Anyone successfully using CableCARD with TWC?

[scottv67]

Hi:

Last week I returned my CableCARD to TW after trying for three months to get it to work correctly.

I have a Sony KD-34XBR960 TV.  One of the reasons I went with that set is that it is CableCARD ready.  I *thought* that I would be able to access TW's HD content without having to have an ugly set-top box.

Shortly after my TV was delivered, I ordered a CableCARD and an upgrade to my TW package to enable a couple of the HD channels (Discovery HD, TNT HD).  The installer installed the CableCARD in my TV and everything looked fine.  I could see all the channels in the 500 range that I was supposed to be able to see.

But after watching the HD channels on my new TV for about four hours, I started to have problems.  My TV displayed an error message related to the CableCARD and then the HD channel would go black.  I had to use the "reset" function in the TV's menu to reset the CableCARD and get my HD channels back.

I have worked with both TW tech support as well as Sony's tech support.   I even had a guy from Flanner's come to my house (on Sony's dime) to flash my TV with the very latest Sony firmware.  None of it helped.  I have tried three different CableCARDs in my set and none of them work reliably.

The TW techs called the people at the "Head End" to see if anything could be changed to make my CableCARDs work more reliably but most often the answer was "It's your TV". When I called Sony, I got the answer "Call your cable provider".

I got tired of watching an HD TV or movie and then having the screen freeze and go blank in the middle of the show. I popped the card out of my set and took it back to TW.  

Has anyone else in the area has success with a CableCARD and TW?

There is clearly something wrong with the CableCARD when it is in my TV.  The diagnostic menus on my Sony TV are quite impressive but none of that info helped the rocket scientists at TW figure out why my CableCARD would freeze up periodically.

I don't think TW is going to lose any sleep over my $6 a month that they lost when I returned the CableCARD and removed the HD channels from my cable package.  There really isn't any incentive for them to devote resources to resolving this issue.

So here I sit with a really nice Sony Wega TV with a CableCARD slot in the back but I can't make use of the CableCARD.  I am able to view the HD channels from the local stations that TW carries unencrypted.  I was really looking forward to not having a set-top box in order to watch HD channels.

Any of you TV techies out there have any advice for me regarding CableCARD?

Thanks in advance,
-Scott

[RS922]

Scott,

If the error code is displayed as a "161-6" that occurs frequently, then the Cable card is not the issue.  There are individuals at TW that will work to help you resolve the issue.  Call TW back; request a callback from a supervisor.  Since the tech worked with "the Headend", ask for a supervisor from that group to call you back.  Get the names of those you talk to, be persistent and you will get the attention needed to get this resolved.

I have a Sony HD with a Cablecard in my area at work and the card has worked fine for many months.    

Good Luck.

[scottv67]

Yes, the error code was "161"-something.  It sounds like you have dealt with this problem before. :^)

I guess I'll call TW to schedule another CableCARD install.  I'm familiar enough with the process now that they could just mail the CableCARD to me but I'm sure that they'll insist on "rolling a truck" and charging me the silly install fee.

Once the new CableCARD is installed, I'll start the "I want to talk to your supervisor" tact to see if I can get to someone who knows how to resolve this issue.

Thank you for your help.  :^)

-Scott

[murdoc]

I don't think TW is going to lose any sleep over my $6 a month that they lost when I returned the CableCARD and removed the HD channels from my cable package.  There really isn't any incentive for them to devote resources to resolving this issue.
/QUOTE]


You could tell them your gonna make the switch to Dish.  That might be enough incentive for them to get there act together.

[mhz40]

Several TV manufacturers have had issues on their end supporting cable cards.  They are either replacing units or updating firmware to resolve them.  I think Sony is no exception, but I can't speak directly to models affected.
I know of many instances where the TW technical group worked with both ends (the customer and TV manufacturer) in order to resolve issues around cable cards.  Be aware that there are (now) fewer cable side issues than TV manufacturer ones.