How to get this new stupid Comcast box to work with my Tivo?

September 28, 2009 7:31 PM

Comcast filter: Will the new Comcast adapter box work with my Series 2 Tivo? If not (or if its a hassle), should I change cable/internet providers (and what's a good alternative in the Bay Area)?

So, Comcast advertisements fed current customers this lie that if you were with Comcast, you wouldn't have to do anything for the digital conversion--now they want us to go get these converter boxes.

I am not good with hooking this sort of thing up, especially when a Tivo's involved. Will these boxes even work with a Series 2 Tivo? If so, can you explain to me (in a "Comcast boxes + Tivos for Dummies" kind of way) how to hook this up?

And if not, or if it's going to be a huge pain, any suggestions for alternative cable companies in the Bay Area I could switch to that don't require this extra equipment? Right now, I'm getting my extended basic cable and internet from Comcast for under $50, and I'd like to stay in that price range.

Thanks!

posted by mingodingo to technology (7 comments total)

These instructions agree with my understanding, that you setup the Tivo to use an IR blaster to control the cable box, so it acts ike you would do with the remote control. This generally works well: just surfing around live TV does have pretty large delays, but plain Tivo isn't great for that either.

The other option is to buy a Tivo HD and get a CableCard instead of the converter box. That's a couple hundred bucks though.
posted by smackfu at 8:26 PM on September 28

We have a series 2 Tivo and had a LOT of issues with our Comcast in SF. Basically, you have to have digital cable to get anything above channel 33. We got a fairly good deal with a one year contract, basically it's ~$75 for digital cable and HBO and internet. I'm not the best to help you set it up though, the Mr. did that. Good luck though, we had to visit and call numerous times.
posted by lannanh at 9:42 PM on September 28

I agree with smackfu. Here are Tivo's version of the instructions that I used, as well.

Just be sure that you get a cable box and not just the converter. The converter will not work with your Tivo.
Converter = cable from the wall > converter > TV (no Tivo involved!)
Cable box =
cable from the wall > split to cable box & Tivo*
Connect a/v from cable box > Tivo
Connect a/v from Tivo > TV
Set up the remote control cables (IR stuff, depending on the box they give you)
Plug in, turn on, and go through the whole Tivo set up again (it will find your channels, make sure you're Tivo remote will work with your cable box, etc)

You may end up having to fix some of your Season Passes that were looking for shows on the other channels that stopped existing...

Comcast may charge you for getting a cable box (psh, of course the converters are free!)... I was able to get out of that since cable is included in the rent for my apartment. I think tenants have different rules since all my stuff is supposed to be paid for by the property management here. So, I can't help you as far as letting you know whether or not its worth to change to another provider. I avoid having to deal with cable people as much as possible, so if I can do it myself, I will!

Good luck! It took me a whole afternoon to get it right (various Comcast people were giving me conflicting instructions).

*I have a Series 2 Dual Tuner (it can record two things at once)
posted by amylicious at 12:16 AM on September 29

I used to use the IR blaster to drive a Comcast set top box from a TiVo series 1, and it does work. However, I'd ditch your old series 2 and get a TiVo HD. It's much more reliable, can record two things at once like your current setup, and the HD picture is so much better than standard def.
posted by w0mbat at 3:14 AM on September 29

It can be done, but given the HD situation (you have to upgrade the Comcast box to get HD signals, and then the TiVo Series 2 won't record HD anyway), I personally upgraded to the TiVo HD and a Cablecard. TiVo has an upgrade discount that in my case was $100. Note that TiVo will try to convince you to keep both boxes subscribed, and ask you why you don't when you decline to.

This turned out to be a good choice for more than just recording reasons, too... as the TiVo itself is a far superior everyday tuner than the Comcast box I got was. Losing on-demand was a no-brainer next to doubling the speed of channel changes/searches.
posted by Pufferish at 7:23 AM on September 29

Thanks all! I've thought about upgrading, but I have a lifetime subscription...wish those would transfer.
posted by mingodingo at 10:19 AM on September 29

Hmm...looks like I'd at least get a $100 discount on a new lifetime service agreement if I upgraded...

How does a cable card work? Again, sorry for being fairly clueless in this area. Thanks!
posted by mingodingo at 10:23 AM on September 29