How to Get Cablecards for a HD DVR

DVR’s are becoming more available as a substitute for the standard cable box. Cable companies do not like it when you use your own DVR such as a TiVo instead of using the cable provider’s equipment. When you use your own DVR, as the TiVo series 3 to be able to record and view programs on your HD television you need cablecards. Cable companies can make it difficult to get cablecards for your DVR.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cable provider

1. ***Check cablecard type***
   
   First, determine what type of cablecard you need. To watch HD TV and record at the same time you will need either two single stream cablecards or one multistream cablecard.

2. ***Get intouch with your cable provider***
   
   Call your cable provider before you purchase a DVR some cable companies do not have cablecards so the DVR you purchased will be useless. They might let you go to your local cable office and pick up the cablecards but most cable providers will make you set up an installation appointment at your home.

3. ***Buying on EBay***
   
   Some people try to get cablecards off EBay do not do this cablecards need to be programmed by your cable provider to work and they will not program cablecards that are not theirs.

4. See resources below for home theater links. Also, check related articles for more information.

Tips & Warnings

• Call your cable provider before buying a DVR.

Resources

• Home Theater