happy update!! So after I got the cable cards for my S3 with Milwaukee Time Warner cable a couple of months ago (before digital switchover), I was missing a few HD channels like NatGeo, Discovery, etc. I let it go because i mostly watch the big networks anyway and they all showed up. I ordered a Tuning Adapter for free from them online and they mailed it out in a week! When i hooked it up -maybe i just did it wrong- but it F'd up all the channels so i left it unhooked. Just sitting there.
So a few days ago I noticed some of my HBO channels were now missing as well as Sundance. I call them up and miraculously get transferred to the Tier 3 people. Write that down! Talk to Steven K.(either Steven will do) in the "Tier 3 department" at (800) 627-2288.
He explained that the digital switchover included some premium channels and I NEEDED to use the tuning adapter to get them back. He insisted that we go through HIS steps to hook up the tuning adapter to my Series 3. Kind of how you need to power on your modem first, then router, THEN computer... OK, fine. I was expecting disappointment - again. NOT THIS TIME! Follow this:
1. power off everything and make sure the USB cable is NOT attached
2. power on TiVo alone without USB from TA - wait until TiVo Central is UP
3. power on Tuning Adapter w/o USB -once the light green light is on constant proceed
4. plug USB to TA then to LOWER USB port on back of TiVo.
give it a good 30 seconds. TiVo should recognize it and then "gather channel data"
And voila! It worked for me. He said if it doesn't work, you may need a replacement tuning adapter
I hope this helps someone. After you shell out the big cash for a series 3 you expect it to work flawlessly - even with those damn cable cards