[mythtv-users] Comcast CableCard Info

[Larry K]

On Mon, Aug 1, 2011 at 3:42 PM, Tom Bongiorno <two.bits.11 at gmail.com> wrote:

> On Mon, Aug 1, 2011 at 3:29 PM, Larry K <lunchtimelarry at gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> On Mon, Aug 1, 2011 at 1:57 PM, Steven Adeff <adeffs.mythtv at gmail.com>wrote:
>>
>>> On Mon, Aug 1, 2011 at 1:14 PM, Tom Bongiorno <two.bits.11 at gmail.com>
>>> wrote:
>>> > On Wed, Jul 27, 2011 at 1:40 PM, Steven Adeff <adeffs.mythtv at gmail.com
>>> >
>>> > wrote:
>>> >>
>>> >> On Wed, Jul 27, 2011 at 1:29 PM, Ronald Frazier <ron at ronfrazier.net>
>>> >> wrote:
>>> >> > On Wed, Jul 27, 2011 at 1:23 PM, Steven Adeff <
>>> adeffs.mythtv at gmail.com>
>>> >> > wrote:
>>> >> >> do you still need windows to update to the latest firmware? I have
>>> no
>>> >> >> windows machines so this process is my only concern.
>>> >> >
>>> >> > You did a few weeks ago, but as was recently posted on one of the
>>> >> > threads here, Ceton finally got the files onto their website so you
>>> >> > can just download them to your computer, then upload them through
>>> the
>>> >> > card's built in web interface (on the System tab).
>>> >> >
>>> >> > You can download the files from here:
>>> >> > http://www.cetoncorp.com/infinitv/support/linux.php
>>> >>
>>> >> awesome, I think then it's time to get one while the discount is still
>>> >> available.
>>> >>
>>> >>
>>> >
>>> > I have had fun today running to a couple different local offices
>>> hunting for
>>> > a CableCard with none to be had.  I even called 1-800-COMCAST a couple
>>> times
>>> > to complain.  I just received a phone call that they are going to send
>>> me a
>>> > "Network Interface Card" in the mail (3-5 business days).  I expect to
>>> have
>>> > it before the weekend, but what exactly are they sending?  My guess is
>>> that
>>> > is it won't be a CableCard.  I am still going to keep stopping in the
>>> local
>>> > offices until I get my "NIC" in the mail.  This should be interesting.
>>> >
>>> > -Tom
>>>
>>> Tom, I went in this morning, they said they did not have any of the
>>> self install kits, but the guy grabbed a card off the shelf and
>>> printed out the self install instructions from his computer for me.
>>> Perhaps you should ask at one of your local offices?
>>>
>>> I think I was lucky I got someone that knew what CableCard's were, the
>>> other lady there didn't and was asking us all sorts of questions about
>>> them, so it's probably very hit-miss if you get someone that knows.
>>>
>>> I'm currently on hold to activate mine...
>>>
>>>
>>>
>> Can anyone tell me what programming will be available on either an HDHR
>> Prime, or the Ceton card, if I can ever get a CableCard from Comcast?
>>  It's not clear to me what will be decoded by the card, whether
>> copy-freely, or whatever the flags are.  Will I be able to get premium
>> programming like HBO?
>>
>> Right now, I have a dual-tuner HDHR (for unencrypted content) and an
>> HD-PVR with its own dedicated STB (for premium programming).  Often, I could
>> use another tuner for premium content, so this CableCard development is
>> intriguing.  I would also be up for ditching the $15/month STB for a cheaper
>> CableCard with more tuners.
>>
>> Larry
>>
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>>
>>
> There are entire threads dedicated to this topic.  One is active on the
> this mailing list right now.  The short answer is that this information is
> not publicly available.  Each cable provider sets copy protection flags
> differently and does not publish this info.  Also, any given provider may be
> inconsistent within its own regions.  The best bet is to wait a couple
> months after the PRIME is in the wild to allow SiliconDust to collect enough
> data about these copy protections flags.  They will be providing a
> searchable database as they do now for ClearQAM listings.
>
> As a general rule, no premium channels, such as HBO, will ever be available
> via CableCard from any provider.  If you have Comcast, you will most likely
> be able to capture all non-premium channels.  This is also a general with
> exceptions to be expected.
>
> -Tom
>
>
Thanks for the update.  I have not yet seen all those other threads.

What surprises me is that the CableCard cannot decode premium content like
HBO.  If so, then why would anyone put one of these into their
CableCard-ready TV?  Seems like if that is the case you would always need a
STB....
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