Multi-stream Cablecard / M-Card Availability
DFWDraco76
Newbie

I've read in other forums that these are available, yet when I called to order I was told they are not, and never have been.

Can somebody that knows confirm or deny availability?  And if they're available -- how do I get one?

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Re: Multi-stream Cablecard / M-Card Availability
Teasip
Enthusiast - Level 3
As posted in response to your inquiry in TiVocommunity.com, Plano has M cards (I've got two in two separate TiVo HD's).  Installed (primarily by self with tech watching) about 3 weeks ago.
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Re: Multi-stream Cablecard / M-Card Availability
DFWDraco76
Newbie

Thanks.  I haven't posted anything at that site; I don't think I even have a membership there.  I appreciate it though!

I guess I'm going to attempt another call to Verizon.  😐

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Re: Multi-stream Cablecard / M-Card Availability
KenAF
Specialist - Level 2

@DFWDraco76 wrote:

Thanks.  I haven't posted anything at that site; I don't think I even have a membership there.  I appreciate it though!

I guess I'm going to attempt another call to Verizon.  😐


Any CableCard order in the DFW area should include a M-CARD.

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Re: Multi-stream Cablecard / M-Card Availability
DFWDraco76
Newbie

Well, we'll see...

I placed an order and had 3 people verify that it was a regular S-card, so they ordered 2.  AND they insisted it would be shipped to me (along with a box to return the Verizon DVR).  Despite the fact that everywhere else I've read they must have a tech do the install...

I posted in the Verizon Direct forum at DSLR asking them to verify the order.

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Re: Multi-stream Cablecard / M-Card Availability
Teasip
Enthusiast - Level 3
My apologies.  One too many groups to keep up with.  You had actually posted at BBR.  Bottom line, place the order and you should see M cards arrive.  There is a large letter M plastered on the card.  You can't miss it.
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Re: Multi-stream Cablecard / M-Card Availability
KenAF
Specialist - Level 2

Verizon does not differentiate between M-CARDs and S-CARDs in their system.  The system just says "CableCards."

Customer service representatives are not educated on the differences between the two types of CableCards (M-CARDs and S-CARDs).  That's why chats go something like this:

You: Do you have CableCards?
Verizon: Yes.
You: Do you have M-CARDs?
Verizon: No, we only carry CableCards.
You: But a M-CARD is a type of CableCard. Do you have those?
Verizon: Sorry, sir, but we only have CableCards, not M-CARDs.

For those who do not know, S-CARDs were discontinued about a year ago, and Motorola has manufactured M-CARDs exclusively since.   M-CARDs are virtually identical to S-CARDs with one key difference -- they can support multi-tuner products with a single card, thereby eliminating the need for the second card in dual-tuner products like the $199-$250 TivoHD. 

Outside of possibly CA and some parts of PA, I don't know of any FiOS service areas that still deploy the older S-CARDs.  S-CARDs were discontinued a year ago, so once an area runs out, they do not get any more (outside of customer returns).  For all intents and purposes, Verizon has now standardized on M-CARDs for new CableCard orders.

While we're on the subject, Verizon will not ship CableCards to customers under any circumstances.  What representatives see on their screen suggests they can order and ship CableCards (just as they do STBs and DVRs), but they cannot.   They can place a CableCard order, but any order without an accompanying appointment is automatically canceled by the system at a later time.

Message Edited by KenAF on 02-26-2009 01:28 AM
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Re: Multi-stream Cablecard / M-Card Availability
prisaz
Legend
I have long considered a TIVO but don't want to pay for the truck roll, which I along with many thing is dumb. Has anyone tried to get the cards installed at the Verizon store, by bringing their TIVO to the store. Seems like to me it should be an option that will let Verizon verify the serial number and device they are installed into. I know Verizon is busy enough and should let this appen to save service calls.
Message Edited by prisaz on 02-26-2009 02:01 AM
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Re: Multi-stream Cablecard / M-Card Availability
RhysVerrazano
Newbie
Does Verizon FIOS still have these sorts of "issues" ordering/acquiring M-Cards? I'm having a heck of a time getting one....
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Re: Multi-stream Cablecard / M-Card Availability
KenAF
Specialist - Level 2

@RhysVerrazano wrote:
Does Verizon FIOS still have these sorts of "issues" ordering/acquiring M-Cards? I'm having a heck of a time getting one....

You just order a CableCard and you get a M-CARD.  There is no entry in Verizon's system for "M-CARDs," which is a type of CableCard.

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