My cable provider (Shaw Cable in Canada) acknowledges that the USB and ethernet connectors on the back panel of my DCT 6412 Phase III are software disabled, but can't (or won't) provide me with any information about how I can access those features.

Has anyone had success in activating either or both of those? If so, I'd really appreciate some instructions!

Thanks!

They are deactivated in the firmware, until Shaw pushes one down that turns them on, you are pretty much out of luck.