No QAM channels picked up with HVR-1600

[sunray]

I have a HTPC running Sage 6.2.10 and Java 1.6.2 with three Hauppauge HVR-1600 cards and I've been trying to get QAM to work with no success, The problem is that Sage isn't picking up any digital channels when I perform a channel scan. I installed the WinTV program to check if the problem is with Sage and it can't pick up any digital channels either. Both Sage and WinTV pick up analog channels without a problem. My cable system is Comcast (formerly Adelphia) and according to the channel locator at SiliconDust I should be able to pick up at least the local channels.

My HTPC is a Intel 865 PERL with 3.2 ghz P4 Northwood, 2 gigabytes pc3200 memory, Mad Dog Entertainer 7.1 audio card, 256 meg HIS 1950 Pro AGP graphics card. The three HVR-1600s and their 6 inputs are connected to a 8 port Electroline EDA-FT08100 amplifier which is also connected to a WinTV PVR-USB2 external analog tuner and to a standard definition TV. The PC is running XP Home SP2 and doesn't have any security software installed.

[surge]

Do you also have a coax connected to the bottom connector?
The top is for NTSC
The bottom is for ATSC/QAM

[GbrNole]

and you are connecting with RG6 coax cable, right? i can't pickup jack if i use RG59.

[Tiki]

Are you sure your card is capable of QAM? There is a note on Hauppauge's website that only newer 1600 cards support QAM. You have to look at the card itself (I don't think you can tell from the box). I don't have one of these cards yet myself, but was looking to buy one, which is why I know this...

Here is a quote from Hauppauge's web site (http://www.hauppauge.com/pages/produ...a_hvr1600.html):

Digital QAM features
If you are using digital cable which broadcast the local ATSC channels, you can receive these QAM channels with the new WinTV v6 application. QAM is only supported on product codes 74021 and 74041 (found on the tuner label).
Note: not all cable TV networks send clear QAM channels
Note: if you have a WinTV-HVR-1600 poduct code 74021 or 74041, click here for the latest software which supports QAM

[sunray]

Thanks for the replies, guys. I have cables from the 8 port amp connected to both connectors (Analog and ATSC) on each of the 3 cards. All 3 of my HVR-1600 cards are 74021 Rev C182 model which are supposed to be QAM capable. All the cables from the amp to the cards are RG6 as is the cable from the wall jack to the amp.

[kevine]

Originally Posted by sunray

Thanks for the replies, guys. I have cables from the 8 port amp connected to both connectors (Analog and ATSC) on each of the 3 cards. All 3 of my HVR-1600 cards are 74021 Rev C182 model which are supposed to be QAM capable. All the cables from the amp to the cards are RG6 as is the cable from the wall jack to the amp.

Don't mean to be pesimistic but that is the same card I have (only 1). I am sending it back for RMA. However, I was able to get some channels to show up but not reliably. Are you able to check for QAM with your TV?

[sunray]

I don't have a HDTV yet so I can't check. I bought the tuners because they were on sale and I intend to get a HDTV in the future. Is it possible that my cable company (Comcast, formerly Adelphia) is filtering out the digital channels? I only subscribe to extended basic cable and don't use a settop box. But I thought that I could at least get the digital local stations with extended basic cable.

[carlgar]

You should go to http://www.silicondust.com/wiki/hdhomerun/channels and see what clear QAM channels are available for you area.

[Conejo]

Originally Posted by carlgar

You should go to http://www.silicondust.com/wiki/hdhomerun/channels and see what clear QAM channels are available for you area.

The OP mentioned THAT in his first post, thinking that if they were found there that they would be available. The first thing to go with you 'old timers' is the short-term memory.

Originally Posted by sunray

I only subscribe to extended basic cable and don't use a settop box. But I thought that I could at least get the digital local stations with extended basic cable.

It's *possible* that your CableCo has a filter on your line, allowing only the lower 100 channels to pass through. You could try calling, but I bet they'd just want to send a 'technician' out.

I'd try the WinTV application again, and just try going through the channels by hand to see if there are any signals. That, or borrow a DTV with a built-in QAM tuner.


Right-Click HERE for larger image

Also, don't forget that, in SageTV, you need to delete the .frq file associated with your digital card so the SCAN function can detect any new frequencies and sub-channels available.

And don't forget to review this thread: SETUP WinTV HVR-1600 with QAM