[ABL]

Hello,

I am thinking of subscribing to Cogeco digital cable but would rather buy my own box. Do they have a problem or allow this, and does anyone know what models Cogeco supports. I notice you can get some good deals on eBay. Are there any problems with buying a used box from the US?

Any help would be appreciated!!

Thanks in advance

 

[GreenWeenie]

I'm not an expert having just started down the digital cable road. From my research i've found that Cogeco is quite flexable with allowing compatable but non-cogeco purchased equipment. I've just connected an older 1700 box that I purchased used and have had no problems with it.

As for compatability, I only know of the standard def'n boxes like DCT700, DCT1700, DCT1800, DCT2000 and DCT2500. Others should be able to add to the list, and perhaps give key differences.

 

[myhd]

I just connected a DCT6412 model on Saturday. I bought if off of ebay. It was originally a Comcast box in the U.S.

I called a CSR and they asked for the GI numbers and the UA numbers. They said they didn't have it in their system. They then asked where it was from. I told them from the U.S.. They said OK. I hooked it up, did a reset, downloaded Cogeco's info and it works great.

Got to love that High Definition.

Also, saved a lot of money.

 

[Ready123]

I am thinking of subscribing to Cogeco digital cable but would rather buy my own box.

I am renting and am now on my second HDTV box (6412) since December.
I am not buying till they become more developed... and maybe not even then.
Look at the rental cost vs purchase (warranty?) to decide what is best for you.
Break even is about 37 months, not counting the negative effect of putting all those $$ out up front. 3 yrs is pretty much time to change electronics anyway.

If you are only looking at regular digital then a used one should be pretty cheap.
What you might consider is renting the 6412 box with PVR even if you are not going HDTV yet. The PVR really changes how you watch TV.

 

[kpayne]

digital Boxes

Cogeco must be more progressive than Rogers. A couple of years ago I thought I would save myself some money i.e. the monthly rental charge, and buy an explorer by scientific atlanta model off Ebay. The box was the identical model that Rogers used and came from Cox Cable in the U.S. When I phoned to activate they asked for the numbers on the back searched their database and said it was a U.S. model and refused to activate it. Buyer Beware!

 

[57]

Most cable companies will not activate a STB that is not purchased/rented from them or an authorized distributor.

It seems however, that some people have managed to get Motorola STBs authorized with various cable companies in Canada though.

I wonder if there is a difference in the SA and Motorola STBs that may make the Motorola STBs more compatible.

 

[Ready123]

Got to love that High Definition.
Also, saved a lot of money.

They are selling new here for around $750 CA... how much did you really save?

You are missing out on any warranty protection by not buying from Cogeco, also any free upgrade chances too.... are these important factors??

Just wondering if it is really worth it.... I'm presently renting as I feel it is the best way cash flow wise and for ongoing protection should the unit malfunction.
So in effect I buy a new one every 3 yrs....
Am I doing the right thing??

 

[Mongo]

If you just want a digital cable converter box for Cogeco, check out Radio Shack. I picked up mine for about $100 less than what Cogeco was offering to sell for (instead of regular monthly lease charges). They usually have an offer going on in tandem with the satellite receivers.

Once purchased, just call Cogeco to sign up, inform them of the model number and in about 1/2 hour, once initialized, you are good to go.

Enjoy!

 

[Ready123]

Most cable companies will not activate a STB that is not purchased/rented from them or an authorized distributor.

I think that is a myth... they may well wish to take the stance they cannot guarantee the QOS. I'm not so sure they can get away with denying transmission service, when one has the designated machine purchased elsewhere!

 

[myhd]

They are selling new here for around $750 CA... how much did you really save?

You are missing out on any warranty protection by not buying from Cogeco, also any free upgrade chances too.... are these important factors??

Just wondering if it is really worth it.... I'm presently renting as I feel it is the best way cash flow wise and for ongoing protection should the unit malfunction.
So in effect I buy a new one every 3 yrs....
Am I doing the right thing??

Well,

Cogeco wants $799. Don't forget the 15% tax...........This brings it to over $900.

I paid less than half of that after shipping and exchange. If it breaks, then I guess I loose. If it lasts a year and a half, I guess I win. I would rather own that rent.

Do what you feel comfortable with.

 

[ryans]

It'd be the HDD that'll go if anything. Since is the only moving part inside the box. Its a bit of a crap shoot.

 

[kpayne]

Rental versus buying Digital Boxes

Also keep in mind that some cable companies are also starting to charge "digital access fees" to offset the loss of revenue from the sale of their own boxes. The fees I believe apply to customers who purchase a box from another source. What money you think you are saving goes out the other hand in service fees.

 

[Doug30]

I don't pay a service fee for DCT 2000 but I bought mine from a prior Cogeco customer. Maybe cause I'm running a 6412 as well.

 

[myhd]

Also keep in mind that some cable companies are also starting to charge "digital access fees" to offset the loss of revenue from the sale of their own boxes. The fees I believe apply to customers who purchase a box from another source. What money you think you are saving goes out the other hand in service fees.

Cogeco didn't charge me a "digital access fee".

 

[Ready123]

Well,
Cogeco wants $799. Don't forget the 15% tax...........This brings it to over $900.
I paid less than half of that after shipping and exchange. If it breaks, then I guess I loose. If it lasts a year and a half, I guess I win. I would rather own that rent.
Do what you feel comfortable with.

Another reason I am renting is we are getting the smallest HD capacity version Motorola has avail. now..... I am finding the present one too small as I tend to record only HD programming rather than the SD equiv.

I watch as little SD as possible... I bought my Sony for the great HD picture so I go that way whenever possible. Though I have to admit the SD pic is still pretty good.

 

[plutoz]

can anyone explain what are the significant differences between the DCT6208 and DCT6412 on Cogeco besides 80 vs 120gb HDD? Looking to pick up a used one for my Mom, who has SD only for the time being so 80gb would probably be plenty.

Do both boxes have Firewire (enabled?) ?

 

[Ready123]

can anyone explain what are the significant differences between the DCT6208 and DCT6412 on Cogeco besides 80 vs 120gb HDD? Looking to pick up a used one for my Mom, who has SD only for the time being so 80gb would probably be plenty.

Do both boxes have Firewire (enabled?) ?

I believe the 6208 only has a single tuner... so you can not record one program while watching another as you *could* do with the 6412 were the dual tuners turned on like Shaw, Comcast and Rogers.

 

[plutoz]

I just got a DCT6208 from Comcast bought on eBay set up this weekend for my parents. Cost was just over $300 cdn delivered.

Cogeco activations dept. was very good about getting it set up. I did the factory reset when I first got it hooked up before calling them. Gave them the GI # and the UA# from the unit and they got it set up.

The best part is their total cable package is now $2 less per month than it was before - they were paying $43.99 for analog cable and $41.99 for their cable modem, for the digital select they still pay $43.99 but now the cable internet is reduced to $39.99 for some reason, plus they get one of the digital theme packs - good deal!

 

[plutoz]

I played with the 6208 a bit last night... isn't there a way to:

a) not show ads taking up half the screen when viewing the guide? it would be much more usefull to see the full screen with program info.

b) have the guide only show the channels subcribed too / hide ppv/adult?


The other thing I didn't expect was the RF output does not pass the analog signal to the VCR/TV for displaying analog channels (without using the DCT) - I guess I will have to install a splitter behind the TV.

I'm also unable to select VOD, says connection to the server is lost. I called tech support and they said this is most likely due to a weak signal going to the box. I can't really understand this as all the other digital services work fine and their cable modem is functioning properly. They offered to send a tech out but I declined for now since they will probably never be interested in VOD.


Can you record PPV or VOD purchases on the PVR unit hard drive for unlimited later viewing, or do they block that?

 

[MTOTech]

About your questions...

a) - Sorry, not possible at this time
b) - Sorry, not possible at this time (this is the one I really want.)

You can record PPV to the hard drive, but not VOD.

The issue with not getting VOD might or might not be signal strength. Often it is just not properly authorized for VOD.

Power off your unit then hit enter within 2 seconds, that will bring up a menu. Go down to INTERACTIVE STATUS and hit enter. If you don't see an IP address in there it might not be properly authorized.