|
|
Hi,
I just purchased a Dell XPS 420 (with ATI TV Wonder Digital Cable Tuner)
under the assumption that I could use Media Center to record TV, including
the HD versions of my local news. I am able to get standard def channels, it
appears, and record them to the PC. Going through the setup, I received a
message in Media Center that my computer "is not digital cable ready" and I
"will not be able to use a CableCard" with this computer.
I am very annoyed that Dell would sell me the ATI tuner and not inform me
that the PC selected was not digital cable ready. However, I only subscribe
to Comcast standard cable... no digital packages, no HD... so am I right to
assume that a "digital cable ready" computer would not benefit me anyway?
When the transition happens in Feb, will I still be able to receive my
current channels via the ATI tuner/PC set up as I do now?
What is the benefit of a "digital cable ready" PC, *really*?
My intent for this computer set up was to be able to record TV programs
digitally, and do away with VHS recording. I'm hoping to use certain
recordings in the classroom for educational lessons (burned on DVD)
Dell has a 21 day return policy. My 21 days expire in 2 days (12/29) Should
I return this XPS unit and order one that's "digital cable read" or is that
overkill given my current Comcast subscription and intended use for the
system?
Any advice is greatly appreciated!
|
|
"kar13" <kar13[ at ]discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:77A33919-7899-412E-A45D-93B3ACD8D695[ at ]microsoft.com...
[Quoted Text] > Hi,
> I just purchased a Dell XPS 420 (with ATI TV Wonder Digital Cable Tuner)
> under the assumption that I could use Media Center to record TV, including
> the HD versions of my local news. I am able to get standard def channels,
> it
> appears, and record them to the PC. Going through the setup, I received a
> message in Media Center that my computer "is not digital cable ready" and
> I
> "will not be able to use a CableCard" with this computer.
>
> I am very annoyed that Dell would sell me the ATI tuner and not inform me
> that the PC selected was not digital cable ready. However, I only
> subscribe
> to Comcast standard cable... no digital packages, no HD... so am I right
> to
> assume that a "digital cable ready" computer would not benefit me anyway?
>
> When the transition happens in Feb, will I still be able to receive my
> current channels via the ATI tuner/PC set up as I do now?
>
> What is the benefit of a "digital cable ready" PC, *really*?
>
> My intent for this computer set up was to be able to record TV programs
> digitally, and do away with VHS recording. I'm hoping to use certain
> recordings in the classroom for educational lessons (burned on DVD)
>
> Dell has a 21 day return policy. My 21 days expire in 2 days (12/29)
> Should
> I return this XPS unit and order one that's "digital cable read" or is
> that
> overkill given my current Comcast subscription and intended use for the
> system?
>
> Any advice is greatly appreciated!
Yes, do it before you time runs out.
--
CSM1
http://www.carlmcmillan.com
--
|
|
Did you have your cable company come out and install as cable card in the
slot in your ATI tuner?
When you say you can get SD channels are your referring to SD analog
channels or to SD digital channels or both?
Is it possible that you are trying to receive HD channel 2 by selecting
channel 2 which would give you analog channel 2 instead of your cable
companies channel number for digital channel 2? For example with my cable
company I have to select channel 702 to get CBS digital channel 2.
"kar13" <kar13[ at ]discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:77A33919-7899-412E-A45D-93B3ACD8D695[ at ]microsoft.com...
[Quoted Text] > Hi,
> I just purchased a Dell XPS 420 (with ATI TV Wonder Digital Cable Tuner)
> under the assumption that I could use Media Center to record TV, including
> the HD versions of my local news. I am able to get standard def channels,
> it
> appears, and record them to the PC. Going through the setup, I received a
> message in Media Center that my computer "is not digital cable ready" and
> I
> "will not be able to use a CableCard" with this computer.
>
> I am very annoyed that Dell would sell me the ATI tuner and not inform me
> that the PC selected was not digital cable ready. However, I only
> subscribe
> to Comcast standard cable... no digital packages, no HD... so am I right
> to
> assume that a "digital cable ready" computer would not benefit me anyway?
>
> When the transition happens in Feb, will I still be able to receive my
> current channels via the ATI tuner/PC set up as I do now?
>
> What is the benefit of a "digital cable ready" PC, *really*?
>
> My intent for this computer set up was to be able to record TV programs
> digitally, and do away with VHS recording. I'm hoping to use certain
> recordings in the classroom for educational lessons (burned on DVD)
>
> Dell has a 21 day return policy. My 21 days expire in 2 days (12/29)
> Should
> I return this XPS unit and order one that's "digital cable read" or is
> that
> overkill given my current Comcast subscription and intended use for the
> system?
>
> Any advice is greatly appreciated!
|
|
On Dec 27, 1:05 pm, "CSM1" <nomorem...[ at ]nomail.com> wrote:
[Quoted Text] > "kar13" <ka...[ at ]discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message > > news:77A33919-7899-412E-A45D-93B3ACD8D695[ at ]microsoft.com... > > > > > > > Hi, > > I just purchased a Dell XPS 420 (with ATI TV Wonder Digital Cable Tuner) > > under the assumption that I could use Media Center to record TV, including > > the HD versions of my local news. I am able to get standard def channels, > > it > > appears, and record them to the PC. Going through the setup, I received a > > message in Media Center that my computer "is not digital cable ready" and > > I > > "will not be able to use a CableCard" with this computer. > > > I am very annoyed that Dell would sell me the ATI tuner and not inform me > > that the PC selected was not digital cable ready. However, I only > > subscribe > > to Comcast standard cable... no digital packages, no HD... so am I right > > to > > assume that a "digital cable ready" computer would not benefit me anyway? > > > When the transition happens in Feb, will I still be able to receive my > > current channels via the ATI tuner/PC set up as I do now? > > > What is the benefit of a "digital cable ready" PC, *really*? > > > My intent for this computer set up was to be able to record TV programs > > digitally, and do away with VHS recording. I'm hoping to use certain > > recordings in the classroom for educational lessons (burned on DVD) > > > Dell has a 21 day return policy. My 21 days expire in 2 days (12/29) > > Should > > I return this XPS unit and order one that's "digital cable read" or is > > that > > overkill given my current Comcast subscription and intended use for the > > system? > > > Any advice is greatly appreciated! > > Yes, do it before you time runs out. > > -- > CSM1 http://www.carlmcmillan.com> --- Hide quoted text - > > - Show quoted text -
Can you please explain why you suggest to send it back?
What does the "digital cable ready" version of Vista really do for me?
I'm trying to get the most information I can. I have read numerous
posts of people using MediaCenter 2005 and older machines and they are
able to get digital channels.
|
|
You need to contact Dell support. Your XPS 420 should be Digital Cable
Ready. A BIOS update should correct this issue, and it was a known issue
with a number of the early Dell 400 series PC's that were shipped with the
ATI Digital Cable Tuner.
Additionally, you didn't mention if you have the Cable Cards from your cable
company or not. You will need those if you want to get your premium content
(HBO, Showtime and etc.) in HD.
Doug Knox, MS MVP DTS-XP
Win 95/98/Me Tweaks and Fixes
http://www.dougknox.com
===============================
Associate Expert
ExpertZone - http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone
===============================
Replies to the newsgroups only please!
<kar13[ at ]hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:c22ce042-380d-4e88-9e31-903b44800350[ at ]m15g2000vbl.googlegroups.com...
On Dec 27, 1:05 pm, "CSM1" <nomorem...[ at ]nomail.com> wrote:
[Quoted Text] > "kar13" <ka...[ at ]discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message > > news:77A33919-7899-412E-A45D-93B3ACD8D695[ at ]microsoft.com... > > > > > > > Hi, > > I just purchased a Dell XPS 420 (with ATI TV Wonder Digital Cable Tuner) > > under the assumption that I could use Media Center to record TV, > > including > > the HD versions of my local news. I am able to get standard def > > channels, > > it > > appears, and record them to the PC. Going through the setup, I received > > a > > message in Media Center that my computer "is not digital cable ready" > > and > > I > > "will not be able to use a CableCard" with this computer. > > > I am very annoyed that Dell would sell me the ATI tuner and not inform > > me > > that the PC selected was not digital cable ready. However, I only > > subscribe > > to Comcast standard cable... no digital packages, no HD... so am I right > > to > > assume that a "digital cable ready" computer would not benefit me > > anyway? > > > When the transition happens in Feb, will I still be able to receive my > > current channels via the ATI tuner/PC set up as I do now? > > > What is the benefit of a "digital cable ready" PC, *really*? > > > My intent for this computer set up was to be able to record TV programs > > digitally, and do away with VHS recording. I'm hoping to use certain > > recordings in the classroom for educational lessons (burned on DVD) > > > Dell has a 21 day return policy. My 21 days expire in 2 days (12/29) > > Should > > I return this XPS unit and order one that's "digital cable read" or is > > that > > overkill given my current Comcast subscription and intended use for the > > system? > > > Any advice is greatly appreciated! > > Yes, do it before you time runs out. > > -- > CSM1 http://www.carlmcmillan.com> --- Hide quoted text - > > - Show quoted text -
Can you please explain why you suggest to send it back?
What does the "digital cable ready" version of Vista really do for me?
I'm trying to get the most information I can. I have read numerous
posts of people using MediaCenter 2005 and older machines and they are
able to get digital channels.
|
|
On Dec 27, 2:20 pm, "Curious" <mailme...[ at ]nomail.com> wrote:
[Quoted Text] > Did you have your cable company come out and install as cable card in the
> slot in your ATI tuner?
> When you say you can get SD channels are your referring to SD analog
> channels or to SD digital channels or both?
> Is it possible that you are trying to receive HD channel 2 by selecting
> channel 2 which would give you analog channel 2 instead of your cable
> companies channel number for digital channel 2? For example with my cable
> company I have to select channel 702 to get CBS digital channel 2.
>
> "kar13" <ka...[ at ]discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>
> news:77A33919-7899-412E-A45D-93B3ACD8D695[ at ]microsoft.com...
>
>
>
> > Hi,
> > I just purchased a Dell XPS 420 (with ATI TV Wonder Digital Cable Tuner)
> > under the assumption that I could use Media Center to record TV, including
> > the HD versions of my local news. I am able to get standard def channels,
> > it
> > appears, and record them to the PC. Going through the setup, I received a
> > message in Media Center that my computer "is not digital cable ready" and
> > I
> > "will not be able to use a CableCard" with this computer.
>
> > I am very annoyed that Dell would sell me the ATI tuner and not inform me
> > that the PC selected was not digital cable ready. However, I only
> > subscribe
> > to Comcast standard cable... no digital packages, no HD... so am I right
> > to
> > assume that a "digital cable ready" computer would not benefit me anyway?
>
> > When the transition happens in Feb, will I still be able to receive my
> > current channels via the ATI tuner/PC set up as I do now?
>
> > What is the benefit of a "digital cable ready" PC, *really*?
>
> > My intent for this computer set up was to be able to record TV programs
> > digitally, and do away with VHS recording. I'm hoping to use certain
> > recordings in the classroom for educational lessons (burned on DVD)
>
> > Dell has a 21 day return policy. My 21 days expire in 2 days (12/29)
> > Should
> > I return this XPS unit and order one that's "digital cable read" or is
> > that
> > overkill given my current Comcast subscription and intended use for the
> > system?
>
> > Any advice is greatly appreciated!- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -
Curious,
I do not have a cable card installed. I thought the cable card was
only necessary for premium channels (HBO, etc) I do not have premium
cable through Comcast. I am simply trying to get local news, and
possibley CNN or History channel, in digital, or HD. I'm not sure
what's possible without a premium digital cable subscription. Through
my ATI tuner, I am able to get channels up to around 100. That means
they are all analog, right? When I try to get channel 231, which is
WPVI-DT (digital version of my local station, I assume) I get this
message: "Cannot play program. Channel may not be supported...."
Perhaps I have my intentions wrong. I was thinking that if I could get
a digital signal, I could record items from my local channels, and
other non-premium channels, in better quality than what I get on a VHS
recording. Am I wrong in that thinking?
With no digital cable package from Comcast, am I not able to receive
any kind of better quality (SD digital or HD) signal? Is it a
limitation of Media Center? I've read posts of people using Hauppage
tuners and they get QAM (which I believe is a better picture than SD
digital or analog, right?) I've read conflicting reports of MC not
supporting QAM. What's the truth?
Do I even need "digital cable ready" functionality within Vista? How
are people recording digital tv now - without that functionality?
When the digital transition happens in Feb, will everyone then need
"digital cable ready" OS functionality?
|
|
On Dec 27, 10:51 pm, "Doug Knox - [MS-MVP]" <dkno...[ at ]Spammvps.org>
wrote:
[Quoted Text] > You need to contact Dell support. Your XPS 420 should be Digital Cable > Ready. A BIOS update should correct this issue, and it was a known issue > with a number of the early Dell 400 series PC's that were shipped with the > ATI Digital Cable Tuner. > > Additionally, you didn't mention if you have the Cable Cards from your cable > company or not. You will need those if you want to get your premium content > (HBO, Showtime and etc.) in HD. > > Doug Knox, MS MVP DTS-XP > Win 95/98/Me Tweaks and Fixes http://www.dougknox.com> =============================== > Associate Expert > ExpertZone - http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone> =============================== > Replies to the newsgroups only please! > > <ka...[ at ]hotmail.com> wrote in message > > news:c22ce042-380d-4e88-9e31-903b44800350[ at ]m15g2000vbl.googlegroups.com... > On Dec 27, 1:05 pm, "CSM1" <nomorem...[ at ]nomail.com> wrote: > > > > > > > "kar13" <ka...[ at ]discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message > > >news:77A33919-7899-412E-A45D-93B3ACD8D695[ at ]microsoft.com... > > > > Hi, > > > I just purchased a Dell XPS 420 (with ATI TV Wonder Digital Cable Tuner) > > > under the assumption that I could use Media Center to record TV, > > > including > > > the HD versions of my local news. I am able to get standard def > > > channels, > > > it > > > appears, and record them to the PC. Going through the setup, I received > > > a > > > message in Media Center that my computer "is not digital cable ready" > > > and > > > I > > > "will not be able to use a CableCard" with this computer. > > > > I am very annoyed that Dell would sell me the ATI tuner and not inform > > > me > > > that the PC selected was not digital cable ready. However, I only > > > subscribe > > > to Comcast standard cable... no digital packages, no HD... so am I right > > > to > > > assume that a "digital cable ready" computer would not benefit me > > > anyway? > > > > When the transition happens in Feb, will I still be able to receive my > > > current channels via the ATI tuner/PC set up as I do now? > > > > What is the benefit of a "digital cable ready" PC, *really*? > > > > My intent for this computer set up was to be able to record TV programs > > > digitally, and do away with VHS recording. I'm hoping to use certain > > > recordings in the classroom for educational lessons (burned on DVD) > > > > Dell has a 21 day return policy. My 21 days expire in 2 days (12/29) > > > Should > > > I return this XPS unit and order one that's "digital cable read" or is > > > that > > > overkill given my current Comcast subscription and intended use for the > > > system? > > > > Any advice is greatly appreciated! > > > Yes, do it before you time runs out. > > > -- > > CSM1 http://www.carlmcmillan.com> > --- Hide quoted text - > > > - Show quoted text - > > Can you please explain why you suggest to send it back? > What does the "digital cable ready" version of Vista really do for me? > I'm trying to get the most information I can. I have read numerous > posts of people using MediaCenter 2005 and older machines and they are > able to get digital channels.- Hide quoted text - > > - Show quoted text -
I was on the phone/internet chat with Dell for a few hours yesterday.
He "flashed" the BIOS. He updated the ATI tuner drivers. The sticker
on my computer that has the Windows product key, does not also have a
digital cable ready key. The tech support said my computer was thus
not equipped with the necessary "key" to allow digital cable. He said
I am unable to just purchase or download this "key" even though
everything else about my computer is ready for digital cable.
I'm confused what exactly "digital cable ready" means for me. What
does that do?
|
|
Digital Cable Ready means that the PC has been certified by CableLabs to
meet their requirements that ensure you can't interrupt the content stream
and copy protected content. If you bought a machine with a Digital Cable
Tuner and did not get the Digital Cable activation key, then I would indeed
send the machine back to Dell.
You may want to check all the literature that came with the PC. The Digital
Cable activation code may not be on the PC, it may be on a separate insert
inside the packaging.
Then, if you still wish to order a PC from them with the ATI tuners, I would
do the ordering over the phone and ensure that they understand exactly what
you want, and what you expect from the PC you're ordering.
Doug Knox, MS MVP DTS-XP
Win 95/98/Me Tweaks and Fixes
http://www.dougknox.com
===============================
Associate Expert
ExpertZone - http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone
===============================
Replies to the newsgroups only please!
<kar13[ at ]hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:fee8c33a-28ea-4d27-94f8-57c7151b89b6[ at ]l33g2000pri.googlegroups.com...
On Dec 27, 10:51 pm, "Doug Knox - [MS-MVP]" <dkno...[ at ]Spammvps.org>
wrote:
[Quoted Text] > You need to contact Dell support. Your XPS 420 should be Digital Cable > Ready. A BIOS update should correct this issue, and it was a known issue > with a number of the early Dell 400 series PC's that were shipped with the > ATI Digital Cable Tuner. > > Additionally, you didn't mention if you have the Cable Cards from your > cable > company or not. You will need those if you want to get your premium > content > (HBO, Showtime and etc.) in HD. > > Doug Knox, MS MVP DTS-XP > Win 95/98/Me Tweaks and Fixes http://www.dougknox.com> =============================== > Associate Expert > ExpertZone - http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone> =============================== > Replies to the newsgroups only please! > > <ka...[ at ]hotmail.com> wrote in message > > news:c22ce042-380d-4e88-9e31-903b44800350[ at ]m15g2000vbl.googlegroups.com... > On Dec 27, 1:05 pm, "CSM1" <nomorem...[ at ]nomail.com> wrote: > > > > > > > "kar13" <ka...[ at ]discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message > > >news:77A33919-7899-412E-A45D-93B3ACD8D695[ at ]microsoft.com... > > > > Hi, > > > I just purchased a Dell XPS 420 (with ATI TV Wonder Digital Cable > > > Tuner) > > > under the assumption that I could use Media Center to record TV, > > > including > > > the HD versions of my local news. I am able to get standard def > > > channels, > > > it > > > appears, and record them to the PC. Going through the setup, I > > > received > > > a > > > message in Media Center that my computer "is not digital cable ready" > > > and > > > I > > > "will not be able to use a CableCard" with this computer. > > > > I am very annoyed that Dell would sell me the ATI tuner and not inform > > > me > > > that the PC selected was not digital cable ready. However, I only > > > subscribe > > > to Comcast standard cable... no digital packages, no HD... so am I > > > right > > > to > > > assume that a "digital cable ready" computer would not benefit me > > > anyway? > > > > When the transition happens in Feb, will I still be able to receive my > > > current channels via the ATI tuner/PC set up as I do now? > > > > What is the benefit of a "digital cable ready" PC, *really*? > > > > My intent for this computer set up was to be able to record TV > > > programs > > > digitally, and do away with VHS recording. I'm hoping to use certain > > > recordings in the classroom for educational lessons (burned on DVD) > > > > Dell has a 21 day return policy. My 21 days expire in 2 days (12/29) > > > Should > > > I return this XPS unit and order one that's "digital cable read" or is > > > that > > > overkill given my current Comcast subscription and intended use for > > > the > > > system? > > > > Any advice is greatly appreciated! > > > Yes, do it before you time runs out. > > > -- > > CSM1 http://www.carlmcmillan.com> > --- Hide quoted text - > > > - Show quoted text - > > Can you please explain why you suggest to send it back? > What does the "digital cable ready" version of Vista really do for me? > I'm trying to get the most information I can. I have read numerous > posts of people using MediaCenter 2005 and older machines and they are > able to get digital channels.- Hide quoted text - > > - Show quoted text -
I was on the phone/internet chat with Dell for a few hours yesterday.
He "flashed" the BIOS. He updated the ATI tuner drivers. The sticker
on my computer that has the Windows product key, does not also have a
digital cable ready key. The tech support said my computer was thus
not equipped with the necessary "key" to allow digital cable. He said
I am unable to just purchase or download this "key" even though
everything else about my computer is ready for digital cable.
I'm confused what exactly "digital cable ready" means for me. What
does that do?
|
|
in addition to all the other replies--
the ATI Digital Cable Tuner without a cable card inserted is an
analog tuner. Using it this way would be pretty much the same as
coax from the wall to a regular TV.
do you have a set top box from Comcast on your regular TV? you are
going to eventually need one (cable is going thru a different
transition to digital). if you hook up that STB to your TV, you
would probably get 231 on Media Center.
if you resolve the issue with Dell and order a cable card from
Comcast, you would be able to see many channels in HD. You do not
need to order premium channels.
to help with the problem with your Dell, go to
http://en.community.dell.com/blogs/direct2dell/archive/2007/10/23/32123.aspx?PageIndex=2
and scroll to the bottom of the page and send email to clardy. I'm
betting he will get you an exchange or do whatever is needed.
On Sat, 27 Dec 2008 19:52:27 -0800 (PST), kar13[ at ]hotmail.com wrote:
[Quoted Text] >I do not have a cable card installed. I thought the cable card was
>only necessary for premium channels (HBO, etc) I do not have premium
>cable through Comcast. I am simply trying to get local news, and
>possibley CNN or History channel, in digital, or HD. I'm not sure
>what's possible without a premium digital cable subscription. Through
>my ATI tuner, I am able to get channels up to around 100. That means
>they are all analog, right? When I try to get channel 231, which is
>WPVI-DT (digital version of my local station, I assume) I get this
>message: "Cannot play program. Channel may not be supported...."
>
>Perhaps I have my intentions wrong. I was thinking that if I could get
>a digital signal, I could record items from my local channels, and
>other non-premium channels, in better quality than what I get on a VHS
>recording. Am I wrong in that thinking?
>
>With no digital cable package from Comcast, am I not able to receive
>any kind of better quality (SD digital or HD) signal? Is it a
>limitation of Media Center? I've read posts of people using Hauppage
>tuners and they get QAM (which I believe is a better picture than SD
>digital or analog, right?) I've read conflicting reports of MC not
>supporting QAM. What's the truth?
>
>Do I even need "digital cable ready" functionality within Vista? How
>are people recording digital tv now - without that functionality?
>
>When the digital transition happens in Feb, will everyone then need
>"digital cable ready" OS functionality?
--
Barb Bowman
MS-MVP
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/meetexperts/bowman.mspx
http://blogs.digitalmediaphile.com/barb/
http://digitalmediaphile.wordpress.com
|
|
Since MC does not currently support clear QAM digital channels you can not
use your ATI tuner for any digital channels without leasing a cable card
from your cable company. Most cable companies encrypt all digital
channels(100+) not just the premium ones with the exception of the local
ones which you can receive with an antenna and just a plain HDTV tuner card
in your PC.
<kar13[ at ]hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:abd3a525-7c22-45b8-a4d3-392755bd9d93[ at ]e6g2000vbe.googlegroups.com...
On Dec 27, 2:20 pm, "Curious" <mailme...[ at ]nomail.com> wrote:
[Quoted Text] > Did you have your cable company come out and install as cable card in the
> slot in your ATI tuner?
> When you say you can get SD channels are your referring to SD analog
> channels or to SD digital channels or both?
> Is it possible that you are trying to receive HD channel 2 by selecting
> channel 2 which would give you analog channel 2 instead of your cable
> companies channel number for digital channel 2? For example with my cable
> company I have to select channel 702 to get CBS digital channel 2.
>
> "kar13" <ka...[ at ]discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>
> news:77A33919-7899-412E-A45D-93B3ACD8D695[ at ]microsoft.com...
>
>
>
> > Hi,
> > I just purchased a Dell XPS 420 (with ATI TV Wonder Digital Cable Tuner)
> > under the assumption that I could use Media Center to record TV,
> > including
> > the HD versions of my local news. I am able to get standard def
> > channels,
> > it
> > appears, and record them to the PC. Going through the setup, I received
> > a
> > message in Media Center that my computer "is not digital cable ready"
> > and
> > I
> > "will not be able to use a CableCard" with this computer.
>
> > I am very annoyed that Dell would sell me the ATI tuner and not inform
> > me
> > that the PC selected was not digital cable ready. However, I only
> > subscribe
> > to Comcast standard cable... no digital packages, no HD... so am I right
> > to
> > assume that a "digital cable ready" computer would not benefit me
> > anyway?
>
> > When the transition happens in Feb, will I still be able to receive my
> > current channels via the ATI tuner/PC set up as I do now?
>
> > What is the benefit of a "digital cable ready" PC, *really*?
>
> > My intent for this computer set up was to be able to record TV programs
> > digitally, and do away with VHS recording. I'm hoping to use certain
> > recordings in the classroom for educational lessons (burned on DVD)
>
> > Dell has a 21 day return policy. My 21 days expire in 2 days (12/29)
> > Should
> > I return this XPS unit and order one that's "digital cable read" or is
> > that
> > overkill given my current Comcast subscription and intended use for the
> > system?
>
> > Any advice is greatly appreciated!- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -
Curious,
I do not have a cable card installed. I thought the cable card was
only necessary for premium channels (HBO, etc) I do not have premium
cable through Comcast. I am simply trying to get local news, and
possibley CNN or History channel, in digital, or HD. I'm not sure
what's possible without a premium digital cable subscription. Through
my ATI tuner, I am able to get channels up to around 100. That means
they are all analog, right? When I try to get channel 231, which is
WPVI-DT (digital version of my local station, I assume) I get this
message: "Cannot play program. Channel may not be supported...."
Perhaps I have my intentions wrong. I was thinking that if I could get
a digital signal, I could record items from my local channels, and
other non-premium channels, in better quality than what I get on a VHS
recording. Am I wrong in that thinking?
With no digital cable package from Comcast, am I not able to receive
any kind of better quality (SD digital or HD) signal? Is it a
limitation of Media Center? I've read posts of people using Hauppage
tuners and they get QAM (which I believe is a better picture than SD
digital or analog, right?) I've read conflicting reports of MC not
supporting QAM. What's the truth?
Do I even need "digital cable ready" functionality within Vista? How
are people recording digital tv now - without that functionality?
When the digital transition happens in Feb, will everyone then need
"digital cable ready" OS functionality?
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On Dec 28, 11:42 am, "Curious" <mailme...[ at ]nomail.com> wrote:
[Quoted Text] > Since MC does not currently support clear QAM digital channels you can not
> use your ATI tuner for any digital channels without leasing a cable card
> from your cable company. Most cable companies encrypt all digital
> channels(100+) not just the premium ones with the exception of the local
> ones which you can receive with an antenna and just a plain HDTV tuner card
> in your PC.<ka...[ at ]hotmail.com> wrote in message
>
> news:abd3a525-7c22-45b8-a4d3-392755bd9d93[ at ]e6g2000vbe.googlegroups.com...
> On Dec 27, 2:20 pm, "Curious" <mailme...[ at ]nomail.com> wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
> > Did you have your cable company come out and install as cable card in the
> > slot in your ATI tuner?
> > When you say you can get SD channels are your referring to SD analog
> > channels or to SD digital channels or both?
> > Is it possible that you are trying to receive HD channel 2 by selecting
> > channel 2 which would give you analog channel 2 instead of your cable
> > companies channel number for digital channel 2? For example with my cable
> > company I have to select channel 702 to get CBS digital channel 2.
>
> > "kar13" <ka...[ at ]discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>
> >news:77A33919-7899-412E-A45D-93B3ACD8D695[ at ]microsoft.com...
>
> > > Hi,
> > > I just purchased a Dell XPS 420 (with ATI TV Wonder Digital Cable Tuner)
> > > under the assumption that I could use Media Center to record TV,
> > > including
> > > the HD versions of my local news. I am able to get standard def
> > > channels,
> > > it
> > > appears, and record them to the PC. Going through the setup, I received
> > > a
> > > message in Media Center that my computer "is not digital cable ready"
> > > and
> > > I
> > > "will not be able to use a CableCard" with this computer.
>
> > > I am very annoyed that Dell would sell me the ATI tuner and not inform
> > > me
> > > that the PC selected was not digital cable ready. However, I only
> > > subscribe
> > > to Comcast standard cable... no digital packages, no HD... so am I right
> > > to
> > > assume that a "digital cable ready" computer would not benefit me
> > > anyway?
>
> > > When the transition happens in Feb, will I still be able to receive my
> > > current channels via the ATI tuner/PC set up as I do now?
>
> > > What is the benefit of a "digital cable ready" PC, *really*?
>
> > > My intent for this computer set up was to be able to record TV programs
> > > digitally, and do away with VHS recording. I'm hoping to use certain
> > > recordings in the classroom for educational lessons (burned on DVD)
>
> > > Dell has a 21 day return policy. My 21 days expire in 2 days (12/29)
> > > Should
> > > I return this XPS unit and order one that's "digital cable read" or is
> > > that
> > > overkill given my current Comcast subscription and intended use for the
> > > system?
>
> > > Any advice is greatly appreciated!- Hide quoted text -
>
> > - Show quoted text -
>
> Curious,
> I do not have a cable card installed. I thought the cable card was
> only necessary for premium channels (HBO, etc) I do not have premium
> cable through Comcast. I am simply trying to get local news, and
> possibley CNN or History channel, in digital, or HD. I'm not sure
> what's possible without a premium digital cable subscription. Through
> my ATI tuner, I am able to get channels up to around 100. That means
> they are all analog, right? When I try to get channel 231, which is
> WPVI-DT (digital version of my local station, I assume) I get this
> message: "Cannot play program. Channel may not be supported...."
>
> Perhaps I have my intentions wrong. I was thinking that if I could get
> a digital signal, I could record items from my local channels, and
> other non-premium channels, in better quality than what I get on a VHS
> recording. Am I wrong in that thinking?
>
> With no digital cable package from Comcast, am I not able to receive
> any kind of better quality (SD digital or HD) signal? Is it a
> limitation of Media Center? I've read posts of people using Hauppage
> tuners and they get QAM (which I believe is a better picture than SD
> digital or analog, right?) I've read conflicting reports of MC not
> supporting QAM. What's the truth?
>
> Do I even need "digital cable ready" functionality within Vista? How
> are people recording digital tv now - without that functionality?
>
> When the digital transition happens in Feb, will everyone then need
> "digital cable ready" OS functionality?- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -
Thanks for all the responses. It was very helpful. I packed up the
XPS420 and sent it back today. Once I got routed to the correct
person, Dell was pretty nice about returning the box and ordering me a
new one. However, when I called back a day later just to triple check
that I am getting the "digital cable ready" version this time, I
learned that the Dell tech ordered me an XPS 430 instead of the 420. I
certainly questioned the woman I had on the phone to be certain it
would be "digital cable ready" and would work with the ATI tuner that
I have (I previously purchased the tuner with the 420, but was told to
only return the CPU)
So now I'm wondering what new problems may lay ahead for me! I told
the guy I wanted the exact same computer, but digital cable ready. I
went through the options list with him 3 times and never once did he
tell me he switched to the 430. I know it's the newer model (faster
RAM and bigger hard drive) so I'm not totally disappointed, but it
just makes me wonder.
I'll post another update once I receive the new system and test it
out.
Thanks again for the help. Happy New Year.
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