I'm new to digital cable so hope I'm missing something obvious. Quick 'n dirty, here's what's up:

Channel 2, for instance, shows TV from what should be Channel 3 (KNTV), while selecting channel 3 on the box plays KNTV's audio but gives a black screen.

So the long story is this:

The in-laws just moved in with us while their house is getting a new foundation. They subscribe to Comcast digital cable in Oakland, and are paying thr monthly subscription during the project due to being locked in to the contract they signed.

Our city 20 miles south, Hayward, also uses Comcast. And while the wife and I pay for Comcast's cheapo $16 "basic" analog service, the upstairs neighbor in our duplex subscribes to Comcast Digital for their 4 TVs and internet (all four TVs have boxes).

So we brought over the in-laws' Oakland DCT2000 and plugged it in to the upstairs neighbors as a 5th TV, and I'm not really sure what's up...

Some channels are in the wrong place, others constantly say "waiting for signal / should be available soon" and yet others say "not subscribed." The program guide delivers the wrong station, as you would expect.

Meanwhile, their on-demand seems to work perfectly, and that channels that do come through appear perfect).


I don't know what all my in-laws are subscribed to and what not, but they care about broadcast channels, AMC, and PBS stations. So we're not really worried about any premium content, but would like to see the basic channels re-jiggered so they pop up where they're supposed to.

Oh, and if I bypass the DCT2000 and plug the cable directly in to the TV, the channels end up where they're supposed to be, but of course the On Demand and program guides aren't there.

Any advice on how to sort this out? Does Comcast need to get involved?

So the box is supposed to be at your in-laws 20 miles away, but they brought it to your place?

It sounds like the box is bricking because it's on the wrong Comcast node. Boxes are tied to specific areas within Comcast's system (usually a neighborhood.) Take the box out and put it on another node, and when Comcast communicates with it, the system sees it's is on the wrong node and sends a signal to knock it out. When you hook up the TV direct to the cable, the QAM tuner in the TV picks up unencrypted channels Comcast is sending to you in the clear.

If you want to use the box, Comcast would have to activate it, but I don't think they will as it's tied to your in-law's account, which is supposed to be 20 miles away. But then again, they may have a work around (doubt it, though.) They may be able to transfer service or something.

If it isn't already bricked I would not use it again at your place.
Your inlaws might be able to suspend there service for a short time!!