Shaw Gateway: Installation and setup discussion - Page 23 - Canadian TV, Computing and Home Theatre Forums

probc · 2012-01-24, 04:51 PM

Speaking of parental controls. I have two young kids (10 & 13) and will be soon be going through my gateway system to deal with this issue as well. Just havent got to it yet.

For the Shaw/Arris people that might be reading this, what I would like to see is a web-based administration system to handle controls like this as well as other operations. Once the DLNA and connectivity to the internet is properly enabled, this should be part of a web-based PVR administration system (and eventually mobile apps). Ideally it would be great to see developer API's created to allow third parties to help build these types of tools - but that's just a dream!

Anyways, in a web-based control system it would be great to have control down to the level of each portal where by I would be able to bring up portal #1 (my 10 year olds tv) and adjust his channel lineup, password protect certain channels, control his scheduled recordings and get a report of usage. Then I could bring up portal #2 (my 13 year old) and adjust his channel lineup accordingly, and so on.

In our house here we have 6 portals running, and it's a PITA to go around to each one and deal with all of this. Being that I am fluent in computers and use them all day long this would make my life so much easier. My previous Telus Optik had a web & mobile app only for recordings management, but it was great to have available.

Although the concept is to use the hand-held remote on the tv itself, web-based admin systems like this would launch the Gateway well beyond anything I've seen for controlling the platform. The more we can do via the web and/or mobile the better in my opinion. And Shaw/Arris, please run these types of apps off the Gateway via a built-in server that we browse direct to via a mapped port in our routers, and not a proprietary central server that would just be laggy and slow. Make use of our Broadband connections!

Just my 2cents again.

Bluemp5 · 2012-01-24, 08:46 PM

Is there a way to turn off the screensaver/sleep ? function. We have always used our TV as our alarm clock, but as we found out this morning when the TV turned on there was no TV signal. And of course no sound, so my wife slept late.
Please advise.

Jetranger · 2012-01-24, 10:15 PM

Currently, there is no way to turn off the 'screen saver'. I often find an inconsistency with how this works. Sometimes I get a regular picture when I turn on the TV first thing in the morning, other times I get the 'blank screen' with just the Shaw logo floating around. I can't say why this might be as I haven't been able to make it do one or the other in a regular manner.

cdncableguy · 2012-01-25, 07:39 PM

JasonB - Last I was told was that any device on the mocha network excluding the portals, needs a mocha filter. That is how I do my installs. I have had no problems with STBs in the mocha network with the filters attached. I tend to follow best practices and haven't tried it without. I guess I could try at home, but tend to not want to "work" once I get home.

Jetranger · 2012-01-26, 01:50 AM

When the tech came to install my last two Portals and a 3400, a couple of weeks ago now, he temporarily installed a filter on the 3400 while it was being activated. Once it was up and running, he removed the filter and was about to leave with it but I asked if I could have it. He said 'Sure' so I now have a 'spare' MoCA filter to use for any future troubleshooting purposes.

I asked him why he only used it during the activation process and he said it really didn't make a difference but he just prefers to be 'safe than sorry'. That really makes no sense but if it makes him feel better then why should I care. I'm just happy to have the spare filter now.

It's good to hear at least one Shaw tech is following 'best practices'. Way to go, cdncableguy! I had heard you were a 'good guy'.

JasonB · 2012-01-26, 01:32 PM

cdncableguy - thanks for the clarification. I have three Dcx3400s and an SMC DOCSIS3 wifi modem running inside my MoCA network without filters. Seems to be working so far, but I guess I'll have something to try when it stops working

I'd imagine that if Shaw ever turns on MoCA for the Motorola gear that there would at least be potential for problems as I'm guessing that they would all be looking for their own channels...

fruinjuice · 2012-02-04, 03:43 PM

I recently had the Shaw Gateway installed and have been trying to get the proper aspect (4:3) for the SD channels. I have the Aspect ratio set at 16:9 and then the 'Stretch / Maintain' set to 'Maintain'

Yet the SD channels are all still stretching to 16:9 - thoughts?

Thanks.

Reboot · 2012-02-04, 03:52 PM

Do you have 480i (non-HDTV} selected in TV Setup?

fruinjuice · 2012-02-04, 04:06 PM

I did....now I don't and it's fixed. Thanks!

GWNorth · 2012-02-17, 02:16 PM

When I purchased my Gateway system, I was told that the Gateway counts as an outlet and the portals do not count so my planned setup of Gateway with 4 portals, DCX3400 (backup), and DCT700 (seldom used TV) would be within the 4 active outlet limit (5 or more requires a monthly charge). At installation, the installer said the portals count towards the limit so I would have to pay the extra monthly fee if he activated an outlet for the DCT700 so I did not have him do that at the time. I have seen a couple of posts on these forums that agree that the portals are not supposed to count against the 4 outlet limit (Here is JetRanger's post: http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/show...&postcount=262). I've done the online chat to try to get clarification directly fromt Shaw and, very quickly, I discovered that the number of TVs is still the reference used by many Shaw reps.

Quote:

*Shaw Rep* (10:14:10):
It is correct that you can have 4 TV'
*Shaw Rep* (10:14:10):
4TV's, 4 cable outlets active on an account with no extra monthly charge. After the 4 outlets, It's $5.99 per month for 1-3 more

*Me* (10:15:34):
So if someone had Gateway with 6 portals they would have to pay extra for the 5th and 6th portals? That is different information than I heard when purchasing the Gateway system.

*Shaw Rep* (10:18:19):
That is correct, as that would be 6 TV's. 4 outlets are included in the base price, anything additional would be extra per month as it's using our service for each portal. We apologize if you were miss informed on that information. We can look at addressing that employee, it is well known about the number of outlets being included, but they must not have understood how the Gateway works.

I'm planning to ask Shaw to come test my Gateway setup for issues I'm having and, while they are here, get that DCT700 activated so I'm trying to find an official Shaw source about outlet limits with portals. I have tried various searches in this forum and Shaw website and can not find this. Anyone have a link, source, or suggested search keywords to help me get this confirmation? Thanks.

TechGuy8 · 2012-02-17, 05:58 PM

JetRanger has 6 portals and he is not paying 2 extra outlets charge.

I have 2 portals and 2 PVRs connected in parallel for 2 TVs that I have. Using TV counts, I only have two outlets. According to 1 outlet per Gateway system, I have 3 outlets (1 gateway + 2 PVRs). I am still under 4 outlets. But it is confusing depending who you are talking to.

Jetranger · 2012-02-17, 08:31 PM

I think you have quoted the wrong post of mine, GWNorth. In any case, Shaw has previously said Portals don't count like the rest of the boxes do. I had 6 Portals and 3 PVRs connected all at the same time, mostly with splitters but they were all running and Shaw knew all about it. I have never been told I have to pay for extra outlets and I still have over a dozen boxes listed on my home account.

There is definitely confusion over this issue. We need to get some definite clarification from an official Shaw rep. Can shawsean, Shaw_Champ or shawjohn provide us a definitive answer?

GWNorth · 2012-02-17, 11:19 PM

Weird, don't know how I managed that but I did have the incorrect post linked. I went back and edited the post. Sorry for the confusion.

I agree it would be great for all involved if there was a clear consistent message for all about the outlets. I have heard two conflicting messages from Shaw employees.

Jetranger · 2012-02-17, 11:36 PM

I've done the same thing before. I'm just glad it was caught while you could still correct it. I figured it was just a few posts away. I'll see if I can 'nudge' someone to getting us the correct answer.

shawguy · 2012-02-18, 12:18 AM

I think all the portals only count as one...otherwise I am over (and no additional fees)

2012-01-24, 08:46 PM	#332
Bluemp5 Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 32	ScreenSaver Is there a way to turn off the screensaver/sleep ? function. We have always used our TV as our alarm clock, but as we found out this morning when the TV turned on there was no TV signal. And of course no sound, so my wife slept late. Please advise.

2012-01-24, 10:15 PM	#333
Jetranger Premium Supporter Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Calgary SonyTVs,ShawGateway&6Portals DCX3400, Pace 770D, 5ShawExpanders:3WD,1Sgt,1iOmga Harmony One Posts: 3,343	Currently, there is no way to turn off the 'screen saver'. I often find an inconsistency with how this works. Sometimes I get a regular picture when I turn on the TV first thing in the morning, other times I get the 'blank screen' with just the Shaw logo floating around. I can't say why this might be as I haven't been able to make it do one or the other in a regular manner. __________________ If you want more then ask for it rather than going hungry. If you want more than I have then you should ask. They're going to park their car over there.

2012-01-25, 07:39 PM	#334
cdncableguy Join Date: May 2011 Location: Fernie, BC Posts: 73	JasonB - Last I was told was that any device on the mocha network excluding the portals, needs a mocha filter. That is how I do my installs. I have had no problems with STBs in the mocha network with the filters attached. I tend to follow best practices and haven't tried it without. I guess I could try at home, but tend to not want to "work" once I get home. __________________ I am a Shaw Employee. However, I am not posting on behalf of Shaw, and my posts are not official statements.

2012-01-26, 01:50 AM	#335
Jetranger Premium Supporter Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Calgary SonyTVs,ShawGateway&6Portals DCX3400, Pace 770D, 5ShawExpanders:3WD,1Sgt,1iOmga Harmony One Posts: 3,343	When the tech came to install my last two Portals and a 3400, a couple of weeks ago now, he temporarily installed a filter on the 3400 while it was being activated. Once it was up and running, he removed the filter and was about to leave with it but I asked if I could have it. He said 'Sure' so I now have a 'spare' MoCA filter to use for any future troubleshooting purposes. I asked him why he only used it during the activation process and he said it really didn't make a difference but he just prefers to be 'safe than sorry'. That really makes no sense but if it makes him feel better then why should I care. I'm just happy to have the spare filter now. It's good to hear at least one Shaw tech is following 'best practices'. Way to go, cdncableguy! I had heard you were a 'good guy'. __________________ If you want more then ask for it rather than going hungry. If you want more than I have then you should ask. They're going to park their car over there.

2012-02-04, 03:43 PM	#337
fruinjuice Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Calgary,AB Posts: 42	Aspect Ratio 'Stretch vs Maintain' Does Not Work I recently had the Shaw Gateway installed and have been trying to get the proper aspect (4:3) for the SD channels. I have the Aspect ratio set at 16:9 and then the 'Stretch / Maintain' set to 'Maintain' Yet the SD channels are all still stretching to 16:9 - thoughts? Thanks.

2012-01-24, 04:51 PM	#331
probc Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 39	Speaking of parental controls. I have two young kids (10 & 13) and will be soon be going through my gateway system to deal with this issue as well. Just havent got to it yet. For the Shaw/Arris people that might be reading this, what I would like to see is a web-based administration system to handle controls like this as well as other operations. Once the DLNA and connectivity to the internet is properly enabled, this should be part of a web-based PVR administration system (and eventually mobile apps). Ideally it would be great to see developer API's created to allow third parties to help build these types of tools - but that's just a dream! Anyways, in a web-based control system it would be great to have control down to the level of each portal where by I would be able to bring up portal #1 (my 10 year olds tv) and adjust his channel lineup, password protect certain channels, control his scheduled recordings and get a report of usage. Then I could bring up portal #2 (my 13 year old) and adjust his channel lineup accordingly, and so on. In our house here we have 6 portals running, and it's a PITA to go around to each one and deal with all of this. Being that I am fluent in computers and use them all day long this would make my life so much easier. My previous Telus Optik had a web & mobile app only for recordings management, but it was great to have available. Although the concept is to use the hand-held remote on the tv itself, web-based admin systems like this would launch the Gateway well beyond anything I've seen for controlling the platform. The more we can do via the web and/or mobile the better in my opinion. And Shaw/Arris, please run these types of apps off the Gateway via a built-in server that we browse direct to via a mapped port in our routers, and not a proprietary central server that would just be laggy and slow. Make use of our Broadband connections! Just my 2cents again.

2012-01-26, 01:32 PM	#336
JasonB Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Vancouver Island Posts: 174	cdncableguy - thanks for the clarification. I have three Dcx3400s and an SMC DOCSIS3 wifi modem running inside my MoCA network without filters. Seems to be working so far, but I guess I'll have something to try when it stops working I'd imagine that if Shaw ever turns on MoCA for the Motorola gear that there would at least be potential for problems as I'm guessing that they would all be looking for their own channels...

2012-02-04, 03:52 PM	#338
Reboot Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Chilliwack Mountain, Shaw Gateway & 3 Portals, Samsung UN60D8000, BenQ HDDLP, Denon AVR-1712 Posts: 326	Do you have 480i (non-HDTV} selected in TV Setup? __________________ Retired, Gateway fan, motorcycle is insured, time to get away from the TV!

2012-02-04, 04:06 PM	#339
fruinjuice Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Calgary,AB Posts: 42	I did....now I don't and it's fixed. Thanks!

2012-02-17, 05:58 PM	#341
TechGuy8 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Cal Gary Posts: 295	JetRanger has 6 portals and he is not paying 2 extra outlets charge. I have 2 portals and 2 PVRs connected in parallel for 2 TVs that I have. Using TV counts, I only have two outlets. According to 1 outlet per Gateway system, I have 3 outlets (1 gateway + 2 PVRs). I am still under 4 outlets. But it is confusing depending who you are talking to.

2012-02-17, 08:31 PM	#342
Jetranger Premium Supporter Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Calgary SonyTVs,ShawGateway&6Portals DCX3400, Pace 770D, 5ShawExpanders:3WD,1Sgt,1iOmga Harmony One Posts: 3,343	I think you have quoted the wrong post of mine, GWNorth. In any case, Shaw has previously said Portals don't count like the rest of the boxes do. I had 6 Portals and 3 PVRs connected all at the same time, mostly with splitters but they were all running and Shaw knew all about it. I have never been told I have to pay for extra outlets and I still have over a dozen boxes listed on my home account. There is definitely confusion over this issue. We need to get some definite clarification from an official Shaw rep. Can shawsean, Shaw_Champ or shawjohn provide us a definitive answer? __________________ If you want more then ask for it rather than going hungry. If you want more than I have then you should ask. They're going to park their car over there.

2012-02-17, 11:19 PM	#343
GWNorth Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: GVR Posts: 225	Weird, don't know how I managed that but I did have the incorrect post linked. I went back and edited the post. Sorry for the confusion. I agree it would be great for all involved if there was a clear consistent message for all about the outlets. I have heard two conflicting messages from Shaw employees.

2012-02-17, 11:36 PM	#344
Jetranger Premium Supporter Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Calgary SonyTVs,ShawGateway&6Portals DCX3400, Pace 770D, 5ShawExpanders:3WD,1Sgt,1iOmga Harmony One Posts: 3,343	I've done the same thing before. I'm just glad it was caught while you could still correct it. I figured it was just a few posts away. I'll see if I can 'nudge' someone to getting us the correct answer. __________________ If you want more then ask for it rather than going hungry. If you want more than I have then you should ask. They're going to park their car over there.

2012-02-18, 12:18 AM	#345
shawguy Premium Supporter Join Date: May 2003 Location: Winnipeg with Shaw HD, BB20, and Phone. Posts: 3,227	I think all the portals only count as one...otherwise I am over (and no additional fees) __________________ - My Shaw Phone Review UPDATED - Shaw Gateway, DCT2000HT, DCT2500, DCT700, DCT6200, DCT3416, DCX3200, and DCX3400

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