Right, but that shouldn’t stop it as a playback-what’s-on the drive box, correct?
Shaw Direct HDPVR 630 Owners Discussion Thread
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...Depends on how the box is configured by the service provider. For example Bell Fibe box needs a valid account to operate. Rogers Cable boxes also seem to become "disabled" and will not reboot without a valid account.
I suppose one way to test would be to remove the box from its satellite connection, unplug it for a while and see if it'll boot and play without the satellite connection. Even that may not be a guarantee after a certain number of days have passed. There are no guarantees and what was true in the past may not be true now.
For example, in the past Rogers cable boxes could be disconnected from cable before closing an account and they would operate (for some time) as long as they didn't lose power - say connected to a UPS to be sure. That is no longer the case as the latest firmware seems to "call in" every night and if there is no valid account, you cannot watch recordings on that box and the box will not boot. Even in the past, I believe there was a time limit of 3-4 weeks and it appears that now that time limit has been reduced to one day.
Do not count on the box functioning as you wish.
I suppose one way to test would be to remove the box from its satellite connection, unplug it for a while and see if it'll boot and play without the satellite connection. Even that may not be a guarantee after a certain number of days have passed. There are no guarantees and what was true in the past may not be true now.
For example, in the past Rogers cable boxes could be disconnected from cable before closing an account and they would operate (for some time) as long as they didn't lose power - say connected to a UPS to be sure. That is no longer the case as the latest firmware seems to "call in" every night and if there is no valid account, you cannot watch recordings on that box and the box will not boot. Even in the past, I believe there was a time limit of 3-4 weeks and it appears that now that time limit has been reduced to one day.
Do not count on the box functioning as you wish.
Has it been de-activated in favour of a 830?
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I think the 630s may be different from a Rogers' or Bell's PVR because they own their units; but we own the Shaw boxes ourselves. The 830s, that we are being sent for free, may be owned by Shaw, (??) but not the 630s that we paid cash for.
When my sister-in-law left Eastlink, her PVR died immediately, and had to be taken back.
When my sister-in-law left Eastlink, her PVR died immediately, and had to be taken back.
No it hasn't. I don't have my 830 yet.
I hope my 830 is mine to keep. I'll be cancelling my account in the next few months when my programs disappear.
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The fact that the 830s are being considered a "free rental unit" is the reason I think Shaw may still own them. ????
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Obviously they are different, but the Rogers PVRs I had were owned and "self contained". Nevertheless, they stopped functioning (for me) the day after I switched to Rogers Ignite service, despite the fact that they were disconnected from the cable signal before the switch This used to work a while back but no longer does as I explained in my previous post.
I gave one of my PVRs to my friend and all my recordings were still on the PVR once it was activated on his account.
All I'm saying is just because something worked in the past doesn't mean it'll remain that way.
When Shaw called me to replace my 630's with 830's they told me the 830's would need to be returned if I discontinued service with them.
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A couple of questions, because I have been curious about a few numbers in the "System Status". Under C Signal Level (Tuner 1) my numbers are (0) : 97, EcfbNo:8.8 db
Under E Signal Level (Tuner 2) (258):97, EdcbNo:8.8 dB
When I go down to N. Signal Power (T1) it is 70
but When I look at O. Signal Power (Tf2) it is 61.
What is the difference between signal power and signal level? Could someone explain the numbers to me
? Sorry if this has been explained years ago. Thanks
Under E Signal Level (Tuner 2) (258):97, EdcbNo:8.8 dB
When I go down to N. Signal Power (T1) it is 70
but When I look at O. Signal Power (Tf2) it is 61.
What is the difference between signal power and signal level? Could someone explain the numbers to me
? Sorry if this has been explained years ago. Thanks
If you're thinking of just giving up on Shaw Direct eventually, has anyone said "no thanks, I'll just keep these 600's I OWN, and when you change the format I'll quit."?
They can't force you to take a 800 series, can they, especially since the terms change from ownership to rental?
I had a chat session with SD last night. I dropped a few more program packages. The rep said I would have to call the loyalty dept to upgrade my 630 unit (a 830 unit is useless to me). I don't think they even want me to swap out my 630 for a 830. Now if SD leaves F2 alone for awhile, I might get another winter of Canadian programming.
Kinda what I was thinking as well - it's been a good long ride, but with Rogers coming in, and this change from ownership to 'rental', I dunno, the writing may be on the wall....
I record the Chicagos and Law & Orders Wednesday and Thursday nights. They are simulcast on City TV. I have noticed that on several occasions, the show records (all appropriate lights are on), but when I check the PVR list, it shows 0 minutes for the length of the show instead of 1 hour. On Wednesday, I noticed during the recording of Chicago Fire that the screen was black, ie, no signal on City Toronto. There was also no signal on NBC east, which was being simsubbed by City Toronto. Has anyone out there had the same experience or do I need to order a new unit?
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This sometimes happens if you have a poor signal, or if you record the US channel instead of the Canadian Channel if there is a simsub. The simsub switch at the start of the programme sometimes causes recording issues. Make sure you always record the Canadian channel.
It does not work on some Canadian channels either I'm registered in the Calgary region. If I try to record any City channel that's on Calgary's City station time I get a blank recording. Also when you set up a recording with just the record button the default channel is usually a eastern station which I don't have. You have to go into edit recordings and change the HD channel to the channel you want.
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Use
I would try to get a proper reading you would need to pick a channel and record it and then pick another channel and watch that.
Then go back and see what the readings are showing you.
Most likely it will show your true power number as your watching and recording 2 different channels. You could also hit Tune Satellite and get even more detail.
I think The signal power will show a better Idea now under load.
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