IR Blaster emitter - what to find

[offroad]

I need to check again about the MCARD.

[offroad]

Attempted to install IR BLASTER that is built into my 1850 HAUPPAUGE WINTV card. The IR RECEIVER works fine. But the blaster does nothing. Can not get the blaster to be controlled by WMC. Will email tech support at HAUPPAUGE.

[offroad]

Is an MCARD available from COMCAST by mail? They mail out cable boxes.

[slowbiscuit]

Why don't you call them and find out?

[mdavej]

Reminds me of what happened to this guy when he got a cable card in the mail.

http://www.thegreenbutton.tv/forums/vie ... =13&t=5431

[barnabas1969]

Reminds me of what happened to this guy when he got a cable card in the mail.

http://www.thegreenbutton.tv/forums/vie ... =13&t=5431

2Q6_9A90cUk

[offroad]

Just called COMCAST to cancel my Internet. It took 45 minutes and five phone calls. Each call goes through six layers of menus. So frustrating dealing with that company.

This is why I have no desire to try and order a Cablecard from them, and attempt to activate, and argue about service that is random-intermittent at best.

[offroad]

Checked with the unmitigated pompous business called COMCAST to see if they would ship a cable card. The said " no they will not ship. They are fragile". Ha ha ha. They sent me a cable box digital that is really fragile. There is nothing that fragile. Just annoying to have them say that. Obviously COMCAST makes it difficult to get a cable card. Will have to get five at a time to see which one will work. If I want to go that path.

[barnabas1969]

@offroad: Do you ever feel like you're having a conversation with yourself?

[offroad]

True enough barnabus. Just hope someone learns how frustrating it is to work with COMCAST. Via documenting the fun.

[barnabas1969]

Well, to be honest, I gave up trying to help you when you seemed totally against the suggestions I was giving you.

So, if you've decided to get a CableCARD tuner and a CableCARD from Comcast, did you consider calling the special number that slowbiscuit gave you in post number 12?

I don't have Comcast, but I have seen several posts from people who said that they had a good experience when they called the special CableCARD number.

I have Brighthouse Networks, and I can tell you from my own experience that if I just call the 800 number and try to resolve any problems with the normal customer service people, it's extremely frustrating. However, Brighthouse has a special "PRT team" to deal with CableCARD issues. When I ask to be transferred to the PRT team, I get what I need quickly and efficiently.

Please take slowbiscuit's advice and use the special number.

The correct number for CC self-installs is 1-877-405-2298

[RyC]

+1 for the special Comcast cablecard number. I've repaired my cablecard 3 times and they've always gotten it right first try for me.

[barnabas1969]

Just for an example, when I installed my first CableCARD, I dealt with the normal customer service people. I spent FIVE HOURS on the phone, was transferred to SIX DIFFERENT PEOPLE, and was ready to reach through the phone and strangle everyone I spoke to.

Later, I learned to ask for the PRT team. When I installed my 2nd CableCARD, I asked for the PRT team and was up and running in 15 minutes flat.

[mdavej]

If anyone knows the secret number/code/team for Charter cable card installs, please post it. I can almost never get it done successfully over the phone. They used to do it within a few minutes on-line, but they shut down the on-line support team. I'll need to do one soon with my new HTPC build.

[RyC]

When I was on Charter (and will be again next month), when I said "cablecard" at the prompt, it got me to someone who knew what they were doing. Of course, the online forum was much easier.

[foxwood]

Charter's CableCard Installation web page (http://www.myaccount.charter.com/Custom ... enuItem=79) says that the Voice Response Unit on their main customer care menu will recognize/respond to "cable card installation".

[RyC]

Yes, that was it. It'll ask you to say what you want and it seemed to recognize "cablecard" and sent me to the right person.

[slowbiscuit]

True enough barnabus. Just hope someone learns how frustrating it is to work with COMCAST. Via documenting the fun.

My only frustration with Cablecards on Comcast in the past year has been with billing, not with acquisition or pairing. YMMV.

[offroad]

Has to reinstall WMC and consider the IR BLASTER. Decided its not worth the frustration yet to reactivate the control of my COMCAST digital box via IR BLASTER. Wish Microsoft just had an IR BLASTER set top cable box profile for the new COMCAST boxes. Guess Microsoft does not care because the true hobbyists will spend $150 to get a Cablecard box.

Incidentally was looking with various driver update tools that scan drivers and everyone mentions a driver update for the HID IR driver but of course it costs $30 to $50 for driver web server to download. Yet Microsoft does not have such an update for WIN7. Did not try it in my saga to perfect IR BLASTER with WMC and COMCAST. Will just buy a Cablecard box if the price ever comes down bellow $100 again (missed a sale).

[machausta]

HD Homerun Prime is $119/free shipping on newegg (refurb'ed)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6815345013

I went the cablecard / tuner route with one of the ancient ATI DCT (1 channel) boxes, and once I got it perfected and decided that was what I wanted to do I ordered a quad tuner.