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Anonymous | Do any of you have any problems with the cable card from comcast for HD channels. I receive the unencrypted channels without any problem, but encrypted channels are not receiving. It says concact your cable provider, and the technician from comcast came twice and couldn't figure out the problem. He indicated it is a programing error on their side, and would fix later... Did any one had a problem like this? The TV I use is Panasonic PT-53WXD63. Thanks. |
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Komah Unregistered guest | Don't think it is your Panny. Got a buddy who works for COX in OKC and they are having all kind of problems with their cable cards also. He didn't recommend getting one yet.Stick with the box till the bugs are worked out. |
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Anonymous | Thank you, Komah... |
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HD DUDE Unregistered guest | I think it is your Pany. I have a cable card and Mitsu. There were no problems with HD. My only issue has been Comcast technical support (or is that UN-TECHNICAL support. |
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Bam66 Unregistered guest | Comcast told me that their cable card does not support HD, just Standard Def. |
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b04 Unregistered guest | The cable cards from Time Warner Cable are fully operational and have not had any major problems as of this point. |
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Unregistered guest | Anonymous, curious to what services you are signed up for with Comcast and what area you are in if you do not mind me asking. My experience with cable card is that packaging makes a differnece in what you will recieve as to encrypted channels vs non encrypted channels. |
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Anonymous | We have our new Sony with the cable card and the technical dept from Time Warner has had to replace the card once and now the new one is not working properly. Wondering if we should return the Sony for the cable box model (several hundred less) or just get the box for the current model until the kinks are worked out. |
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CKRIII Unregistered guest | I have the Mits WD-62525 with a Comcast/Motorola cable card. When I called for service, they stated that their Cable cards do not support HD. The installers I had, luckily knew the card and the TV very well. It does support digital and HD. The only problem to date, which I thought was the card, was when my 13 yr old reprogrammed to cable instead of cable 1/cable card. I could get analog (no digital channels) and the computers worked (same frequency as digital), so I thought it was a card problem and called for service. They came out and "reprogrammed" the TV for me. (It was embarrassing) I was concerned about card issues brought up in this forum and asked the Tech. He contacted his office to further inquire, but they have not had any problems with the card to date. They have had some problems with people understanding the TV's and programming them however... (like me) |
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tnbubba Unregistered guest | could you please explain the difference between encrypted and non encrypted channels? thanks |
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Unregistered guest | I am experiencing the same problem with encrypted channels with a new Sharp LC-37GD6U. The unencrypted local channels carried on the cable look great in 1080i or 720p. Sharp customer service says its the CableCARD. Cox Technician said its the software on the TV. I have asked Cox to Swap the card but I am still waiting. Sharp said, "Cox, Time Warner and Others are experiencing the same problem and it sometimes takes 5 or 6 cards before one will work. Cablecard technology is so new this is the first thread I have found which references the problem. |
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Unregistered guest | Encrypted channels are scrambled like a new jig saw puzzle in a box. They require a key to unscramble the puzzle. All premium channels like HBO are encrypted on a digital cable so that people who do not subscribe can not view them. The cableCARD provides memory and software which Identifies the TV. The cable headend server is suppose to downloaded the code (key) to the CableCard to unscrambled the signal for those channels which you subscribe to. |
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Anonymous | I recently got the Sony KDF-42WE655, and it took Comcast 4 visits and two different CableCARDs, but everything now works as advertised. Just hope you get an installer who knows what they are doing! |
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Denise Stanco Unregistered guest | I have Comcast service with CableCard to pick up digital and Hi-Def channels. I have a Mitsu WD-52725. When it was first installed everything worked great. All digitals, all Hi-Def, and even the ChannelView worked. I could see the number for each channel and the name of each channel (WABC, Encore, etc). First generation CableCards are one-way so no Comcast On Screen TV Guide. But shortly after installation there was a power glitch in the community and things have not been right since. Some days I turn the TV on and there are only analog channels, sometimes digital but no Hi-Def, sometimes everything. I've called Comcast several times and they've tried many things. Nothing has gotten me back to square one. I am currently on the phone with Mitsu right now checking for software updates. My TV repairman said there is one and they are supossed to send me a copy. I really don't think that's a card issue. I think the software upgrade will only fix the remote control lock-up problem. I think all previous bloggers are right. It's new and it has bugs. I also think I need the card replaced. I have to call them right after I finish talking to Mitsu. I'll keep you posted. |
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Anonymous | Bummbling idiots...Comcast. I'm running a Sony 34XBR950, been working on getting CC to work properly for over a month. I was finally receiving HD local and KERA after three visits and two cards, but could never get InHD 1/2, ESPN2, Disc HD. I finally spoke to a supervisor who said that the Motorola CC was having problems with error correction and their equipment. But I never got any further claification and the SOB would never return my calls after that conversation. So, I'm on the Box for now. If I could only get Locals in HD, I'd tell them to shove it. (I'd have to put a TV38 up to get them, that's why). |
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Anonymous | scientific-atlanta cablecard and LC sharp-tv. anyone with problems with music choice channels are not working or an error message failure to broadcast E202 message. |
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R.R. Martin Unregistered guest | I have Scientific Atlanta cablecard and Sharp LC-37GD6U. I don't get any of the music channels or encrypted ESPNHD channel. Cox cable has tried to activate these several times without success. The question is, "who is at fault?" Is it the TV or is it the Cablecard? Sharp points at Cox, Cox points at Sharp. I have ask Cox to swap the card. They have not done so as of yet. I think they are waiting to get a new Cablecard. I believe files may have been corrupted during the setup. The TV gives you no indication of how the setup is proceeding. It is awfully easy to unknowingly interrupt the download at setup. Then the security setting may see the file header and not allow an overwrite. I hope they get the bugs out because the TV has a beautiful picture. |
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Unregistered guest | Update from my post from 10/28. Mitsu said there is an update for my WD-52725 and it corrects, among other things, problems with CableCards. I asked him what it corrected as I was having the channels drop out and he didn't know. He would have had to run back to talk to the tech again (he was just a phone rep). Now I'm waiting for the software. Will keep you posted. Interesting issue about your Motorola card as mine is Motorola too. I'll have to get back on the horn with Comcast......again...... I think this time I will demand a replacement card (after I upgrade the software), as I have read others have done. Please note, if anyone calls Mitsu asking about upgrades, they are very stingy. I had to practically beg for a copy. He said the techs told him that if the client doesn't specifically say what their problem is they are not to just send out the software. BTW, software containing the TV Guide Plus should be out sometime in December. Will be automatically sent to users who have registered. Was supposed to be on the 725's but they would have missed their release date. That's it for today! |
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tnbubba Unregistered guest | just curious. how is the new software installed on these tv's? thanks |
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Unregistered guest | HELP!! I have a panasonic Th 42Px25up Plasma TV. and Had Comcast install 2 different cable cards which have been unsucessful. I called Panasonic and they said it should work. |
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R. R. Martin Unregistered guest | Sharp Customer Service told me an authorized service center would have to install any software update on the Sharp Aquos TL-37GD6U. Sharp Customer Service was adamant that they had gotten it right and no update was needed. Sharp insisted all problems were with the CableCARD. Cox has been to the house 3 times. They installed new cable from the house to the roadside box. They have checked signal strength and it is very good. I have a hard time finding fault with Cox, as they have come on the Weekend and after 5PM to work on the cable. They are just not trained or familiar with a TV with CableCARD and I believe the local affiliate only had one CableCARD in stock. They could not replace the card until they received another. I am waiting today for them to bring another CableCARD. I have read where other TV's, which have a memory card slot, were updated using an SD, Memorystick or Compact Flash memory card. It appears the easiest way would be to load the update software on a memory card with a PCMCIA adapter and just plug it in the CableCARD slot. Anyone have experience with installing an update? |
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New member Username: ChiaooLittle Egg harbor, New Jersey u.s.a. Post Number: 1 Registered: Oct-04 | I am having problems with my Cable Card from Comcast in my Panasonic Plasma 42" Tv. only certain channels work and they (comcast) replaced the card once already. When I put on a HD channel a black screen comes on and states to contact Comcast I have and they cannot fix this. |
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R. R. Martin Unregistered guest | Update on CableCard and Sharp LC-37GD6U. Cox technician brought another CableCARD and spent the afternoon checking signal strenght and signal/noise ratio etc. He found some problems which affect the quality of the digital picture, certain channels on the cable dropping packets, etc. He is going to have a service technician trace the cable problem next week. I believe this is not related to my being unable to receive ESPNHD and Music Choice channels but they are improving the quality of the signal I receive. The Cox cable representative said he would try to get programmers from Cox and Sharp together to work on the inability to get certain channels problem. I'll keep you posted when something significant occurs. |
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Anonymous | I have a Sharp Aquos LC32GD4U and, a few weeks ago, was fine with the cable box (all digital and analog stations). We got cable card and lost many analog stations. Tech came out and replaced cable card which did not work either. I was told that a supervisor told the tech that this particular model of Sharp Aquos was not able to be used with a cable card (the specific reason we purchased tv). Sharp said have not Sharp and not Comcast, but cable card manufacturers. Sharp said have the tech bring 10-15 different cable cards and usually one works. He said he would have his supervisor call me. Stay tuned. Anyone have this model Sharp Aquos with these problems? |
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Anonymous | I have Comcast and a Panasonic 42PD25 plasma. I ordered the cablecard and on the third visit they finally got it hooked up. I was excited to get the card because I thought I could do away with the set top box. If this is your hope, please beware that you will not get the guide. I find the normal channel navigation is not practical with the 100's of channels, and therefore still have to use my set top box. I have heard that a second generation cable card will have the guide, but it was unclear as to whether this will work with the curtain generation of cablecard ready TV's. Without the cable card I was still able to tune many HD channels here in the SF area. Once installed I was able to receive more channels, but am still missing the pay movie channels. Also, there is a cable card status screen that shows an error "Cable Module channels not available, please call your cable company". The technician was in contact with the back office, but they could never get this message to go away. Anyway, this technology is apparently somewhat un-standard to date, so I am guessing everyone is going to have different experiences. |
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Unregistered guest | Recently purchased Mitsubishi 52525 TV. Comcast installed the cable card (Scientific Atlanta?).Have only been able to get basic cable. The retailer tells me it is Comcast problem, Comcast says it is Mitsubishi problem with TV software. I believe it version 01 and Comcast says it should be upgraded to version 03. The retailer and Mitsubishi area manager are slow to respond. Any thoughts appreciated. |
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Unregistered guest | Sharp Aquos has 2 cable connections on the tuner. The connection next to the cable card slot says Digital Cable Input. The other connection says Ant A. Sharp uses dual tuners.The cable card will show only digital channels on the Digital Input and Ant A will show the analog channels. You will need to split the input cable and toggle between the 2 inputs to view the diferent channels. |
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Unregistered guest | Any time you recieve the black window stating you need to contact your cable provider, you have coding issue on your billing account with the cable card. Cable providers have too set the card up correctly on your account with the correct serial numbers from the card along with the host Id from the TV and the Cable card Id also shown only on the TV. There is also a MAC address on the cable card that must match the serial number. |
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Unregistered guest | Different packages of channel lineups can cause certain HD channels to still be encrypted. Depending on the billing system used the encrypted channels might not be in the packages you purchased. This would be an IT/IS issue with your provider |
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Unregistered guest | When you are missing blocks of digital channels such as the Music Choice. You probably have a signal issue. Many of the Cable Card TV's seem to be very sensitive to RF signal levels. |
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Unregistered guest | Mistubishi's with software version 4.01 will not work with the Cable Card. You need too have 4.02 or higher |
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enilsen Unregistered guest | I have a mits 62725, software is newest ver 4.03, trying to get comcast cablecard. tech came out, 'never installed one before'. he's had no training whatsoever. couldn't get anything but analog channels. he called supervisor, sup came over, he knew nothing. He called tech support, they knew nothing. I did have channel lock up, but reset netcommand and got control back, but only ch up and down, no direct access, no HD. Any ideas? Mits knows nothing, comcast knows nothing. |
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Anonymous | On the 62725, and don't be offended, but are you sure the cable is connected to the correct input for CableCARD operation? If the cable is not connected to the Ant-1 Main (the bottom F connector), the DTV will not receive the cable signal. You will still see the message with the CableCARD and Host data but you will not get the cable channel map and will not be able to get the digital channels, clear or encrypted. |
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ARY Unregistered guest | Time Warner just installed a cable card on a Sony KDF55WF655. After about 1.5 hours of discussion between the office and the technician, they finally activated the card properly. All analog and digital signals including premium channels are being clearly received. Here's the problem. Channel numbers and proper station identifiers come in on each channel. However, the program's TV rating and the program's title in the upper TV information banner is Hit or Miss depending on the channel. This creates a problem with the Vchip working properly in that it allows programs with this unintended "no rating" to be seen, defeating the PG13 or R Vchip screening settings. Any ideas or similar experiences? |
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Anonymous | Regarding Time Warner and the Sony KDF55WF655, you may want to conatct Time Warner with the issue. When you do run into a circumstance when the rating is unavailable, see if they can check the program to see if it has a rating associted with it. The program may not be configured with a rating. Would be interesting to see what you find out. |
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Anonymous | With respect to the ratings question, programmers are not require to provide the V-chip data. If they do, the cable provider is required to pass it through to the devices on the cable plant. If you do not see the V-chip data for a program, the programmer is most likely not providing it. |
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Unregistered guest | I have a problem with this tv lg du-42py10x giving me this error code " a technical problem is preventing you from receiving all cable services at this time. Please call your cable operator and report error code 161-10 to have this problem resolved. any one else had this problem |
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Anonymous | On the LG DU-42PY10X, looks like a CableCARD issue. Did the DTV and card ever work together? Either way, you might want to try another CableCARD. |
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New member Username: RheitzigPost Number: 2 Registered: Oct-04 | Has anyone had experience getting the CableCARD to work with the Mitsubishi DLPs (52725 / 62725) with software version 4.03? The cable guys, including one of their engineers, have been out without any successes. He left both the card and a box that I can use until he figures it out, but it's getting old. |
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Anonymous | WRT 52725/62725, what kind of problem are you having? Can you access the CableCARD menu (Device menu/info) and display the Host/CableCARD IDs? If not, you could have a faulty DTV or CableCARD. Did the cable installer have a chance to test the CableCARD in a different set? Do you have the correct channel line up provided by the cable system/CableCARD? If not, the cable connection may be on the wrong input connector. Can you view digital channels? Can you view analog channels? If not, contact your cable operator and inform them of this specific problem. |
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New member Username: RheitzigPost Number: 3 Registered: Oct-04 | I only get analog stations through the cable-card. No digital, no hd. Interestingly, I get the "ChannelPlus Guide" thing, and even get channel labels for the digital channels I don't get (when I turn to channel 202 it says "202 ESPNHD blah blah blah"). Comcast has been out a good five or six times now, tried 5 different cable cards all with no luck. I get the host / cable-card ID screen. Cable-connection is to ANT1 as specified in the docs. My neighbor has the 52525 and has the same problem. It's obviously a comcast problem but they can't seem to figure it out... |
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Anonymous | Rich Heitzig, Can you provide your location (city, state)? I have higher level contacts at Comcast that I can provide your information to and possibly get you more help. Comcast, correct? From what you have indicated, CableCard appears to be working ok, you are getting the out of band data channel from the cable system (correct channel map and channel source names ESPNHD). Seems that you have an authorization problem where the cable system has not yet been able to properly authorize your CableCARD for services. You're almost there! |
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New member Username: RheitzigPost Number: 4 Registered: Oct-04 | Sure, Brooklyn Park, MN. The engineer that was out was already passing my information on to the VP of engineering here in Minneapolis, but haven't heard much. Otherwise, feel free to email me at rheitzig@carlson.com. |
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Unregistered guest | PLEASE HELP ME!! I just bought a Panny TH42up Plasma and the resolution is not what I expected, its barely better than my previous projection TV. Heres how I have it set up: cable into my Cable Box, hooked up to Tivo, then through my stereo to TV. Will a cable card improve my reception or do I need to do something else in order to get the digital cable Im paying for through Comcast. I did some adjustments on the TV itself, but it still seems to be blurry and the grays are all different shades, and the screen seems to have some digital distortions, like you can actually se the pixels. When the shot is a still, its perfect, but if the camera moves, it gets pixelly again. Any help? Email me , as I will not check back here. |
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Unregistered guest | Just pur a Mitsubishi WD 52525. Installer suggested a cable card. Went to Starstream, they tell me they don't have tho I understand they are required by Fed. law to have the cards. Is it worth the hassle to fight the cable co. to get the card if all of these problems are prevelant?? |
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New member Username: Eca5Post Number: 2 Registered: Nov-04 | kdf55wf655 sony cablecard installed...comcast couldn't make work... I hooked coax to cable imput tv...reset card...couldn't find anything till I pressed ant button on remote..channels read cxxx c214 etc. is this correct setup ?? |
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New member Username: HidefkindaguyPhoenixville, PA Post Number: 4 Registered: Nov-04 | Someone please help clarify: I just received my new Mits WD-62826 last evening. Comcast installed the cable card, and I'm receiving all my correct programming (analog, digital and HD) with exceptional picture quality. Each channel is identified by number and sometimes name (although often incorrect). What I don't have is the current or future program information (program name, description, ratings, etc). Comcast says this is normal and I will not receive this, but the Mits help line says that the set should be showing the info if the cable card is providing it. So, who is right and who is not telling the truth? If Comcast is right, I guess Im going to have to get the box back! |
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xvxvxvx Unregistered guest | What I don't have is the current or future program information (program name, description, ratings, etc). Comcast says this is normal and I will not receive this, but the Mits help line says that the set should be showing the info if the cable card is providing it. So, who is right and who is not telling the truth? If Comcast is right, I guess Im going to have to get the box back! Comcast is correct. All cablecards in use today have only one way communication. In practice this means you will not be able to display the Guide nor utilize any VOD (Video On Demand) features. I suspect it will be at least two years before a two way cablecard will be available. xvxvxvx |
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New member Username: HidefkindaguyPhoenixville, PA Post Number: 5 Registered: Nov-04 | Hi hate to be dumb, but...I understand the card is one way and I don't expect or need the on-demand feature. What I'm confused about is the program info that is provided by Comcast via one programming downloads (the comcast tech had to do this when initializing the new cable card). The instructions in the set even reference this, telling you that the tv must be turned off once every 24 hours for 5 to 10 minutes to receive program updates... |
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Anonymous | The Mitsubishi might be getting the detailed program info (proogram description etc) from TVGuide. The program updates the DTV is referring to are possibly coming over VBI from a PBS channel when the DTV is turned off. The only information coming from the CableCARD is the channel map and the source names (ESPNHD, FOXN, CNN) which are the short abbreviations for the channels. |
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New member Username: HidefkindaguyPhoenixville, PA Post Number: 6 Registered: Nov-04 | OK, after multiple phone calls with Mits and Comcast, here is the deal: Mits response: the tv has the "capability" via the CannelView to display program guide info such as channel number, name, program, with up to 12 hours future program info if the cable card supplier(Comcast) provides. Mits admitted that there will be a new version on the 62825 early next year, identified as the 62825G which will have the Gemstar program guide included. A firmware upgrade will be provided current owners next year when available. Comcast reply: There supplier of the card(Motorola) does not have this feature, therefore program information is not available via cable card. The cable box must be used. End of story. |
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garydmedia Unregistered guest | I ask this question here instead of just calling Time-Warner and asking them, because the people at TW Tech Support know next to nothing about CableCard. In fact, they are chock-full of erroneous information. When you first get a CableCard, you install it into its slot and let it download channel information from the cable company. Eventually, it comes up with the number of analog and digital channels it has identified. At that point, your cable company authorizes your particular cable package and those channels then come into your TV. So far, so good. But what happens when the cable company later adds more channels? For example, Time-Warner here will, at some point, presumably add the local WB station's HD channel to the digital lineup. Or add Bravo HD and other HD channels, over time, along with other non-HD digital channels. Do I need to reset the CableCard from time to time, ask it to look for channels, in order to receive these newly-added channels? I have Googled for a source of general information like this about CableCard but, so far, have been unable to find any. |
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New member Username: MadmanPost Number: 1 Registered: Nov-04 | I'm about to purchase the Mits 52725 and want to do the cablecard for my HDTV comcast. The salesman at the TV store indicated that the card is free and HDTV comes with it (no HDTV box). I'm guessing that the card is not free, but is cheaper than the cable box. Anyone know the cost of the card? Judging by all the blogs here, it looks like HDTV comes with it, but is that an extra charge? thanks. |
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tnbubba Unregistered guest | rob, the way my comcast rep said is the card is free but they charge $5.00 for the digital hdtv pkg. if you get the box it's $5.00. go figure. what i'm gonna do is have them give me the card and the box and that way i can order ppv if i want to. either way it should cost me $5.00. |
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Anonymous | my local cable provider has installed scientific atlantic cable card in my 42''panasonic plasma hd.the nfl channel has both sound & picture, but the 6 channels above' only picture. also, periodically on the hd channels the picture freezes or tiles. recently,on all channels a message appears "error 161-53 has occured, contact your cable co. what's up? do i can the cable and go with satellite, or is there a fix? PLEASE HELP, Many Thanks! |
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Unregistered guest | I've got a Mitsubishi WS65615. Having troubles getting getting my set to recognize the cable card being inserted into the TV. Card has been replaced. Mitsu stated that the software ver 4.01 was outdated. Sent me the upgrade to ver.4.03. Now cable card is still acting same way. When inserting the card I get no response from set indicatin card is present. Remove the card and get a message stating card was remover. Re-insert it give an error code of 161-2. Any ideas on what the problem may be? |
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Jim _ Pops_ Unregistered guest | I have a Sony KD-30XS955 in which COX installed a Motorola CableCard. Everything was fine for about 2 months. Digital channels, Pay Channels, and HD channels were all fine. Then one day all the pay channels were gone, all other channels was fine. Called up COX and they said that they had to send someone out to fix it " why send someone out to fix what needs to be done in the home office ". In the mean time I went into the menu and reset the card " wrong - lost all the channels" Called Cox back to have them send a signal to the card in hopes to get the regular channels back " wrong again " no signal at all. Tech came out and said he could not do anything the home office had to send the channel listing to the card. I called Cox back a few days later to see if anyone could help. They tried to send 2 different signals but still nothing and guess what they are sending someone back out. Well guess I will just have to wait and see if he can fix it. This is going on 2 weeks now. For now I just unplug the CableCard and get stations 2 - 99 including HBO. One of these days the Cable providers will know how to get these cards to work. |
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Jim_Pops_ Unregistered guest | Oh by the way does anyone know if the TV needs to be on for the Cable provider "COX to send signals to the Motorola Cable Card on a Sony KD-30XS955 |
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Unregistered guest | Just bought a Sharp LC-37GD4U. Picture quality was rated very high and the size screen was right size, plus I could handle the $3,600 price tag. The LCD also came with a cable card slot. Geat no $5 monthly fee for on top T.V box. Problem is Comcast can't provide the right card to make the software work, or Sharp is promising something that does not work correctly. Comcast has come out twice and both time the repairmen/tech looked very confused. Problem is both repairmen were contractors and had zero experience working with LCD TV. Sharp tech department claims there cable card works fine, but they also say they are getting hit with a ton of complaints (night mare calls) about cable card not working after Comcast inserts their motorola card. If anyone know where the blame is please let me know. I feel the Sharp TV is good quality and was not damaged at shipping. I also feel Comcast wants to just try one card and if things don't work out that take off in a hurry. Has anyone heard if Comcast has to intialize a card first before inserting into a Sharp T.V. I see this problem growing worse as Christmas season starts and buyers get very frustrated because their expensive TV's don't work as promised. Why get a digital HDTV and not be able to use the cable card to save your self $5 a month. |
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New member Username: Eca5Post Number: 3 Registered: Nov-04 | HAD SAME PROBLEM....FINALLY FOUND ANT/CBL BUTTON ON REMOTE THAT CAME WITH TV....GOT CABLE CARD WHEN I PRESSED BUTTON...INFORMED COMCAST !!!!! |
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Unregistered guest | I've had the Mitsubishi WD-52525 for nearly 3 months. I had originally ordered the Hitachi 50" LCD with CableCard support, but when it was still not available for the start of NFL season I switched my order to the Mits WD-52525 - and paid about $500 more. I am happy with the picture and OTA digital / HD, but I have had NUMEROUS other problems... On their first attempt to install the CableCard, the Time Warner tech was here for 2 hours before he gave up after determining that the set needed a firmware upgrade! After Mits finally got me the 4.03 update, TW came back and was able to install and initialize the CableCard but that's when the flakey behavior really began! We experienced breaking up of picture/sound on digital channels, occasional "161-53" error messages, and soon the digital channels stopped working completely. On the third visit, two TW techs showed up and they said "its probably the SA CableCard, we have been going through them like candy." They replaced the card but when they called back to the head office to authorize it no one answered the phone (I was last apt on Sat afternoon)! So they put the first card back in and said they would be back on Monday. They also confirmed adequate signal (I had also previously measured --60 dBm myself which seems pretty good though I couldn't find a spec for the tuner) but they did replace a "ground connection" outside the house. Funny thing was after the TW techs had removed and reinserting the first card on their third visit it did start working again and the digital picture blocking did also seem be virtually eliminated. Only funny thing was that a few analog channels could now not be accessed by direct entry but only by the up down buttons (e.g. "6; <enter>" would not work but "7; <enter>; <chan>" would). This prevented the PIP from working with any of the affected channels! TW came back a forth time and replaced the CableCard and had everything working OK again when they left. Everything was OK for about a month or so, but then flakey behavior started again. More breaking / freezing / blue screens on digital channels, more "161-53" error messages, and several times the digital channels stopped until I removed / reinserted the CableCard. Now whatever I do, I can't get some analog channels to work by direct entry. At this point I am not sure if the problem is my set (i.e. hardware), bugs in the Mits firmware, the CableCard, or the Time Warner signal (e.g. distortion, time domain dispersion, etc.) I suspect it is a combination of several, but I am afraid TW and Mits are going to just point fingers at each other. In addition to the problems mentioned above, I have also had a situation occur sporadically wherein I'll press a button on the remote and the set refuses to respond (doesn't even display the pressed digit) at all for about 15 seconds. This one reeks of a Mits firmware bug, and I have the general impression that Mits rushed this thing to market be the first CableCard set out. I have yet not pursued it further because I've been too busy to sit at home for service calls or otherwise bird-dog Mits/TW and was hoping similar complaints might surface on the web pointing to a systemic problem. I would appreciate hearing from anyone else having experienced these issues, and if I get to the bottom of it I will post a follow up. |
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New member Username: Jsammari_evomrPost Number: 1 Registered: Nov-04 | I tried to have Comcast install a CableCard in my new Toshiba 51H94 and they were only able to receive analog signals, digital and HD channels never materialized. We were receiving a strong signal on the digital channels but the screen remained blank. I discovered on Toshiba's web site a bulletin that mentions this very problem on some of the new xxH94 models. A Toshiba technician is coming out this week to replace whatever has to be replaced. Below is a statement from their web site. To ensure the satisfaction of our customers and to maintain the integrity and quality of our products, Toshiba America Consumer Products, L.L.C. is issuing an important product update. On an initial limited production run of the 51H94 televisions, we have identified a compatibility issue with one cable system, which may not allow you to receive digital channels while using the CableCARD slot. This is not a safety issue and it is easily resolved by a Toshiba service technician. The affected serial numbers are: 51H94 - 21500021 to 21502920 This serial number can be located on the rear panel of the television. If your television falls within the range and you are unable to access digital cable channels, please call 1-800-631-3811 for details on how to arrange for an upgrade by an authorized Toshiba service technician. |
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Unregistered guest | Cable card problems could be either with the cable provider or the TV itself. Comcast seems to have service technicians who either have no idea how a cable card works, or simply think you can insert the card and the TV does the rest. Comcast service is just plain awful in my area in Virginia/D.C. and most service techs are either under trained, under educated or just plain incompetent. You never know if the Comcast servicemen is going to do more damage to your TV, then good. Comcast literally has just contractors working for them that seem to give the impression this is the first job they ever had. If you are concerned about the welfare and continued operation of your TV (plasma, flat screen, etc.) watch Comcast service techs like a hawk. They will insert cable card in the wrong position, upside down, etc, and do major damage to your cable card slot. I am thinking of switching to Direct TV to find out if the service is better then Comcast. Comcast just does not have an quality control or professionally trainned personnel. They are just like a big fat sloppy utility company that gets the job done half right. Good luck to all on this continual problem. |
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Dawson Unregistered guest | I too have problems with Comcast (Montgomert County, Maryland) and their cable cards; no one there seems to know anything about cable cards. I am receiving basic HD but they set me up for some additional channels (100 to 199) and this is not working. A Comcast tech is coming in 2 days; if Comcast cannot solve the problem I will switch to Diredt TV |
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Unregistered guest | Thank you people for letting me know I'm not alone. I have a Sony KD-34XS955, and have waited 7 weeks for my cable to be installed. Time Warner swore that no one lived in this neighbood yet. The first Tech arrived Monday, but was unable to install the Card. Another Tech came out tonight. After requesting someone w/ card experience and confirmed it w/ the Cust service rep. A newbie showed up. He enventually was able to complete the job halfway. I have the local HD channels, but no ESPNHD or such, plus no digital tier. I am on hold now. I called customer service and was told it was a problem w/ Sony TV's. Why didn't they tell the reps this info. I don't believe them. Whoo-hoo someone just talked to me. no big news, but a mangaer is to call me back tonight. I was only on hold for 52 minutes. All told I have put atleast 3 hrs of calls to Time Warner on my cell phone the last week. From everything I've read it is the cable companies fault. They don't train people. And why should they. I think the local monthly fee for a digital box is 12.95 plus anothe 1.95 for the remote. CableCards is cutting a major revenue source. |
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New member Username: Jsammari_evomrPost Number: 2 Registered: Nov-04 | The Comcast technician that came to my house here in southern NJ was not trained on Cablecard technology, needless to say I watched him very carefully. |
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Anonymous | The Comcat tech came a second; he removed the cable card then reinserted it again; then he called Comcast and requested a "hit" (meaning a signal). Then it started to work and it is now fine. |
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Anonymous | just bought a sharp widescreen LC-26GD4U here in Boston and Comcast is coming in a week and a half to install my cable card. Any suggestions on things to ask, watch out for, etc. on my part so I could help my chances of having things work out well? |
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Unregistered guest | Purchased a Pany TH-37PX25up and have Comcast in Howeard County MD. Are there any success stories out there with this configuration? Any suggestions? |
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New member Username: RddesqPost Number: 2 Registered: Dec-04 | I got a comcast cable card installed on 12/4 in my new Toshiba 62HMX94. It works fine but you can't get the on screen guide with it. That is only available with the STB so I am thinking of switching to the box. Also I do not know if it is the TV or the cable card but switching channels up and down on the remote takes a real long time 3-4 seconds. This I am told is somewhat normal for digital tv but it seems really long |
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Field Tech Unregistered guest | There seems to be a problem with Sony TV's as well...error 161-4....Motorola isn't being very forthcoming with documentation as to what the error codes actually mean. What they ARE saying is that the cablecard firmware is newer than the TV's firmware, and the TV's need to be updated in order for things to work correctly. As for Comcast's guide.... It is a 2 way guide, and the cards are 1 way....If you want the guide, I'd go with a box. |
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Anonymous | Brian Sandoval Attorney General Bureau of Consumer Protection. 555 East Washington Ave Ste. 3900 Las Vegas, Nevada 89101 Dear Mr. Sandoval: RE: Complaint against FRY'S Electronics and Mitsubishi for false advertising and Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices: I am in receipt of your letter dated December 2, 2004 passing on my formal complaint against the two companies listed above, and moving the case to the Department of Business and Industry I strongly disagree with this because fraud is your job. Their action is a simple case of Deceptive trade practices and consumer FRAUD and a crime in the market place. As I stated before that it is my understanding that it is unlawful for any person, firm, corporation or association, or any employee thereof make statements which is known to be untrue and which is made or disseminated with the intention of misleading with intent directly or indirectly to induce the public to enter into any obligation relating to the advertisement. It is also my understanding that any advertising which is misleading in any material respect is considered to be false advertising. An advertisement is considered misleading if it fails to disclose facts, which are important in light of what is stated in the advertisement, or facts, which are relevant in the light of the customary use of the product. MITSUBISHI ADVERTISMENT: CableCARD Slot CableCARD is the name of a limited access control card provided by the local cable company that allows Digital Cable Ready TVs to receive, decode and de-scramble premium digital channels without the use of a cable box. One-way systems allow both basic and premium channels but do not allow video-on-demand or pay-per-view ordered by the remote control. On-screen guides are not provided by the cable company but alternative guides are often available. The CableCARD is provided by the local cable company. When the TV owner moves to a new area, the first card is returned to the cable company and the new cable company provides a new card. The card slot in the TV is designed to a national standard so the TV can use CableCARD FRYS ELECTRONICS ADVERTISMENT BY SALES DEPARTMENT Digital cable ready means that, when you have signed up with "COX" cable system, you will be able to merely plug the cable into your HDTV, then play high definition and digital cable without having to use a set-top box. They stated that "Digital Cable Ready" is the official term for the Mitsubishi television that meets the plug-and-play digital cable TV standard using a CableCARD at a great cost savings by not having a cable box and better resolution with the elimination of a second decoding device. These are totally false and incorrect in the fact that I paid over a thousand dollars for a known incompatibility and defect. I have not been able to use the capability that I paid additional dollars for and had to resort to the old cable box capability, for your information the CableCARD image was much clearer than the image from the box. The CableCARD is the problem, is the song and dance I am getting from Mitsubishi regarding problems using my CableCARD feature as advertised. The symptoms include the entire digital channel tier dropping out, the TV locking up, no stereo sound and often with a "NO SIGNAL" display on my Mitsubishi HDTV purchased from FRY'S Electronics. To remedy the situation I had to go to a standard cable box and not receive the high quality picture as advertised by both companies. COX Communications has bent over backwards trying to remedy the situation with no results. They freely admit, "We haven't gotten a single CableCARD to work right". I called "Scientific Atlanta" (the manufacturer of the CableCARD) and they indicated it might be a "firmware" issue with Mitsubishi. At this time however, everyone at COX is dumbfounded. I paid thousands of dollars for this feature. EXAMPLE OF RESPONSE FROM MITSUBISHI: 1- "Per our conversation, the information that we are getting is that Scientific Atlantic is having problems with the software in their cable card. As of one week ago, we were told that the correction from them would be with in 2 weeks give or take. We as well should be releasing a software update around the 1st. of December. 2- "I will be in touch with you next week as soon as our software update is available or should I get a solid ETA on the release". 3- "Also, should I have more information on the correction on behalf of Scientific Atlantic, I will let you know as well". Yet they both continue to advertise, "CableCARD is the name of a limited access control card provided by the local cable company that allows Digital Cable Ready TVs to receive, decode and de-scramble premium digital channels without the use of a cable box". They also committed consumer fraud and using unscrupulous tactics by selling T.V. feature / capabilities, which had known defects at the time of the sale, and knowingly canceling this information from the consumer. I have paid many dollars for a capability that I cannot use and a set that will be outdated based on your false advertising and knowingly hiding the problem from the consumer. I also have been informed that this model and its capabilities are now already obsolete. It is my understanding there is already a new CableCard on the horizon that presumably fixes many of these issues and current CableCard sets will not be able to take advantage of those fixes. In October, Samsung became the first consumer electronics manufacturer to sign a license to manufacture two-way CableCard products, known as Interactive Digital Cable Ready. The simple fact is that there are known problems with the TV software, CableCARD software, and they are selling a known defective product to the Nevada consumer, the customer is even at a more disadvantaged position than the seller and manufacturer, regarding the new technology, and relies on the "advertisement". |
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New member Username: RddesqPost Number: 4 Registered: Dec-04 | The symptoms include the entire digital channel tier dropping out, the TV locking up, no stereo sound and often with a "NO SIGNAL" display on my Mitsubishi HDTV purchased from FRY'S Electronics. Starting Monday night (2 days after cable card was installed) the symptoms described above are exactly what I have had. On all channels above 98 (Comcast Cable)I have no picture but do have sound. Comcast was unable to correct via phone call so the Tech. is coming on Saturday to correct and remove card and install STB. I would advise that cable card technology is not fully worked out and stick with STB until it is. |
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New member Username: RddesqPost Number: 5 Registered: Dec-04 | The symptoms include the entire digital channel tier dropping out, the TV locking up, no stereo sound and often with a "NO SIGNAL" display on my Mitsubishi HDTV purchased from FRY'S Electronics. Starting Monday night (2 days after cable card was installed) the symptoms described above are exactly what I have had on my Toshiba 62HMX94 using a cable card. On all channels above 98 (Comcast Cable)I have no picture but do have sound. Comcast was unable to correct via phone call so the Tech. is coming on Saturday to correct and remove card and install STB. I would advise that cable card technology is not fully worked out and stick with STB until it is. |
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Jcovino Unregistered guest | I also purchased a MITSUBISHI from FRY'S Electronics and was told by the sales person it works well, as a matter of fact there was a sales rep from Mitsubishi there, I was not told of these problems until I got home. Are they trying to get rid of these HDTV's so they can roll out the new version that works? I am back to the old box and paid for a function that does not work |
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black1230 Unregistered guest | Just purchased a Mits 52725 and wanted to use a a cable card after six attembts and many cards later it does not work. Save your $$ and buy a cheaper set or wait a years it looks like HDTV comes on the MITSI is that long away |
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New member Username: SrstevensonPost Number: 1 Registered: Dec-04 | Can anyone tell me what functionality you lose when you convert from a comcast digital cable box to a cable card. I know you lose PPV and On demand but do you also lose the program guide? I'm getting different answers to that from comcast depending who answers the call. Thanks! |
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New member Username: Eca5Post Number: 4 Registered: Nov-04 | I HAVE DONE THIS WITH A SONY AND YOU DO LOSE THE PROGRAM GUIDE !! SORRY |
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New member Username: HidefkindaguyPhoenixville, PA Post Number: 10 Registered: Nov-04 | Comcast cable cards have the following limitations when used with my Mits 62825: -no program guide-only channel view (Mits to provide software update to 825 users soon giving us this functionality) -No pay per view -Occational channel change freeze (new 5.02 software suppose to fix but does not!) Cablecard advantages: -superior picture quality over box (alegegedly, I have not tested) -eliminate $14.95 monthly cable box rental fee |
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tnbubba Unregistered guest | ec, how does your card work with your sony? any problems? i've just gotten a new xs955 and thinking of getting it. i'm getting the hdtv over the air right now. only missing espn. is reception good on all channels? thanks for any input. |
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New member Username: SrstevensonPost Number: 2 Registered: Dec-04 | I have a Sony model KDF-60WF655, the TV is awesome. I wanted cable card but I'm not willing to give up the guide with comcast. So I'm sticking with the box vs. the cable card. With 100+ channels how do you not have a guide, rediculous! Thanks to all who responded to my inquiry!! This is a great site. |
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tnbubba Unregistered guest | srs, do you not still get that channel that tells whats on within a two hour time frame like say on channel 35. it's that tv guide channel.thats with the card. |
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New member Username: SrstevensonPost Number: 3 Registered: Dec-04 | tnbubba: I cancelled getting the cable card because comcast and responders to my post said you lose the guide. So the answer to your question based on comcast and those folks is that you will not have access to the channel guide with the cable card. Ridiculous isn't it, with 100+ channels how can you not have a guide!!! I'm waiting until technology can meet that need and I'll live with the hi-def box until then. Hope this helps. |
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tnbubba Unregistered guest | srs, i was told the guide with the box is a much more detailed explanation of each show but you would still get the regular tv guide channel on basic cable even with the card, just not the fancy guide the box gives. i don't know if this right or not but seems like it would. it's just on one of the channels. i;m getting showtime, all the music channels and other movie channels free with the digital tuner on the tv. still only have basic cable. |
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New member Username: N2hopsPost Number: 1 Registered: Dec-04 | Does anyone have on going sucess with their cablecard with comcast and any of the Mits 525,725 or 825's or have we all brought an option were unable to use. I've yet to take delivery, should I cancell?? |
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Campgems Don R Unregistered guest | Cable Card and Sony Experience; Just put my 1 month old KD-34xbr960 on line with a cable card hooked to Charter. They use the Scientific Atlanta Mdl PKM600 card. Some mucking around on the inital install, finaly I had a street of Charter trucks, guys with shovels, and some nervious neighbors. By late afternoon, I had new cable pulled under the street, and everything in the house fixed that they could. They pronunced it well and left. I got to watch cable that night, but the next day, about 1/2 hour into a show, the screen went sparkely and then blank with a NO SIGNAL shown. Checked another digital chanel and the same, Analog was fine. Reset the cable card with the option on the TV menu and everything came back. It's been off and on since then, with three more visits from tech's and supervisors. The cable card was replaced today and it still fails the same way. Got on Sony's chat room for service and was told that there was no way to update the firmware in the TV. Still waiting for a call back from Charter. I've been in computer repair for over 35 years, and I could point a finger at any one of the three problem areas, Cable, Card, or TV, and depending on who I'm talking to, the finger pointing is taking place. Charter seems to be hanging in there. The supervisor today said that they only have 9 cable cards in the area, and this area has more than any other one, including LA. They have little experience as a company with the cards, and no experience to back them up. He did mention that mine is the first Sony they have had problems with though. Hope the get this resolved soon, I plunked down an extra $K to get a HTDV Receiver built in with cable card. |
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Unregistered guest | The bottom line on the advantages and disadvantages of cable card vs. box is that the cable company wants you to pay for the box. It is my understanding that TiVo has its own guide so who cares if you lose the program guide buy a TiVo and use their guide. It's a better guide anyway. |
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Peas Unregistered guest | News Flash: TIVO is an ugly box as well, you are just replacing one ugly box with another. It too has a monthly subscrption fee and will not record HD (unless you are a Direct TV subscriber and pay $899 for the TIVO). Peas |
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David B. Hong Unregistered guest | RE: File # 104315 Complaint against FRY'S Electronics and Mitsubishi for false advertising and unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices: I am in receipt of a letter dated December 20, 2004 informing me of your initiation of an investigation on the above matter against the above companies. I wanted to take this time to summarize my complaint for you. This is a simple case of Deceptive trade practices and consumer FRAUD that is a crime in the market place. As I stated before that it is my understanding that it is unlawful for any person, firm, corporation or association, or any employee thereof make statements which is known to be untrue and which is made or disseminated with the intention of misleading with intent directly or indirectly to induce the public to enter into any obligation relating to the advertisement. It is also my understanding that any advertising which is misleading in any material respect is considered to be false advertising. An advertisement is considered misleading if it fails to disclose facts, which are important in light of what is stated in the advertisement, or facts, which are relevant in the light of the customary use of the product. In addition, they should be held liable for the intentional or negligent failure to disclose material defects in the product purchased. To be specific as of July 1 2004 the both advertised to offer CableCARD services which is, a credit-card-size "conditional-access device" that promises to unfetter TV viewers from their hard-wired cable boxes and with a build in digital tuner All you have to do is insert your leased CableCARD from Cox at much cheaper cost than the box, with true HDTV., including premium channels. Consumers who experienced performance problems with their HDTV are entitled to recover damages, punitive damages, and equitable relief. As the A.G. might determine. MITSUBISHI ADVERTISMENT: CableCARD Slot CableCARD is the name of a limited access control card provided by the local cable company that allows Digital Cable Ready TVs to receive, decode and de-scramble premium digital channels without the use of a cable box. One-way systems allow both basic and premium channels but do not allow video-on-demand or pay-per-view ordered by the remote control. On-screen guides are not provided by the cable company but alternative guides are often available. The CableCARD is provided by the local cable company. When the TV owner moves to a new area, the first card is returned to the cable company and the new cable company provides a new card. The card slot in the TV is designed to a national standard so the TV can use CableCARD. "Digital Cable Ready Official term that I was given for an HDTV that conforms to the plug-and-play digital cable TV standard using POD (point of deployment) access cards, also called CableCARD. With cable systems that comply with the standard, users can plug the cable directly into an HDTV set, then enjoy HDTV and digital cable without having to use a separate set-top box. FRYS ELECTRONICS ADVERTISMENT BY SALES DEPARTMENT Digital cable ready means that, when you have signed up with "COX" cable system, you will be able to merely plug the cable into your HDTV, then play high definition and digital cable without having to use a set-top box. They stated that "Digital Cable Ready" is the official term for the Mitsubishi television that meets the plug-and-play digital cable TV standard using a CableCARD at a great cost savings by not having a cable box and better resolution with the elimination of a second decoding device. It also will let you use your TV's remote control for all cable and over-the-air programs. So we bought this TV thinking that we would not need a cable box (you pay quite a bit more for the built in HD tuner) and low and behold, the software in the TV is outdated and never worked (and they knew this for 8 months) and it does not allow the TV to process all of the HD channels. The simple fact is that both Fry's and Mitsubishi knew of the known problems with the TV software at the time of the sale and never mentioned it to the Nevada consumer. The CableCARD is the problem, is the song and dance I am getting from Mitsubishi regarding problems using my CableCARD feature as advertised. The symptoms include the entire digital channel tier dropping out, the TV locking up, no stereo sound and often with a "NO SIGNAL" display on my Mitsubishi HDTV purchased from FRY'S Electronics. To remedy the situation I had to go to a standard cable box and not receive the high quality picture as advertised by both companies. COX Communications has bent over backwards trying to remedy the situation with no results. They freely admit, "We haven't gotten a single CableCARD to work right". I called "Scientific Atlanta" (the manufacturer of the CableCARD) and they indicated it might be a "firmware" issue with Mitsubishi. At this time however, everyone at COX is dumbfounded. I paid thousands of dollars for this feature. It is amazing how Mitsubishi and Fry's still want to blame the cable company when actually the fault lies with the TV manufacturer. Mitsubishi has been absolutely NO help to the technicians. They spent over 33 person-hours and really tried to get things up. They have been unable to get the card to work in this TV. I am not blaming the cable people and their management. They have been very helpful and have really tried EXAMPLE OF RESPONSE FROM MITSUBISHI: 1- "Per our conversation, the information that we are getting is that Scientific Atlantic is having problems with the software in their cable card. As of one week ago, we were told that the correction from them would be with in 2 weeks give or take. We as well should be releasing a software update around the 1st. of December. 2- "I will be in touch with you next week as soon as our software update is available or should I get a solid ETA on the release". 3- "Also, should I have more information on the correction on behalf of Scientific Atlantic, I will let you know as well". Yet they both continue to advertise, "CableCARD is the name of a limited access control card provided by the local cable company that allows Digital Cable Ready TVs to receive, decode and de-scramble premium digital channels without the use of a cable box". All I got was on my TV was more breaking / freezing / blue screens on digital channels, more "161-53" error messages more lost time from work etc. They also committed consumer fraud and using unscrupulous tactics by selling T.V. feature / capabilities, which had known defects at the time of the sale, and knowingly hiding this information from the consumer. I have paid many dollars for a capability that I cannot use and a set that will be outdated based on your false advertising and knowingly hiding the problem from the consumer. I also have been informed that this model and its capabilities are now already obsolete. It is my understanding there is already a new CableCard on the horizon that presumably fixes many of these issues and current CableCard sets will not be able to take advantage of those fixes. In October, Samsung became the first consumer electronics manufacturer to sign a license to manufacture two-way CableCard products, known as Interactive Digital Cable Ready. I also have been informed that this model and its capabilities are now already obsolete. It is my understanding there is already a new CableCard on the horizon that presumably fixes many of these issues and current CableCard sets will not be able to take advantage of those fixes. In October, Samsung became the first consumer electronics manufacturer to sign a license to manufacture two-way CableCard products, known as Interactive Digital Cable Ready One other problem is that I see will be that when the industry finally does adopt a two way standard , the consumer will not be able to retrofit existing CableCARD-ready TV's. Mitsubishi and FRY'S have failed to protect the consumer by selling HDTV's with known defects for their own financial gain. The simple fact is that there are known problems with the TV software, CableCARD software, and they are selling a known defective product to the consumer, the customer is even at a more disadvantaged position than the seller and manufacturer, regarding the new technology, and relies on their "advertisement". |
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Justin Anderson Unregistered guest | I have a Mitsubishi WD62725, with the newest ver 4.03 firmware, trying to get COX cablecard to work. tech came out, ' he never had installed one before'. he's had no training whatsoever, is a contractor for them. He could not get anything but analog channels. he called COX supervisor, he knew nothing. He called Mitsubishi tech support, they knew nothing and said 4.o3 is the latest. I did have channel lock up, and screen froze, put in new card got control back, but only ch up and down, no direct access, no HD. Mitsubishi claims to knows nothing, COX claims to know nothing, yet I read all of this and everybody else knows a lot, are they playing me for a fool. HELP. |
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A. Arnold Unregistered guest | I have a Mitsubishi WD52725 software version V26 004.03; it's been in since Dec 1st. The day they (Comcast) came out to install the card (Motorola) it worked right away but only for the free HDTV then I asked for the digital package, and they could not get it to reset with a new hit. They tried for about a ½ hr, so they got another card and it took several hits and a ½ hr to get it going. It worked great for several days then all digital channels were dropped, I called Comcast and they said to replace the card. But the next day it was working and is still working to this day. I am very disappointed in the FCC agreeing and allowing them to create a one way cablecard especially with today's technologies, also I am disappointed with Mitsubishi for having PIP and not allowing a digital channel to be swapped especially since the old analog signal will be eventually dropped. I also have an occasional lock up with the remote. And I'm sure Comcast won't support ChannelView's guide when they have there own guide that you can't get with the card. |
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Anonymous | For any of you that have a cablecard TV with a build-in TV Guide, does that substitute for the guide provided by the cable box? In other words, can it give the correct listings for your local cable company the way their web site can? |
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ca.dude Unregistered guest | Let's keep in mine that all the cable providers are forced to supply cable cards that they do not make. So as for the remote and tv lockups, it's a tv set problem and you have all these different brands of tvs, each with diffrent problems with firmwear updates needed. You lose pay-per view access from your remote, on screen tv guide, cable top set box menu options and surround sound. Stick with the top set HD box. I think some people are stuck on the idea that they spend alot of money on the cable card feature and, by god, they're going to use it, even if you'll lose all of the options you get with the box. Some tv's have 7 video inputs too so you better get some more equipment for that. Let's face it, for now the cable cards are a step backwards in tecnology. |
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ca.dude Unregistered guest | Let's keep in mine that all the cable providers are forced to supply cable cards that they do not make. So as for the remote and tv lockups, it's a tv set problem and you have all these different brands of tvs, each with diffrent problems with firmwear updates needed. You lose pay-per view access from your remote, on screen tv guide, cable top set box menu options and surround sound. Stick with the top set HD box. I think some people are stuck on the idea that they spend alot of money on the cable card feature and, by god, they're going to use it, even if you'll lose all of the options you get with the box. Some tv's have 7 video inputs too so you better get some more equipment for that. Let's face it, for now the cable cards are a step backwards in tecnology. |
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ca.dude Unregistered guest | Let's keep in mine that all the cable providers are forced to supply cable cards that they do not make. So as for the remote and tv lockups, it's a tv set problem and you have all these different brands of tvs, each with diffrent problems with firmwear updates needed. You lose pay-per view access from your remote, on screen tv guide, cable top set box menu options and surround sound. Stick with the top set HD box. I think some people are stuck on the idea that they spend alot of money on the cable card feature and, by god, they're going to use it, even if you'll lose all of the options you get with the box. Some tv's have 7 video inputs too so you better get some more equipment for that. Let's face it, for now the cable cards are a step backwards in tecnology. |
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Trammell Unregistered guest | I have checked everything and believe it is bugs in the Mits firmware, everytime I install a new firmware version something else goes wrong, I have elected to go back to the "BOX" and turn this over to mt attorney so that I can return mt Mitsi back to them. I suspect it is a issue that Mitsi knew all alomg but had no option but to go with their manufacturing plans in order for them to meet their sales goal, and to hell with the customer. Which leaves me with the general impression that Mits rushed this thing to market be the first CableCard set out. |
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Unregistered guest | I have sony plasma, and Comcast has yet to figure out how the cable card works. Their technical support is poor and unprofessional, and their level of expertise is highly questionable. They told me that it is the plasma and I spent three weeks dealing with Sony and Best buy only to realize that they did not programmed it correctly. When it worked it only worked partially. After two months, I have decided to get the HD box, and I continue to deal with the incomptence of Comcast techs because of their difficulty plugging the box into a reciver rather than the TV. Yared |
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Unregistered guest | Sorry to have to add to the stupid category, but i just purchased a sony kdf60xs955 and receive cable channels 3-13 but 14-23 no signal. Is this a tuner issue? I have Comcast basic and run Direct TV on channel 3 just fine. Ran my cable connection back to my 36" Sony and receive all basic Comcast channels 3-23. What gives? Thank you in advance. Best Buy tech is stumped also. |
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Campgems Don R Unregistered guest | Well, the cable guy comes tomorrow, again, maybe. They have missed their last three commitments. By the way, this is Charter Net, not Comcast. I've had their cable card, a couple of them, since 12-14-04. Still unable to watch a full movie without losing signal on the digital chanels. I've spent so much of my time investigating this that I've discovered that the loss of signal is very predictable. between 5 minutes before the hour, and 10 minutes after. Then again another "soft spot" around the 1/2 hour. My card is a Scientific Atlanta. TV is a Sony KD-34xbr960. All cables have been replaced. Sony repairman out to update the firmware (Sony told me that it was not possible on their TV's) So, the Cable guy is to show up tomorrow, again, maybe. We will see if anything is addressed this time. By the way, Charter decided to give me "a years free Starzs". Big deal, I can't watch digital anyway so it sounds like they are giving me the sleaves out of their vest. Don |
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Legio10 Unregistered guest | I have new Sony KDF 50WE655 w/HD. Had Comcast cable card installed and worked flawlessly. Was receiving all premium programming except PPV.....for two months, then the other day it reprogrammed itself to only network HD and analog. I agree Comcast Tech on phone and in house is woefull. Get a different story everytime. Have Motorola DVR box installed and its a pain in rear with remote etc. Was told I needed new cable card when ever I change programming subscription, then told they are temprarily out of stock, so for now I have box. |