Problems With Live TV Set-Up

I purchased a HP s5360f desktop computer several weeks ago, and use it as a HTPC. During the Live TV Set-Up I ran into a problem with the cable set-top box/remote. During AUTOMATIC when it asked me to press the numeric zero and point it at the cable box ir area, nothing happened. I couldn't proceed. During MANUAL it asked the remote to change channels and it do so flawlessly, then a screen appeared asking to change channels and there was no way to get the NEXT area highlighted so I could proceed. It was a vicious circle.

Yesterday I spent five hours with HP the last 2 1/2 after spending $59 and they could do no more than I could. She said she would call back after checking with her supervisor. I will call back later today(she hasn't called back).

It almost seems like a Microsoft programming glitch; all of the hardware works fine in every other aspect.

Here are my connections:

1. HDMI cable from cable box out to avr #2 in.
2. HDMI cable from #1 in on avr to PC.
3. HDMI cable from Monitor Out on avr to tv.

Equipment Inventory:

Computer: HP S5360F
Set-Top Box: RNG 150 by Cisco(parent company of Scientific Atlanta)from Comcast.
Note: I just exchanged for this new box so it would have HDMI.
AVR: Denon AVR-2807 with HDMI switching
TV: Sony KDL40XBR1(it has only one HDMI outlet)
Remote: Harmony Logitech 890 fully updated and programmed w system info.

I would appreciate any assistance.

Thank you.

Ferd

Try running the digital cable advisor tool. It could be partially a HDCP issue. Another thing you could try is removing the AVR until it is setup.

Thanks. Will try.

Darryl Licht said:

Welcome to the forums Ferd10!

Sorry you are having a problem!

I'm not sure, but I dont believe you can put a set top box in the loop... anyone else?

I'm using this box here, but I don't think that's what the OP is using.
Set up a Comcast DTA with Media Center

ferd10 said:

Thanks. Will try.

Forgot to mention, the tool should be in Extras Gallery in WMC, you will need to install it from there.

After spending more time with HP last nite, we arrived at this solution: I require a CableCard Tuner. HP thought I could get it from Comcast, but all they have is a CableCard. It looks like I will have to purchase a CableCard Tuner(ATI Wondercard)and hook it up with a splitter off of the RF Cable, then USB cables to the PC(one each from cable box and CableCard Tuner. Does this make sense?

Do I have to make sure I purchase the correct spec tuner? It looks like ATI makes a bunch of them.

Any comments would be appreciated.

Tx

Ferd

ATi only makes one cable card tuner. Personally I would wait and spend the extra money on the Ceton Quad card when it comes out(should be about a month. It's twice as much as the ATI, but it has 4 tuners instead of just 1. ANd most cable cards are M (multi stream) now, so you only need to rent the one card, but can record 4 shows at once. With the single ATI you can only record 1 show at a time and you would also have to watch it.

Here is the latest. This AM, my cable guy came by, rechecked all his work, went thru the set-up and concluded that there is a hardware problem with the internal tuner card.

I get HP back on the phone re original problem, and they eventually agree that this must be the problem. Their solution is that I perform an HP System Recovery(and in the process lose everything I installed on the computer). They offered to sell me a 1TB external hard drive for $110, a little more than I can find one on Ebay. Still no guarantee that this will work; but according to HP, it has a 90% chance of success.

Before, I split for the external HD and perform the System Recovery, I would love to hear anyones comments or suggestions.

Thanks much.

Ferd