Most HD channels no longer work (Firewire)

[rob.sfo]

I am running a server with 2 PVR-500s and a Comcast (Concord, CA) STB via firewire. I used to be running 3.0.5 and changing channels on the STB via girder/IR. Now I am running 4.0 and changing channels via firewire.

I used to be able to capture every HD channel I received. Since upgrading, I am now only able to capture one HD channel (704). This is in both Sage & using VLC. The channels tune just fine, but they do not display any audio or video -- just black.

Does anyone know if Comcast has changed anything in the Concord, CA area?

My system has been broken for the past month so I haven't been using it, and with the release of Sage4 I did a completely fresh rebuild of my Firewire STB setup. So I'm not sure if HD capture was still working under my previous setup or not. I don't think this has anything to do with Sage, as VLC acts the same way.

Anyone have any ideas? Have you seen this before? I have some more troubleshooting to do, but I thought I'd ask here as well.

Thanks,
Rob

[montgomeryt]

rob:

I can't help you with your channels being blank but can I ask how you got the firewire channel changing working ? I have an 8300HD and I get the blank picture no sound but can change the channels using the channel.exe utility at a DOS prompt.

Can you explain the configuration in Sage that you have that keeps you from using girder ?

[rob.sfo]

Check post #839 by Bohica in the Firewire thread.

[Bohica]

Sounds like they are encrypting the channels...

[rob.sfo]

If that's the case, they started doing it in the past month or so. Previously, I was able to capture & record (in Sage) every HD channel that I could view on the STB. All the standard channels, ESPN, Discovery, INHD1 & 2, even HBOHD.

Now the only channel I can view is 704 (ABC or something). None of the others work.

Is there any way to verify whether or not encryption is taking place?

[starvoise]

Originally Posted by rob.sfo

If that's the case, they started doing it in the past month or so. Previously, I was able to capture & record (in Sage) every HD channel that I could view on the STB. All the standard channels, ESPN, Discovery, INHD1 & 2, even HBOHD.

Now the only channel I can view is 704 (ABC or something). None of the others work.

Is there any way to verify whether or not encryption is taking place?

Yes, Comcast has enabled 5C on all HD content that is not available as OTA broadcast. All your local HD channels should still work via firewire though.

[gplasky]

Originally Posted by rob.sfo

If that's the case, they started doing it in the past month or so. Previously, I was able to capture & record (in Sage) every HD channel that I could view on the STB. All the standard channels, ESPN, Discovery, INHD1 & 2, even HBOHD.

Now the only channel I can view is 704 (ABC or something). None of the others work.

Is there any way to verify whether or not encryption is taking place?

I think you are.
Actually any local channels in HD should be broadcast in the clear.

Gerry

[rob.sfo]

Originally Posted by starvoise

Yes, Comcast has enabled 5C on all HD content that is not available as OTA broadcast.

I guess I've been spoiled for too long. Bastards.

Originally Posted by starvoise

All your local HD channels should still work via firewire though.

I'll have to do some more troubleshooting then...should be receiving more than just 704.

[jcato]

Guess I'm lucky. I set this up last week and, here, Comcast is encrypting anything. I get HBO, InHDs, ESPN, everything.

I just have problem with playback in Sage. But, I can use MPC to play it back fine, so I'll take that until I can work the bugs out. Hopefully, 5C won't show for a little while.