Time Warner Cable Preps for CableCARD Self-Installs

Posted on Monday, August 1, 2011 by MegaZone

Time Warner Cable Logo There’s nothing like waiting until the last minute, especially when it seems you’re doing it just because you can. While Verizon’s FiOS and Cox cable are already allowing CableCARD self-installs, Time Warner Cable looks to be drawing things out until the August 8th FCC-mandated deadline. While their FAQ for“Can I install a CableCARD into my TiVo Series3, TiVo HD, or TiVo HD XL DVR by myself?“ still says“No. To ensure that your installation is performed properly, a technician is required to install and activate your CableCARD.” there is support page, entitled simply“CableCARD“, which states:

Starting August 8, 2011, you’ll be able to find everything you need to setup, install, and support your CableCARD* right here.

This one-stop shopping capability includes information on (1) how to obtain a self-install kit, and (2) determine your eligibility for a “Bring Your Own Box (BYOB)” credit for using a CableCARD-compatible device purchased at retail rather than a Digital Set Top Box leased from Time Warner Cable.

In the meantime, go to Switched Digital Video for information on CableCARD devices and tuning adapters. You can also browse our FAQs.

Don’t forget to bookmark this page and come back on August 8th.

Thanks for choosing Time Warner Cable.

So the good news is it sounds like they’ll be ready to allow self-installs on time. The bad news is it sounds like they know what they need to do in a week, but they’re going to wait until then instead of offering it to customers now. Or maybe I’m just bitter and cynical and tend to read cable industry statements somewhat negatively. Of course, at least they have a statement on this indicating they’ll be ready. That’s more than we can say for some other MSOs.

About MegaZone

MegaZone is the Editor of Gizmo Lovers and the chief contributor. He's been online since 1989 and active in several generations of 'social media' - mailing lists, USENet groups, web forums, and since 2003, blogging.    MegaZone has a presence on several social platforms: Google+ / Facebook / Twitter / LinkedIn / LiveJournal / Web.    You can also follow Gizmo Lovers on other sites: Blog / Google+ / Facebook / Twitter.
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  • Fanfoot

    No, I think your level of skepticism is about right.  These are the same folks that tried to keep that innocent NYTimes reporter from getting his CableCARD-based Tivo working.  They know exactly what they’re doing.

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  • James Betts

    Called TimeWarner (8/15/2011) – they still will not enable customers to installed the cable card on their own and charge a $19.95 fee to install (which was waved as a 1x courtesy).

    • http://www.gizmolovers.com/ MegaZone

      James, that’s BS – call TWC corporate and if they don’t help file a complaint with the FCC: http://www.fcc.gov/complaints See my later post: http://www.gizmolovers.com/2011/08/10/fcc-cablecard-self-install-rules-are-in-effect/

    • http://www.gizmolovers.com/ MegaZone

      James, that’s BS – call TWC corporate and if they don’t help file a complaint with the FCC: http://www.fcc.gov/complaints See my later post: http://www.gizmolovers.com/2011/08/10/fcc-cablecard-self-install-rules-are-in-effect/

  • James Betts

    Called TimeWarner (8/15/2011) – they still will not enable customers to installed the cable card on their own and charge a $19.95 fee to install (which was waved as a 1x courtesy).

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