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hate comcast Unregistered guest | The "all on" button on the remote control is supposed to shut both TV and the box off. But once in a while it just shuts the box off and leaves the TV on. It's not easy to notice the TV is still on coz there is no signal and the screen is just dark. I once left the TV on for a whole day because of this. Not sure if it'll do serious damage. Those of you who use a comcast digital cable box, be careful. Don't let the stupid the box kill your TV. Comcast really sucks. Cablevision is a much better company. |
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New member Username: BestbuyguyPost Number: 3 Registered: Sep-04 | i'm not as familiar with comcast, but i know some digital boxes actually have an AC input on the back of their boxes, controlling the power to the TV. Also, if this remote is a universal remote, did you program it to control the Television? Most universal remotes require a code be entered into the remote to control the device made by a certain company. Your manual that came with your remote should tell you how to program your TVs special code into the remote, and the codes in the back of the remote manual. Jon |
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New member Username: CabelesePost Number: 2 Registered: Sep-04 | We had Comcast digital for a few months and then went back to analog...and yeah those on/off situations are common and aggravating. What I found was NEVER plug the tv ac into the ac of the digital box cause that's what causes all the headaches. Just use the "cable" or "tv" buttons on the remote to turn either off/on. If you plug the tv into the cable box for power and get into that situation where the "all on" is turning on one thing and the other off...the only way around it is to walk over to the tv and manually turn it on (or off) to match what the remote did to the cable box. Aggravating...confusing...waste of time. So, unplugged the tv from the box, used the separate power buttons on the remote...problem solved. |
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brian420240240204 Unregistered guest | Not sure if you know, but Comcast owns Cablevision. |
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New member Username: BootlegerLOS ANGELES, CA USA Post Number: 1 Registered: Oct-04 | WHY DO COMCAST CABLE DESCRAMBLERS TURN SILVER WHEN WATCHING A CABLE CHANNEL CAN TELL ME HOW TO FIX IT |
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GodFather Unregistered guest | Point the darn controller at your TV and it will go off! |
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John Shenk Unregistered guest | Comcast offers a DVR to record programs. CC and BB sell a hard disk recorder with dvd-r and ram for permanent recordings. My question is should I get Comcast cable box with DVR or buy one? From this forum it sounds like cable boxes leave something to be desired. Thanks for any input. |
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Unregistered guest | the white things at the top broke off and won't work for the box or the t.v. |
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Unkown Unregistered guest | Does anyone know how to get the hidden menu on the comcast cable box? I had the a comcast guy come over cause there was something wrong and he pressed the buttons on the front of the cable box and a blue screen menu came up with a lot of options and I wanted to know how to get into that but I couldn't see what he pressed to get into it. He pressed like certain ones and held them for a second. Anyone else know how to get in? |
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xvxvxvx Unregistered guest | Does anyone know how to get the hidden menu on the comcast cable box? If your box is made by Motorola: Turn off the STB using your remote then within 2 seconds press the OK (or select) button. This will allow you to change the 16:9, 4:3 screen size options and the 430i, 430p, 720p, 1080i outputs as well as adjusting the closed captions (CC) options. A 2nd menus is available but it has no user setting adjustments. You can access it by following the above directions but by pressing OK (or select) twice quickly rather than once. xvxvxvx |
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Unkown Unregistered guest | Yup that was the menu, Thanks for the help. |
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New member Username: BigdaddyhemPost Number: 1 Registered: Dec-04 | On the Motorola box, what do you do if you can't change any of the user settings? My 3 year old got into that screen and turned on the CC, but now I can't adjust anything on it... |
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New member Username: BigdaddyhemPost Number: 2 Registered: Dec-04 | Never mind, I found the users manual online, and figured it out with that...here it is in case any one else needs it |
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New member Username: BigdaddyhemPost Number: 3 Registered: Dec-04 | http://www.dslreports.com/r0/download/721191~be69294edeab362c8611a35a89cb75ff/DC T6412_UserGuide.zip |
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det1 Unregistered guest | is there a how too book on turning cable boxes into free cable.....i have comcast cable |
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rel Unregistered guest | i have a samsung tv and a remote for that tv, and i have a cable box that is a motorola for comcast, i dont know the codes to make it work for the tv. can anyone help? |
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ChrisKeimm Unregistered guest | If I only have comcast basic cable without a box would I be able to get digital cable with a digital cable descrambler? If not, is there a way to use a descrambler for basic cable if my cable runs directly in from the wall? |
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Anonymous | f your box is made by Motorola: Turn off the STB using your remote then within 2 seconds press the OK (or select) button. My question is what STB is or stand for ??? |
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Anonymous | SET TOP BOX |
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MS Unregistered guest | After you turn of the Cable box, you need to hit the Menu button on the Cable box to be able to make changes to the User Settings. |
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Anonymous | I have a Comcast HDTV cable box hooked up to my TV by a monster cable provided by installer. It makes my TV turn off/on spontaneously, even when I walk past it. When I use the All on button on the remote the TV shuts off then comes back on. Should I ask for a new cable, try my own, any ideas? Has anyone else has this problem? |
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Unregistered guest | Does comcast use different converter boxes for analog and digital cable? I need a comcast cable box for analog basic cable? Thanks! Jim |
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comcastguy Unregistered guest | If You keep the remote pointed at the Tv after you push the all on button then you wont have to worry about your TV not shutting off. The way the remote works is it needs a line of sight to work and then goes in order shuting off components starting with the cable box and then going to the TV next. Also most tv's have a light on hte front or a lightly glowing screen so that is how you can tell. |
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Anonymous | I have tried that. My problem is the TV goes off with the remote and then comes back on. Other times it stays off fine and then I will go by the TV later and it is on, several hours later. That's why I wondered if its a moster cable problem. |
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Unregistered guest | Hey ive been told that i have to get a cable box to hook up true surround sound i can get my dvd and playstation through reciever but cant get regurly tv through i was gonnna buy a new vcr for it but they say i need a box is it true jw |
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Unregistered guest | Hey ive been told that i have to get a cable box to hook up true surround sound i can get my dvd and playstation through reciever but cant get regurly tv through i was gonnna buy a new vcr for it but they say i need a box is it true jw |
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Unregistered guest | Hey ive been told that i have to get a cable box to hook up true surround sound i can get my dvd and playstation through reciever but cant get regurly tv through i was gonnna buy a new vcr for it but they say i need a box is it true jw |
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indy Unregistered guest | Cablevision customer service sucks! They do not have adequate infrastructure in place. If you change youy address and new install new service on new address, technician may pick up your old equipments but it will never get credited to your account. They will charge you for non-returned equipments and you will have to make at least 50 calls with average waiting period of 15-20 mins to resolve the issue and issue still may not get resolved. CUSTOMER SERVICE LITERALLY SUCKS!! |
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Needhelp Unregistered guest | I have basic cable- 2-79. Is it possible to descramble channel 99. I hear it fine, but canot get a clear picture??? |
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Kenneth Givens Unregistered guest | "I have a Comcast HDTV cable box hooked up to my TV by a monster cable provided by installer. It makes my TV turn off/on spontaneously, even when I walk past it. When I use the All on button on the remote the TV shuts off then comes back on. Should I ask for a new cable, try my own, any ideas? Has anyone else has this problem?" Sounds similar to what I experienced. Problem was my RCA remote. Not just mine but all of them with the same model number. Changed to another model of RCA and problem disappeared. |
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Charlestammi Unregistered guest | Need to program AT&T 200C remote to a Toshiba TV...what the code number for Toshiba?? |
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edina Unregistered guest | ok so my cable works but wenever i use the remote it only changes channelz on the box..not on the tv!!! im stuck watchin ESPN...oh and if this helps..my box is made by motorola...PLEASE HELP |
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Unregistered guest | Wow, this is great! I have had the captions on FOREVER and I never could figure out how to get rid of them, until now. THANK YOU!!!! |
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cablefun Unregistered guest | i have a samsung tv and a remote for that tv, and i have a cable box that is a motorola for comcast, i dont know the codes to make it work for the tv. can anyone help? |
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Unregistered guest | We have comcast HDTV with a motorola box and audiovox TV. We have had comcast out three times and they have even spoken to audiovox, also. We have lines "Nielsen info" lines top and bottom of the screen and the TV signal skips or frees. Has any expereince any of these problems? |
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dapenda Unregistered guest | The power off and select hidden menu doesnt seem to allow me to change me cc settings on my Motorola DCT2224 Comcast cable box. Does anyone have a link to the manual for the DCT2224 or know any advice to change the cc settings? |
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Anonymous | does any one know how to descramble cable if you dont have the box only the wire hooked up to the tv?.. |
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xvxvxvx Unregistered guest | does any one know how to descramble cable if you dont have the box only the wire hooked up to the tv?. Not gonna happen my friend, crack open that piggy bank and subscribe. For dapenda and the DCT2224 question. If you are connected via S-Video or the yellow RCA cable the CC works, otherwise it is disabled. xvxvxvx |
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Anonymous | Hey Everyone! Here are the remote codes for the Comcast Universal Remote: http://www.comcast.com/remotes/codes.pdf |
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stockenblocken Unregistered guest | ok this might be a little off topic but has anybody ever tried to program the cable box that comes with comcast, mines a motorola, into another tv controller? I really hate the comcast one but i cant find any damn codes for the motorola box to program in to my other controller. Anybody tried doing this or know where to find the code???? If you have successfully programmed the cablebox to another controller, do you still have the code? If you know where to find them can u plz post or email me that would be great. roycekirk@pacbell.net |
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xvxvxvx Unregistered guest | Try 0476 or 0276 stockenblocken. If it helps, the Motorola boxes use General Instrument codes for universal remotes. xvxvxvx |
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stockenblocken Unregistered guest | yeah it tried those, no luck though. Those are the ones that come with the programming instruction thing from comcast right? Believe me, i tried them both god knows how many times. If it helps, im trying to program it onto the controller that came with my yamaha reciever. Are there any other codes for motorola cable boxes? |
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xvxvxvx Unregistered guest | Are you sure your Yamaha remote is capable of controlling a cablebox? If you are it should have come with an instruction manual with the codes it uses specifically for various devices. Also the Jerrod codes work on some motorola cable STB's. Also many remotes have an suto-find functiion, does yours? Good luck, xvxvxvx |
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stockenblocken Unregistered guest | guess not, there is a "Cable" button on the remote but in the codes section of the manuel it just has "Cable TV." Whatever, ill just but a universal remote or something, any recommendations? |
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xvxvxvx Unregistered guest | Harmony 768 or the MX500 or MX700, all are great remotes and will control anything you have. xvxvxvx |
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cableman Unregistered guest | to get to that option turn your cable box off by hand at the box. then press the menu button 2 times then it should come on ok!!!!!!!!!!! |
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Frustrated Unregistered guest | I bought a Comcast /motorola digital cable box dct2224/1662 to use on a Time Warner system. I can only receive the analogue local channels even though I pay for digital service with 3 premium channels. Is there a way to reset the box to receive the signal into the Motorola box? Help I'm desperate. |
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Silver Member Username: DmwileyPost Number: 103 Registered: Feb-05 | Brian Lampright (see multiple posts) would beg to differ with your assessment of Comcast. He seems to suggest that Comcast is the quintessence of tv heaven. Try contacting him. |
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xvxvxvx Unregistered guest | Dale your hatred of Brian is clouding your judgement. Frustrated said he "bought" a cable box (presumably a stolen cable box unless he lives in Canada) and expects it to work on the cable system owned by Time Warner. You should know that that isn't going to happen. xvxvxvx |
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Silver Member Username: DmwileyPost Number: 110 Registered: Feb-05 | X, your ignorance is clouding yours. There is nothing in any of my posts that remotely suggests any hatred of Brian. I don't even know the guy. Maybe you should learn to read before you start jumping to conclusions. |
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Unregistered guest | Does anyone know if the serial port on a Motorola/Comcast digital cable box can be activated? |
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xvxvxvx Unregistered guest | Dale you are officially in denial. How about your sarcastic response to the original poster regarding Brian. You provided no useful information other than to criticize him. You need a cold shower, a dose of reality and some humanity in your life. xvxvxvx |
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xvxvxvx Unregistered guest | Some of your quotes Dale all directed at Brian, and you have the nerve to call me ignorant? What a joke you are!! "Good for you. You are obviously one of those depraved individuals who gains pleasure at the expense of others. Obviously, you are not man enough to wish the same for others. I've seen any number of your derisive and condescending posts. Too bad. Like every human being, in your early life, you once had the opportunity to become decent. You didn't make it. Oh by the way, Mr. Lampright, Comcast is not available in all areas of the country. I guess some of us will just have to put up with your insufferable bragging until it is. Sure looks like hatred to me, I'll let others be the judge. xvxvxvx |
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Frustrated Still Unregistered guest | Come on guys, stop with the pissing contest. I need to know if my box can be reset or activated on time Warner....Please help, xv,xv,xv,says I should know that it isn't going to work, is that true? Because I don't know, But I'm still trying to find out. Help please, I'm out of alot of money for this box. |
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xvxvxvx Unregistered guest | Frustrated Still, The cable company makes their profit from both leasing you a cable box and selling you additional programming. The box you purchased (probably on E-Bay) was stolen from a cable company somewhere. It did not belong to the seller, it does not belong to you, it belongs to a cable company elsewhere. Only Canadian cable companies allow their customers to purchase theri own cable boxes, if you don't live in Canada you can kiss your $$$'s goodbye. The cable box has a serial number within it's firmware, this S/N is required to activate the box. Time Warner has no reason to activate your cable box since it will earn them no profit. Does this make sense now? If people would quit buying these stolen boxes, the thieves would quit stealing them and the cable companies overhead would decrease. Then perhaps those honest customers might get a break on the the spiraling price hikes. In my locality theft of cable services (or attempted theft of them) is a class II misdemeanor and is actively prosecuted. Up to 2 years in jail and a hefty fine for those who are caught. Perhaps it is time to quit while you are ahead, after all no cable Tv in county lockup. xvxvxvx |
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Silver Member Username: DmwileyPost Number: 122 Registered: Feb-05 | X, there is a not too subtle difference between sarcasm and hatred. Obviously, I wouldn't expect you to recognize it. If you would read my posts with Brian and his response to same, even you would learn that there is no hatred here. Again, you must learn to read with comprehension. |
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zeekster Unregistered guest | stockenblocken- 0596 worked w/ my Yamaha remote |
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Frustrated Again Unregistered guest | xvxvxvx, If you read as carefully as you judge, you would have seen that I PAY for regular cable plus THREE PREMIUM channels, $94.00 a month to Time Warner. Furthermore, When I purchased my box I was told that you are allowed to own your own box. If anybody is a thief it's Time Warner because they force customers to rent what they should be allowed to buy. In addition to that customers are charged for cable boxes if they don't return them. Here in NYC they are charged $175.00 - $225.00. So, pls come off your soap box if you don't have the facts. Time Warner certainly doesn't need your sympathy. I was misled unfortunately about the Motorola box, but I DO PAY for CABLE!!!!!! |
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Frustrated Again Unregistered guest | Also, how do you know that they don't have cable T.V. in county lock-up where you there? Perhaps for stealing cable? Well, at least you learned you lesson. Just Joking... |
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Anonymous | That's like buying a suit and stealing the tie. You are still a thief. Listen to xv. He is obviously the smartest one on this thread. |
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Unregistered guest | hello, i just recieved a general instruments dct2224 catv converter, and it has no instructions, there are several hook ups on the back, all i get is a grey/black screen, can any tell me the proper way to hook up the box to start watching cable? or a link to how? thanks for all replies |
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Anonymous | Check out this web site for information on filing complaint against time warner cable for not allowing you to use your own compatible equipment.... http://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Cable/News_Releases/nrcb4009.txt "BUY AMERICAN" |
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New member Username: CableguyDeep in the ... U.S. Post Number: 2 Registered: Mar-05 | Ok so if you buy, as oppossed to renting, let's say a HD converter...If you buy it and it breaks, does the cable company have to provide a new one free of cost? If there are software updates to correct any issues with the HD STB, do you get them free? If you "own it" doesn't it make it your responsiblity and not the cable company? I can't speak for every cable system, but we don't charge for service calls or replacing the STB's, that's part of the deal with the rental of our equipment, if it breaks we fix it free. How much is that worth? You decide... I'm not trying to argue who's right and who's wrong, you have made a good point and I believe so have I, I could be wrong, won't be the first time, definately won't be the last lol. I read these forums looking for answers to questions I don't know how to answer, and try to help out with the things I can. I would like to add one comment, I see a lot of opinions some good, some bad and some I don't even know what to think lol, but I don't understand why it becomes a "who can bark the loudest" issue. We could debate for days on who's right and who's wrong because we all have different views of what works best, and what equipment is best. I think in general if you read enough into the initial question and the subsequent post that follow, you can find the answer you're looking for. Just because you don't agree with another persons viewpoint, doesn't mean that way is not right and that person is an idiot. It just means somebody else found a different solution to the problem then you did, and should be welcomed as another option to try and see if this works for "x"'s problem. If you're unhappy with having to pay the rental on a STB from your cable co., check out some of the SAT forums and see what they're paying for outright purchasing and service repair calls. It's my goal to remain objective, even though I work for a cable tv provider, I see your point and don't disagree, but don't wholly agree either. I see the benefits both ways, logically I'm going to say the rental is a better deal. I pay out good money for car insurance, and haven't had any claims since I was in high school back in the 80's. I have insurance to cover the what if's, the box rental is kind of like that to me, you rent it, if it breaks it's replaced, no added charge. You're welcome to counter my opinion, but don't lower yourself, or the integrity of the people who come here collectively to seek help, with unrelenting bashing of another persons views, just because you disagree with them. I expect that from children, but not adults. regards, |
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det1 Unregistered guest | i am gettin FREE cable thru my DSL i got a cable box ......but no ONDEAMAN anybody know why. |
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Unregistered guest | My motorola cable box disdplays "no data" when I use the guide button. I have three other cable boxes from my cable company that I rent and they all work fine. Cable company sent some signal to my STB and still not working. When I called back to inform them of this, the office closed for the week end. Can anyone help fix this, I have almost two hundred channels that I can't see a guide for. Thanks, Gizmo |
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donna105 Unregistered guest | I purchased a Motorola box off of Ebay. (I've learned my lesson on that one!) I have 2 boxes that I rent and have HBO. I think the box would work, but when checking the configuration menu, it says it is disconnected, which I think might mean that someone didn't pay their cable bill, and their cable company sent a signal to the box to turn it off. Does anyone know of a way to turn the box back on without going through my cable company? I would appreciate any advice. |
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Peas Unregistered guest | Does anyone know of a way to turn the box back on without going through my cable company? I would appreciate any advice. Sell it back to another sucker on E_Bay. Peas |
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donna105 Unregistered guest | Peas You need to get to get a life. I pity the poor people who have to call you family, and doubt you have many true friends. That is not the response a nice person would go out of their way to leave.If you have nothing nice to say, then don't say anything at all. |
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donna105 Unregistered guest | Peas, Let me correct my post before you jump on it with another mean and uncalled for comment. Correction: You need to get a life. (Not you need to get to get a life. |
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Bronze Member Username: VideoguyPost Number: 48 Registered: Apr-05 | Yes. If anyone knows how to turn the Motorola box on without going through the cable company I would also like to know. I was looking at the back of it and I saw a port that looks just like a serial port on the back of a computer, maybe we can hook it up to a computer somehow and turn it on and mess with the settings and stuff? |
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Anonymous | I know that if I pay for cable, and have a modern tv or vcr I can watch tv "legally". How come if I pay for cable, but have an old tv that needs a separate tuner and I try using and old cable box, it's suddenly theft? This seems to be the case, as the box now says "Your converter is disconnected" Does this mean I need to buy another vcr just to watch tv in another room? Please advise, as I am ignorant in the ways of tv life. |
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Peas Unregistered guest | Donna, I am just rude to thieves like yourself. You are asking how to steal cable yet have the gaul to feel insulted. You are some piece of work. While I am out getting my life why don't you get a job so you can afford to pay for a legal cable box rental. Peas |
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Bronze Member Username: VideoguyPost Number: 53 Registered: Apr-05 | It's NOT stealing if you're paying for the cable coming into your house! donna just wants to know if there is anyway to get her "cable box" working, not how to steal cable. DUH |
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donna105 Unregistered guest | Thank you Steve...You're right, I don't consider it stealing when I am presently paying around $135.00 per month for 2 digital boxes, HBO, and internet.I had no intention of cancelling any services. Our bills are ALWAYS paid in full and early. I do have a job, and so do the 28 people that I employ in a company that I own. Sorry to disappoint you Peas...Enough of this, I am not going to lower myself any longer to defend myself to a miserable individual who seems to be no more than a skidmark in life. Thanks again Steve for coming to my defense. |
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Bronze Member Username: VideoguyPost Number: 66 Registered: Apr-05 | No problem. Arguments like this can go on forever if you stoop to there level |
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Bronze Member Username: CableguyDeep in the ... U.S. Post Number: 35 Registered: Mar-05 | bottom line, if the STB wasn't provided by your local cable co, it will not work. I found a way around having to pay for cable...... I got employed by a cable company. I know, it's ok to throw rocks at me, just don't throw big ones lol. |
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Peas Unregistered guest | "It's NOT stealing if you're paying for the cable coming into your house! donna just wants to know if there is anyway to get her "cable box" working, not how to steal cable. DUH" That is like saying that is OK to pay for only part of the gas you pump into your car since it you are already at the filling station and have the nozzle in your fuel tank. Too funny how thieves can justify their thievery to themselves and others. Bottom line if you get something more than you are paying for unknown to the party from which you are taking that is called stealing in our society. Calling it something else no matter how cute does not stop you from being a common thief. Peas |
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Bronze Member Username: VideoguyPost Number: 73 Registered: Apr-05 | I'm not going to waste anymore time arguing with you, you're hopeless |
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Peas Unregistered guest | A wise decision Steve, especially for one who condones theft. Hard to believe you can't see that is what donna wants to do. Perhaps if I simplify the situation for you it will help. She wants to eat the whole pie but only pay for a few slices so she will wait till the waitress turns her head and stick the rest of the pie in her purse. Stealing plain and simple! Peas |
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Bronze Member Username: VideoguyPost Number: 76 Registered: Apr-05 | So maybe it is stealing but what if all you want to do is get all your cable cannels on an old TV that only goes up to 13 and you need a STB to get all the cannels, is that stealing or is that simply making old work with new? Also what about all the people on the VCR forum asking how to bypass the copy protection on DVDs so thay can copy them onto VHS. Isn't that stealing too? |
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Victim of Time Warner Unregistered guest | Peas is a self righteous jerk. We all know the cable companies are holding us hostage by not letting us purchase our own equipment. It is called a " MONOPOLY." IF WE AS CABLE SUBSCRIBERS HAD A CHOICE WE WOULDN'T FEEL SO RIPPED OFF. Indirectly, Time Warner is stealing from the general public by forcing us to rent what we should be able to buy. SORRY, call it what you like, stealing back what someone has stolen from you doesn't count in my book. Let's just agree to disagree. |
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Bronze Member Username: CableguyDeep in the ... U.S. Post Number: 42 Registered: Mar-05 | ~sigh~ The following is copied and pasted for your viewing pleasure: Under the consumer education program requirements, cable operators must also inform subscribers that: certain TVs and VCRs simply may not be able to receive all of the channels offered by the cable system once they are connected directly to the cable system; there are various types of channelization (tuner reception) incompatibilities; and offer suggestions for resolving channelization problems, e.g., use a set-top channel converter device that could be obtained from either the cable system or a retailer (in the latter case, only simple channel converter devices that do not include descrambling capability) The text was taken from the following link: http://www.fcc.gov/mb/facts/csgen.html you can see it under the section "COMPATIBILITY BETWEEN CABLE SYSTEMS AND CONSUMER EQUIPMENT" end transmission. The FCC set the guidelines, the cable co's have to comply. The consumer has the choice, nobody is forcing you to pay for services. You choose to have cable tv, you're unhappy you have to rent the equipment. I can understand your argument, but you choose what level of services you have and if those services include scrambled channels you have to use company provided equipment to receive them. Look at it from this point, let's say you're able to buy a STB that allows you to descramble services. If you're not paying for scrambled channels, that's theft of service. If you're paying for scrambled channels and your converter stops descrambling, does the cable company have to send somebody out?, free of charge, to determine "your" STB is broken and you need to get somebody to repair it?. I've tried to remain objective, but this point always stumps me... you are willing to pay $600 for a piece of equipment so as to not have to pay a monthly rental of converters. For a $600 HD converter, that's would take 8.4 years of renting a STB from your cable company at $5.95 a month to equal what you paid out of pocket. Out of pocket, if it breaks you gotta find somebody to fix ir or buy another one. I don't know, maybe it's just me, but I kind of like the rental option myself. If it breaks the cable company will send somebody out to fix it, at no additional cost. WOW what a concept. Not to mention when technology allows newer equipment to better enhance your services, and you're stuck with a 4 year old version. Anyway, you're entitled to your opinion, I happen to disagree when you say things like "Time Warner is stealing from the general public by forcing us to rent what we should be able to buy. SORRY, call it what you like, stealing back what someone has stolen from you doesn't count in my book." I don't think a cable company is "stealing" from you, you are paying for the service of the cable company to provide you with cable tv. If you drop cable tv and get a satellite system, you can buy your own STB, and when it breaks you can buy it again. The services your cable company provide you with are an option, you don't have to have cable tv to live....other venues exist today that let you choose how you want to get your entertainment, that's not a monopoly that's capitalism at it's finest. Those are my personal opions, subject to debate and open for discussion. |
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Bronze Member Username: VideoguyPost Number: 82 Registered: Apr-05 | Ok, let's not confuse things. Are we talking about buying a cable box just so we can get all the "basic" cannels (that we already pay for) on an old TV, or are we talking about using our own cable box (unknown to the cable company) to unscramble cannels that we are not paying for because that is defiantly stealing! cableguy you make a good point about renting your STB from the cable company. When I upgraded to digital cable the guy who installed the STB converter told me that if lightning hits it, if it fry's, if it smokes, if an elephant steps on it or whatever, they come and deal with it (because it's their box), which is defiantly a good deal for me since I only pay $4 a month to rent the box. |
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Peas Unregistered guest | Steve, What difference does it make? Is it OK to steal because you are too cheap to buy a $100 TV? Give us a break, stealing is stealing. Cableguy outlined quite well all the reasons why in his post. Peas |
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Bronze Member Username: VideoguyPost Number: 83 Registered: Apr-05 | What u go'n after me for! I just said that I agree that it's stealing to own a set-top descramble without the cable company knowing, however I feel that just buying a analog box (not descrambler) from radio shack or whatever to make your old TV work is not stealing in any way. In other words I'm agreeing with cableguy, maybe you should actually read what he posted! cableguy posted: "Under the consumer education program requirements, cable operators must also inform subscribers that: certain TVs and VCRs simply may not be able to receive all of the channels offered by the cable system once they are connected directly to the cable system; there are various types of channelization (tuner reception) incompatibilities; and offer suggestions for resolving channelization problems, e.g., use a set-top channel converter device that could be obtained from either the cable system or a retailer (in the latter case, only simple channel converter devices that do not include descrambling capability)" This clearly states that it's not illegal to own a cable box as long as it does not descramble unauthorized channels. |
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Bronze Member Username: CableguyDeep in the ... U.S. Post Number: 44 Registered: Mar-05 | Steven, What I was referencing the FCC for was to simply show everyone that is asking why can't they just buy their own converter. You can buy your own converter per FCC regulations, it just can't be one that descrambles channels. I believe Donna was asking how to get basic or standard analog cable on a non cable ready TV, there are analog converters available that will do that..don't know where you can purchase them, checking with RadioShack would be a good start. The reason I pointed out the cost factor for renting vs purchasing outright just makes sense when you look at the big picture. CableCard technology is allowing the consumer to not have to use STB, the CC in effect does what a STB does minus all the whistles and bells. Currently you still have to rent the CC from the cable co, our division charges $1.75 a month ( same service plan, it breaks we fix it free) Like I stated towards Victim of Time Warner, I fully understand his point that he feels he's being ripped off, financially speaking he's better off paying the monthly rental then purchasing outright factoring in the "elephant steps on your STB" (still lol'ing about that one) Cash and Carry you take risk, for $600 I'd rather not. I understand some satellite company's are charging upwards $1000 for equipment, since I don't work for them I'm curious, does that come with a warranty or if it breaks 6 months down the road are you scrambling around to find somebody that can fix it and how much? Anyway...staying on subject. You can purchase basic analog converters to connect to a non cable ready TV, that's allowed under the law. End transmission regards, |
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Bronze Member Username: VideoguyPost Number: 84 Registered: Apr-05 | Thanks cableguy. it's nice when someone just simply answers your question (that's straight from the FCC, hard to argue with that). I'd say if all your trying to do is watch cable on an old TV, just forget the whole owning a STB thing and go buy a cheap VCR and run your cable through that (they are all cable-ready nowadays). Or just do what I do and rent your box from the cable company. |
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Bronze Member Username: CableguyDeep in the ... U.S. Post Number: 46 Registered: Mar-05 | Depending on the screen size of the TV, for a standard cable ready TV ( that will be outdated in a few years, a whole nother FCC requirement) you can buy a pretty good analog TV for under a 100 bucks these days. Cost effective and no need to worry about finding an analog catv converter. I appreciate your statement about what I'm doing, however I try to remain down to earth, I don't profess to know all, just offering my insight from working in the industry since 1986. If it helps somebody out great, if it doesn't and somebody else provides a better answer I learn from it and can pass that along to the customers I deal with on a daily basis. best regards |
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Bronze Member Username: VideoguyPost Number: 85 Registered: Apr-05 | I think we've finally come down to an answer. Just rent equipment from your cable company like your suppose to. It's really a win-win situation: you don't break the law and they deal with it when something goes wrong. Yes, I know the VCR method is outdated but I thought I would just throw it out there anyway. |
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Victim of Time Warner Unregistered guest | Capitalism is all about Time Warner's greed for money. Spare me the pity party for Time Warner, I use them because where I live in NYC, Manhattan they are the only cable provider that services this area. They dominate this area and other companies like Cablevision and Comcast can't compete with them. That is like I said before a monopoly. Feel free to comment. I'm open to other opinions. |
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I Agree Unregistered guest | Time Warner does not allow you to use your own euipment under any circumstances. They force you to rent their equipment and pay $9.75 for each additional box that you use to see cable in different rooms. I believe that once you pay for the signal you should not have to pay for the rental of their equipment to be able to access it in different rooms of your home. Time Warner is not abiding by the guidelines set by the FCC. I don't know why they are allowed to continually get away with this but it's true, they do monopolize the market in NYC. Mr. Cable guy should brush up on his facts. |
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Peas Unregistered guest | " I believe that once you pay for the signal you should not have to pay for the rental of their equipment to be able to access it in different rooms of your home." I believe that we should all be provided with nubile young women feeding us cold grapes and attending to our every need. Does that make me right? Some children believe in the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus. Does that mean they really exist? Just because you believe something hardly makes it correct but it does make you a liberal who thinks everything should be handed to you on a silver platter. Grow up and understand that you have other choices such as Sat service or OTA TV. Time Warner is not holding a gun to your head forcing you to subscribe, you made the choice. Abide by the rules and quit your crying. Now for the poor TIME WARNER VICTIM: You need to look up the word monopoly in the dictionary, then perhaps you will feel better. Peas |
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Anonymous | peez, i'll be the one laughing when your cable company down converts your hi def to 480 when copy protection is enacted and you are the one looking for a box that will enable you to watch the programming over the cable you paid for. ps urannideeut |
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cable employee Unregistered guest | People always has something to complain about. Cable TV is a luxury in life, no one is forcing you to get the service. If Comcast or Time Warner wants to charge extra per month for another box so be it. You don't complain to the insurance company that if you own 4 cars why can't you just pay insurance for one since you can't drive all 4 cars at once. People always use the word monopoly, if you feel that way, start you own cable company! People always complain that it's so expensive to live in NY, why don't you move! Get your facts straight before you complain or b ash somebody. |
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Unregistered guest | I just got Comcast HD digital cable and a Pioneer Plasma TV with a media box. The Pioneer TV has two tuners and Picture in picture but it isn't working. The installer said it won't because its coming through the cable box and can only utilize one tuner. The TV works via an Input line from cable box to media box. Is this correct ? Any help would be greatly appreciated. |
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berkyd Unregistered guest | I need help with hooking up my PS2. I used to have a VCR attached to the system, but it broke. Bought a new DVD/VCR with adapters for PS2 in the front. The PS2 worked, but not the DVD. Rearranged the cords and the DVD works, but not the PS2. Is there something out there I can buy to make it work or what? My kids are going to kill me! |
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Victim of Time Warner Unregistered guest | Mr. Cable Guy, I noticed you didn't comment on anything factual. What are you a $5.50 an hour employee anyhow? You should be looking for another job. I live in NYC because I choose too, and In case you forgot I have the right to voice my opinion because I live in America. What facts have I gotten crooked? You are the one who doesn't have a clue about NYC cable. Stop trying to act like you know what your talking about. What are you a cable spy? Maybe if you convince enough people that cable is the alpha and omega you'll get a much needed raise. Anonymous, You're right Peas is an idiot. Beans, I mean, Peas, that was a stupid analogy if I ever read one. You need to read a little more carefully, NO OTHER CABLE T.V. OPTIONS are available in MANHATTAN. As I said, "MONOPOLY." I think you are the one who needs to go get the dictionary, Duhhh! |
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Peas Unregistered guest | Ok my poor little illiterate victim of TW. That is like saying that Ford has a monopoly since you can only purchase a Ford from them, you idiot. See how stupid that sounds? Yep, as dumb as you sound when you call TW a monopoly. Cable is not what you are purchasing it is the programming which is available from: Time Warner Cable OTA Dish DIRECT TV VOOM (till April 30th) That is 5 seperate and distinct choices, count them one by one and the total is still 5. With 5 choices you cannot have a monopoly no matter how hard your feeble little micro-brain trys to make it so. Peas |
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Bronze Member Username: CableguyDeep in the ... U.S. Post Number: 48 Registered: Mar-05 | Victim, Please point your anger in the right direction. If you or anybody else for this matter have a problem, take it to the FCC. You will find that Time Warner is doing what's allowed by the law that was laid down by the FCC. The "cable employee" to which you were referring is not Mr. Cable Guy. I'm the cableguy lol, and I haven't been paid 5.50 in hour since I was in high school back in the 80's. I've made it very clear, if you can read, I do respect your opinions..you have a right to voice your complaints anywhere you would like to. Just remember on the same token, that when you bash somebody or something there is always going to be somebody who disagree's with you. The phrase " we can agree to disagree" is very applicable. I really do feel sorry that you've got to come into a place like this where people are looking for help to questions about their TV's or STB's or hook-up and all you can contribute to the converstation is about how pissed off you are at the world because "x" cable company won't allow you to do something. The cable company operates within the guidelines of the FCC, if you're not happy with those guidelines elect somebody that will change the laws. In the meantime, I'll be reading the threads to see if I can help somebody, or even learn something myself. regards, |
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Ben Kellner Unregistered guest | anyway i can program the default cable code to something else that works with the cable box? when using the cable mode it interferes with other devices i have. |