Hi,
I was just wondering if anybody has any idea what this device is on my cable line, it pretty large to be a filter, about 7 1/2" long, and it's outside of the box in a visible place, looks kinda crappy just hanging on my cable line.
The only writing on it is XBR24 - TBF50DF then lower on it PPC016
I've tried searching the numbers on the internet and didn't find any answers, and tried calling cable company they said leave it alone, but wouldn't tell me the purpose of it.


Here's a link to a pic. http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g35/nimchimpski20/DSCF0952.jpg

Found this in the Google cache that might explain it:

http://72.14.253.104/search?q=cache:IdaTYKCf2oQJ:cable360.net/ct/deployment/casestudies/21909.html+buckeye+cable+filter&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=3&gl=us

"Buckeye’s desire to deliver top-notch phone service is part of the complexity. Installers must put filters on all non-high-speed data and non-voice drop components on the coax, and that means truck rolls for every installation.

Upstream filter at the tap

“If a customer has never had Buckeye Express, our high-speed data product, or Buckeye Tel, our phone service, that upstream filter is at the tap. We move that filter into the home and put it past the first splitter, allowing a direct connection to the cable modem or MTA (multimedia terminal adapter), but filtering the rest of the home for noise, (and) that makes self-install very difficult,” says Jensen."

Thanks for the quick reply.

I'm thinking it's some kind of filter/trap also, but it's outside of the cable box, before entering my residence, so before the split. I also have HD service, High-speed internet, but not the phone service.

Maybe something to filter out phone related frequencies/signals?

Here's a link to PPC's website:
http://www.ppc-online.com/products/trap_line/


I agree that thing is large!

Why don't they use the smaller 1 inch traps? And they block your return path if you don't have Digital Phone or high speed internet? What about a cable box? Digital cable boxes require 2 way communication for checking back with the cable co, ordering PPV and video on demand.

Look at their smaller traps designed for ingress battling and upstream blocking:
http://www.ppc-online.com/products/trap_line/ingress/

Surprised anyone would use anything bigger than that.

Are you paying for "Standard Service", or "Expanded Basic" ? Or just the lifeline basic service?

Since "XBR" doesn't appear to be one of their regular product lines, it's quite possibly a custom trap assembly made specially for Buckeye cable. The large size and dual female F connectors seem to match this description:

http://www.ppc-online.com/products/trap_line/preassembled/hptrapassem.php

Thanks Paule, that does look like it, at least similar, but made by ppc.

I have the basic, cancelled the expanded basic, I have the HD, and the HD plus, and the internet.

I have a similar device on my cabling what happens if I remove it?

Must not be very important, I removed it and nothing changed w/ my service at all, so I replaced it.

Must not be very important, I removed it and nothing changed w/ my service at all, so I replaced it.

I'm sure the cable company is glad to spend extra money on needless filters. :rolleyes:

I have one of these with TW in Oahu, HI, basic service+internet. When I remodeled and relocated wires I hooked up the tv without it and, surprisingly, got the "standard" service (probably what you call extended basic). I also got a nice letter 2 days later from TW saying that I could upgrade for only $something.
I suspect that the large size is due to the fact that the basic channels are spread all about the standard channels and it has a series of notch filters in it.

I have one of these with TW in Oahu, HI, basic service+internet. When I remodeled and relocated wires I hooked up the tv without it and, surprisingly, got the "standard" service (probably what you call extended basic). I also got a nice letter 2 days later from TW saying that I could upgrade for only $something.
I suspect that the large size is due to the fact that the basic channels are spread all about the standard channels and it has a series of notch filters in it.


Are you still stealing the expanded service?

The fact that you were able to remove it by remodeling and relocating wires in your house is TWC's fault.

A filter for signal security must be located high up by the Tap where a customer does not have easy access or if it's underground distribution it needs to be in a locked pedestal box. Here they even use security sleeves so the filters cannot be easily removed without a special tool.

The bank locks their safe, doors, and arm's their security system when they leave for the day, so why wouldn't the cable company lock up their system as well?

Sorry but in today's society if it's not locked and secured, it's asking for trouble.

The fact that you were able to remove it by remodeling and relocating wires in your house is TWC's fault.

A filter for signal security must be located high up by the Tap where a customer does not have easy access or if it's underground distribution it needs to be in a locked pedestal box. Here they even use security sleeves so the filters cannot be easily removed without a special tool.

The bank locks their safe, doors, and arm's their security system when they leave for the day, so why wouldn't the cable company lock up their system as well?

Sorry but in today's society if it's not locked and secured, it's asking for trouble.


Doesn't make it right.

Doesn't make it right.

If a Grocery store forgets to lock its doors at night and someone goes in and steels some stuff, that doesn't make it right either.

My point is with todays society any company or business has to take the responsibility to secure their assets. Anyone who doesn't take these precautions are asking for trouble. Sorry, but that's what society has come down to.

The tech who didn't secure the trap in a lock box or out at the pole should be reprimanded or written up. That area's entire signal security policy needs to be audited.

In our system all traps are in a lock box or out at the pole with security sleeves attached to prevent easy removal without a special tool. If any pedestal does not have a security bit installed one will be drilled on it. Just as I lock my car doors and doors to my house when I'm away or going to bed, our techs keep our system locked as well. Welcome to the 21st century filled with criminals and vandalism.

Actually, the filter and splitter were just disconnected for a couple of days while the wires were being relocated. I never wanted more than the local channels, which are not accessible OTA.
What I found interesting though was that they appeared to notice this immediately and sent me the letter. Must be that the filter reflects a signal or something.

What I found interesting though was that they appeared to notice this immediately and sent me the letter. Must be that the filter reflects a signal or something.

Did the letter specifically state that they know you were receiving more than you should be? It could of just been a coincidental marketing mailer that all basic subs get.

cyberstream, you are probably right. It was an upbeat letter telling me that more services were available.