Thanks Jetranger.
Can you comment on whether or not the Shaw cable modem must be on the other side of a MOCA filter than the Gateway or is that something Shaw just does as good practice?

Same with the older Motorola HD box. I understand needing to put a MOCA filter so no interference leaks back into Shaw's network in the neighbourhood but the frequencies used would seem to indicate the Motorola HD box and the cable modem should all function with a MOCA network on the line. Hmmm, that's what I have right now but it's the Netgear MOCA which should be running right around the same frequencies.

If I recall correctly, by theory you could have two MOCA networks through the same coax but the MOCA parameters state they cannot be on the same band. Almost all cable (not satellite) compatible MOCA adapters run on the same band so by theory they will not coexist. However, I am sure one user did a test and they did work together but in the real world are there any further problems we will find out.

Hope the installer that shows up is willing to let me give it a try.

As previously posted, the older Motorola 'surfboard' modems don't play well with the MoCA network. It is best to keep them connected 'outside' of the network but a filter might be able to make it possible to work 'inside' the network if your wiring would require that. There is also the possibility of swapping out your modem if the one you have is adversely affected by the Gateway but the tech should be able to determine if that will be needed before they leave.

Be sure to do a speed test with the speedtest.shaw.ca site both before and after the Gateway is installed and definitely before your installer leaves. It has been a while since these things were discussed but it is all well documented in the threads here. All other Shaw STBs seem to be able to coexist with the Gateway without the need of additional filters.

Thanks that reminds me that I might upgrade to BB50 and get the modem installed on the same visit. Off topic here a bit but is Cisco clearly better than SMC and can I make the brand request?

I've been told it is but you should check the threads here (http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=196)about each one to decide for yourself. You can try requesting a particular one but you may have to wait if they don't have the one you want in stock.

I've had no problems with the SMC in bridge mode (w/ E4200 Linksys Router).

Confirmed install date for the gateway and 4 portals from Shaw's Secret Sale tomorrow.

Thanks for the all the information in this thread it's been helpful.

I still haven't decided on where to install the gateway. Does it need to be installed in a central location? I was thinking about getting it installed it next to 1 of my TVs that doesn't get a lot of use so the noise wouldn't really be that bothersome.

I haven't had any problems with the SMC in bridged mode either, and am having my Gateway installed today. It has been rock solid and fast. And it feels better made than the plasticy Cisco they gave my Mom :)

I'd recommend putting the gateway close to a wired network port so you can take advantage of DLNA when it's enabled.

Really jealous of those of you who were given the opportunity to purchase more than one additional portal, and disappointed that @ShawJohn and the regional sales manager couldn't resolve this inconsistent treatment for me prior to the install date.

Looking forward to playing with it though, and to the install; all the Shaw techs I've worked with so far have been awesome.

JasonB, It is unfortunate your extra Portal issue hasn't been resolved yet but I'd keep on them about it. It may mean an additional install appointment but you should certainly be able to get what others were readily given at the same sale.

Abdawg, As JasonB suggested, I'd put your Gateway where it will be easiest to connect to your internet network as the DLNA feature is not all that far away now.

Thanks Jetranger and JasonB for the tip. Now excuse my ignorance I still don't have a grasp on how these things are installed. The room with my SMC modem has one Coax outlet, if I have the gateway installed in the same room (to take advantage of the DLNA when available), will another separate coax line have to be installed in the room or will the current coax line just have to be split?

The Gateway will make my non-DLNA TVs as DLNA compatible TVs when the DLNA is enable. Am I correct?

My expectation is that when you select the Menu you will see a menu item that will reflect mapped DLNA objects. Any TV with a Portal attached will display the DLNA objects.

@Abdawg they just split the existing coax for me. In some cases, a MoCA filter may be necessary, but it's unlikely that they would need to have a new line run.

@Jetranger I appreciate ask your help on this, but I had them take one of my PVRs in trade during the install. Can't really afford another install date (unless it's on the weekend). I will think twice before recommending Shaw to friends and family in the future because I can't count on them to honour what they say online or treat their customers equitably.

TechGuy8, from what I understand that is correct. The Gateway will act as the media server, I believe.

Abdawg, I believe that modem is not adversely affected but would probably still need a MoCA filter.

JasonB, Did they use a MoCA filter after that splitter or no? I'm more curious than anything as I have a different setup so it's just not the same. Also, did you check your internet speeds before and after?

I did more reading on DLNA and find out that my Samsung smartphone support DLNA.

I am making a guess that as soon as the DLNA is enabled on the Gateway and Portal, using a smartphone to change recording is not far away.

That's a really good guess. I'd say you are hitting the nail on the head.

Thanks for the info JasonB and Jetranger, you guys rock! I really appreciate it. I'll make sure to test internet speeds before the installer leaves.

Now its waiting for the installer; install is in the afternoon (12-4) tomorrow. I think what scares me is when hearing about rewiring people have had done. When I hear the word "rewiring" no matter how minor and/or major I can't help but automatically think of ugly spaghetti cabling running all through my house....like back in the day without wireless I had ethernet cables running from bedrooms down to the router in the basement.....man that was ugly!

Jetranger the only filter used was the one that isolates my cable & internet runs from the world. Internet seems to be working fine with the SMC modem unfiltered.

Speeds before (at 9:30am):

speedtest.net: 48.9 / 2.8
speedtest.shaw.ca: 44.2 / 2.6
TeraGo (www.terago.ca/speed-test/Default.aspx) 43.6 / 2.8

After (at 1:30pm):

speedtest.net: 46.5 / 2.8
speedtest.shaw.ca: 44.6 / 2.3
TeraGo (www.terago.ca/speed-test/Default.aspx) 40 / 2.5

Well within tolerances for time-of-day variability.

I hate posting these; don't want to jinx my good luck with connection speed so far :) I'm on BB50.

The only real issue with the install was that my DCXen got knocked off my account during provisioning. All I had to do was call my installer to get that fixed up once I noticed. Stupid of me not to have checked those boxes before he left (I did check the internet) and really glad that he left his number in case I ran into any problems with the initial setup; GREAT on-site customer service.

..

The only real issue with the install was that my DCXen got knocked off my account during provisioning. All I had to do was call my installer to get that fixed up once I noticed. Stupid of me not to have checked those boxes before he left (I did check the internet) and really glad that he left his number in case I ran into any problems with the initial setup; GREAT on-site customer service.

I have 2 DCXs and 1 DCT, but they will all be replaced by portals. I'm giving the DCT to a friend and haven't given much thought on what to do with the DCXs. What would be the rationale to keep the DCXs on the account?

If you have a picture-in-picture TV, you connect the DCX to one input and a portal to another input. In the past, you cannot have 2 PVRs in the same room because the remote will change channel on both PVRs.

Hi Guy's, just a quick question for all the experts here ;). I had a quick browse through the main Gateway thread, but wouldn't find the answer in the hour I had to look. I just had my Gateway and 2 portals installed, and I'm just learning how to use all the new features and re-entering all my series recordings, but once an hour or so, the portal spontaneously restarts. Is this "normal" behavior for the portals in the first day or so?

They can do that but if it doesn't settle down after a day or so, you may have a bad Portal. You could try a power cycle if it persists.