My Cable Co is changing, need a little help please

[BigRig64]

OK, here is my situation.

I have a dedicated comp with 2 500MCE cards. Each is connected directly to a cable so I can record off of the first 71 channels. They work great. I do have a cable box (connected to the TV) that gives us another 6 1/2 million more channels, which I never watch (came in a package deal and was cheaper than going with just the standard cable ... go figure). I am happy, life is good.

Then I get this letter from my cable company stating things are changing in Feb (not to be confused with the Gov mandated over-the-air thing). They say they are moving channels 31-71 to digital only and now we will need a digital cable box to view them (they provide 2 free then $2 for each additional).

My question is: what do I do now? The more I read about this the more confused I get. I was impressed that I got this setup working in the first place. Do I need one of those USB-UIRT things? If so, Do I need one for each box or does one handle multiple boxes? Do I need to get different cards altogether?

If someone could help me out here I would really appreciate it.

[evilpenguin]

Don't panic quite yet, this could end up being a very good thing (or a very bad thing, but we'll get to that later).

Its possible that the cable company is taking those channels and dumping them into ClearQAM digital which would mean you could replace those two PVR-500's with two PVR-2250's and still get all of those channels, as well as any additional channels that happen to be in clearQAM (local HDTV).

Now, of coarse they could just as well put those channels into encrypted digital channels which makes things a little worse. You're best options will be the A/V inputs on the PVR-500's (or HD-PVR if you want HD) which would mean you'd need one cable box per # of channels you want to record.

[GKusnick]

If you do nothing, you'll still be able to record the remaining analog channels (1-30) as you always have.

If you want to be able to record channels 31-71, you'll need a set-top box from your cable provider for each simultaneous recording you want to make from those channels. So for instance to record two programs at once from those channels, you'll need two STBs. To record four programs at once from those channels, you'd need four STBs.

You'll connect your cable from the wall to the STB, then from the STB's S-Video output to the S-Video input on your capture card. You can connect up to two STBs to each card, but you may need the card's auxiliary bracket to access all of its inputs. Composite video would be another (and perhaps simpler) way to connect the STB to the card, but S-Video is preferable if you can manage it.

You'll also need an IR blaster to change channels on the STBs. The USB-UIRT is a good choice and can handle up to three STBs.

So here's what I'd suggest: take the two free STBs and connect one to each of your 500MCE cards. Leave the other half of each card connected to the direct analog cable feed. So each card will be able to record channels 1-30 on one tuner, and channels 31-71 on the other. Set up a USB-UIRT to change channels on the STBs. You'll now be able to record up to four programs at once, two from channels 1-30 and two from channels 31-71. You'll have to configure different channel lineups in Sage for the two halves of each card, but that should be fairly straightforward.

[BigRig64]

Thanks for the reply. I have no idea what ClearQAM is, so how would I go about finding out? I have no problem with purchasing new cards or the USB-UIRT thing. My problem is knowing what to get.

The flyer did say that in order to get channels above 71 you need the "Full-featured digital set-top box" below 71 you need the "Digital Adapter" (2 of these are provided free). This kinda sounds like the good scenario you spoke about.

[evilpenguin]

I'd give your cable company a call and tell them you have a new HDTV w/ a ClearQAM tuner and ask them if you'd be able to get the extra channels without a box. If they say 'Yes' then its ClearQAM and if they say 'No' then its encrypted.

Edit: Also, if they do say 'No', you may want to push them a bit for an explanation as the person may just be saying 'No' because they don't know what you're talking about.

[reggie14]

Originally Posted by evilpenguin

I'd give your cable company a call and tell them you have a new HDTV w/ a ClearQAM tuner and ask them if you'd be able to get the extra channels without a box. If they say 'Yes' then its ClearQAM and if they say 'No' then its encrypted.

There's a good chance they'll say "no" even if it the channels are sent out unencrypted. They're not intentionally lying, they just don't realize ClearQAM exists. I've confused so many Comcast customer service reps and techs by calling about HD stuff when I don't even have an HD box.

[BigRig64]

I just called Comcast. The operator had no idea what ClearQAM was but did say if i had a new HDTV I probably would not need the adapter to get the lower 71 channels. ok, so this is not sounding too bad. A couple of new cards and I am back in business (at least I hope that is the case).

I really appreciate the very prompt replies.

[evilpenguin]

Sounds like it may work out for you yet. Don't you feel better

I'm actually hoping that the same thing happens in my area because losing 40+ analog channels frees up the bandwidth for 40+ new HD channels

[reggie14]

Originally Posted by BigRig64

I just called Comcast. The operator had no idea what ClearQAM was but did say if i had a new HDTV I probably would not need the adapter to get the lower 71 channels. ok, so this is not sounding too bad. A couple of new cards and I am back in business (at least I hope that is the case).

Ahhh, you didn't say you were with Comcast! Apparently Comcast is putting the standard-definition expanded basic channels out using unencrypted QAM in almost all places where they're going to all-digital networks.

Something like the HDHomeRun would probably work well for you when they switch over.