Lost in a sea of Acronyms. Confusion is running amuck in my head

[Talcum]

I've been all through the forums and they are starting to make my eyes bleed while searching for a simple overview answer. So I'll pose the question here and hopefully get some really basic guidance my thick head can understand.
I've had a GBPVR box using two HVR-1600's for a couple years now without issues. I've recorded in analog all this time because Comcast was dishing out the analog signal OK. It was simple to set up and has been running without difficulty for all this time. I've kept up with GBPVR upgrades and am on version 1.4.7.
Today I got the announcement that I need a 'Digital Adapter' to continue using my analog 'TV' after May 12th. Since I use my PVR as my recording device and I still want to watch all 66+ channels, I need some advice.
What do I need to do to get the 'Digital Adapter' to change channels on the fly so I can continue to record my shows normally? I don't care about Hi Def right now (although it would be nice) and I stream everything out of my PVR to my PCH A-100.
I ordered two of the 'free' digital adapters. I went round and round with Comcast asking for an answer to my quandary without alluding to it being a GB-PVR box and not a standard Analog TV I just wanted to keep my remote working with. No help as you would expect.
On top of it all, I recently upgraded from a Media MVP to the PCH A-100 and am dealing with separate issues getting GBPVR to run with mvpmcx2. Every time I fire up the PCH with GBPVR recording service enabled, the PCH does a spin of death when I run it from a network share setup as as detailed in NMTinstall and following forum posts here. But that is a different kettle of fish.
For now, any general broad brush stroke ideas on getting my system set up and ready for the Comcast digital switchover? I am reading forum posts and see references to IR Blaster, MCE Blaster, USB-UIRT, Net2HIPsend, and a whole host of other confusing stuff.

System AMD X2 4800 system. XP-Pro SP3. 2GB RAM. 2TB Drive space. Running 2 HVR-1600's. Streaming to PCH (Using PCH ihome server until I figure out GBPVR issue described above).

I'm not afraid of getting my hands dirty, I just need some broad ideas on how to proceed. Everyone has always been so helpful in the forums in the past and I'm hoping I roll a 7 on this question.

Sorry for the post being so long.

PEACE:confused::confused:

[mvallevand]

Effectively you are starting from scratch so you should break things into manageable tasks to maybe simplify things.

1. Sometimes those digital adapters are just clear QAM tuners. Hook the cable up to the digital connector instead of the analog and do a digital scan in config.exe. This avoid the IR blaster and the digital adapters altogether.

2. The PCH problem is probably easy to figure out if you post a message on the mvpmcx2 forum with output from the NMT Syntax checker.

Martin

[Talcum]

So are all the clear QAM channels streamed out through coax output on the digital adapter? I thought my sticking point was the need to change channels from the digital adapter using the Comcast provided remote.
I'll try it once the boxes come in and go from there. They should show up by Tuesday. I'll head over to the mvpmcx2 forum and try to figure out the PCH in the mean time.
I'll post back once the box is in place. Thanks Martin. I'm mostly frustrated from the change because I've had my system running without a glitch or even a need to rescan for over 2 years now.
GBPVR is the best because it simply works like any other piece of Home Theater equipment. I forget it's a PC it works so well. If I haven't mentioned it recently, thanks again Sub and every one else involved in the project. Hopefully this is much less of an issue than I think its going to be.

PEACE

[mvallevand]

So are all the clear QAM channels streamed out through coax output on the digital adapter?

No if they are truly "clear QAM" you can just hook the cable to the HVR 1600, assuming you have the models that include a QAM tuner. The fewer splits the better too, a strong signal is required.

Martin

[Talcum]

Right now it is broadcast in clear QAM. In May they scramble from 30+. From reading other forums about Comcast, this happens when the service change date rolls out in each area. I'll do as you recommend and try a rescan both with and without the box when it comes in.

PEACE

[mvallevand]

You should be able to scan before you get the box.

Martin

[Talcum]

I know I should but since it is working so perfectly right now (At least streaming through my Media MVP) that I don't want to make the changes until I HAVE to. So I figure the box arrivals will be a good time to start digging in again.
I truly appreciate your help. You talked me down form the ledge without knowing you did. Last night I was ready to just cancel all my cable TV, smash my PVR and go back to staring at a blank wall. All because Comcast is making a much needed change to recover bandwidth. Clearer heads have prevailed with the sunup.

PEACE

[ga_mueller]

For Clear QAM Comcast be prepared to rescan week or so. They change the channel mappings just to keep you on you toes. And to piss off your wife.

[ga_mueller]

For Clear QAM Comcast be prepared to rescan every week or so. They change the channel mappings just to keep you on you toes. And to piss off your wife.