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owlyn
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join:2004-06-05
Newtown, PA
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owlyn

MVM

AnyRoom DVR Available On or About 7/15

Just got an on-box message proclaiming that AnyRoom DVR Service will be available on or about 7/15. Prices start at $19.95/month. Equipment may be extra. Not available in all areas.

That's not word-for-word, but close to it. Yes, it is a bit vague as to cost and availability ("start at", "not available in all areas").

Is it $19.95 in addition to my two DVRs? Is it replacing my existing DVRs with some sort of one DVR for $19.95/month plus equipment deal? How much is the equipment? What is the equipment? Can I keep one of the two I have now? Will I want to do that (both are only 250gb each)?

So far, from what I've seen, it's nothing to get excited about. I have the 2 x 250 gb DVRs (2 x DCX3425) now, for a total of 500GB of staorage. Yes, it's spread across two rooms, but in a pinch, I have enough space for whatever. Will I get 500GB with the "new" equipment? I doubt it- I suspect the best I can do is 320GB.

Anyone know for sure? Not life or death here, just wanted to let others know the service is being released, and was wondering about the details. Might be more cost-effective to just keep what I have. Depends on what the details are...
CT3s
join:2009-10-05
Barrington, IL

CT3s

Member

It's a 500gb HD and is being "officially" rolled out sooner than that date

cypherstream
MVM
join:2004-12-02
Reading, PA
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cypherstream to owlyn

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to owlyn
I'd like to know pricing specifics as well.

I have a DCX-3400 in the L.R. with 320GB of storage.

I have a DCT-700 in the Bedroom, 27" SDTV.

DVR service is included in Triple Play Platinum for $199.95 a month.

The DCT-700 costs $8.90 a month.

So what would my bill be with MR-DVR? If I remove the DCT-700 in the bedroom and replace it with the DCX-3200m, would that 8.90 a month turn into $19.95 a month? Or would it be the $8.90 a month + $5 HD fee (since 3200's can do HD) PLUS 19.95 a month?

I'm curious.
ComcastTech
join:2008-05-31

ComcastTech to owlyn

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to owlyn
the 700 does not cost that much, in fact its more like half that.
Zoder
join:2002-04-16
Miami, FL

Zoder

Member

Considering both Directv and uverse both offer MR-DVR I can't imagine Comcast charging $15.95 + $19.95 for the service.

My guess would be $19.95 for a DVR with MR capability + the normal additional box rental fees for each room.
CT3s
join:2009-10-05
Barrington, IL

CT3s

Member

Zoder sounds right on the price. Although they havent officially released pricing on it.

quick notes about it

-max of three "terminals"

-no Mcmansions (cable length is an issue)

-host dvr still only has two tuners

-500gb HD

-can play back HD on all three terminals while recording two HD feeds and playing back HD on the host dvr simultaneously.

--capable of having 8 terminals but they don't wanna roll out an at&t product.

and if anyone wants to know some of the technical stuff I may be able to answer.

cypherstream
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join:2004-12-02
Reading, PA
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cypherstream to ComcastTech

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to ComcastTech
said by ComcastTech:

the 700 does not cost that much, in fact its more like half that.
I've been getting billed that for over a year if not more.
mariod
join:2009-06-16

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Awesome.

owlyn
MVM
join:2004-06-05
Newtown, PA
Netgear CM2050V
Netgear RBRE960
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owlyn to CT3s

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to CT3s
said by CT3s:

Zoder sounds right on the price. Although they havent officially released pricing on it.

quick notes about it

-max of three "terminals"

-no Mcmansions (cable length is an issue)

-host dvr still only has two tuners

-500gb HD

-can play back HD on all three terminals while recording two HD feeds and playing back HD on the host dvr simultaneously.

--capable of having 8 terminals but they don't wanna roll out an at&t product.

and if anyone wants to know some of the technical stuff I may be able to answer.
Couple of questions:

1. Say the host is recording from both tuners. Can I watch a third live channel from the other box, or does the host have the only tuners?

2. My feed from the street splits at a bi-directional amplifier, with individual feeds going to each room. Will this support multi-room DVR? (Each room is on its own feed).

SeattleMatt
Streaming Tech Director
Premium Member
join:2001-12-28
Seattle, WA

SeattleMatt

Premium Member

Guys-
With FIOS, the MR-DVR is $19.95/mo (for the main DVR) - then you need to have HD or SD boxes for it to stream to.

HD boxes can watch both HD and SD, SD is SD only (naturally)

HD boxes are $9.99/mo, SD's are $5.99 / mo.

I'd expect Comcast to have similar rates.
CT3s
join:2009-10-05
Barrington, IL

CT3s to owlyn

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to owlyn
1. yes

2. should be fine, how long is each run?
ComcastTech
join:2008-05-31

ComcastTech to owlyn

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to owlyn
that 8.90 is for you to get the channels, not the box itself.

cypherstream
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join:2004-12-02
Reading, PA
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said by ComcastTech:

that 8.90 is for you to get the channels, not the box itself.
Heh, what good is a box if you don't get any channels. Might as well take a sledgehammer to the TV then!

I'm charged 8.90. If I take that box back, I bet that goes away.
jwhite4
join:2002-03-21
Philadelphia, PA

jwhite4 to owlyn

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I have a DCH 3400 now (160GB DVR), and a DCH 3200 HD STB. Paying ~$16 for DVR, plus additional HD fee. I'm in NE Phila market.

So, for me to go to AnyRoom DVR, I'd need to get two different boxes? My $16/month fee would now be $20/month?

Is the main box not the DCX3400? I thought that box only had a 320GB drive.

Hate to get rid of the DCH 3200 HD box, it's 19" width provides a perfect base for my Sony 26" HD set (which has a rectangular base).

Also, any formal mention on if satellite boxes can initiate recordings on the DVR?

Jeff
The Q
join:2008-06-26
Collegeville, PA

The Q to owlyn

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found this today »www.comcast.com/anyroomdvr

No pricing or much more info that has already been posted in this thread.
CT3s
join:2009-10-05
Barrington, IL

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to jwhite4
You would need the DCX3400M and the DCX3200M STB's.

and by initiate recordings you mean set a recording on the terminals? No, the only things the terminals can do is watch the recordings from the main dvr. Other than that it acts as a standard STB.
jwhite4
join:2002-03-21
Philadelphia, PA

jwhite4 to owlyn

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So the DCX3400m is 500GB vs 300GB in the regular 3400? Are they different enough boxes that either the feaures (other than anyroom dvr) or firmware are different? The 3400, at least from postings, has sounded a bit buggy. Little reluctant to have to give up the decent stability on my DCH3400 for newer features of the DCX3400M.

I guess the other question (assuming anyone knows) is might it be possible to pre-order the 3400m and 3200m? I hate to think of having to drive to one local Comcast office on a regular basis to check if it's in stock.

Jeff
The Q
join:2008-06-26
Collegeville, PA

The Q

Member

I believe that all of the AnyRoom DVR installs are currently only technician-installed and the related boxes are not available for pickup at the local centers or via self install kits.
jwhite4
join:2002-03-21
Philadelphia, PA

jwhite4

Member

Is this just now (if there is a now prior to the 7/15 release), or will AnyRoom DVR (like Digital Voice) not be user installable, and will always require a truck roll (and associated fee)?

Jeff

cypherstream
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join:2004-12-02
Reading, PA

cypherstream

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I don't think they trust the end user putting the moca trap on at the right place.

Tech install only.
67845017 (banned)
join:2000-12-17
Naperville, IL

67845017 (banned)

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Will this interfere with my existing MOCA network or does Comcast allow the channel to be changed so that it sits at a different frequency?
jwhite4
join:2002-03-21
Philadelphia, PA

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So is the tech going to basically want to come in and audit your wiring first? I have 7 drops connected to an 8 port Electroline 0db gain bidiectional amp, feeding 3 STB's, 3 direct connections to cable ready equipment (still get some analog channels!), and my cable modem. Cable modem performance is fine, and OnDemand on all three STB's (I figure a good test of STB connectivity) wokrs.

I'd hate to think:

a. he'll look at my setup, say it's non-standard, and reject the installation
b. I'll need to cheat: reconfigure it for 4 drops off a passive 4-way splitter, let him do the install, and then reconnect the amp and all the drops.

Where does the trap go? If it's between the demarc point, and the rest of the owner outlets (ie. main feed into a house), that should be pretty simple.

Jeff

cypherstream
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join:2004-12-02
Reading, PA
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I'd imagine that the moca trap would either go at the tap out at the pole or lock box, or in the grey house box where the ground block is. Maybe it will be put inside, as long as they trust you not to remove it and intentionally create a DoS condition for your neighbors who may want MR-DVR or MoCA based networking. Maybe if they put it inside, they could use metal security sleeves like they use on traps in underground lock boxes. I stress metal, because those plastic ones can easily be cut off.
jwhite4
join:2002-03-21
Philadelphia, PA

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Just had a chat with an online agent. Selected information:

Fritz(Mon Jun 14 17:18:02 EDT 2010)>May I ask what are your inquiries about DVR?

Jeff_(Mon Jun 14 17:18:28 EDT 2010)>The new AnyRoom DVR service Comcast has announced. Are you familiar with it?

Fritz(Mon Jun 14 17:19:35 EDT 2010)>Yes, Jeff.

Fritz(Mon Jun 14 17:19:58 EDT 2010)>AnyRoom DVR allows you to playback recorded content from a maximum of three additional non-DVR set-top boxes in the home simultaneously.

Jeff_(Mon Jun 14 17:21:18 EDT 2010)>I believe it needs different set top boxes from what I I current have. Believe the DCX3400m (main box) and DCX3200m for satellite boxes. Is this correct?

Fritz(Mon Jun 14 17:22:31 EDT 2010)>Yes, Jeff. That is correct.

Fritz(Mon Jun 14 17:22:40 EDT 2010)>The Motorola DCX3400M (hub) functions as a normal HD/DVR set-top controlling all DVR recording functions, like series recording schedules and DVR content management functions like priority settings and deleting DVR content.

Fritz(Mon Jun 14 17:22:46 EDT 2010)>The Motorola DCX3200M (terminal) is a HD non-DVR set-top and functions as the remote set-top for AnyRoom DVR. It allows playback of recordings from the main DVR or "hub". Terminals only allow playback of DVR recordings. Unlike the "hub" they cannot pause or rewind live TV and cannot schedule or delete recordings. All other DVR functionality needs to be performed using the AnyRoom DVR or "hub".

Jeff_(Mon Jun 14 17:23:14 EDT 2010)>Will they be able to be picked up at a local Comcast office for self install?

Fritz(Mon Jun 14 17:24:55 EDT 2010)>Yes, Jeff. You can pick it up at your nearest Comcast office for self install.

Jeff_(Mon Jun 14 17:26:22 EDT 2010)>The current rate for a DVR is about $16/month, correct?

Fritz(Mon Jun 14 17:26:49 EDT 2010)>Yes, Jeff it is $15.95.

Jeff_(Mon Jun 14 17:28:30 EDT 2010)>The new AnyRoom DVR fee is $19.95. Is that a replacement for the DVR-only fee (basically $4/month extra), or is it $15.95 for the DVR, plus $19.95 for the AnyRoom DVR service?

Fritz(Mon Jun 14 17:29:48 EDT 2010)>It is a replacement for the DVR fee.

Fritz(Mon Jun 14 17:29:56 EDT 2010)>It is only $19.95.

...

Fritz(Mon Jun 14 17:40:26 EDT 2010)>I do apologize but the box is not available in the area

Jeff_(Mon Jun 14 17:40:49 EDT 2010)>Do you show an ETA on it?

Fritz(Mon Jun 14 17:41:21 EDT 2010)>I may suggest you to call at 800-266-2278 for the availability of the box.

Fritz(Mon Jun 14 17:42:14 EDT 2010)>Since it is advertise in the are that it is available on July 15, I may suggest you to contact us back 1 week before the launch date.

Jeff_(Mon Jun 14 17:42:20 EDT 2010)>ok. Do you know the capacity (in GB) of the 3400m box?

...

Fritz(Mon Jun 14 17:48:18 EDT 2010)>Thank you for patiently waiting.

Fritz(Mon Jun 14 17:48:46 EDT 2010)>The specifications of this box are 250GB Hard disk drive, 256MB RAM, HDMI, eSATA, 1GHz in-band, legacy OOB, XMP1 protocol remote control

So, if you believe this:

- self install possible
- 34xxm box maybe only 250GB
- AnyRoom DVR service basically $4/month more than just the DVR service.

We'll see how much of this turns out to be correct.

Jeff
CT3s
join:2009-10-05
Barrington, IL

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It's a 500gb HD. period.

the MoCa filter isn't allowed at the pole, it should either be inside the residence or at worse the house box.

Some people seem to think it will not work through an amplifier but it will (at least Comcast issued ones)

the MoCa technology is carried at 1.15Ghz.
The dvr actually sends out the signal at 42db, and since splitters have port to port isolation the splitter causes 14-17db of loss. Add in coax attenuation and you have some houses that cannot run AR-DVR.

fyi, the MoCa filter does NOT affect CDV or CHSI, I'm actually testing it atm. I have a Moca filter directly connected to my 6120 and haven't had any issue. (I game a lot, download, and stream everything and anything)

Goober- what do you mean?
67845017 (banned)
join:2000-12-17
Naperville, IL

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67845017 (banned)

Member

I have 6 MoCA 1.0 devices presently on my network (MI424WR Verizon Routers), and am considering increasing that to 8. The MoCA 1.0 spec only allows for 8 devices on a single channel.

Will I be able to change channels on the MoCA cable boxes? That way I could bypass the 8 device 1.0 limit. I believe the Mots are MoCA 1.1 that are capable of supporting up to 16 devices (I can't remember anymore). At any rate, if they are all set for the same channel, my network will have issues.)

kaiser3
join:2005-08-01
Colchester, CT

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Will this be available in SA/Cisco areas?
jwhite4
join:2002-03-21
Philadelphia, PA

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Wasn't really expecing online support to provide 100% factual informaion. More of an FYI of what information they are passing off. Makes sense that a multiroom dvr would be at least 500GB; 250GB, even 320GB is sometimes not enough for one room (especially when recording HD), let alone multiple rooms. Are we assuming he just completely had it wrong for the self install?

Will be interesting to see how much after 7/15 equipment and/or service becomes available.

Jeff
CT3s
join:2009-10-05
Barrington, IL

CT3s

Member

Goober- not exactly sure about your situation.

jwhite4- "official" release date is 6/29/10 last time i checked.

beachlover10
@bellsouth.net

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to owlyn
any areas other than PA got the message so far?