Help with Comcast/IR Blaster

[JavaWiz]

I noticed that some of my QAM channels have stopped working (again). So my guess is Comcast has re-mapped their frequencies again.

I am now running a new channel scan, I will let you know if I can still get clear QAM for more than just the basic local channels in the Seattle area (Snohomish County/Everett Area) once I am done.

[SpartanSun]

Given the feedback I've received, I'm pretty sure that the ONLY way to go from now on in my area is to use a Comcast box (DTA or STB) and an IR Blaster.

Johnson said: what you are probably seeing is the result of a waiver granted by the FCC that allows cable companies to use the decryption capability of the DTA boxes. The only channels your cable company must provide without encryption are the local channels. Up till a couple months ago, they weren't allowed to use the decryption feature of the DTA's, which meant if they wanted to use cheap DTA's instead of full cable boxes they had to provide the full basic tier unencrypted - a nice loophole for HTPC users. The FCC has gone and ruined that now. If your TV can't see the other channels any more, then your 1950 isn't going to either.

I know many people have proved that it is impossible to use some older Blasters with the Comcast DTA (Pace DC50x box). I'll try with the HVR 1950. Hopefully I don't have to buy an UIRT.

[ga_mueller]

I used the Pace DC50x box for a time using GBPVR to change channels. You'll need:
- a Media Center Remote, with "beanbag", and IR blaster. These go for around $17 on eBay (they are new, HP-branded)
- HIP, a program to change the channels (search the wiki)
- net2hipsend: a utility (written by pBS) which makes simplifies HIP setup and makes channel changing reliable.
This was a challenge for me to get working, but all the info is available either in the forums or wiki, and everyone's happy to help.

I've since ditched Comcast and am strictly using OTA HDTV

[JavaWiz]

I noticed that some of my QAM channels have stopped working (again). So my guess is Comcast has re-mapped their frequencies again.

I am now running a new channel scan, I will let you know if I can still get clear QAM for more than just the basic local channels in the Seattle area (Snohomish County/Everett Area) once I am done.

I can confirm in my area, within the last 30-45 days, Comcast has now started encrypting most of the channels other than local. I now only get locals and a few brain-dead channels (Jewelry, QVC, ...) over clear QAM. :mad:

I wouldn't mind too much, except the analog feed thru the STB is of much lower video quality than the QAM recordings...