Shaw HDPVR usage without subscription? - Canadian TV, Computing and Home Theatre Forums

Skasm1133 · 2007-03-10, 09:35 PM

Does anyone with a PVR box know if you can access the hard drive and watch recorded shows without a cable subscription? For example, if you sign up, record a bunch of shows and later cancel your cable - can you still access those shows?

I do not want cable throughout the summer and if I can watch my recorded material to get me through till September, I will sign up for the HDPVR package.

PS - are there any known "issues" with Shaw cable HDPVR that aren't advertised through their website? Ex - known box glitches or channel restrictions/quality problems etc? I've searched a bit and seem to only come across isolated problems.

Any info appreciated!

57 · 2007-03-11, 12:34 AM

I believe that the DVR (like all Cable DVRs) needs to be connected to the ("live" cable to function). For example, it will not boot properly without being connected. The HD DVR will only record about 20 hours of HD programming, so that won't get you far anyway.

See the following for tips and issues.

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=21274

For when you have time:

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=57741

Skasm1133 · 2007-03-11, 05:27 AM

This is different from someone else's experience. I was told by someone that once a program is on our hard-drive, it is there for viewing whether you are connected to a 'live' cable or not. Also, Id record the digital channels for summer viewing (along with whatever I can get OTA).

Id like to get some other input from ppl with PVR's to know if they can watch their recorded material if they unplug the cable. Or is there some sort of activation that makes the box inoperable?

hedge · 2007-03-11, 11:32 AM

The recordings may be on the HD but you can't get to them without the firmware. As far as I remember you lose that as well as the listings when you unplug it (the power). As I remember it, you don't even have PVR on the menu after it's been unplugged for a while.

I think it would be ok if you just disconnected the cable though.

Easy enough to test though, let us know if you do.

Nanuuk · 2007-03-11, 12:41 PM

You'd probably be better off buying a DVD recorder. No HD, but you could record to your heart's content.

sugartune · 2007-03-11, 01:08 PM

It will definately not work. I tried this previously when I moved and was waiting for my cable to be hooked up at the new place. The dvr does nothing without the software it gets when being connected.

spitoon · 2007-03-11, 01:21 PM

I'm guessing that may be true only if the power was disconnected? Then it couldn't re-download the software/firmware...just speculating.

If he was able to disconect the cable, but keep it plugged in, it might still work. Now, if he had a power outage, that might cause problems...plus the fact that the box seemingly needs to be re-booted every once in a while to maintain functionality.

loracweb · 2007-03-12, 02:02 PM

The box has to be connected to a live cable feed in order to work properly. It will NOT allow you access to any menus. Also, once you disconnect your cable service your cable provider will send a signal to deactivate the box.

Really, you're better off just downloading whatever shows you want from USENET or via torrents. The quality is just as good and no commercials.

Skasm1133 · 2007-03-12, 02:34 PM

thanks for the responses. I plan to cycle thru the 6 month promos (and just add 9$ HDPLUS) each year and go without cable for the summer to be eligable for the promo again. I was hoping to use the recorded shows for the off months to get me through, but no big deal. There's always movies, tv/dvd, and OTA.

For the price, it's much more bang for your buck this way vs satellite or cable full year around.

Shaftmekanik · 2007-03-17, 05:23 AM

Just watching a recorded program plugged into cable. Full HD subscription on shaw and all...and I unplugged the cable. no problem. Switched shows(on PVR, recorded) Turned to a channel. (Please wait for signal thing)

Turned power off, although still plugged into power. Turned on again, watched recorded programming.

Didn't see a problem in the dct 6412
Saweet free cable every month if I ever watch less that 20 hours

2007-03-10, 09:35 PM	#1
Skasm1133 Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 18	Shaw HDPVR usage without subscription? Does anyone with a PVR box know if you can access the hard drive and watch recorded shows without a cable subscription? For example, if you sign up, record a bunch of shows and later cancel your cable - can you still access those shows? I do not want cable throughout the summer and if I can watch my recorded material to get me through till September, I will sign up for the HDPVR package. PS - are there any known "issues" with Shaw cable HDPVR that aren't advertised through their website? Ex - known box glitches or channel restrictions/quality problems etc? I've searched a bit and seem to only come across isolated problems. Any info appreciated!

2007-03-11, 12:34 AM	#2
57 Moderator Join Date: May 2002 Location: Toronto, Rogers, 8300HD, eHDD, Panasonic TCP65S1, Denon AVR4310Ci; 8300HD, eHDD & Sony KDL40W3000 Posts: 50,293	I believe that the DVR (like all Cable DVRs) needs to be connected to the ("live" cable to function). For example, it will not boot properly without being connected. The HD DVR will only record about 20 hours of HD programming, so that won't get you far anyway. See the following for tips and issues. http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=21274 For when you have time: http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=57741 __________________ 57's Home Theatre (Latest equipment & photos) 57's Optimization Services (Home Theatre Optimization)

2007-03-17, 05:23 AM	#10
Shaftmekanik Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 7	I just tested it. Just watching a recorded program plugged into cable. Full HD subscription on shaw and all...and I unplugged the cable. no problem. Switched shows(on PVR, recorded) Turned to a channel. (Please wait for signal thing) Turned power off, although still plugged into power. Turned on again, watched recorded programming. Didn't see a problem in the dct 6412 Saweet free cable every month if I ever watch less that 20 hours

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2007-03-11, 05:27 AM	#3
Skasm1133 Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 18	This is different from someone else's experience. I was told by someone that once a program is on our hard-drive, it is there for viewing whether you are connected to a 'live' cable or not. Also, Id record the digital channels for summer viewing (along with whatever I can get OTA). Id like to get some other input from ppl with PVR's to know if they can watch their recorded material if they unplug the cable. Or is there some sort of activation that makes the box inoperable?

2007-03-11, 11:32 AM	#4
hedge Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Airdrie Posts: 370	The recordings may be on the HD but you can't get to them without the firmware. As far as I remember you lose that as well as the listings when you unplug it (the power). As I remember it, you don't even have PVR on the menu after it's been unplugged for a while. I think it would be ok if you just disconnected the cable though. Easy enough to test though, let us know if you do.

2007-03-11, 12:41 PM	#5
Nanuuk Veteran Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Calgary, AB Shaw Exo Posts: 4,811	You'd probably be better off buying a DVD recorder. No HD, but you could record to your heart's content.

2007-03-11, 01:08 PM	#6
sugartune Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Winnipeg Posts: 104	It will definately not work. I tried this previously when I moved and was waiting for my cable to be hooked up at the new place. The dvr does nothing without the software it gets when being connected.

2007-03-11, 01:21 PM	#7
spitoon Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Airdrie, AB Posts: 906	I'm guessing that may be true only if the power was disconnected? Then it couldn't re-download the software/firmware...just speculating. If he was able to disconect the cable, but keep it plugged in, it might still work. Now, if he had a power outage, that might cause problems...plus the fact that the box seemingly needs to be re-booted every once in a while to maintain functionality.

2007-03-12, 02:02 PM	#8
loracweb Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 851	The box has to be connected to a live cable feed in order to work properly. It will NOT allow you access to any menus. Also, once you disconnect your cable service your cable provider will send a signal to deactivate the box. Really, you're better off just downloading whatever shows you want from USENET or via torrents. The quality is just as good and no commercials.

2007-03-12, 02:34 PM	#9
Skasm1133 Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 18	thanks for the responses. I plan to cycle thru the 6 month promos (and just add 9$ HDPLUS) each year and go without cable for the summer to be eligable for the promo again. I was hoping to use the recorded shows for the off months to get me through, but no big deal. There's always movies, tv/dvd, and OTA. For the price, it's much more bang for your buck this way vs satellite or cable full year around.