Best comcast box for use with HD PVR?

[Sam]

Previously, I have just used basic analog cable from comcast, but with a HDHR to get clear QAM. Now I'd like to add the HD PVR to the mix, so need my first STB from Comcast. Obviously, I need component out, but are there certain models I should either ask for, or attempt to avoid?

For example, it sounds like firewire channel changing is much faster and more reliable than IR blasting. Would any STB from comcast with firewire be able to support changing channels this way?

I *think* comcast in this area uses the Motorola STB's.

[thomaszoo]

I have a Motorola 6200. It has component out and I use firewire to change channels. It also has both coax and optical SP/DIF along with analog sound and DVI for digital video. I believe the newer boxes have HDMI. Best thing is to go there and ask for exactly what you want connection wise. I don't know what else may be out there.

Wayne

[Deacon Crusher]

I have that setup except I'm using the IR blaster that came with the HD PVR.

How hard was it to setup FW changing and how fast do the channels change?

Trying to figure out if it's worth doing this as the IR blaster is working fine.

thanks

[thomaszoo]

I had set up firewire recording quite a while back and then I set up firewire channel changing for s-video recording of the channels that were 5c'd. When I got the HD PVR I just told it to use the firewire channel changer I already had set up. If you have IR working, I would just stick with it so long as it proves reliable for you. I guess my short answer to your question would be "I don't remember".

[BobPhoenix]

One thing to keep in mind about firewire that happened to me was that they can turn off the port at any time with a software upgrade. I spent 3 hours arguing with CSR's that they turned off the firewire port and finally just gave up and switched to my USB-UIRT. Not as reliable but they can't turn it off. There argument was "We don't do that" and my response was "Well maybe not intentionally but your software update did". I can't even get to the service menu now as far as I can find on the box (a Moto6412 DVR box) they have changed that too apparently.