Clear-QAM no more! in Portland, OR from Comcast, for shame!

[waylo]

Comcast in Portland, Oregon is planning on changing their clear-QAM to encrypted QAM on all channels above their basic level of service in early November.

http://oregonmediacentral.com/forum/...eed-new-device

Until now, I've been able to feed the signal directly into my HDHomeRun QAM tuners with no problem. It sounds like that won't be possible in the very near future.

What options do I have to continue being able to use SageTV?

Specifically,
1. If I opt for the digital set-top box, can that feed directly into my HTPC somehow?

2. Or, if I hook up one of the crummy digital to analog boxes to my old analog tuner, would that work? How would I be able to change channels?

[reggie14]

Yeah, it sucks. I still get my QAM channels, but I'm guessing they will start encrypting the expanded basic lineup in a couple months.

You have a few options. It *might* be possible to feed the digital cable feed directly into your server from an HD set top box using firewire. It's hit or miss though. So far, most of my expanded basic HD channels are available over firewire, but I'm not sure if that will change when Comcast finishes the digital transition in my area.

Otherwise, you basically have to get an STB and hook it up to a video capture device, like your old analog tuner or an HD-PVR. The HD-PVR is pretty much the only option for an HD-capable capture device. Regardless of whether you use an old analog tuner or the HD-PVR, you'll need some way of changing channels on the box. Many newer tuners, and the HD-PVR, include an IR blaster. Or, you could buy a USB-UIRT as a more full-featured IR blaster solution. Alternatively, if the STB you use has firewire, you can use that to change channels.

[waylo]

Yick. Thanks for the thoughts. I didn't think there was an easy answer that I would like. I guess the HD-PVR isn't *that* bad an option.

Or, on the "bright" side, having less tv recorded just gives me more time to do everything else I've been planning to do!

[impro]

As far as I know cable companies have to provide clear qam local channels BY LAW.

[reggie14]

Originally Posted by impro

As far as I know cable companies have to provide clear qam local channels BY LAW.

That's true for now, but it might be changing. A few weeks ago Cable Vision asked the FCC for a waiver to let them encrypt the limited basic tier.

[bjterry62]

Well, out in Cox Communications Land, we still have locals available in un-encrypted QAM. If they decide to encrypt them, then I will just go to the old antenna for my locals in HD. I get 100% signal with my 8-bay on all 5 out of Boston, even in bad weather.

BT