streaming tv app/cloud dvr. hopefully marketing will cease and desist with the emails/letters after hearing customer complaints. thanks to anyone who file a complaint with FCC or contacted Spectrum corporate. Tivo is alive and well.

Cheers
 
#83 ·
I don’t know if I’d say hit job but Pai was much more business friendly than he was consumer friendly.

That said, consumers had 20 years to make CC a hit and they voted with their wallets and for the most part didn’t care. They preferred* the cable provider’s offerings.

*one could argue that consumers didn’t know about all their choices since providers steered them towards their STBs

I don’t ever think even Pai’s intent was to ever say alternatives existed that offered 100% feature by feature parity (slo mo, etc) but that solutions existed that were “good enough” for the vast amount of consumers. And given their preferences over the past 20 years, I can’t say I disagree.
 
#85 ·
I received an email yesterday from Spectrum that they will no longer support cable cards. Does anyone have any details about this? Here is part of the letter: One thing it doesn't say is how soon before they stop supporting them and this is due to future service upgrades, but no timeline. If they stop supporting CableCards will my TIVO stop working or is there a workaround?
Hello Spectrum Customer,​
Our records indicate that you are currently paying a monthly fee for one or more CableCARDs. A CableCARD is a one-way card device – about the size of a credit card – that allows access to TV services. As we continue to upgrade our networks and technology, CableCARDs will not be compatible with future service upgrades. We have other options for you to consider that will enhance your TV viewing experience, including providing you DVR functionality and access to thousands of Video On Demand options. Avoid the monthly fee of a CableCARD by taking advantage of one of the below offers:​
  • 50% off Apple TV† (not available for pick-up in stores)
  • Free Spectrum Receiver for 24 months*
In addition, we are offering free Cloud DVR services for 24 months! ** With Spectrum’s Cloud DVR service, you can record your favorite TV programs and watch them remotely from your devices. To learn more about these offers or if you no longer require your CableCARD(s), call us at 866-532-2598 or stop by your local Spectrum Store. Visit Spectrum.com/stores for locations. We will remove any monthly CableCARD fee from your account. You do not need to return your CableCARD(s) to Spectrum. Thanks Elliot
I talked to a Spectrum Tech this AM to get a Bolt turned back on. The tech told me that Spectrum doesn't activate/turn on m-cards as of May, 2023. No amount of threats to cancel service got anything more than NO. This bolt is my wile's fav recording device so looks like spotty OTA reception is her only choice.
 
#86 · (Edited)
I'm not sure where you live but that's not the situation in my, D/FW area however in any case, I wouldn't trust Tech's word.
I suggest sending professional, matter of fact type email to corporate expressing your customer loyalty along with your situation. Be sure to include contact number.
Folks to include; Thomas M. Rutledge, Executive Chairman, Christopher Winfrey, President and Chief Executive Officer and Bill Archer, Executive Vice President and President, Spectrum Enterprise. Their email addresses are as follows; TO: Rutledge@charter.com, CC: Chris.Winfrey@charter.com, Bill.Archer@charter.com
You should hear from corporate within a day or so depending on when you send it. This way, at least you'll know for sure if the Tech was right or just lazy.

Cheers
 
#87 ·
I noticed channels missing and TA light blinking as well this week. Local Spectrum store I went to said 6 people came in with the same issue that day. Go figure..someone did something at Spectrum.
Anyway, called Spectrum service and they sent a tech out. Took about 20mins to correct and all is good again. Some setting was changed. Imagine that!
Both Store and tech stated that they will no longer be supporting cable cards and TA’s. How long this goes not sure but since my price plan is til the end of the year, I would say they are obligated to ensure it works til then as I’m paying for ALL channels.
Since TiVo Edge doesn’t give you the option to add the Spectrum App, it will become a $1000 paperweight when the time comes. Very Disappointing!!
 
#106 ·
Another DFW guy here.

Still have not noticed an email about cable cards being "shut off"

TiVo still working just great.


For now.

We'll see when it no longer does.
Another DFW Tivo user.... after a "system upgrade" when my channels returned...they all did except for Fox Business...one I watch alot. Tech says no idea. Says I am getting all channels at the tap. I have three tivos...same issue on all cards. I think these techs are (I know) they are contractors..and some do not know much..and in their defense some get old meters/monitors.. to use from Spectrum.
 
#91 ·
In the Indianapolis market, Spectrum has not sent out any communication about the termination of support of Cable Cards (CC) and Tuning Adapters (TA). In about mid-May the problems started and only got worse over time. I have a Roamio Pro and Bolt plus 4 Tivo Lux and a Bolt OTA. The Roamio Pro and the Bolt are connected to the TA and CC. The Tivo Lux are Moca connected to the Bolt(s) and Roamio Pro units. In mid-may channels started to disappear on one of the TA and CC connected to the Roamio Plus. Looked at the stat's and determined select channels (e.g. SWV) were not coming in at all ... no data was being sent through when you look at the 6 channel diagnostics (channel 0 thru 5). I also noted the TA stopped updating firmware updates (same Problem Spectrum had during the SWV conversion ... they kept pushing firmware updates without verifying whether they took or not and from what I could tell at least a half dozen firmware pushes failed afterwards .... same problem experienced with SWV. I contacted Tech Support telling them one TA/CC received all the channels and the other received about half the normal channels and no music channels. I was transferred twice and finally was connected to a tech that could not see any problem on their end and "rolled" - scheduled a Tech to come out in 72 hours with a High Split Convertor (reason for the delay was to get the HSC and get the right Tech). The Tech showed up 3 days later and the first thing he told me "Spectrum no longer supports Tuning Adapters nor Cable Cards" - and No HSC in hand. He put his meters on my equipment and was blown away how strong the High Split signal was coming through. I asked when was Spectrum going to let us know this conversion was going on ... (no answer). But I did learn what became very clear Spectrum has no official plan (like us in the Technology Business use everyday). They literally work on the conversion neighborhood each night depending on the availability of Tech's. The Tech said part of why I had a problem is the "powers to be" had decided to turn up the signal to the max level which was impacting not only my TA but also my Internet Modem .... after 2+ hours with communications back and forth with his head office Engineer, they decided to put a "passive amplifier" on the line coming into my home which gave me a few more channels on the TA/CC that had lost half there channels but it also caused the high end frequency/channels to disappear (that worked previously). I contacted the Cable Card people after this visit to let them know that the Tech did not have nor was he told to bring a HSC (which they had none available). The Cable Card line (866.532.2598) was worthless to be generous. They keep saying we no longer support cable cards nor tuning adapters. I went through having my house rewired, my yard torn up with new cabling installed, etc. when they could not get Switched Digital to work for 9 Months - which was not the problem - the problem was they screwed up the firmware updates to the TA (confirmed with the lead Engineer). And to top it off, since one of the Tuning Adapter's and Cable Card's is getting only half the channels, the Tech suggested I remove that TA and CC from our account so I would not have to pay for the device that only partially worked. So I called Spectrum ..... to remove one of the TA and CC .... Spectrum's system would not let them change my account nor remove one of the two TA and CC that was now only partially working. It is clear Spectrum's trial and error approach to switching to High Split is going to be a bigger disaster than their migration to switched digital. I have waited 30 days as Spectrum requested per their statement to me that the problems we are experiencing as they migrate would be resolved ... guess what .... it is only getting worse. I have made the decision that I had been avoiding to .... "cut the cord" ... go to a better internet company and purchase IP TV services which is costing me less than 50% what I was paying Spectrum. Hope this helps others. I have been a Tivo owner and supporter since the first Tivo boxes in 1999.
 
#94 ·
I can confirm this. My tuning adaptor went bad so i called spectrum and they said they no longer support cable cards or tuning adaptors so once they break they will not be replaced. Tivo knew about this for at least a year and per customer service their engineers are working on a solution still. If they cannot partner with spectrum and the other cable companies their productand services will become no longer functional and they will lose customers who with no other options will be forced to use cable boxes or streaming apps to view all their channels.
 
#95 ·
It’s very unlikely your tuning adapter “went bad”.

It likely just needs to be reprovisioned in your account. A simple fix over the phone. You don’t need to ask for new hardware.

I hope when they told you they no longer supported cablecards, you asked how come they continue to charge you monthly, then?
 
#97 ·
My letter today has a date. Yes it says on or about but it has a date (8/24/23):

Dear Spectrum Customer,

As a reminder, you are currently paying a monthly fee for one or more CableCARDs. A CableCARD is a one-way card device - about the size of a credit card - that allows access to TV services.

As we continue to upgrade our networks and technology, CableCARDs will lose compatibility and no longer function starting on or after 8/24/2023. Call us at 866-532-2598 to avoid any disruptions to your video service and discuss the options available to you.
 
#98 ·
Call that number and tell them about the letter and that you need a high split converter (HSC). Unless policy is changing, they should offer to send you one. The installation is not difficult, it is basically plug and play. If you receive it before 8/24 it should work even before the switch-over. Please report back about your experience.
 
#100 · (Edited)
I called Spectrum to downsize to Choice and remove their internet as I went with Froniter 2gig. I ended up in Retentions, the kind person never heard of CableCards, and no longer see the option in her screen, for charging me. I did mention I would like a HSC sent over as I understood Cablecards will not longer be supported. She at first said to use streaming to my smart TVs, but then explained the purpose of TIVO to her. She said to just use the Spectrum app on the TVs.

Multiple times I was places on hold so she could speak to someone.

Then, she came back and said I must get their internet to use their cable and of course use their receiver. I told them that did not sound right, and they offered to get Video repair on the line - that is a department. The guy there was very helpful. He told the rep that I could use whatever internet I wanted and choose whichever TV package I wanted. So, I have their Choice 15 + locals at $29.99 a month + broadcast fees + taxes, my monthly is now $55.xxx.

The guy at the Video repair department told me since I have the Motorola card, it would remain operational for some time, without being more specific. He did say the Cablecards and HSC units are getting phased out. I was on the call for 1.5hrs! They were very nice. Just FYI.
 
#101 ·
I did mention I would like a HSC sent over as I understood Cablecards will not longer be supported.
An HSC does not replace CableCards. In fact, their entire purpose is to allow CableCards to continue to function after/if your area switches to high split internet.

If or when your area ceases to support CableCards entirely and they stop functioning, an HSC won’t help since in that case the HSC has no purpose.

What the HSC DOES replace is the tuning adapter. It performs its own high split functions AND the functions the TA used to perform, making needing both redundant.

If your area is not being served by high split, you do not need and likely cannot receive an HSC, since they are limiting distribution to areas that need it.

The fact that Spectrum licensed the HSC for use at all leads one to believe the end of CableCards is not a short while away, regardless of what reps say on the phone.

Also, the type of cablecard you have means nothing. He may have been referring to this issue which doesn’t impact Motorola cards but it’s a completely separate issue and not Spectrum-exclusive.
 
#109 ·
Also in DFW (Carrollton) and received email and letter today, fun times! I called the number on letter, it's the CC support line and they are experiencing problems ATM so that may be related to your missing channel issue although mine is working fine. I also requested HSC to be shipped to my address and they said, "no problem" it will be here in 4-5 days which was a pleasant surprise for a change. However we'll see what the end results are. 🤞