[buscuitboy]

I have a special project going where I am using 2 lifetime Roamios with Comcast cable cards to record some local and cable access channels. I then transfer recordings to a networked PC via pyTivo. All works great & It only happens about 3-4 times per month. This is now the ONLY reason I use my TiVos. I even keep them unplugged until needed. My normal TV viewing now consists of streaming apps and Android TV based IPTV services for live sports.

With cable cards no longer being required, I was looking down the road what I might have to do for this (even though it might not be for another 5-10yrs). Also, I would like to dump the Comcast TV and go Xfinity internet only. Internet only customers get the Flex TV box.

Does this Flex TV box happen to have an RF output (ch3/4) for older TVs? If so, could I possibly hook it up to my Roamios coaxial RF input? Then manually put it on the station I need and record to the Roamio this way? I realize I might have to go through the Roamio setup as OTA.

If the Flex doesn't have a coaxial output, do some of the Rokus maybe have it (where I can then use the Xfinity app there). I guess this is ALL dependent on whether the Roamio could fully record from its RF input from an external box? Maybe they are 2 totally different systems as well.

Just wondering how I might be able to dump Comcast TV, but still record local cable access channels on it somehow. Might not be possible with a Roamio. I am looking at maybe doing this with a Series 2 as well (posted in different area)

 

[Dan203]

Have you ever looked at a Channels DVR? It has two ways of recording....

From an HDHomeRun, either CableCARD or OTA.

From TV Everywhere. TV Everywhere is basically the underlying technology used by those channel specific apps. (like Discovery, TBS, etc...) They can tap into the streams and record them just like they're coming over cable. You just need an account capable of logging into them. (either cable, or a OTT service like YouTube TV)

It really depends on what channels you're recording if this is an option or not. With my Spectrum subscription I get access to a TON of TVE channels, so much so that I haven't even bothered hooking up my HDHomeRun.

 

[buscuitboy]

Have you ever looked at a Channels DVR? It has two ways of recording....

From an HDHomeRun, either CableCARD or OTA.

From TV Everywhere. TV Everywhere is basically the underlying technology used by those channel specific apps. (like Discovery, TBS, etc...) They can tap into the streams and record them just like they're coming over cable. You just need an account capable of logging into them. (either cable, or a OTT service like YouTube TV)

It really depends on what channels you're recording if this is an option or not. With my Spectrum subscription I get access to a TON of TVE channels, so much so that I haven't even bothered hooking up my HDHomeRun.

Not sure this would accomplish what I want. I am basically looking at trying to get rid of cable cards. Also, I don't think OTA can record local cable access channels. Therefore, the only option I could think of is being an Xfinity internet only customer with access to a free FLEX box (for all local channels). then simply record from the FLEX box somehow.

Again, I could probably accomplish this with getting a lifetime SERIES 2 off ebay (mentioned in other thread) since they have a true input. Just wondering if its possible with a Roamio somehow to be able to record from an external source (other than OTA). May not be.

 

[Dan203]

Not sure this would accomplish what I want. I am basically looking at trying to get rid of cable cards. Also, I don't think OTA can record local cable access channels. Therefore, the only option I could think of is being an Xfinity internet only customer with access to a free FLEX box (for all local channels). then simply record from the FLEX box somehow.

Again, I could probably accomplish this with getting a lifetime SERIES 2 off ebay (mentioned in other thread) since they have a true input. Just wondering if its possible with a Roamio somehow to be able to record from an external source (other than OTA). May not be.

Yeah I don't think any of this is going to work. Not even the S2. S2 TiVos require IR to control an external box. Since they stopped being made like 15 years ago it's unlikely they'll have an IR code for your flex box. It's possible that an HDHomeRun without a CableCARD might be able to pick up the channel as raw QAM, if it's not encrypted, but I'm not sure if Channels allows you to record random QAM frequencies. And because it's cable access it won't be OTA.

Will Comcast let you keep using your CableCARD even if you drop down to internet only?

 

[buscuitboy]

Will Comcast let you keep using your CableCARD even if you drop down to internet only?

I doubt it, but haven't even attempted this as I'm afraid if I try to go to internet only, things will get all messed up and I feel trying to get back to where I am would be such a headache. I need to have something implemented before I drop their cable cards. Hell, I am supposedly on a lower tier Comcast TV plan that is no longer offered. If I dropped it, but need to get back to where I currently am, that could be another can of worms.

I know the S2s probably couldn't control the FLEX box. I was planning to try and just keep it turned on to a needed channel and then the S2 would do a strait manual record from the input (6hr rec blocks).

I have been toying around with some PC recording options as well. Got a HDMI to USB dongle on ebay for under $10. Connected it to my PC and used OBS recording software. Tune to a channel and then hit record. Not a fully automated option like my current Roamios, but it works.

probably right in that none of my mentioned methods will work with a Roamio

 

[Dan203]

You might be able to use the Roamio. Without a CableCARD installed you can get it to tune a specific QAM frequency. It "might" even support manual recordings from those. (it's been a long time since I tested this so I can’t remember) Could be worth testing.

 

[chiguy50]

Does this Flex TV box happen to have an RF output (ch3/4) for older TVs?

No.

 

[JoeKustra]

You might be able to use the Roamio. Without a CableCARD installed you can get it to tune a specific QAM frequency. It "might" even support manual recordings from those. (it's been a long time since I tested this so I can't remember) Could be worth testing.

It will record any non-encrypted QAM channel without a cable card. The "program" will be labeled with channel number & date only. Just run guided setup for cable and answer "install later". A Premiere will record analog the same way. I have 2 clear QAM channels and three analog channels with just color bars.