Cable - Knowledgebase Articles

How do I use a Comcast Digital Transport Adapter with EyeTV?

Comcast Digital Transport Adapter

Comcast is in the middle of their transition from analog to digital cable signals. This transition will affect many customers who are receiving cable signals directly from the wall, with no cable box in between.

Comcast is turning off a range of channels that are now available via analog cable - a Digital Transport Adapter (another name for a cable box) will be needed to receive them.

Comcast FAQ About Transition

For more information about using a Digital Transport Adapter with EyeTV, see this Comcast FAQ:

http://www.comcast.com/digitalnow/FAQs.aspx?map=all_faq_map

Here is some pertinent information from their website:

Customers may be affected if they:

• Subscribe to Comcast Standard Cable or Digital Cable; and,
• Have a TV connected to a Comcast service without a Digital Set Top Box.

Customers who subscribe to Comcast Basic Cable are not affected.

In this case, "TV" is the same as "EyeTV".

Channels beyond the Basic Cable range, but below the higher tiers of service, are affected:

Any TV connected directly to Comcast service without a digital device will eventually lose access to some of the channels it currently receives. You’ll keep the 15-30 Comcast Basic Cable channels, (local broadcast TV stations, plus local government, education and public access channels) But you'll lose all Expanded Basic channels, like Disney, CNN, Lifetime and 30-50 others.

For users of Clear QAM (unencrypted digital cable, without a cable box):

Will I need equipment if I have a digital TV with a QAM tuner?

At the completion of the project, customers will need equipment on all TVs to receive any channels above the Limited Basic level of service

This means that users of "all TVs", including EyeTV, will not have the same Clear QAM access as before.

Using a Digital Transport Adapter / Cable Box with EyeTV

If you’re using a Digital Transport Adapter, connected to EyeTV via a coaxial cable, then Auto Tune using “Analog - Antenna”. EyeTV will find the signal on channel 3 or 4.

When using a Digital Transport Adapter, you must change channels manually using the cable box remote.

If you are in the United States, you can purchase a separate "IR Blaster". Set it up with EyeTV. Then, EyeTV can tell the Digital Transport Adapter to change channels automatically.

These two articles will give more information about IR Blaster purchase and setup.

What IR Blasters can work with EyeTV for Set Top Box control? (US and Canada)

How do I configure EyeTV for Set Top Box support? (US and Canada)

Receiving Some Missing Channels Via Clear QAM

If Comcast has blocked certain analog channels in your area, then those channels may still be available on the digital portion of the cable line, as unencrypted (Clear QAM) channels.

If your EyeTV device supports Clear QAM channels, then unplug the Digital Transporter Adapter, and attach the coaxial cable directly to EyeTV. Then, Auto Tune again, and examine your channel list to see if any Clear QAM channels appear.

You can use the methods in this article to view each channel, and assign names to the ones that you recognize:

How do I setup Clear QAM channels with EyeTV?

In many cities, some of missing channels are available via Clear QAM, at least at this time.

Using EyeTV HD with Comcast

EyeTV HD is a good product to purchase, for users who are now forced to use a cable box.

It can connect to any cable box that offers Component (red, green and blue), Composite or S-Video output. It can let you watch and record any channel that a cable box offers, even the premium ones that you subscribe to.

It also has an Infrared Channel Changer cable (IR Blaster) built in, so it can automatically tell the cable box to change channels.

It can even receive HD signals from any cable box that offers such channels.

The only thing it can't do is connect to a cable box via a coaxial connection. Therefore, it can't work with a Digital Transport Adapter.

However, you can rent a higher-end cable box from Comcast that offers more than just coaxial output. Most every cable box besides the free Digital Transport Adapter will work with EyeTV HD.

See this article for more technical specifics about EyeTV HD:

How do I setup EyeTV HD?

Does EyeTV work with Verizon FiOS?

Verizon is offering a new video service in some areas of the United States, called FiOS.

Instead of offering video via antenna, cable, or satellite, Verizon is using fiber optic cables to get the video signals to homes. These signals are in the Internet Protocol (IP) format.

Verizon gives a special receiver to FiOS users, and only this device can receive the full range of FiOS signals. The FiOS receiver has a number of outputs, including standard analog ouputs that EyeTV can receive, and high-end digital outputs that only some EyTV products can use.

Using FiOS with EyeTV HD

EyeTV HD is recommended for all FiOS users, since is offers the possibility to receive HD signals (720p or 1080i) from the FiOS box.

A typical FiOS user can attach their receiver to EyeTV HD, using Component cables for video, and red and white cables for audio.

You can select Component video input from the Controls menu in EyeTV, and then the video from the FiOS receiver will appear in EyeTV.

EyeTV HD can also control the FiOS box using an included Infrared Channel Changer (IR Blaster).

See this article for more information about how to setup the Infrared Channel Changer:

How do I setup EyeTV HD to control my cable box or satellite receiver?

Using FiOS with EyeTV 250 Plus or EyeTV Hybrid

EyeTV 250 Plus and EyeTV Hybrid can also work with a FiOS box, but they cannot receive HD signals from the FiOS box. They can receive SDTV signals (up to 480i) from FiOS.

A typical FiOS user can attach their receiver to a product like EyeTV 250 Plus or EyeTV Hybrid, using a S-Video or Composite cable for video, and red and white cables for audio.

You can select S-Video or Composite video input from the Controls menu in EyeTV, and then the video from the FiOS receiver will appear in EyeTV.

To change channels, you can use the FiOS remote - aim it at the FiOS receiver. Out of the box, EyeTV is not able to tell the FiOS receiver to change channels.

They can also control the FiOS box using an Infrared Channel Changer (IR Blaster), which is sold separately.

See this article for more information about IR Blaster usage:

What IR Blasters can work with EyeTV for Set Top Box control? (US Only)

Does EyeTV work with AT&T U-verse?

AT&T is offering a new video service in some areas of the United States, called U-verse.

Instead of offering video via antenna, cable, or satellite, AT&T is using fiber optic cables to get the video signals to homes. These signals are in the Internet Protocol (IP) format.

AT&T gives a special receiver to U-verse users, and only this device can receive the full range of U-verse signals. The U-verse receiver has a number of outputs, including standard analog ouputs that EyeTV can receive, and high-end digital outputs that only some EyeTV devices can use.

Using U-verse with EyeTV HD

EyeTV HD is recommended for all U-verse users, since is offers the possibility to receive HD signals (720p or 1080i) from the U-verse box.

A typical U-verse user can attach their receiver to EyeTV HD, using Component cables for video, and red and white cables for audio.

You can select Component video input from the Controls menu in EyeTV, and then the video from the U-verse receiver will appear in EyeTV.

EyeTV HD can also control the U-verse box using an included Infrared Channel Changer (IR Blaster).

See this article for more information about how to setup the Infrared Channel Changer:

How do I setup EyeTV HD to control my cable box or satellite receiver?

Using U-verse with EyeTV 250 Plus or EyeTV Hybrid

EyeTV 250 Plus and EyeTV Hybrid can also work with a U-verse box, but they cannot receive HD signals from the U-verse box. They can receive SDTV signals (up to 480i) from U-verse.

A typical U-verse user can attach their receiver to a product like EyeTV 250 Plus or EyeTV Hybrid, using a S-Video or Composite cable for video, and red and white cables for audio.

You can select S-Video or Composite video input from the Controls menu in EyeTV, and then the video from the U-verse receiver will appear in EyeTV.

To change channels, you can use the U-verse remote - aim it at the U-verse receiver. Out of the box, EyeTV 250 Plus and EyeTV Hybrid are not able to tell the U-verse receiver to change channels.

They can also control the U-verse box using an Infrared Channel Changer (IR Blaster), which is sold separately.

See this article for more information about IR Blaster usage:

What IR Blasters can work with EyeTV for Set Top Box control? (US Only)

Can I receive digital cable PayTV with EyeTV Hybrid INT (2008)?

EyeTV Hybrid INT (2008) is only available Internationally, and won't work in North America.

EyeTV Hybrid INT (2008) alone can only receive free digital cable TV (DVB-C). Using an additional hardware solution capable of decrypting PayTV channels may let you see PayTV channels.

For decrypting digital cable PayTV signals, you will typically need:

- an external Common Interface device like Elgato Common Interface (currently available in Sweden only) or a similar device as the ones sold by Terratec and Hauppage.
- a control access module (CAM) compatible with common interface and certified by your cable service provider
- a subscription card (SmartCard) delivered by your cable service provider

PLEASE NOTE: As stated above, decrypting PayTV will only work if your CAM is certified by your cable service provider. In other words, it will only work if your cable service provider allows the use of third party decoders and does not restrict the use of its subscription cards to its proprietary cable set-top-box only. It is not possible to use proprietary set-top-boxes in conjunction with EyeTV Hybrid INT (2008) to decode digital cable PayTV signals.

For info about cable service providers in France, see Puis-je regarder la TV par câble numérique en France avec EyeTV Hybrid INT (2008) ?

For other countries, ask your cable service provider if they allow and certify the use of a third party decoder (CAM). Elgato cannot provide any info about cable service providers' policies.

EyeTV Hybrid INT and EyeTV Hybrid INT (2008) have analogue stereo audio and video inputs (composite video and S-Video). This will allow you to indirectly receive digital cable PayTV channels if your digital cable set-top-box provides analog stereo audio and video outputs (composite video or S-Video). For more details, see How does EyeTV Hybrid INT (2008) compare to EyeTV Hybrid INT?

Does EyeTV replace a cable box?

No EyeTV device in the United States can replace a cable box. Cable boxes are required to decrypt the proprietary signal output by your cable company in order to protect the integrity of their service. These set-top boxes cannot be bypassed in order to receive premium channels with your EyeTV tuner.

Video quality from a Cable Box

If you need a cable box to see content when using a regular TV, then you will also need to use that cable box with an EyeTV device that has analog inputs, like EyeTV 250 Plus or EyeTV Hybrid. The most commonly used connections are Composite or S-Video, which provide SDTV input (up to 480i)

EyeTV HD also has Component inputs, which can be used to receive 720p or 1080i from a cable box.

You can also use the analog tuner input from your cable box. Connect that to EyeTV 250 Plus or EyeTV Hybrid , switch it to analog mode, then Auto Tune using "Analog - Antenna". You will most likely find the cable box signal on channel 3 or 4. Then, change channels manually using the cable box remote.

Using EyeTV to change cable box channels

Once the cable box is connected, you can change channels manually using the cable box remote, and not via the EyeTV software.

To automatically change channels using the EyeTV software and your cable box, you will also need a separately purchased IR Blaster. See this article:

What IR Blasters can work with EyeTV for Set Top Box control? (US Only)

Full instructions for cable box setup with an IR Blaster can be found in this article:

How do I configure EyeTV for Set Top Box support? (US Only)

EyeTV HD comes with its own Infrared Channel Changer (IR Blaster) - see this article:

How do I setup EyeTV HD to control my cable box or satellite receiver?

How does EyeTV 250 Plus work with cable TV or satellite?

EyeTV 250 Plus can directly receive analog cable, Also known as Basic Cable; you might get from 10-80 channels, depending on your provider. EyeTV 250 Plus has a cable ready tuner, just like a regular TV, for channels up to 125. Analog signals will eventually disappear from cable lines.

EyeTV 250 Plus (2007 model) cannot receive Clear QAM, or unencrypted digital cable signals. EyeTV 250 Plus (2008 model), HDHomeRun, EyeTV 500 and the TVMini HD can receive this.

The majority of digital cable programming is encrypted and a cable box is needed to receive these signals. This applies to satellite programming, such as DirecTV or Dish Network in the U.S.

EyeTV 250 Plus does not replace a cable box or satellite receiver. If you need a cable box to watch programs when using a regular TV, then you will also need to use that cable box with EyeTV 250 Plus.

If you have a set top box for digital cable or satellite, connect the analog outputs of the box (like composite or S-Video) to EyeTV 250 Plus. EyeTV 2.4 or higher supports set top box program guide listings in the U.S.; please see this article for more information:

http://faq.elgato.com/index.php/faq/more/508/

You can also use the analog tuner input from your cable box or satellite receiver. Connect that to EyeTV 250 Plus, switch it to analog mode, then Auto Tune using "Antenna". You will most likely find the signal on channel 3 or 4. Then, change channels manually using the set top box remote.

Does EyeTV Hybrid (North America) support digital cable?

EyeTV Hybrid (2007 model) does not support the direct reception of digital cable.

It does not support Clear QAM (unencrypted digital cable) in North America.

EyeTV Hybrid (2008, 2009, 2010 models) do support the direct reception of digital cable.

They do support Clear QAM (unencrypted digital cable) in North America.

Neither model supports DVB-C (DVB digital cable) Europe/Australia.

If you have a digital cable box, connect the analog outputs of that cable box (like composite or S-Video) to EyeTV Hybrid. Then, change channels manually using the cable box remote.

You can also use the analog tuner input from your cable box. Connect that to EyeTV Hybrid, switch it to analog mode, then Auto Tune using "Antenna". You will most likely find the cable box signal on channel 3 or 4. Then, change channels manually using the cable box remote.

EyeTV Hybrid (and other EyeTV products) cannot directly tune cable boxes at this time.

Does EyeTV 610 have a CI or SmartCard slot?

Yes, it does. The CI (Common Interface) lets you receive PayTV digital cable TV on the Mac. To receive PayTV via EyeTV 610, users need a compatible combination of CAM (Common Access Module) and a PayTV subscription card (SmartCard) from a provider that supports standard CI receivers.

IMPORTANT NOTES:
1) Elgato cannot give any info regarding compatibility between CAMs and subscription cards.
2) Before buying a CAM and a subscription card, check with the CAM manufacturer and/or your PayTV service provider that your subscription card can be used with a CAM. Some providers only allow the use of their subscription cards with their proprietary set-top-boxes; in this case, it is not possible to receive PayTV using an EyeTV 610.

I don't know how to set up EyeTV with my cable modem

A number of users are using EyeTV with the video signal present on the same cable as their cable modem service.

Usually they use a coaxial splitter, so part of the signal goes to the "modem", and part to the EyeTV unit. This would allow for simultaneous internet and TV access.

As always, before manipulating your cable line it is recommended that you contact your cable provider, although a splitter is a very simple and inexpensive device.

EyeTV 250 Plus and EyeTV Hybrid can tune unscrambled analog cable signals, so if that's what is present on your cable line, you won't need a cable box. If part of the signal is scrambled (say, for premium channels) then you'll need to use the cable box before routing the signal to EyeTV.

EyeTV cannot automatically tune cable boxes, so if a cable box is present, you'll have to manually change channels by using that box.

Which EyeTV products can work with Digital Cable?

A Digital Cable line has a few different parts to the signal:

1) Analog cable - any TV or analog EyeTV device can directly receive this part. Otherwise known as Basic Cable, and might be from 10-80 channels, depending. EyeTV 250 Plus and EyeTV Hybrid can receive this. They have cable ready (analog) tuners just like a regular TV, for channels up to 125. Analog signals will eventually disappear from cable lines.

2) Unencrypted Digital Cable (Clear QAM) - this is rare, with only a few channels. A special Clear QAM tuner is needed to receive it. EyeTV 250 Plus (2008), EyeTV Hybrid (2008, 2009, 2010) and the HDHomeRun can receive this.

3) Encrypted Digital Cable - this is the majority of the digital signals. These channels can only be accessed with a cable box. No tuner outside of a cable box can receive them. EyeTV 610 for Europe is an exception, since it can take a special authorization card in some parts of some countries. Such a card is not allowed in the US, but might be in a few years.

If you have a cable box, you can use it with an EyeTV device with analog inputs (like EyeTV 250, EyeTV 250 Plus or EyeTV Hybrid). Change channels manually using the cable box remote. You will see the full range of standard TV channels (whatever your cable box can tune), but not HDTV. The exception to this is the EyeTV HD which can receive HD signal from a cable box or satellite receiver.

Here are some US providers of Digital Cable:

Adelphia
AT&T Broadband
Charter Communications
Comcast
Cox Communications
Time Warner

Here are some Canadian providers of Digital Cable:

Cogeco
EastLink
Rogers Cable
Shaw Cable
Vidéotron

Which EyeTV products can work with Analog Cable?

Any analog EyeTV device can directly receive analog cable. This might be from 10-80 channels, depending on your cable service. Most Basic Cable subscriptions feature analog and digital cable channels.

EyeTV 250 Plus and EyeTV Hybrid can tune analog cable. They have cable ready (analog) tuners just like a regular TV, for channels up to 125.

Products that can receive analog cable include:

EyeTV USB
EyeTV 200
EyeTV 250
EyeTV 250 Plus
EyeTV EZ
EyeTV Hybrid
EyeTV Wonder

If you have a cable box, you can use it with an EyeTV device with analog inputs. Change channels manually using the cable box remote. You will see the full range of standard TV channels (whatever your cable box can tune), but not HDTV.

3rd party vendors that licence the EyeTV software also have many analog devices that can receive analog cable. Check this list to find those other products (includes analog and digital products):

http://www.elgato.com/index.php?file=products_eyetvmain_compatible

Here are some US providers of Analog Cable:

Adelphia
AT&T Broadband
Charter Communications
Comcast
Cox Communications
Time Warner

Here are some Canadian providers of Analog Cable:

Cogeco
EastLink
Rogers Cable
Shaw Cable
Vidéotron

How do I setup Clear QAM channels with EyeTV?

Some new EyeTV tuners can be set for unencrypted digital cable (Clear QAM).

Clear QAM Channels Using EyeTV 3.3 (or later)

If you are using EyeTV 3.3 or later, then EyeTV should automatically find most of the Clear QAM channel names, during the Auto Tune process for Cable.

Those channels will automatically be assigned to use your Program Guide.

If any channels are not correctly identified, then you can use the steps listed in this article, under Manually Naming and Assigning Clear QAM Channels. That manual process may take up to a few minutes per channel.

Clear QAM Channels Using EyeTV 3.2.1 (or earlier)

If you are using EyeTV 3.2.1 or earlier then there may be many Clear QAM channels that EyeTV can’t identify.

You can use the steps listed in this article to manually name and assign those channels, under Manually Naming and Assigning Clear QAM Channels. That manual process may take up to a few minutes per channel.

Manually Naming and Assigning Clear QAM Channels

In order to see program information, you’ll need to go through those manually and match them up with their names in the TV Guide guide. It’s well worth the little effort, as you’ll end up with many more channels to watch.

After you Auto Tune, visit the Channels section of the EyeTV Programs window. You’ll see three different types of entries:

• The channels which could be identified are at the top of the listing and already have their EPG source set to TV Guide. Their check-marks will be set to ‘on’ and they will show up in the Program Guide window.
• Next you may see some channels which have names, but that could not be automatically matched to entries in TV Guide. Their check-marks will also be on, but they won’t show up in the Program Guide until you match them up.
• Finally there will be channels with no names. These will be ‘unchecked’ initially.

TV Guide Setup

When identifying channels for TV Guide, it’s helpful to log into your your favorite web based Program Guide account using a web browser. A free option is TVGuide.com. You can then look at the current schedule for your area, which makes it a lot easier to figure out what a particular program might be.

• Log in to the guide web site and add your cable provider’s Digital Cable lineup to your account, then go to the Digital Cable program listings grid.
• Go through all the un-matched channels, tuning to each one and trying to identify it. Watch this channel’s content for a while until you know which channel it actually is. Many channels show their name or logo, which really helps.
• When you’ve identified a particular channel, select it in the list and choose the TV Guide entry in the EPG column.

• The TV Guide channel list will open. You can use the search function at the top to narrow down the list if you like. Find the channel in the list and select it. Click the Assign button.

• Repeat the process for all the unknown channels.

When you’re done, you should have program information for all your channels