Incoming New DVR User

Channels DVR Server
#1

Hello all,
I am an incoming new user and could use some helpif possible. I am blind so preparation is extremely helpful.

I am using a HDHomerun Prime with a cablecard that will be removed in the next day or two from a TiVo Roamio Pro.
Once the prime is connected via ethernet & coax, and cablecard is inserted...how can I access the information needed to pair the CC with Xfinity? I believe I have the correct Xfinity CC phone number.

Once pairing is done:
I'm still not 100% certain which programe I need to install on the PC that will run the DVR software. Possible to link me? And is it pretty straight-forward to subscribe to the DVR service?

I believe I have the correct iOS app... Channels Whole Home DVR.
Not 100% certain which Apple TV app to download and install, but I also haven't searched in the app store on the Apple TV's.

Currently, I cannot think of any other questions. Any/all assistance is sincerely apprreciated.
Thank you,
Jeff

#2
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#3

@doublejskid Follow the link provided, which will answer all of the basic questions. As far as cable card authentication, this is handled between Xfinity and HDHR Prime (Channels has nothing to do with this step). Xfinity has several FAQ pages on Cable Cards. This one specifically mentions HDHR Prime How To Get a CableCARD - Xfinity Support and this one has step-by-step instructions Pair or Activate Your CableCARD — Self-Installation Setup - Xfinity Support . Once the authentication is complete your Xfinity channels (according to Xfinity it may not be all of the channels you subscribe to) will be present in HDHR. Then once you have Channels up and running the HDHR will be visible to it as a source.Channels Support - What is an HDHomeRun? Since you have Xfinity you can also set up TVE as a backup source in the event all of your Prime's tuners are in use. those instructions can be found here. Channels Support - TV Everywhere

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#4

Thank you very much for your reply.
I'll start with the basics, and thank you for the links! I am having issues getting to the HDHomerun Prime diag screen.
I have the coax ethernet cable, power, etc., all connected.
The cable card is inserted with the Motorola icon & M-Card facing up, the SN & Unit address stickers facing down (toward the floor)
It only seems to go in one way. Is this orientation correct?

Once I get the card inserted properly, is there maybe an ip # that would show me the Device Host ID & Device Data ID?

Really sorry for the super basic questions, but I feared this part the most with my lack of vision.
Thanks,
Jeff

#5

Have you spun up the Channels DVR Server? if so you should see the IP of the HDHR under sources. Also if you have a way to see devices on your local network through your router you may be able to determine the HDHR IP address. from there you just type the IP in any browser's address bar and you can access the HDHR web user interface.

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#6

try http://hdhomerun.local

otherwise you would need to login to your home router's interface and try to find the IP assigned to your Hdhomerun there

or install channels and see what it discovers as @kthomas1059 suggested

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#7

Baby steps
I'm pretty sure the card is inserted correctly.
No, I haven't installed Channels server, just downloaded..install is right after this post. ~i just thought I had to pair the CC before~

The hdhomerun/local link worked, but there was no CC info under the cablecard tab, and I need to get the device host id & device data id.
Closer
Sincere thanks for your patience, time, and help!

#8

Instalation of Channels DVR Server seems to have gone well. However, when selecting "Open DVR Settings", I get a message "Found third party firewall software: McAfee Firewall".
When looking in the security section of Windows, and searching for McAfee in add/remove programs, it appears that only Windows Defender is running, with just Windows firewall

I am uncertain on how to proceed at this point and I'm still needing to get the device host ID & the device data ID so I can pair the cablecard.
Really appreciate any info.

#9

You can ignore the firewall message for now.

You need to find the IP of your hdhomerun which is shown in the Sources area of the dvr settings.

Or you can look on your routers client list page.

#10

Browser tab > Channels DVR Server
I see 3 boxes; Version (with other info), OS, & Activity (idle)
Scrolling down, the next thing I see is:
#1 Subscribe / #2 Setup Storage / #3 Setup Guide Data
I don't see "Sources" anywhere on this page.
My apologies, I am feeling superbly stupid right now.

#11

Sorry, It appears on #3 Setup Guide

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#12

Found the IP address via router app.
When selecting "CableCARD Menu":
It displays No CableCARD installed

This card came from a working TiVo; so my assumption is the card works. I believe the card will go into the Prime one other way, I'm a bit reluctant to push too hard on the card, not wanting to break the Prime.

Thoughts or suggestions?

And after subscribing to Channels, and setting up storage; Channels "sees" the Prime, but when selecting the "Pick Guide Provider", it suggests over the air.
So at this point, I'm guessing the card still isn't being seen.

#13

Did you call XFINITY or who ever is your provider to pair the Card with your Prime unit ?

CableCARD Activation Hotlines/Websites - Silicondust

To get host id etc ... you need to go to ... get Your Prime IP replace it in the below.

http://YourPrimeIP/cc.html

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#14

The Prime Quick Start Guide shows the orientation of the cable card

You can check the LEDs on the front for status
https://info.hdhomerun.com/info/prime#led_status

And from the Prime FAQ's

CableCARD information is missing

Go to the web page for your HDHomeRun device (click on one of the tuner numbers on the Tuners tab in HDHomeRun Setup), then click on CableCARD Menu. If the Card Manufacturer, Card Authentication, and Card Validation lines all show as none, this indicates that the CableCARD is not in a usable state. The most common cause of this would be if the card is not inserted correctly. The card should be inserted with the colored label facing up, and the 68 pin connector going in to the HDHomeRun. It will require a slight amount of force to seat the card in the socket. Approximately half an inch of the CableCARD will remain outside of the HDHomeRun when fully inserted.

If the card information is still missing and you have verified that the card is inserted correctly, try another CableCARD.

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#15

I would think if the cable card was working in your TiVo and you didn't zap it with static electricity and inserted it correctly in the Prime and it doesn't work, it's probably the HDHoneRun Prime and that you should contact Silicon Dust support.

#16

Sincere thanks for everyone's assistance and patience; x100
Card installed & paired
Scanned channels, and refreshed Channels DVR server.

Now on to installing the app on the ATV's.
Again, thank you all so much. Stuff like this is quite a bit more challenging without vision and you all helped tremendously.

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#17

I cannot imagine doing this with my eyes closed.
You either have a great sighted helper or super powers!

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#18

So kind of you to say. My super sighted helper is my wife (I married way up) but she didn't help me on this project.
Truthfully, it was my desire to move on from TiVo.

I'm so excited about doing the fun stuff now.

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#19

Pretty good success...
Can someone describe the "Guide" area in the ATV app?
I am expecting some type of grid, but after selecting Favorites (I did this in Settings) I am not "seeing" an type of grid, or future program information....I'm going this route to set up recordings.

I am only relying upon VoiceOver to lead me through the app.

#20

If you like you can set up the Apple TV to default to grid guide on app start and resume. Go to settings, general, start up, startup section, choose guide, then set section on to app launch and resume. Close the app and restart and you should experience the guide with grid.

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