Problems With Live TV Set-Up

[ferd10]

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

 

[Darryl Licht]

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?

 

[Desslok]

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.

 

[ferd10]

Thanks. Will try.

 

[derekimo]

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

 

[Desslok]

Thanks. Will try.

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

 

[ferd10]

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

 

[Desslok]

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.

 

[ferd10]

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