[mythtv-users] comcast - Georgia - Can't see Science Channel 877 - Is it encrypted or not?

Gary Buhrmaster gary.buhrmaster at gmail.com
Sat Feb 21 19:30:05 UTC 2015


On Sat, Feb 21, 2015 at 6:55 PM, Douglas Sargent <dbsargent at gmail.com> wrote:
> Hi all,
>
>      have run mythtv now for probably 1 year without issues.
>
>      There is some channels I can't see or record, I assume they are
> encrypted, for example Science Channel, 877 on Comcast in Georgia.
>
>      Can someone pleas give me some steps in figuring out if I can see these
> channels or just give up on them.

With rare exceptions (I understand that there were a couple
of older acquired franchises that have not been fully borged),
Comcast encrypts everything (well, except for the channel
that says "Contact Comcast to purchase service", and a few
FM radio channel rebroadcasts).

So, I am going to presume that what you intend to be
asking is whether Comcast has enabled DRM on the
channel (i.e. copy-once), or whether it is in your
(downloaded to your CableCARD) subscription package.

You did not mention how you are receiving your Comcast
content.  Most of the devices have a method to check the
status of tuned channels.

For a HDHR3-CC, you could try:

    hdhomerun_config <device> set /tuner2/vchannel 877
    hdhomerun_config <device> get /tuner2/vstatus

which will tell you if you are subscribed, and if the CCI
value is set.

I have no idea how to do the equivalent on a Ceton
device (I presume it is possible).

Note that if you are subscribed to a tier of TV service
that is supposed to include the Science Channel (usually
something Comcast calls Digital Preferred (or higher),
not the more basic, standard, starter packages), and
the CableCARD says "not-subscribed", then you
need to call Comcast and say that you are not getting
all your channels (in Arris (aka Motorola) franchises,
they need to add the packages to your account, and
also your CableCARD; sometimes an error is made).


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