You assume everyone on here and contradicts you or defend Tivo are waiting for Comcast Tivo to roll. I already have a S3, and may get an HD for x-mas, but just curious to see what Comcast Tivo has to offer.

You assume everyone on here and contradicts you or defend Tivo are waiting for Comcast Tivo to roll. I already have a S3, and may get an HD for x-mas, but just curious to see what Comcast Tivo has to offer.



Please, do not try to compare the TiVo-s3, or the TiVo-HD to the Basic TiVo Interface that will be used on the Cable STB, if you do, you will be disappointed.

They are not the same thing, service or product or interface & features in any way.

The point of the TiVo enhanced Cable branded STB, is only for ease of use and make some limited features easy for the non tech savvy cable user.

If you want the TiVo patent features, then you will need to get a TiVo.

If you want the TiVo patent features, then you will need to get a TiVo.

I assume by that you mean "season passes" and their mechanism for minimizing the number of reruns recorded, among others.

The Comcast TiVo DVR interface does have a cut down version of the season passes, designed to work with the guide data provided by TVGUIDE.

There are a few of the TiVo features that are included in the Comcast TiVo software.

But from the training Vids and PDF files that are now available at the tech office, I think the majority of the high end, Former & Current TiVo S2/s3/HD users will be heavily let down with the Comcast TiVo enhanced DVR service. Now for non tech users, the TiVo interface will be alot simpler to use and operate compared to the current EPG offerings.

YMMV

I forgot to mention, we also have the files for the new Panny HD DVR and some info on the OCAP HD version of IGUIDE called J-Guide.

Cypher has posted links to them in there forums.

But from first looks, the Jguide is a winner, and looks real good, also the specs on the panny hd DVR look very good.

Comcast should have them available in Dec. 2007

Of course it was. Dish stole all the good software from Tivo.

Well, maybe, but in some respects (such as FF speeds), Dish was light years ahead of Tivo.

I forgot to mention, we also have the files for the new Panny HD DVR and some info on the OCAP HD version of IGUIDE called J-Guide.

Cypher has posted links to them in there forums.

But from first looks, the Jguide is a winner, and looks real good, also the specs on the panny hd DVR look very good.Can you clarify this?

Where can I find these posted links?

Can you clarify this?

Where can I find these posted links?

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=11685478&postcount=224

There are a few of the TiVo features that are included in the Comcast TiVo software.

Sounds like it was defnitely worth the wait...not.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=11685478&postcount=224

Will this come to Comcast? Nice specs and a nice guide.

Will this come to Comcast? Nice specs and a nice guide.


Yes, Comcast has a primary purchase of 250,000 for 2007 - 2008 delivery so far, with options for an additional 150,000 purchase in 2008 for delivery in 2009.

There is a thread already in place for this topic.

Has anyone herd anything other than very soon??? I am dying with my outdated Directv Tivo's and no HD TIVO....The day I find out comcast has the Tivo software ready I will switch...

Has anyone herd anything other than very soon??? I am dying with my outdated Directv Tivo's and no HD TIVO....The day I find out comcast has the Tivo software ready I will switch...


You will just have to wait like the rest of us.

I am waiting very patiently.

My DCT-6412 p2 freezes when modifying series recordings, then spontaneously reboots. Tivo would be a nice refreshing change!

:)

I am waiting very patiently.

My DCT-6412 p2 freezes when modifying series recordings, then spontaneously reboots. Tivo would be a nice refreshing change!

:)

Why would you wait for a gimped box from Comcast which will run on the same crappy box you have now when you can pony up a bit of cash and get the real Tivo experience for <$300?

Why would you wait for a gimped box from Comcast which will run on the same crappy box you have now when you can pony up a bit of cash and get the real Tivo experience for <$300?

Well they have me by the VOD neck.

We use VOD and HD-VOD a decent amount. It would be sad to loose them.

Sure I could rent a stand alone Comcast HD box, but that's more money.

1. The cost of the Tivo upfront. And it's mine, so when it breaks it's my problem.
2. The monthly cost paid to Tivo.
3. The new monthly cost paid to Comcast for the HD box.
4. The complexity of switching between two boxes now thrown into the mix. Logistics (where am I going to put two heat generating boxes), power consumption, A/V inputs and cabling, etc..

I'd like an all in one solution. At least I want the opportunity to try the Comcast Tivo and see how it works. Then if it breaks my box I can just swap out another one, no questions asked. If it still sucks I'll try the Panasonic DVR. I can wait for a Tivo S4 or official SDV support becomes possible with an HD Tivo. Our system is not using SDV, but who's to say they won't ever? Our system is filled to the brim.

Has anyone herd anything other than very soon??? I am dying with my outdated Directv Tivo's and no HD TIVO....The day I find out comcast has the Tivo software ready I will switch...

Have you considered switching to Dish? They have a great new HD DVR that just came out:
http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=94818

You can wait for comcrap if you want, but I feel Dish is currently offering a very comparable HD TIVO alternative!

Have you considered switching to Dish? They have a great new HD DVR that just came out:
http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=94818

You can wait for comcrap if you want, but I feel Dish is currently offering a very comparable HD TIVO alternative!

So you think the functionality of the Dish DVR is comparable to TIVO or a Comcast Tivo? I have never seen the Dish DVR but I have seen the Comcast DVR (Not TIVO) and the Directv DVR (not Tivo) and in my opinion they are crap...hard to use and slow...My wife will also kill me if we tried anything other than Tivo...

Well they have me by the VOD neck.

We use VOD and HD-VOD a decent amount. It would be sad to loose them.

Sure I could rent a stand alone Comcast HD box, but that's more money.

1. The cost of the Tivo upfront. And it's mine, so when it breaks it's my problem.
2. The monthly cost paid to Tivo.
3. The new monthly cost paid to Comcast for the HD box.
4. The complexity of switching between two boxes now thrown into the mix. Logistics (where am I going to put two heat generating boxes), power consumption, A/V inputs and cabling, etc..

I'd like an all in one solution. At least I want the opportunity to try the Comcast Tivo and see how it works. Then if it breaks my box I can just swap out another one, no questions asked. If it still sucks I'll try the Panasonic DVR. I can wait for a Tivo S4 or official SDV support becomes possible with an HD Tivo. Our system is not using SDV, but who's to say they won't ever? Our system is filled to the brim.


Definitely a valid reason to have the Comcast box. What would you do if Amazon/Unbox started offering progressive streaming of HD content for movies and TV shows?

Have you considered switching to Dish? They have a great new HD DVR that just came out:
http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=94818

You can wait for comcrap if you want, but I feel Dish is currently offering a very comparable HD TIVO alternative!

They should be comparable, due to the fact that they outright stole the Tivo patents for use in their own boxes.

They should be comparable, due to the fact that they outright stole the Tivo patents for use in their own boxes.

+1, simply because it's funny. :)

I'm actually starting to think that hifikid might be doing a little astro-turfing here on the part of Dish. His post count is really low, and for some inexplicable reason, he REALLY likes Dish...

+1, simply because it's funny. :)

I'm actually starting to think that hifikid might be doing a little astro-turfing here on the part of Dish.


Did not know that...

+1, simply because it's funny. :)

I'm actually starting to think that hifikid might be doing a little astro-turfing here on the part of Dish.

Did not know that...
Leo, you might not have known that, but you do know that "they f--- you at the drive through", don't you?

I'm actually starting to think that hifikid might be doing a little astro-turfing here on the part of Dish. His post count is really low, and for some inexplicable reason, he REALLY likes Dish...

Yeah last I looked I didn't see anything in the title of this thread about 'Dish' or 'anti Comcast posts here' either. Surprised he doesn't have links to the sales page for Dish in his sig. :rolleyes:

So you think the functionality of the Dish DVR is comparable to TIVO or a Comcast Tivo? I have never seen the Dish DVR but I have seen the Comcast DVR (Not TIVO) and the Directv DVR (not Tivo) and in my opinion they are crap...hard to use and slow...My wife will also kill me if we tried anything other than Tivo...

I still like the Tivo interface the best, but the 622/722 from Dish is pretty darn good. Given the uncertainty of how well cablecos will support standalone Tivos in the future, I decided Dish was my best bet for now, and I have not been disappointed. My DVRs are lightning fast for almost all functions Changing channels is slower than cable and the UI could be a little more intuitive, but those are the only real caveats I have found. Great features missing in other HD DVRs, such as 3 simultaneous recordings at once, make Dish's offering very attractive. It still isn't a Tivo, but it comes very close in my book.

Ted

Leo, you might not have known that, but you do know that "they f--- you at the drive through", don't you?


now that I knew...:eek:

So you think the functionality of the Dish DVR is comparable to TIVO or a Comcast Tivo? I have never seen the Dish DVR but I have seen the Comcast DVR (Not TIVO) and the Directv DVR (not Tivo) and in my opinion they are crap...hard to use and slow...My wife will also kill me if we tried anything other than Tivo...

I really suggest that you check out Dish and their ViP722 DVR offering. I have been a DirecTV customer for over ten years. I absolutely LOVE TIVO and so does my wife. I would have stayed with DirecTV and upgraded to their HD package if I didn't have to run five cables from their new dish into my house to receive the new MPEG4 HD channels. I live in a condo and can only run two cables from the Dish on my roof into my unit. This limitation led me to looking into Comcast and Dish's HD offerings. I ruled out going with Comcast because of their crap DVR offerings. I'm also not willing to wait years for them to roll out Tivo. I honestly fell into checking out Dish's HD offerings out of necessity. I purchased a LCD flat panel earlier this year and is was killing me not having HD service. Based on the reviews of Dish's new 722 DVR I decided to try it. It's been over one week having Dish service and I am very pleased! For me going to Dish from DirecTV/Tivo has been great!

+1, simply because it's funny. :)

I'm actually starting to think that hifikid might be doing a little astro-turfing here on the part of Dish. His post count is really low, and for some inexplicable reason, he REALLY likes Dish...

Just offering my opion here... I don't work for Dish and have nothing to gain at all. I am no salesman. I have been monitoring this thread for months. I actually planned to go to Comcast this fall thinking they would have rolled out Tivo already. I am extremely frustrated, like others have expressed thoughout this thread, that it has taken Comcast so long to roll out Tivo. I came to the realization that Dish is currently offering the best HD package and HD DVR right now. Wanted to share this.

Just offering my opion here... I don't work for Dish and have nothing to gain at all. I am no salesman. I have been monitoring this thread for months. I actually planned to go to Comcast this fall thinking they would have rolled out Tivo already. I am extremely frustrated, like others have expressed thoughout this thread, that it has taken Comcast so long to roll out Tivo. I came to the realization that Dish is currently offering the best HD package and HD DVR right now. Wanted to share this.

start a new thread for your opinion, I have been reading this thread for info on tivo and don't want to hear anything about Dish

start a new thread for your opinion, I have been reading this thread for info on tivo and don't want to hear anything about Dish

There is no info on tivo here. Just opinions and mass speculation.

There is no info on tivo here. Just opinions and mass speculation.

opinions and speculations are information, just not facts

start a new thread for your opinion, I have been reading this thread for info on tivo and don't want to hear anything about Dish

Who pee'd in you're TIVO this morning?


:D

Who pee'd in you're TIVO this morning?


:D

comcast

comcast

LOL

Let's please stay on topic here.

Let's please stay on topic here.

NP. UPDATE: Comcast to roll out TIVO!


:D

are there any beta testers with it yet? I didn't seem to find a clear awnser. I read somewhere that employees are currently testing but haven't had a customer or non employee confirm that the beta testing for the tivo rollout has begun?

Evidence of slight progress on something forward facing from Comcast:

the URL:

http://www.comcast.com/tivo/

now shows that a directory exists there, although you can't list the contents. Before, you'd get a page not found error. Now, something is there...

Evidence of slight progress on something forward facing from Comcast:

the URL:

http://www.comcast.com/tivo/

now shows that a directory exists there, although you can't list the contents. Before, you'd get a page not found error. Now, something is there...

Yeah I saw this a few weeks ago. I've tried many filenames and can't find any documents or images within that folder. I'm not sure what webserver they are running, but it would be neat if there was an exploit we could use to list the directory contents. Who knows, perhaps it's empty. Normally web content is developed on a special developer server in house before copied to the live server.

thats cool, I just wish comcast would make an offical announcement saying it is delayed or on time, since the last one said August, correct?

I now will be checking comcast.com/tivo everyday

Evidence of slight progress on something forward facing from Comcast:

the URL:

http://www.comcast.com/tivo/

now shows that a directory exists there, although you can't list the contents. Before, you'd get a page not found error. Now, something is there...
I think you might be putting to much into this as evidence that Comcast is moving forward with their Tivo/Comcast software guide. I can put a different meaning to that directory... Since Tivo has released 2 Series 3 cable DVR's this directory could apply to those Tivo boxes and not the Tivo/Comcast software. Comcast has been doing a lot of installs of these new Tivo boxes and are probably setting up a section of their website to deal with those issues. So that url could mean either/or one of these possibilities, choose you poison. ;)

Laters,
Mikef5

I can put a different meaning to that directory... Since Tivo has released 2 Series 3 cable DVR's this directory could apply to those Tivo boxes and not the Tivo/Comcast software.

Doubt it. The support info, at least for New England, is posted at http://www.comcast.com/nesupport - even has a thing on CableCard. Support is typically provided on a per-region basis and different support & marketing material is made available on the localized page.

Doubt it. The support info, at least for New England, is posted at http://www.comcast.com/nesupport - even has a thing on CableCard. Support is typically provided on a per-region basis and different support & marketing material is made available on the localized page.

In any event, that is a VERY handy page to have bookmarked. Thanks!

In any event, that is a VERY handy page to have bookmarked. Thanks!

Tried connecting to http://www.comcast.com/tivo/ and got this......

Directory Listing Denied

This Virtual Directory does not allow contents to be listed.

Looks like they've found out people were accessing the url

Laters,
Mikef5

..I think the majority of the high end, Former & Current TiVo S2/s3/HD users will be heavily let down with the Comcast TiVo enhanced DVR service...
This really has me bummed out. I may have to think about getting a TiVoHD now. I don't use VOD or PPV, so it may be viable for our house. Honestly, I'd just give up on the whole thing and set up an HDHomeRun for clear QAM, but my kids like Disney and I like Fox Soccer Channel. If we get a couple more features on the TiVoHD, I'll jump on board.

This really has me bummed out. I may have to think about getting a TiVoHD now. I don't use VOD or PPV, so it may be viable for our house. Honestly, I'd just give up on the whole thing and set up an HDHomeRun for clear QAM, but my kids like Disney and I like Fox Soccer Channel. If we get a couple more features on the TiVoHD, I'll jump on board.

The only other difference is no switched video on tivo, but will be on the cable dvr.

are there any beta testers with it yet? I didn't seem to find a clear awnser.Generally speaking, beta testers are subject to non-disclosure agreements so you should not expect a clear answer.

I read somewhere that employees are currently testing but haven't had a customer or non employee confirm that the beta testing for the tivo rollout has begun?Then either the testing isn't happening, or the testers prefer to keep their jobs rather than lose their jobs.

Generally speaking, beta testers are subject to non-disclosure agreements so you should not expect a clear answer.

Then either the testing isn't happening, or the testers prefer to keep their jobs rather than lose their jobs.

I always thought a non-disclosure agreement when beta testing didn't permit someone from saying they were in beta, they just can't talk about what they are testing.

Depends on the NDA I suppose.

I've been subject to a beta program NDA that explicitly prevented me from revealing I was in the beta. I'm not sure, but I think I cannot even to this day reveal that I was in that beta program. This extends beyond betas. I have been subject to an NDA for another type of program, having nothing to do with beta programs, that prohibited revealing that I was part of that specific program until my participation was over.

Thats understand able, the only thing I had to compare it to was a beta for video games. I guess I never read it but they never got mad if you said you were in beta, but it might have been that way too.

I wish we had a time line for this roll out. I am considering buying the new tivo but I use the On-demand alot and really am trying to hold our for an integrated system.

I guess I never read it but they never got mad if you said you were in beta, but it might have been that way too.For some of the non-beta scenarios, the concern is that by identifying yourself as part of the program, the providers of the products or services for which the program is intended to gain insight may see fit to try to influence your impressions of their products or services.

I wish we had a time line for this roll out.A time-line would commit them to ship regardless of the results of the beta. That violates quality management principles. Providers should NEVER let schedule dictate when they make something available.

NEVER.

For some of the non-beta scenarios, the concern is that by identifying yourself as part of the program, the providers of the products or services for which the program is intended to gain insight may see fit to try to influence your impressions of their products or services.

A time-line would commit them to ship regardless of the results of the beta. That violates quality management principles. Providers should NEVER let schedule dictate when they make something available.

NEVER.

I never said I expect, i just wish I had a time line. Don't gotta crush a man's dream.

and with Beta's, it is unusually weird something hasn't leak, it always seem to for most things

So does anyone know when Comcast will roll out the Tivo software to customers?

My guess is that those people in the New England markets slated to get it first will see something on their OCTOBER statement informing them of the opportunity to upgrade to TiVo.

This will also give Comcast a little bit of a spread factor to handle any questions/issues.

I doubt they will put it in a statement, who actually looks at those? As long as the autopay dollar amount is the same or a bit higher pp, i never glance at it.

I just can't wait till I hear someone from NE saying, Hey I got it!!!!!!!!

I'll keep my eye on my statement for you.

When do the statements come out?

I made my weekly call and was told by a rep that they were all recently trained on the TIVO info and she expects that the rollout will be out within 30 - 60 days....man I hoep she is wrong...I am the typical person who wants it now....:eek:

Typically, call centers don't train front line reps on a brand new product and then not roll it out for 2 months. Its coming.....

Typically, call centers don't train front line reps on a brand new product and then not roll it out for 2 months. Its coming.....

I have to agree on that, if they don't start within a month they will have to retrain all the reps

This news makes me happy!

Typically, call centers don't train front line reps on a brand new product and then not roll it out for 2 months. Its coming.....


Great Point...BYE Directv....

I made my weekly call and was told by a rep that they were all recently trained on the TIVO info and she expects that the rollout will be out within 30 - 60 days....man I hoep she is wrong...I am the typical person who wants it now....:eek:

Where are you?

First, the basic phone CSR's will be the last to know any info on the comcast TiVo dvr service. They will need to pull up a info screen or pull out the white info book.

First trained at the call centers will be sales and upgrades & retention Dept. CSR & Staff.

The offer will more then likely be to current DVR users, they will want to get you to upgrade to the deluxe dvr service level (more $$ per month)

Then the enticement of new and current non DVR subscribers. Marketing to be about how simple the Comcast TiVo DVR interface & operation is compared to the basic DVR service offered by most providers, more for the non Tech inclined user.

They have alot of $$$ involved for this rollout, you will find out. One way or another. :)

:eek:I was at the Anderson's Big Screen TV store in Santa Clara CA just now. They have a demo unit of a new Tivo that the assistant said was being released shortly to work exclusively with Comcast.....ie in October.:D

The box looked very like a Tivo HD but the guy said it was NOT a CableCard system.

Is it possible that this has been a well kept secret or does this guy not know what he was talking about?

Simon.

You didn't get a picture of the box?

No....may go back tomorrow and snap one...

:eek:I was at the Anderson's Big Screen TV store in Santa Clara CA just now. They have a demo unit of a new Tivo that the assistant said was being released shortly to work exclusively with Comcast.....ie in October.:D

The box looked very like a Tivo HD but the guy said it was NOT a CableCard system.

Is it possible that this has been a well kept secret or does this guy not know what he was talking about?

Simon.

Did you see it working? I'll bet it was a TiVo HD and the sales guy was shooting from the hip. Or perhaps it's a beta version of a THD using the dongle to allow 2 way communication (for SDV, PPV, On Demand, etc.).

If you go back, open the door on the bottom of the front--I'll bet there's 1 or 2 cable cards there.

Or it could be a Moto box with the TiVo software--but that does have a M-card in the back.

Do go back, take some pix and ask another sales person for more details.

The FCC requires all "new" cable Set Top Boxes use CableCards. It is called the "integration ban" and started July 1, 2007.
:eek:I was at the Anderson's Big Screen TV store in Santa Clara CA just now. They have a demo unit of a new Tivo that the assistant said was being released shortly to work exclusively with Comcast.....ie in October.:D

The box looked very like a Tivo HD but the guy said it was NOT a CableCard system.

Is it possible that this has been a well kept secret or does this guy not know what he was talking about?

Simon.

The FCC requires all "new" cable Set Top Boxes use CableCards.That's not quite true: It is called the "integration ban" and started July 1, 2007.The ban is on cable companies deploying new boxes to their customers that use "Integrated Security"(hence the term "Integration Ban". Ultimately, CableCards will be phased out and the cable boxes (whether supplied by cable or sold by your friendly electronics store) will use DCAS (Downloadable Conditional Access Security). It could be that what vstream saw was a prototype of a box using this (or, perhaps {and more likely} the sales person was misinformed as the new HD TiVo can receive clear QAM HD channels without a CableCard).

I haven't heard of any cable company that is currently using DCAS in customers STBs so I don't think a retail store would have a box being released shortly that uses DCAS.

I think you are making an assumption that cable cards will be phased out, but I haven't heard that from any official organization such as the FCC or even CableLabs.

DCAS ineligible to replace CableCARDs? The 1998 FCC order stated that the security access module must be separable. Although the downloaded software is removable, the current DCAS proposal relies on a custom ASIC chip which is soldered onto the Host's circuit board. Since this chip is integral to the security access function, and since it is not removable from the host, some parties argue that DCAS does not meet federal requirement for a separable security access module, and therefore cannot replace separable CableCARDs that carry their circuitry on them.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CableCARD

I haven't heard of any cable company that is currently using DCAS in customers STBs so I don't think a retail store would have a box being released shortly that uses DCAS.

I think you are making an assumption that cable cards will be phased out, but I haven't heard that from any official organization such as the FCC or even CableLabs.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CableCARD

That is indeed a pretty tricky proposition. I think the only way DCAS skirts that requirement is if the DCAS code gets downloaded from the head-end into non-persistent memory on the box whenever the box reboots. Otherwise, the DCAS code could be considered "integrated". An ASIC is certainly an integrated solution, and likely won't fly.

I haven't heard of any cable company that is currently using DCAS in customers STBs so I don't think a retail store would have a box being released shortly that uses DCAS.I agree.

I think you are making an assumption that cable cards will be phased out, but I haven't heard that from any official organization such as the FCC or even CableLabs. It wouldn't happen that way. Rather, the phase-out would be a decision by the cable companies internally -- no FCC or CableLabs action is necessary.

That is indeed a pretty tricky proposition. I think the only way DCAS skirts that requirement is if the DCAS code gets downloaded from the head-end into non-persistent memory on the box whenever the box reboots. Otherwise, the DCAS code could be considered "integrated". An ASIC is certainly an integrated solution, and likely won't fly.From what I have read, that's what happens.

From Cisco (http://blogs.cisco.com/sp/2007/09/dmystifying_dcas_downloadable.html): (Admittedly a biased source - but one that is close to the situation)

While progress with 7/07 has been made and shipments of CableCARD set-top boxes are underway, the cable industry has been focused on a number of developments that could some day render the CableCARD obsolete. Scientific Atlanta is playing a leading role in the development and engineering of a technology called Downloadable Conditional Access System (DCAS).

Conditional Access Systems (CAS) are comprised of the system, software and components needed to provide consumers selective access or denial of specific content services in their cable operator’s network. Access to services is controlled by first encrypting the video, audio or data content before it is transmitted over the network. This transforms the data so that it can not be easily “snooped” while in transit or at rest in the network. Then, authorization is achieved through key distribution and entitlement messages sent to client devices. Until recently, the client portion of most CASs was embedded in predominantly fixed hardware such as secure microprocessors and encryption-handling ASICs.



This (DCAS) is clearly the way cable is trying to head. But (as always) there is a battle going on between CES and Cable over Bi-Directional navigation devices, and DCAS itself, has been wrapped up in those debates.

I haven't heard of any cable company that is currently using DCAS in customers STBs so I don't think a retail store would have a box being released shortly that uses DCAS.I did suggest that what vstream saw might be a prototype (there have been some) of this. As I said: OR, perhaps {and more likely} the sales person was misinformed as the new HD TiVo can receive clear QAM HD channels without a CableCard.

I think you are making an assumption that cable cards will be phased out, but I haven't heard that from any official organization such as the FCC or even CableLabs.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CableCARD
See the post I just made.

BTW: Lately we have been hearing that commercial interests (as in CES and the Cable Industry) have been secretly editing wikipedia entries (http://www.wired.com/politics/onlinerights/news/2007/08/wiki_tracker). So let's not put too much faith in them.

It wouldn't happen that way. Rather, the phase-out would be a decision by the cable companies internally -- no FCC or CableLabs action is necessary.No - this really will have to be done either by everyone (CES & Cable) agreeing - OR the FCC mandating. What is going to be critical here (meaning that the FCC won't agree to anything that does not include this) is a "common reliance". This means that cable supplied boxes and customer purchased boxes have a "common reliance" on the same technology.

:eek:I was at the Anderson's Big Screen TV store in Santa Clara CA just now. They have a demo unit of a new Tivo that the assistant said was being released shortly to work exclusively with Comcast.....ie in October.:D

The box looked very like a Tivo HD but the guy said it was NOT a CableCard system.

Is it possible that this has been a well kept secret or does this guy not know what he was talking about?

Simon.

Is this the box you saw?
http://broadband.motorola.com/business/digitalvideo/product_dch6416_settop.asp

This means that cable supplied boxes and customer purchased boxes have a "common reliance" on the same technology.Could you expand on where that requirement comes from, please?

Could you expand on where that requirement comes from, please?The concept of "common reliance" is spread throughout FCC documentation on the subject. It really goes back to Section 304 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 which directed the FCC to:
adopt regulations to assure the commercial availability, to consumers of multichannel
video programming and other services offered over multichannel video programming
systems, of converter boxes, interactive communications equipment, and other equipment
used by consumers to access multichannel video programming and other services offered
over multichannel video programming systems, from manufacturers, retailers, and other
vendors not affiliated with any multichannel video programming "distributor.Ultimately, the FCC developed the concept of "common reliance" which:
whatever technologies Cable wants CE to use in cable-ready devices, they should use for themselves in their leased products. Whether it is CableCARDS, OCAP or anything else, if Cable must also rely upon it, then any technical issues will be quickly resolved.

Note: Do a Google search on "Common Reliance Cable" - lot's of stuff, but common reliance" is often buried deep in the text. The above quote comes from this one (http://hdtvmagazine.com/articles/2006/05/eds_view_-_the_interactive_cable_ready_standard.php).

Okay, so as long as a cable company switches to equipment that uses DCAS (or perhaps already uses equipment that will work "either way"), then they can unilaterally switch to DCAS.

I made my weekly call and was told by a rep that they were all recently trained on the TIVO info and she expects that the rollout will be out within 30 - 60 days....man I hoep she is wrong...I am the typical person who wants it now....:eek:

who do you call at Comcast? I called them and they had no idea when I said tivo.

who do you call at Comcast? I called them and they had no idea when I said tivo.

I just call the number from the site..1-800-COMCAST (1-800-266-2278). Also I have been calling for about a month and everytime I call I get someone that has herd of it and that it is coming soon..No one has said they have no idea about Tivo..

do go to the sales or the support?

Sales...for new cable...

If you think that it's challenging talking to Comcast about the availability/ordering of the Tivo software for their boxes, just imagine what it's going to be like getting support from them once the software is released.

Which is almost surely why they're applying a staged roll-out like this.

I will take my chances...Directv wants to charge me $70 bucks to come out and set up the new hd channels....They have no HD tivo and offer channels I have to pay a $70 setup fee for, btw I currently have the HD package and have had it for years....and they still want to charge me....I will gladdly pay more monthly and get what i want...Well as soon as it is released...:)

I will take my chances...Directv wants to charge me $70 bucks to come out and set up the new hd channels....They have no HD tivo and offer channels I have to pay a $70 setup fee for, btw I currently have the HD package and have had it for years....and they still want to charge me....I will gladdly pay more monthly and get what i want...Well as soon as it is released...:)

Have you looked at Dish HD offerings. Currently I believe its better than Comcrap's HD offering...

Have you looked at Dish HD offerings. Currently I believe its better than Comcrap's HD offering...

Please, please, please stop pimping for E*. We get it. You like your E* stuff.

I, for one, don't want to be reminded of it in every single one of your posts. Not to mention that it only serves to take the thread off-topic...

Please, please, please stop pimping for E*. We get it. You like your E* stuff.

I, for one, don't want to be reminded of it in every single one of your posts. Not to mention that it only serves to take the thread off-topic...

I knew a lot of other forums had the ignore user feature but just had to use it for the first time on AVS for 'hifikid'. So kid go ahead and praise your dish all you want now, I for one can't hear you anymore! You have said nothing on this thread of any use to anyone here so I'm not going to miss you.

Have you looked at Dish HD offerings. Currently I believe its better than Comcrap's HD offering...

To be honest Yes I pay less every month for my service but pay through the nose for the equipment...I assume the Dish will be the same as Directv...I am done with Sat in general if Comcast can get the HD Tivo...I for one am looking forward to the Comcast TIVO and that is why I am in this forum..

Is Comcast ever going to release the TiVo software?!?!?! We are almost done with the first week of October.

Is Comcast ever going to release the TiVo software?!?!?! We are almost done with the first week of October.

I think they were too busy rolling out TBS-HD to every system but mine.

I spoke with a rep yesterday and it doesn't look like it will come out until at least December. They are testing currently and the rep said they are aiming for the end of 4Q for the release. The rep tried to get in on the testing because he wants the new software but couldn't get on the list.

GreekIrish, are you in New England? If not, then the Dec. timeline is correct. Even if you are, you may have gotten someone from another region who has no idea whats going on in Boston.

It will be much sooner than December.

I'm in Boston. I asked the rep where he sat...Boston. Sorry for the bad news. What different information do you have?

Mucher sooner than December....

How about Thanksgiving?

How about Halloween?

When will the eagle land?

My guess:

2013.

Seriously, if you are tired of waiting, you can get a nice new Tivo HD box on Amazon for about $250 and a 3 year pre-paid sub that equates to $8/month.
Thats $15 a month for Tivo with all the juice.


What do you pay in Boston just for DVR service? $12? $13? Any other box fees?

Seriously, if you are tired of waiting, you can get a nice new Tivo HD box on Amazon for about $250 and a 3 year pre-paid sub that equates to $8/month.
Thats $15 a month for Tivo with all the juice.
...Except if your Comcast is using SDV or plans to use SDV for channels you want, link here (http://customersupport.tivo.com/LaunchContent.aspx?CID=cbecf1b9-88de-4b74-82c1-754c3260112a).

Seriously, if you are tired of waiting, you can get a nice new Tivo HD box on Amazon for about $250 and a 3 year pre-paid sub that equates to $8/month.
Thats $15 a month for Tivo with all the juice.


What do you pay in Boston just for DVR service? $12? $13? Any other box fees?

In Philly, here are the fees:
With Comcast DVR:
$0 upfront
$11.95 a month DVR service

With TiVoHD
$548 upfront
$1.99 a month for the second CableCard

The $11.95 a month, for 36 months, comes out to $398.72, if you discount to present value with a 5% interest rate. That's the present value of the cost of 36 months of Comcast DVR service.

The $1.99 a month, for 36 months, comes out to $66.40. Add that to the $548 upfront payment and you have $614.40 in present value. That's the present value of the cost to have 36 months of TiVo.

The difference, which is the premium for TiVo, is $215.68 at present value, which, spread back out over the 36 months, is $6.46 a month. Plus, you lose On Demand and PPV. But, some of the $6.46 a month will be eaten up by the premium Comcast will certainly charge to upgrade to the TiVo service on the Comcast box.

No doubt sticking with Comcast and waiting is cheaper, but having lost the Microsoft Enhanced Guide (which was no great shakes in itself, but was amazing compared to what we now get with iGuide/SARA) and now having our HD channel scheduled recordings pulling in the SD channel feed (so no HD) made the extra $4 a month (since we get free cablecards here in Seattle) an easy cost for me to take on in my personal case and I went Tivo HD and now everything is great.

And considering 36 months of prepaid Tivo service is about the same price as 18 months of "pay as you go" Tivo service, if Comcast Tivo doesn't come out before 2009 here in Seattle (and it may take that long) I didn't really "lose" anything even if I never use the TivoHD again at that point. However, since I expect Tivo's native system will still be superior to the Comcast unit (and I do not use OD or PPV), chances are even if I add a Tivo Comcast box, I'll still likely be using the Tivo HD as my primary DVR.

No doubt sticking with Comcast and waiting is cheaper...

...but infinitely more painful. Just do it. TRUST ME.

aindik,

the 2nd card is not necessary with the Tivo HD box if you get the M-card.

Also, I think using the time value of money in this case is wrong. Comcast could, and probably will bump up your rate between now and 3 years from now, regardless of whether you get the Tivo software or not. Other areas have already seen that bump.

Paying up front locks you into one rate, where with Comcast, you are obviously susceptible to raised rates at any time.

How about Thanksgiving?

How about Halloween?

When will the eagle land?

Given the repeated delays on the Comcast Tivo UI, and how quickly Comcast moves in general, I believe this is is when we'll see it...
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http://members.rennlist.com/poursha/pigs%20fly.GIF

Except if your Comcast is using SDV or plans to use SDV for channels you want, link here (http://customersupport.tivo.com/LaunchContent.aspx?CID=cbecf1b9-88de-4b74-82c1-754c3260112a).

The method TiVo talks about here could easily turn out to be vaporware. If it doesn't materialize, you could be stuck with a TiVo that can't receive many of the new HD channels. Folks best wait till this becomes a reality.

The method TiVo talks about here could easily turn out to be vaporware. If it doesn't materialize, you could be stuck with a TiVo that can't receive many of the new HD channels. Folks best wait till this becomes a reality.


I agree. Don't you love it when marketing departments write stuff:

Certain cable operators are using switched digital technology to add new niche channels or eliminate duplicate feeds of premium channels.

Currently, switched digital channels are unavailable to TiVo DVRs that use CableCARDs. However, the cable industry is working with TiVo and others to develop a technical fix so that TiVo devices will be able to access these switched digital channels.

Great progress has been made and the National Cable & Telecommunications Association (NCTA) revealed the solution in a filing with the FCC. The agreed-upon solution is a small external adapter, called a tuning resolver, which will attach to the back of the CableCARD device and enable two-way communication with the cable headend so that switched digital channels can be received by TiVo products.

We expect the adapter to be available to consumers before switched digital becomes widely deployed.

SDV is why I won't consider a TIVO. Maybe down the road if it they can come up with a solution for SDV then sure I'll look at it more.

The method TiVo talks about here could easily turn out to be vaporware. If it doesn't materialize, you could be stuck with a TiVo that can't receive many of the new HD channels. Folks best wait till this becomes a reality.
SDV is why I won't consider a TIVO. Maybe down the road if it they can come up with a solution for SDV then sure I'll look at it more.

Of course, when will SDV become a reality? :)

Of course, when will SDV become a reality? :)
It is in some places now. TW claims it will be deployed on most of their systems by the end of the year. Comcast has field tested it too. The underlying technology (same as OnDemand) is in wide use now.

SDV is why I won't consider a TIVO. Maybe down the road if it they can come up with a solution for SDV then sure I'll look at it more.

cox is also working with tivo to put the software on the motorola dvr's

Yes, SDV is already reality, but not yet "widely deployed" across TiVo subscribers in total. That metric, defined by them, gives them years to actually offer a resolution to this problem. Meanwhile, a minority of TiVo subscribers like us will face the difficulties associated with SDV without a resolution.

SDV is a reality in Hawaii, but for majority of cable markets it's still mostly FUD. I'm betting that in my area, by the time SDV dust settles I'll be ready for next gen box anyway. I already have an S3 for 1 year now, and can't imaging living with the Comcast DVR for that length. When Tivo turns on TTG and MRV for Tivo S3 and HD, I'll get another HD, at $249, what's there to lose? Use it for 2-3 years and upgrade. It seems that most people on this forum are very tech savvy, and understand the value of new technology. People upgrade their cell phones and MP3 players all the time. I really don't get the obsession to get the end-all be-all DVR. It'll never exist, get the one that's good for you and enjoy it now, because there is always going to be a new box next year, then next year, then next year ...

SDV is why I won't consider a TIVO. Maybe down the road if it they can come up with a solution for SDV then sure I'll look at it more.

So Omaha, what are you considering for a HD DVR then?

It is in some places now. TW claims it will be deployed on most of their systems by the end of the year. Comcast has field tested it too. The underlying technology (same as OnDemand) is in wide use now.

Fortunately it's not coming to Seattle anytime soon, so my Tivo HD investment should be quite safe.

The method TiVo talks about here could easily turn out to be vaporware. If it doesn't materialize, you could be stuck with a TiVo that can't receive many of the new HD channels. Folks best wait till this becomes a reality.

Somehow I find it exponentially easier to give the Tivo press release credence over Comcast's epic quest for the Tivo software port. I'll take my chances with Tivo...

Somehow I find it exponentially easier to give the Tivo press release credence over Comcast's epic quest for the Tivo software port. I'll take my chances with Tivo...

I agree. I had some trepedition about buying a Tivo HD based on possible SDV concerns. Honestly, in most markets SDV will be used to farm out bandwidth for the many low user shows such as public access channels, the "outdoor" channel and other such shows that rarely get watched.

My Tivo HD just told me last night that TBS-HD was added in my market. I think I'm up to around 30 HD channels and still no sign of SDV yet. I've had the Tivo HD now for around 90 days and can't even contemplate going back to the Comcrap hardware and software.

Additionally I was able to painlessly upgrade the hard drive in my Tivo to a 500GB model ($90) and now can store 70 hrs of HD programming with the option to expand that capacity even further when 1TB drives drop substantially in price.

Can't wait for MRV and TTG. In all likelihood I will be able to take shows with me on the road to watch on my laptop or iPod.

Another thing to point out is that the larger the Tivo/Cablecard subscriber base is, the less likely the cable companies CAN shut those users off with mandatory SDV. The FCC watches these things closely and I'm sure the cable companies don't want even tighter legislation restricting their activities in the set top box market.

Take a look at this article...the # of cablecards issued is going up quickly.

http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6482491.html?industryid=47200

Another thing to point out is that the larger the Tivo/Cablecard subscriber base is, the less likely the cable companies CAN shut those users off with mandatory SDV.I don't know about Comcast, but I can tell you that TW has not enabled newly added HD channels for CableCards (been that way for a year in Rochester) in ANTICIPATION of going to SDV (they haven't yet). This is to eliminate the basis for complaints when the do switch these channels.
The FCC watches these things closely and I'm sure the cable companies don't want even tighter legislation restricting their activities in the set top box market.The FCC really doesn't have any control over these things: at least in regards to normal cable channels (HBO, CNN, Food Network and the like).

PS: What I am trying to say about the potential impact of SDV and the advisability of purchasing a HD TiVo is that if you are satisfied with the current HD channel line up currently available with CableCard, then by all means get that TiVo. But if you are also anxiously awaiting more HD channels, you might want to wait before getting that TiVo till TiVo has actually released this dongle "solution" and it is well known that it works.

So is the price for the Comcast Tivo unit going to be higher than for their standard DVR offerings? I had thought it would be the same but a couple of the recent posts seemed to suggest otherwise.

So is the price for the Comcast Tivo unit going to be higher than for their standard DVR offerings? I had thought it would be the same but a couple of the recent posts seemed to suggest otherwise.

The Comcast Tivo unit is the same box you already have, with new software. And yes, it is going to a few dollars more per month....

any updates on when the rollout is going to start?

The Comcast Tivo unit is the same box you already have, with new software. And yes, it is going to a few dollars more per month....

Shoot, I was hoping for an actual new box, maybe one with more than just 160 gigs (320-500 would be real nice). Any idea what the definition of a few dollars is going to be?

Shoot, I was hoping for an actual new box, maybe one with more than just 160 gigs (320-500 would be real nice). Any idea what the definition of a few dollars is going to be?The Cocast Tivo software is expected to cost $2.50 to $4.00 extra per month. Of that, Tivo will get anywhere $0.45 to $0.75 (depending on deployments) and Comcast will keep the rest.

The Cocast Tivo software is expected to cost $2.50 to $4.00 extra per month. Of that, Tivo will get anywhere $0.45 to $0.75 (depending on deployments) and Comcast will keep the rest.


And hopefully recover the development cost.

It is my understanding Comcast underwrote the development cost (of course). Tivo has reflected this activity by booking it as revenue in their financial statements (and should have built in a decent margin). Something like $17 - 20MM so far booked to the Tivo financial statements as revenue. With additional commitments from Comcast to port Tivo to SA boxes.

Meaning Tivo has already made some dough on the deal.

I doubt this is "work for hire" that Tivo is providing so getting a piece of the recurring revenue should be expected as the licensing part of the deal. If Tivo would have chosen to underwrite the deal their recurring piece would presumably be more.

has there been anywhere offically stating it will cost more? I know it is logical that is should be, I just was curious.

Just a few blurbs in the inhouse memos.

But it is to be expected when you have 2 levels of DVR service available.

That makes sense, I was reading the price quotes above and thought I missed a press release or announcement.

does comcast currently own the rights to the iguide software or do they contract that through another company?

And hopefully recover the development cost.

Huh?! You must have Comcast stock. :rolleyes: The only "hopefully" that the average member posting to this thread can attribute is that the damn thing is made available soon. But don't hold your breath.

aindik,

the 2nd card is not necessary with the Tivo HD box if you get the M-card.

Also, I think using the time value of money in this case is wrong. Comcast could, and probably will bump up your rate between now and 3 years from now, regardless of whether you get the Tivo software or not. Other areas have already seen that bump.

Paying up front locks you into one rate, where with Comcast, you are obviously susceptible to raised rates at any time.

I suppose that's true. OTOH, paying monthly also allows me to go to DirecTV if I so desire without having money sunk into the cablecard TiVo box.

Yes, the lack of up-front charges is perhaps one of the most attractive aspects of cable company DVRs.

the only reason I don't buy an HD tivo is because I seem to watch a lot of on-demand, if I didn't use the on-demand I would be all over a HD tivo right now

the idea of only a few extra bucks a month is nice, better than have to spend $300 bucks then pay 12ish dollars a month to tivo

Just curious, what do you (any anyone else who wants to answer) watch on On-Demand? I've yet to see anything I couldn't live without. Really.

I've watched a few things:

1) Mad Men in HD - It isn't available in HD on the linear channel.
2) Tour of the Capitol in HD - Rather interesting, and pretty stunning.
3) Catch-up for Showtime series during Showtime Preview weekend (we canceled Showtime in early summer, so missed some episodes).

Just curious, what do you (any anyone else who wants to answer) watch on On-Demand? I've yet to see anything I couldn't live without. Really.

Kids stuff mainly, that I don't have (or want) a season pass for. Thomas, Bob the Builder, etc.

-John

the only reason I don't buy an HD tivo is because I seem to watch a lot of on-demand, if I didn't use the on-demand I would be all over a HD tivo right now

the idea of only a few extra bucks a month is nice, better than have to spend $300 bucks then pay 12ish dollars a month to tivoI have a TiVo Series3 (2 cablecards) and Comcast DCT-6200 HD STB on my primary TV and pay only $7/mo for the STB. No additional outlet fee ($6.95/mo.) like Comcast would normally charge. The STB would be free but I want an HD STB so it's $7/mo.

You should be able to get the digital box free if it is on your primary TV. See the 2nd to last answer in this FAQ at Comcast here (http://www.comcast.com/customers/faq/FaqDetails.ashx?ID=2540).

Just curious, what do you (any anyone else who wants to answer) watch on On-Demand? I've yet to see anything I couldn't live without. Really.

It's like having a (limited stock) video store. I have access to probably 100 HD movies; most are free. I couldn't even begin to count the SD offerings - anything from recent episodes of Dirty Jobs to highlights of every NFL game just played. But if your season passes & suggestions keep you busy, you probably won't get much out of VOD.

Unbox on Tivo gives you access to weekly .99 movie rentals...though no HD content yet.

I watch alot of the free HD movies. Also there is some good stuff from discovery and the history channell in HD on demand too.

Anyone know if the Comcast/Tivo will feature the Rhapsody music service? I thought Comcast signed a deal with Real Networks for Rhapsody content a little over a year ago? There was talk about Comcast bringing digital music downloads to the set top box awhile back. Could that be signs that it's a reasonable expectation?

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/T/TIVO_REAL_MUSIC?SITE=PAREA&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

Unbox on Tivo gives you access to weekly .99 movie rentals...though no HD content yet.And no closed captioning.

And no closed captioning.

That sucks. I'm less than thrilled that Amazon is half-assing this product at this point in terms of HD and CC.

Unbox on Tivo gives you access to weekly .99 movie rentals...though no HD content yet.

Unbox has potential for sure. I downloaded some of the season premiers, but just having to wait 20 minutes before I could watch was not fun. I wanted it right then! :)

Don't know how they're going to pull off HD downloads.

The other thing thats good about On Demand is the ability to watch series on the premium channels.

Instead of recording Sopranos, Californication, Weeds, Entorage, I just go and get em off On Demand.

As their box is limited in recording space its a better way to watch these type shows.

Keep waiting for Tivo/Comcast launch. Not holding my breath for this year though.

Hmmm, must be relatively new. I remember when they added the HBO On Demand on channel 700. I never thought to look at it as I just record Entourage anyhow. Oh well...

The other thing thats good about On Demand is the ability to watch series on the premium channels.

Instead of recording Sopranos, Californication, Weeds, Entorage, I just go and get em off On Demand.

As their box is limited in recording space its a better way to watch these type shows.

Keep waiting for Tivo/Comcast launch. Not holding my breath for this year though.

I don't know about Showtime, but the only series that's been available on demand in HD from HBO was the Sopranos. You had to record Entourage and the others if you wanted to see them in HD.

TiVo's CEO says today : "any time now" for non-Comcast person to get the TiVo software... LINK (http://www.reuters.com/article/technology-media-telco-SP/idUSWEN156220071009).

Even though the article mentions that the software is for SA boxes (which isn't coming until later, probably next year), there's lots of good info in this relatively short article. Even a mention of the "thawing" relations between DirecTV and TiVo. Yummy...

that gives me some hope that it will happen this year, nice find

that gives me some hope that it will happen this year, nice find

You're kidding, right? It should give you hope that the New England test market will see it by the end of the year...the rest of us will more likely see it in the Spring, IMHO.

TiVo's Comcast roll-out behind schedule

Digital video recorder company TiVo Inc said on Tuesday the roll-out of its services is a "little behind" schedule.
http://www.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idUSWEN156220071009


It does mention that they expect the first non employees to get it any time now. For whatever that is worth.

Tivo HD guys... dealing with cable card setup ain't that bad.

Tivo HD guys... dealing with cable card setup ain't that bad.

Yup. Unless you absolutely can't live without PPV or VOD, it's gonna be much more worth your while to just go get a TiVoHD right now, rather than wait for this thing to become available in your area.

Yup. Unless you absolutely can't live without PPV or VOD, it's gonna be much more worth your while to just go get a TiVoHD right now, rather than wait for this thing to become available in your area.

Or unless you live in an area going (or gone) SDV :)

Yup. Unless you absolutely can't live without PPV or VOD, it's gonna be much more worth your while to just go get a TiVoHD right now, rather than wait for this thing to become available in your area.


Yup. I obsessed about losing PPV/VOD and possible SDV issues down the road for months before finally making the plunge. Soooo damn glad I did. Seriously guys, it's not worth waiting on Comcast for this, just get the Tivo.

Worst case, if SDV arrives, and there is no SDV solution available from your cable company and TiVo, you can try to sell your TiVo. There are always options.

Worst case, if SDV arrives, and there is no SDV solution available from your cable company and TiVo, you can try to sell your TiVo. There are always options.

Well, look at it this way... the more people have Cable Card devices like Tivo, the harder it will be for cable companies to push ahead with SDV without a workaround for said devices.

I wonder why its Tivo always discussing COMCAST' rollout and not Comcast doing some talking.

Well, look at it this way... the more people have Cable Card devices like Tivo, the harder it will be for cable companies to push ahead with SDV without a workaround for said devices.Not really. Just limit SDV to new HD channels. TW's been prepping for this for a year (at least here) by not enabling newly added HD channels on CableCards.

Not really. Just limit SDV to new HD channels. TW's been prepping for this for a year (at least here) by not enabling newly added HD channels on CableCards.

Well, TWC is evil I guess, or more evil than Comcrap anyways. Comcast has added 5 new HD channels in just the time that I've had my Tivo HD and none of them are SDV.

SDV is designed for infrequently watched channels, so I can think of a lot of non HD channels that should be on the chopping block a lot faster than the HD ones.

I wonder why its Tivo always discussing COMCAST' rollout and not Comcast doing some talking.

Because Tivo is about selling cool new technology, and Comcast is about selling values. You don't see Comcast trying to sell new technology such as new DVR software, new digital compression method (MPEG4), new bandwidth tricks (SDV), yes they make an announcement within the industry, then they stay mum while working out the technical details. What they end up advertising to the customers are the end result of what you can get with the new technologies, like you get more VOD, you get faster internet, it's all about value proposition to their customers.

I think right now the whole Comcast organization hasn't realized the potential values of Tivo, or understand how to pitch to their customers yet.

You read the article?
TiVo is making its technology and services available to Comcast Corp (CMCSA.O: Quote, Profile, Research) cable customers. The service, built into Scientific Atlanta cable set top boxes, is currently being tested by Comcast employees and was expected to be available to some customers by September.

SA Boxes??!! What about the Motorola!

For as long as it's taking, it better be good.

Manchester, NH - called yesterday. The rep almost (accidentally) gave me the phone number for beta testers. After she was told not to by another tech, she told me that the rollout is scheduled for December.

I somewhat believe that as the times I've called before, they would always at first think I wanted DVR service, which I already have, and it would take a bit of explaining to get them to understand what the TiVo upgrade was. This time, she knew exactly what I was talking about right off the bat.

Not quite "any day now" as TiVo said. Ugh.

Rather, I think that Comcast corporate realizes that the vast majority of customers would never reach the point where they'd care about the things that TiVo customers care about. With regard to promotion: TiVo tends to promise in advance, and often over-promise, while Comcast corporate typically makes sure they can deliver before they promise.

And no closed captioning.

Ugh, that's a dealbreaker for me...

Yup. I obsessed about losing PPV/VOD and possible SDV issues down the road for months before finally making the plunge. Soooo damn glad I did. Seriously guys, it's not worth waiting on Comcast for this, just get the Tivo.

The only major issue I have with Comcast's DVR is the size of the hard drive, which is just not adequate for HD content. Wonder if they'll ever open it up...

Rather, I think that Comcast realizes that the vast majority of customers would never reach the point where they'd care about the things that TiVo customers care about. With regard to promotion: TiVo tends to promise in advance, and often over-promise, while Comcast typically makes sure they can deliver before they promise.

Comcast...DELIVER? Ha ha. :) It took them ONE YEAR to finally resolve my pixelated and/or often missing HD channels! Countless service calls, calls to techs and supervisors etc. for a year. Plus we have the buggy DVR boxes to contend with. Only good thing is they cut my rate to basic cable for the next 12 months to try to make some amends. They really deliver! :mad:

The cable operator will offer TiVo's HD and non-HD recording features.


http://www.tvpredictions.com/tivocomcast100907.htm

The only major issue I have with Comcast's DVR is the size of the hard drive, which is just not adequate for HD content. Wonder if they'll ever open it up...

I can pretty much assure you that they never will. There's a tiny chance that someday after more important bugs get resolved that you will be able to put add-on storage on the Comcast box, but I seriously doubt it. They simply don't want to deal with the support phone calls that go with this.

The Tivo on the other hand is a breeze to upgrade. I upgraded mine to 500GB for 70 HD recording hours and it took me 20 minutes and cost <$100 to do.

When 1TB drives drop to $100 or less in a year or two I will upgrade it again to 140 HD recording hours. You can actually upgrade it to over 2TB at this time which would give you 280 HD recording hours.

Comcast...DELIVER? Ha ha. :) It took them ONE YEAR to finally resolve my pixelated and/or often missing HD channels! I think you need to differentiate between Comcast corporate and your local Comcast folks. Things such as what I was referring to, such as the offering of the TiVo service, are national initiatives. Comcast has a good track record with getting to the point where they such initiatives come to fruition. What each individual local area does from there is a local consideration, and with thousands of head-ends, in many cases subject to widely variable oversight by their respective local franchising authorities, invariably this isn't consistent.

I think you need to differentiate between Comcast corporate and your local Comcast folks.

Or maybe YOU could in your original post? :confused: Either way, Comcast has indeed announced the Tivo service MANY times, and the date keeps getting changed. Overall, I'm happy with their service, but that &^%#@ "DVR" of theirs became such a nuicance that it had to go. Now if they'd only GIVE ME THE DAMN CABLECARD instead of sending a professional installer. MORONS! :mad:

Or maybe YOU could in your original post? :confused:Surely. No problem. I've updated it.

Either way, Comcast has indeed announced the Tivo service MANY times, and the date keeps getting changed.I think there have only between two official changes. One from 2006 to 2007, and one from September 2007 to Late 2007. Don't quote me on that though. (The "change" from 2007 to September 2007 isn't a change, but a clarification.)

Overall, I'm happy with their service, but that &^%#@ "DVR" of theirs became such a nuicance that it had to go.We've already been warned, though, that the TiVo software doesn't cure all the ills of the underlying hardware. Be forewarned.

We've already been warned, though, that the TiVo software doesn't cure all the ills of the underlying hardware. Be forewarned.

No worries here, the Craporola DVR is gonzo; I've got my Tivo HD in hand (woohoo!)...going through your epic posts on the other board regarding 9.1...for that I should be warned. :D

Yeah, there are problems EVERYWHERE; it's not just the Comcast DVR, eh?

Any confirmation on this?

http://boards.fool.com/Message.asp?mid=25982249&recscode=2

Quoted below:

Yeah, but they are this close (holding thumb and forefinger less than an inch apart).

My sources say that the first download of the TiVo interface to a non-employee of Comcast took place this week, and went off pretty well, although it took a little longer than they had hoped.

On the dark side, however, the demo I witnessed last week showed the interface was still pretty slow. I am *hoping* that code cleanup and re-compiling will quicken things up.

There are a couple problems I anticipate in the initial rollout. First, and perhaps most important, is that these boxes will all communicate via DSG, short for DOCSIS Service Gateway. DSG is actually a cable modem in the set top. Why is this a problem? Well, in most of the installs that were done for high speed internet, the first thing the cable hits as it comes into the house is a two way splitter, with one side feeding the cable modem and the other feeding the rest of the house. This is because the modem needs a little cleaner upstream path to talk back to the headend. This can pose a problem when the modem is moved deeper into the household wiring.

The set tops that are out there today communicate upstream (back to the headend) via a 300 KHz wide QPSK data stream. QPSK is pretty resistant to the noise and crap that can get into the upstream, so this worked well for the set top, since the data rate didn't need to be too high. Force the set top to communicate via DSG, which is generally a 16 QAM, 3.2 MHz wide data stream, and suddenly the noise and junk can keep the box from talking back to the headend.

The big problem with this scenario right now is that when the TiVo service is downloaded to the box, the initial boot data comes through the conventional QPSK route. The last thing that boot procedure does is turn off the QPSK, turn up the DSG, and reset itself for the TiVo interface download. If it can't talk back, the box becomes a brick with LEDs on the front of it, and the only cure is to move it someplace where it CAN talk back and complete its download. I think in most cases this will result in a trouble call, which will slow the process down and liberally pi$$ some folks off.

The second problem that I see is that there are too many vendors that have to play well together for this to work seamlessly. That usually means there will be bugs that didn't get caught, and fixes will be slow because everyone will blame everyone else. At the minimum you have the set top operating system, the TiVo middleware, the guide data interface, the VOD interface, and the billing interface. That is an awful lot of folks to pass the buck to.

With all that said, I am still very optimistic about this product. Every product ever launched has had its growing pains. In my mind, while significant, these are all problems that can, and will be overcome.

While the headend that feeds my house wasn't one of the first enabled for TiVo, it should be soon. Once that happens, I am on the list to be a beta tester, and will update you all on my impressions. Let's hope it is soon.

Burle

Yeah, there are problems my postings are EVERYWHERE; it's not just the Comcast DVR the AVS forum, eh?

Fixed it for ya. :p

Yup. Unless you absolutely can't live without PPV or VOD, it's gonna be much more worth your while to just go get a TiVoHD right now, rather than wait for this thing to become available in your area.I thought I read that PPV works on the TiVo box but it had to be ordered by phone instead of through the TiVo.

so Comcast has tivo boxes available now in many areas for comcast subsribers? philly? doyou have to pay tivo an extra fee as you do to use tivo boxes on dtv.?\

how is comcast going to compete with all the HD channels dtv has and is adding?

No. Rather, Comcast has TiVo software that they can download into your Motorola cable box. There will be an extra fee, but it isn't clear what that fee will be. Many folks are guessing $2.95 per month.

Comcast is adding the most important HD channels, and give its other inherent advantages over DTV, should hold its own going forward, no problem.

The Tivo on the other hand is a breeze to upgrade. I upgraded mine to 500GB for 70 HD recording hours and it took me 20 minutes and cost <$100 to do.

Thanks. Is there a list of recommended hard drives to use for upgrading?

I thought I read that PPV works on the TiVo box but it had to be ordered by phone instead of through the TiVo.

Yeah, you're right. Still, it's a pain to have to phone in the order...

I thought I read that PPV works on the TiVo box but it had to be ordered by phone instead of through the TiVo.PPV does not work on current TiVos in Comcast areas like mine, phone call or no phone call, where there are no dedicated PPV channels and PPV is done like OnDemand.

From Bloomberg News - 2:10 Central, TiVo Inc., the pioneer of digital video recorders, introduced its service for Comcast customers this week following a delay.
The first Comcast customers are using the service, TiVO and Comcast said in an e-mailed statement today. The introduction will contiune in New England in the coming months.

Great news. Thanks for posting it.

Here's a link: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=akACGX6yFYR4

thats awesome news, now when will they hit Chicago.....

Anyone in New England try calling Comcast yet to see if Tivo is available?

Note the sentance:

The introduction will continue in New England in the coming months.


If it takes New England a few months then I'd imagine it will take even more months on top of those first few months to get it rolled out elsewhere in the country.

I suspect that it will be rolled-out to one set of head-ends at a time, rather than nationwide-all-at-once.

I just checked and there is no notice on my box related to this. So we're probably not in the first group.

Does anyone know if Comcast supplies you with a new "peanut" Tivo remote when you download the Tivo software or do you continue to use the standard Comcast remote?

I gave up Tivo when I went to HD last year, but I'm looking forward to it again on Comcast (whenever it hits Nashville).

Key word is continue in New England. That certainly implies it is available somewhere in New England right now as we speak.

Since I am in New Hampshire, that is why I asked if anyone has called to see if it is actually available.

Does anyone know if Comcast supplies you with a new "peanut" Tivo remote when you download the Tivo software or do you continue to use the standard Comcast remote?

I gave up Tivo when I went to HD last year, but I'm looking forward to it again on Comcast (whenever it hits Nashville).

From what I read in the past, supposedly Comcast will mail you a new Tivo remote to replace the Comcast remote.

Thanks Chris. I hope the Tivo software truly "stabilizes" the Comcast dvr boxes. If it's the hardware that causes the slow system response, occassional hang-ups, pixelation, etc then even using the Tivo interface will still be somewhat frustrating at times.

Granted I wasn't using an HD feed previously, but I never had issues using my Tivo box (and that's with the Tivo box talking to the Comcast cable box via infrared wires). An all-in-one solution "should be" seamless. I'll hope for the best - Tivo is a pioneer and I hope they continue to adapt and survive. If it works well I imagine millions will download it after the buzz / word of mouth gets cranked up. I'll recommend it to everyone if it functions like the older Tivo boxes.

We'll be lucky if we see this by the end of the month, but things are definitely coming together. Some training facilities in MA have the Tivo box now & more will be coming soon, hopefully it will be seen out in the wild not too much later then that.

Any confirmation on this?

http://boards.fool.com/Message.asp?mid=25982249&recscode=2

Quoted below:

In a short answer, yes this is pretty much correct.

Well I just called Comcast, I live in Salem, MA and the lady knew what I was talking about and initially told me that I could get it. After being put on hold she said to call back early next week. This is the first time I've actually had someone at Comcast understand what I was talking about but she said they are nearly ready for rollout and to be on the lookout for Comcast/Tivo commercials in the very near future.

Before everyone gets to excited about this.

Why is this announcement not on the Comcast or Tivo websites ??? Don't you think the two major players in this announcement would have put it on their own websites before letting Bloomberg or any other website know about it ?? Has any other website reported this announcement ???

I'm just saying it's kind of strange and needs some better proof than just one article on one website, plus it's not even on the major players website.

Laters,
Mikef5

Key word is continue in New England. That certainly implies it is available somewhere in New England right now as we speak.

Since I am in New Hampshire, that is why I asked if anyone has called to see if it is actually available.

The initial roll-out has been to Comcast employees for testing purposes, so I would not be surprised that "continue" means it will now start to be rolled out to Comcast customers. :)

The initial roll-out has been to Comcast employees for testing purposes, so I would not be surprised that "continue" means it will now start to be rolled out to Comcast customers. :)

The only Comcast employees (in New England area at least) were in southern NH & northern MA, so most parts of the initial launch area haven't seen it at all yet.

I am just south of Boston and just called and they said it is coming but not avaible yet...I even told them I am a Directv customer and will switch right now if they had the tivo ready...:)...Didnt work....

I am just south of Boston and just called and they said it is coming but not avaible yet...I even told them I am a Directv customer and will switch right now if they had the tivo ready...:)...Didnt work....

Who provides your dvr? Motorola or SA?

Who provides your dvr? Motorola or SA?

If you are asking who supplies the DVR for Comcast...I do not know i am a Directv customer and have been for many years...if you are asking about my Directv DVR...HUGES Tivio....

I'd be skeptical about Joe's Blog or even some of the cutting-edge online press... but Bloomberg won't publish something unless fact-checking worked out.

I just called, and they had no clue what I was talking about.

I'd be skeptical about Joe's Blog or even some of the cutting-edge online press... but Bloomberg won't publish something unless fact-checking worked out.

Where's the official word from Comcast or Tivo ???
It's not on either of their web sites. Why would it be on Boomberg website and not on theirs ???
This is the biggest anticipated software release that everyone has been waiting for, so why is it
not announced on their web sites ??? Because.......

Laters,
Mikef5

http://www.comcast.com/tivo/ still shows "Directory Listing Denied"

LIVE CHAT with Comcast at 3:45pmEDT today:

user Richard_ has entered room

Richard(Thu Oct 11 15:51:07 EDT 2007)>

Comcast today announced that the TIVO rollout had begun. How do I order it for both of my DVRs?

analyst Jim has entered room

Jim(Thu Oct 11 15:51:20 EDT 2007)>Hello Richard_, Thank you for contacting Comcast Live Chat Support. My name is Jim. Please give me one moment to review your information.

Jim(Thu Oct 11 15:51:31 EDT 2007)>I appreciate that you have chosen to contact us via chat.

Jim(Thu Oct 11 15:52:07 EDT 2007)>At this time Richard, the Tivo roll out will be made available to our customers near middle November.

Richard_(Thu Oct 11 15:54:27 EDT 2007)>
It's on the news that the rollout has begun in Boston. I'm surprised that you're saying November.

Jim(Thu Oct 11 15:55:39 EDT 2007)>I do apologize Richard, that does seem to be misinformation being issues out. The launch date is approximately 11/12/07

Richard_(Thu Oct 11 15:57:19 EDT 2007)>
Thanks.

Jim(Thu Oct 11 15:56:05 EDT 2007)>Did you have any more questions or concerns that I could address for you?


Richard_(Thu Oct 11 15:57:35 EDT 2007)>No thanks

Jim(Thu Oct 11 15:56:17 EDT 2007)>Thank you very much for contacting Comcast electronic support.

It is not on any website because it is being rolled out g r a d u a l l y.

Where's the official word from Comcast or Tivo ???
It's not on either of their web sites. Why would it be on Boomberg website and not on theirs ??? Bloomberg is a news service. They provide up-to-the minute information about what's happening in the world of business.

It is not on any website because it is being rolled out g r a d u a l l y.Precisely... just a few head-ends at a time, from what I've read. Just look at the crush of inquiries coming just from our discussing this online. Imagine how they'd be innundated if they announced it in a more formal way to everyone, even though it is only available to just a portion of their customers!

Well I just called 1800COMCAST again and sales transferred me to the technical department. The supervisor added me onto their "leads template" so as soon as the service is available at my address, they will call me 24 hours ahead of time and automatically install the software. She said they're starting to roll it out very quickly in my area and it shouldn't be too long.

I am in Western MA (serviced out of Westfield) and just used the Chat support to check on the availability for me. I was told "It shows it is not available as of yet, but should be very soon. It is in beta testing internally, but is supposed to be released some time this month. ... I do not have an exact date. It used to show as TBD, but now states October". This is the full transcript for those interested:

user Dan_ has entered room

Dan>
I understand TiVo software for my Comcast DVR is finally available, how do I go about requesting to have my DVR updated with this new software?

analyst Brian has entered room

Brian>
Hello Dan_, Thank you for contacting Comcast Live Chat Support. My name is Brian. Please give me one moment to review your information.

Brian>
I have reviewed your request and would be glad to help you.

Brian>
I will need to check on this for you.

Brian>
One moment please.

Brian>
It shows it is not available as of yet, but should be very soon. It is in beta testing internally, but is supposed to be released some time this month. I can add your name to the list for customers.

Dan_>
Great, yes I am very anxious and would like to get this as soon as it is available to me. What is the next step?

Brian>
I will add you to the list. The requests are taken in the order they are received. The sales team tries to call out to the customers within 10 days after release (may be sooner depending on how many requests)

Dan_>
Okay, thank you. Please add me to the list. Do you have a specific date that it is excpected to become available? Is there a specific site I can monitor to determine when it is available?

Brian>
You're welcome. No, I am sorry that I do not have an exact date. It used to show as TBD, but now states October.

Brian>
I am putting a tracking code on the account to have you notified by phone.

Dan_>
Thank you for your help. Bye.

Brian>
You're welcome. Is there anything else I can help you with today?

Dan_>
No, thanks again.

Brian>
You're welcome. Have a great weekend Dan and thank you for contacting Comcast. If you need assistance in the future, please do not hesitate to contact us through Live Chat or E-mail (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week). Simply visit www.comcast.net and select Help.

Brian>
Analyst has closed chat and left the room

analyst Brian has left room

Phillip Swan's TV PREDICTIONS and a couple of other sites are saying that the TiVO downloads to Comcast boxes are now being implemented in the Boston area. No other details are available, but I"ll bet they will be before the day is out. I can't wait.

The Comcast employees on their chat apparently are hit and miss about Tivo information. I tried 3 times to ask someone about the Tivo software, but had no luck outside of "call your local Comcast office for availability".

One person didn't even know what I was talking about.

I also was told by the man on the chat support to call my office since it is region by region. I called and went to the sales dept. They knew what I was talking about, but the very friendly rep said it was being rolled out now in New England only, to which I replied "I am in New England." She recommended I call back in a few days. In retrospect that's probably a good idea, I'd hate to risk bricking my DVR and missing the ALCS.

Go Red Sox!

Has anyone heard what Comcast is going to charge for their "premium TiVo" service? I am assuming that they will take this opportunity to hit us with another significant monthly charge. I am considering purchasing a TiVo HD box to replace my existing Motorola HD box. I figure with not having to pay the monthly Comcast DVR charges but paying a monthly TiVo charge I would just about break even in 2 - 3 years. If Comcast tacks another monthly fee on for TiVo service if swings the equation further in favor of a standalone TiVo box.

The news is gaining momentum. Here's the link for Yahoo News, though there's nothing new in this news: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071012/ap_on_hi_te/tivo_comcast;_ylt=AjNjp0XvdT92YqmYQer98zxk24cA

The TiVo service will be a premium DVR service... it will not cost the same as the current DVR service, which shall remain available for customers who wish to pay less.

The exact dollar amount for the premium should be known soon. Rumors have been targeting $2.95 per month.

The CSR informed me this morning it would be $1.99. She could be wrong though, but she seemed very knowledgeable regarding the whole Tivo rollout.

The news is gaining momentum. Here's the link for Yahoo News, though there's nothing new in this news: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071012/ap_on_hi_te/tivo_comcast;_ylt=AjNjp0XvdT92YqmYQer98zxk24cA


Gaining momentum INDEED!

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/products/2007-10-12-comcast-tivo-box_N.htm

http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1697,2195173,00.asp

http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?alias=comcast-says-rolling-out&chanID=sa003&modsrc=reuters

http://money.aol.com/news/articles/_a/long-delayed-comcast-rollout-of-tivo-box/n20071011200709990006?cid=1221

http://www.stockhouse.ca/MediaScan/news.asp?newsid=9353676



And plenty more!

The news is gaining momentum. Here's the link for Yahoo News, though there's nothing new in this news: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071012/ap_on_hi_te/tivo_comcast;_ylt=AjNjp0XvdT92YqmYQer98zxk24cA

Thank you for posting this link here is a snippet that people need to read carefully....

----------------------
As expected, New England is the first market to get the long-awaited Comcast-TiVo offering. The rollout started in the last few days with test customers only, TiVo spokesman Whit Clay said in a statement Thursday
----------------------------


They are still beta testing with non Comcast employee's, beta testing with a few customers. That would have been the next logical step in the testing of the software. Test in house, fix problems, test with a few select customers, fix problems, release to the public. They never did the beta testing with customers until now.

Now you can believe what you will but the Yahoo article is correct..

Laters,
Mikef5

The linked article is perhaps confusing terminology. They are long past beta testing (a term referring to an activity that would be performed by the developer, TiVo, not the customer, Comcast). Comcast has subsequently done acceptance testing, and now most reliable information I've seen indicates that they're in a staged roll-out. FWIW.

Mikef5 - just curious why you seem so bent on proving to everyone that it's not being totally "launched" and asking where's the "real" press from the companies themselves. I know it's been a long awaited and multiple delayed project, but this is the most activity there's ever been. And the current press out there has real quotes from company representatives - as public companies they have to be cautious about what it is they say. Looks like customers (regardless if it's one region or not) can expect the software to be coming down the pipe in the next few weeks and hopefully to the masses soon after.

I'm guessing you're looking forward to the rollout and maybe you're just being cautiously optimistic. But, it's coming off a little bit like you have an axe to grind against the whole thing. Hopefully we'll all be enjoying our Comcast Tivo shortly.

My local (Seattle area) Customer Service Rep didn't know anything about it yet for our area, so may be longer for this area. He said he's been following it internally since he plans on getting it ASAP.

By the way, they recently switched this market to their 'national' UI vs. the Microsoft beta one...nothing has ever made me want to pay for Tivo more than going to this new UI. I actually almost switched to satelite when they did it, but may hold off now.

My local (Seattle area) Customer Service Rep didn't know anything about it yet for our area, so may be longer for this area. He said he's been following it internally since he plans on getting it ASAP.

By the way, they recently switched this market to their 'national' UI vs. the Microsoft beta one...nothing has ever made me want to pay for Tivo more than going to this new UI. I actually almost switched to satelite when they did it, but may hold off now.

Testing is only going on in select New England markets. That's why someone in Seattle wouldn't have a clue yet.

Just FYI: The "'national' UI" is called "iGuide" (at least the one that replaced the Microsoft UI in Seattle). (I think the Microsoft UI was called "Passport".)

Mikef5 - just curious why you seem so bent on proving to everyone that it's not being totally "launched" and asking where's the "real" press from the companies themselves. I know it's been a long awaited and multiple delayed project, but this is the most activity there's ever been. And the current press out there has real quotes from company representatives - as public companies they have to be cautious about what it is they say. Looks like customers (regardless if it's one region or not) can expect the software to be coming down the pipe in the next few weeks and hopefully to the masses soon after.

I'm guessing you're looking forward to the rollout and maybe you're just being cautiously optimistic. But, it's coming off a little bit like you have an axe to grind against the whole thing. Hopefully we'll all be enjoying our Comcast Tivo shortly.

I have no axe to grind, I have a TivoHd and I look forward to this software being officially released but it has not been released to the general public, it is being tested by a few customers. I post in other parts of the AVS forums for official Comcast announcements in my local area and this is not the general release that everyone thinks it is. I can't say more on this subject, but check my other posts in the other parts of the AVS forum and you'll see what my function is here.

Laters,
Mikef5

Just FYI: The "'national' UI" is called "iGuide" (at least the one that replaced the Microsoft UI in Seattle). (I think the Microsoft UI was called "Passport".)

The Microsoft UI was called Microsoft TV Foundation I believe.

Aptiv Digital makes Passport. Originally for SA boxes, but there is Passport DCT which runs on Motorola boxes. RCN uses Passport DCT.

From http://www.cedmagazine.com/article.aspx?id=153410

Comcast enters next phase of TiVo roll-out
By Mike Robuck

Comcast is inching closer to a full-scale commercial roll-out of TiVo’s digital video recording technology in its deployed set-top boxes with the recent news that some boxes in the New England division have received software downloads.

Over the past few days, Comcast customers in the New England division have been getting the TiVo DVR software downloaded into their Motorola dual-tuner DVR set-top boxes. This phase is the next step in Comcast’s beta testing, which currently includes a limited number of customers who may be receiving the service for free as part of the trial.

The downloads give customers a TiVo interface instead of Comcast’s own GuideWorks interface.

Comcast is using its TV Navigator, which was developed by TVWorks, to download the TiVo software into the boxes. TVWorks is jointly owned by Cox and Comcast after the two companies bought up Liberate. Both Cox and Comcast are using a subset of the OCAP Java APIs as a bridge to OCAP deployments, and in an effort to deploy interactive services in the legacy set-top boxes. Cox calls its version of the TVWorks technology On Ramp, while Comcast uses the term TV Navigator.

Comcast is using TV Navigator with TiVo in an effort to have a common software platform in as many set-top boxes as possible.

Comcast has been working on deploying TiVo’s software in its footprint for the past two years. A Comcast spokeswoman said that commercial roll-outs are expected to continue throughout parts of New England this fall, but Comcast hasn’t given a timeline for a full-scale commercial deployment.

TiVo was an earlier pioneer in the DVR field, but has struggled as other companies, including Comcast, have launched their own DVR services. Hitching its fortunes to Comcast is one way TiVo hopes to improve its fortunes

ABC Channel 7 in Chicago reported on the news tonight that the roll-out has started in New England and would be available to Chicagoans in the next few weeks which seems pretty doubtful to me.

/crosses fingers ;)

ABC Channel 7 in Chicago reported on the news tonight that the roll-out has started in New England and would be available to Chicagoans in the next few weeks which seems pretty doubtful to me.

/crosses fingers ;)The reporter probably got that info by talking to a CSR. :rolleyes:

My local (Seattle area) Customer Service Rep didn't know anything about it yet for our area, so may be longer for this area. He said he's been following it internally since he plans on getting it ASAP.

By the way, they recently switched this market to their 'national' UI vs. the Microsoft beta one...nothing has ever made me want to pay for Tivo more than going to this new UI. I actually almost switched to satelite when they did it, but may hold off now.

I lasted three days before I bought a Tivo HD. :)

From the Tivo forum -

9.1 is the biggest piece of crap I've ever seen. My channels stop working, season passes randomly changed channels to channel numbers not selected or not even in the channel list, I have to reset my box regularly to get both cable cards working, and various other little annoying bugs like the software forgetting where it was when it reenters the todo list after deleting an item and reentering the SP list, or having to reset the S3 after repeating guided setup to get any channels at all.

when is the Philadelphia area Comcast getting tivo hd dvr boxes in place of moto ones? Philly is Comcasts HQ so I would think they would be one of the first.

I have had FIOS for almost a year but had to keep Comcast anyway for other rooms in my house with tvs without qam and without a box (i think comcast gets more chans through coax even with a qam capable tv) and for HD on demand which fios still doesnt have.

FIOS was only better then Comcat for a short while when it had a few more HD chans but now its the opposite and Comcast has more. plus the dvr functionality believe it or not is better on Comcast then fios even though they both use moto.

Fios was so busy claiming they were better then comcast that i feel they forgot to match comcast before attempting to beat them.

during the recent MLB playoffs many phila area fios subscribers were angered to find that fios did not have TBS-HD while Comcast did (even if the phillies were swept 3-0 in the first round embarassingly)

For me that was the last straw and I decided to get rid of fios as they were now behind comcast in hd channels and the one supposed redeeming quality of the better SD pq of fios over comcast to me was not apparrant and in fact quite the opposite at times.

But I did not want to just go back to Comcat and DTV is currently the clear #1 in HD chans and by Dec. will be 3x that of comcat and fios and neither will catch up to dtv for a long time.

Alas, dtv isn't perfect and does not have Comcat sportsnet Philly (thanks to comcast purposely throwing a wrench in the works )

that small factor combined with comcast getting tivo dvr boxes has me ready to cancel dtv install , cancel fios and just have all comcast through out our house.

Will Comcast continue to be better then fios? will they ever catch dtv? they dont have the bandwidth to match dtvs hd chans though right?

will the tivo hd dvr boxes be better then any hd dvr boxes that dtv or fios have?

From the Tivo forum -

9.1 is the biggest piece of crap I've ever seen. My channels stop working, season passes randomly changed channels to channel numbers not selected or not even in the channel list, I have to reset my box regularly to get both cable cards working, and various other little annoying bugs like the software forgetting where it was when it reenters the todo list after deleting an item and reentering the SP list, or having to reset the S3 after repeating guided setup to get any channels at all.

Tivo will fix these bugs. That's one thing where Tivo is good at.

when is the Philadelphia area Comcast getting tivo hd dvr boxes in place of moto ones? Philly is Comcasts HQ so I would think they would be one of the first.

Will Comcast continue to be better then fios? will they ever catch dtv? they dont have the bandwidth to match dtvs hd chans though right?

will the tivo hd dvr boxes be better then any hd dvr boxes that dtv or fios have?

I don't know when the Comcast Tivo boxes are coming to Philly, hopefully not too much after they finally launch it up here in New England. You do realize that Comcast will still be using the Moto boxes for the DVR's and the Tivo software will just be running on the existing boxes, right?

Will Comcast be better then FIOS? Well that'll probably be a matter of opinion for quite a while, they'll both have their pro's & con's. The bandwidth is there right now for more HD channels, it's unfortunately tied up being used for analog channels. As more of the analog channels get moved to the digital packages, space is opened up for more HD channels & this can't happen soon enough.

From the Tivo forum - 9.1 is the biggest piece of crap I've ever seen.Yes, a lot of folks are reporting regressions with 9.1, though I haven't encountered any of them personally. NOTE, however, that this is a completely different code-stream from the TiVo software discussed in this thread, and so there is no reason to believe the current problems TiVo is experiencing with its own customers will have any effect whatsoever on Comcast TiVo customers.

when is the Philadelphia area Comcast getting tivo hd dvr boxes in place of moto ones?The context of this thread, the Comcast TiVo DVR offering, is TiVo software running on Motorola DVRs.

Philly is Comcasts HQ so I would think they would be one of the first.That is not the case. Generally, Comcast uses New England and South Jersey for trials of new offerings.

Will Comcast continue to be better then fios? will they ever catch dtv? they dont have the bandwidth to match dtvs hd chans though right?In the end, they're all going to be about the same, each having its own strengths and its own weaknesses as compared to the rest.

well that is concern about comcast bandwidth being used on analog channels but being able to get all the basic channels on a tv that doesn't have qam tuner & just through coax is one reason I kept comcast for some side rooms without stb even when I got fios.

fios had a few more hd channels for awhile then comcast but now comcast has more & fios still doesn't have hd on demand, the dvr functionality & remote were never as good as comcast.

fios never improved, never added the swap button functionality that comcast has had since dual tuner dvr was available & generally fios in our experience has just not been as good as fios.

fios seems to be relying on the hype & ppl sick of comcast wanting something different or what they can't have if its not yet available in their neighborhood.

the truth is fios never matched comcast let alone began to be able to beat them. yes there are pros & cons to both but in the end I knew from the start the only real pro of fios was the supposed better sd pq. having both services I haven't felt that fios pq was any better then comcast sd or hd so there goes the one redeeming quality of fios. supposed better pq was never worth giving up hd on demand swap button etc of comcast.

no mlb playoffs in hd as fios doesn't have tbs-hd was the last straw for me to cancel fios. I gave them enough time.

but ik didn't want to just go back to comcast and figured it was a good time to get dtv before the price goes up in dec when they get even more hd chans then they already have.

its just I started thinking about how there no comcast sportsnet philly on dtv and I won't get analog channels on tvs with no stb & no qam tuner. another plus over fios as no analog chans on fios & I think you get more through qam on comcast or just more chans total.

so prob keeping comcast anyway for those 2 reasons and with one hd dvr box which I can later downgrade to a hd box.

if I'm going to prob keep comcast anyway as a secondary tv providr I start to wonder if dtv is worth it but I guess with all the hd chans on dtv all I'm missing from comcast is comcast sportsnet philly & getting all basic cable on tvs without stb.

currently have 2 hd dvr, 1 hd & 1 sd box with fios which is switching to dtv & 1 hd dvr box & 2 tvs connected with coax on comcast.

its too expensive though, I can maybe down grade to 2 hd dvr & 1 hd box on dtv & have the rest on comcast through coax if I upgrade 3 of them to qam capable tv. that would be cheapest dtv comcast combo setup.

I have to figure out my setup.

might be worth keeping a comcast hd dvr to see how we like the tivo software.

I just ordered the service!!!! I live in Easton MA and I just called Comcast, ordered it (they told me it was FREE!!) and they're in the process of downloading it now!!!!! WOOOOHOOOOOOOOO!!! As soon as I get it, I'll update everyone!!!

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

I live in Cambridge, MA, just called Comcast and the rep said it's still in beta testing and "not yet available" in my area. He offered to attach a "tivo code" to my account and said someone would call me when it's ready. Who knows?

The 'burbs always get the good stuff first!

/shake fist

/shrug

AF

I just ordered the service!!!! I live in Easton MA and I just called Comcast, ordered it (they told me it was FREE!!) and they're in the process of downloading it now!!!!!

It stands to reason Comcast will make it free at first to encourage folks to try it out and then do the $2-3 monthly charge a few months down the road.

Keep us updated! Reviews, impressions, screen shots, it's all nice!

A better article is on the really neat Motorola connected home 2 go blog:

http://connectedhome2go.com/

I HATE COMCAST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I sat here for a little while, saw my box reset and then found that the box never upgraded. I called Comcast back, got bounced around by 3 different departments, then finally talked to someone who said 'it's not available in your area yet. The person who told you that it was available was wrong and we'll address it with her. Sorry". He basically told me that they have a code in their system that's just for tracking people who want it that the person I spoke to misinterpreted it as "available". As the usually useless CSR's stuttered, "it should be available by the end of the year". I really hate them right now.

If it wasn't for On Demand (for my daughter), I'd go out right now and buy the Tivo...

Live in Watertown, Ma and just called their local sales department..was pretty adamant that its not a software download but its a box replacement. Tried to explain whats been reported and he then put me on hold. Came back and said he personally has taken several calls tonight about it and it was his assumption its a box swap..his supervisor said it as well. I doubt it, but who knows? Said to keep an eye on the first page of my pill.

Yes it's a box swap all right. Glad to see they've done such a good job training their CSRs.

A box swap would be redicuously expensive , and go against every single public message both companies have given about the upgrade.

The best bet for folks is to wait until the offer comes to them, rather than trying to squeeze the machine hoping that the offer will magically pop out of it.

The best bet for folks is to wait until the offer comes to them, rather than trying to squeeze the machine hoping that the offer will magically pop out of it.

If anyone gets that to work let me know and I will gladly try, lol.

Hehe... that's the great thing about waiting for the offering to come to you: It requires no effort, and you won't fail.

Hehe... that's the great thing about waiting for the offering to come to you: It requires no effort, and you won't fail.

true, but I still wanna hear what Petey has to say, where did you go petey?