[mythtv-users] Move CableCard from STB to HDHR Prime?

[Gary Buhrmaster]

On Thu, Dec 12, 2013 at 12:03 AM, Richard Shaw <hobbes1069 at gmail.com> wrote:
> I currently have a CableCard STB from Comcast, I have verified it is an M
> card (says it right on the back).
>
> I assume I should call the CC support number, 877-405-2298, prior to
> removing it from the STB and putting it in the HDHR? Or do I HAVE to take
> the whole STB back to Comcast and get a new card issued?

Do not remove the CableCARD from the STB.  Get a new CableCARD.

Reasons:

Comcast serializes the STB along with the CableCARD in the box,
and it is internally activated and validated between the devices.
If you return the STB without all (moving and non-moving) parts,
Comcast may charge you the replacement fee for the box, even
if you do eventually return all the parts (good luck with that
discussion).  [Ok, they do not want the cables, or, quite honestly,
the remote or the power cord, but the CableCARD, yes]..

Comcast serializes the STB along with the CableCARD in the box.
When you return the STB, one of the things they (eventually) do
is scan the bar codes, and (if things work correctly) deactivate the
device and the CableCARD that they know is in it.  So, even
if you can get it activated outside the box, it may not continue
to work.

Comcast provisions the CableCARD different when it is used
in a STB and when it is used in an OCUR device.  To change
status one (and that means the Comcast CableCARD support
staff) have to essentially remove the card from the system,
and then reenter it.  If you get a (properly) provisioned CableCARD
(and recently Comcast has screwed this up, but in principal)
you can activate it online and/or get it validated by simply
providing the host/CC/data ids (rather then ending up having
to try to get things undone).

And, lastly, it is usually best to get the CableCARD first,
get things working (for many reasons, it can take hours,
days, or even weeks in some cases) before you return
your working STB.

Gary