This is only the tip of the iceberg, from what I understand. This new hardware configuration is lining up nicely with the Comcast system. Only question is how long before it's offered and how much will be activated up here. Technically that should be another topic but my comment is really about this new Gateway hardware.
PS: My 'not backward compatible' comment was tongue in cheek regarding the way the firmware doesn't seem to play well with our current equipment. The Portals are at least usable with this new box, as stated by Shaw.
We all know what happened with all the features the original Gateway was supposed to have, so I wouldn't hold my breath for Shaw for implement anything this box is capable of.
Not sure if Shaw will be offering it but there is new Portals coming out that are going to be wireless. No need to have a cable running to other rooms.
Yes, this unit is the Arris XG1v3 (thanks JR) which is also used in the comcast Xfinity x1 system which Shaw is trialing .
I also asked and was told that it supports up to a 6 GB external hard drive (with no shaw support of course unless it is a shaw branded one which i believe is discontinued)
Good to know! I just picked it up and will be setting it up when I get home.
Update:
Got things set up. For those just getting the HDPVR (no portals) a self-install can be done....well, ideally. I called into Shaw to activate it, and it was actually a good thing, since it decided to give us a tough time. Took about 20-30 minutes with a Gateway tech to get things up and running, but eventually we got it (admittedly it was the tech's first activation on this new PVR).
It's going to take a bit to get used to. For those with the old Gateway setup it's probably the same (with the carousel menu). I mostly use the standard guide and I did switch to ascending channel order.
Picture quality actually seems better (sharper) than the DCX-3510-M I came from, but that could be placebo. I noticed video options include 1080p30 & 1080p24, but those may only apply to VOD.
I also have a Harmony remote, and programmed "Shaw Cable Gateway" as "Arris XG1" or "Arris XG1-A" (which is what the PVR says on the bottom) wouldn't control the PVR. The box for the PVR says XG1v3, but that's not listed in the Harmony codes. When doing this though, the Exit button isn't mapped, or even listed (for exiting the guide). I may create a custom entry so that other Harmony users can use this.
Can't wait to try dnla of one of these(I'm not with shaw). We use the arris streamer too but I see that could be a problem with no extra ethernet ports on the back.
This unit does have an Ethernet port, along with HDMI input as well (yes, input).
Also, one other thing I noticed: The display is bright! Even on Low setting, the white LED display is the brightest light in my entertainment cabinet. The Power LED is darker (blue when on, red when off).
Just been informed by Matt on the shaw forums that the unit does have a fan although supposedly very quiet .He had previously told me there was no fan .Perhaps BGY11 could comment on the fan .
Yes it does have a fan, though I've only really heard it when booting up (at which point it was fairly loud for a few seconds, but then died right down. Think of it like a self test (it's entirely possible it shouldn't ever get as loud as it does during initial startup from plugging it in)
What are the circumstances older units would get loud? I'll do what I can to reproduce them to see if the fan runs a lot during regular use
In that case, it's definitely fairly quiet. Even recording a show, I had to sit right in front of the PVR to hear it. It definitely was a fan, but it was barely audible over the hard drive
Will we be able to trade in our old Gateway boxes to get the new one from Shaw? Or has this service gone the way of the Dodo bird? I haven't had to upgrade any of my Shaw equipment for some time now so don't know their policies.
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