[mythtv-users] [Slightly OT] comcast moving to settop on Bay Area - goodbye analog

[Mark Knecht]

On Mon, Mar 9, 2009 at 4:27 PM, David Shay <david at shay.net> wrote:
<SNIP>
>> One thing that was interesting about the converter box install was
>> that it required a call into Comcast with an ID for the box before it
>> would operate at all. So far the HDHR has just worked.

I'm wondering if maybe the HDHR simply qualifies as a digital
converter? I'm thinking that maybe Comcast has stuff up at the pole
that routes digital packages to specific houses. Once they decide my
house gets 80 channels why do they care if I use a box that's provided
for free by them. Isn't it to their advantage for me to provide the
box myself, saving the cost? If the digital is there, which it is, and
if it's picked up by the HDHR, then maybe that won't change at all.

All my install guy said was that the analog versions of these channels
would go away very soon. Digital will still be there, picked up by the
STBs, the free digital converter and possibly the HDHR too.

Or am I being too optimistic? ;-)

>
> My guess is that will change at some point.  I've got Time Warner here and I
> used to get many more channels via QAM, but now we are down to the
> legally-required locals...
> I'd recommend CommandIR ( http://www.commandir.com ) for IR control of
> multiple cable boxes.  I've got it controlling two right now with zero
> issues.  USB based, can control up to 4 devices - $69 right now I think.
>  LIRC compatible for send and receive.  This would probably be the
> easiest/cheapest to get you going with the existing PVR-150s. To go the
> high-def route for non-local/QAM encrypted stuff, you'd need the Hauppauge
> 1212, and 1 of those per HD cable box, so that would get pricey, although it
> would be high-def, it does come with an IR controller, and would require you
> to run SVN trunk at the moment.
>

Nice looking device. The $69 version seems to be the Mini. Is that
what you are talking about?

Looks like a perfect device. Reasonable price. LIRC support. Great info.

Thanks,
Mark