TW CableCard question

[UsualNoise]

I've had a Ceton PC card with a cablecard for a while now, and I'm about to add a HDHomeRun Prime to my setup. My question is: can I just go into a TW office (Washington Ave extension is the closest) and ask for a cablecard? Can I dial in and activate it myself? I'd prefer to do this vs. having an in-home visit from a technician, but I'm not current on TW's latest practices. Any info is appreciated.

[UsualNoise]

As no one replied, I went to the office and asked for a cablecard. The guy turns to his female coworker and says "are we doing cablecards now?" which indicated to me they probably weren't handing them out yet. However, the female coworker told the other guy that they can mail it to me (or having a technician bring one). I chose the mail option as there is no need for a tech visit.

So, that's the latest update. TW still isn't handing out CCs at their offices, but they are apparently willing to mail them to your address, similar to how the tuning adapters are handled. I'd assume that you can call and request a CC mailed to you, although I don't know that for a fact as I haven't done that; but that's what I'd try if I needed another one.

I'll post again if/when I receive it and activate it.

[UsualNoise]

Hadn't gotten the card in the mail yet, which seemed odd since I'm 25 minutes from Albany. I called up and after explaining my situation to one person (who was clueless) I got transferred to someone who was able to IM directly with the person actually responsible for mailing out cards. Turns out she never got emailed when the work order was created so nothing had yet been sent; she promised it would be in the mail today.

Ah Time Warner, the king of miscommunication.

[UsualNoise]

Figured I should give an update since I'm sure everyone is on the edge of their seat...

After being told I'd receive the cablecard last Tuesday, I didn't. I called TW yet again and found out ... they hadn't shipped it. GAH! Seriously, monkeys could run a more effective company. Anyway, it finally shipped out and I got it the next day.

As far as the purpose of this thread: activation. Turns out it actually went fairly smoothly. I called around 5:45 PM and selected the option for cable equipment activation ... and was sent to sales team voicemail. (?!?!) Called back immediately and just repeated "customer care" over and over until I talked to someone, at which point they transferred me to the right guy. Once I was talking to the tech it went well, only minor issue was the HDHomeRun Prime status didn't show it was activated right away. Neither he nor I knew why, but I assumed it would right itself eventually. It did, within about 1/2 hour. Recordings have gone without a hitch since then.

Bottom line - you CAN get a cablecard from TW and activate it over the phone ... but don't expect a super-smooth experience actually getting the card.

[hurnik]

Thanks for the info. IMO, once you get the card, easier than the truck roll (having to wait around for 2-3 hours for them to show up only to have them call it in just like you have to do). Yes, TW is clueless. Too bad Verizon still hasn't' added any new HD channels and is woefully short compared to TW, or else I'd switch.

[UsualNoise]

I picked up a second HDHomeRun prime (after selling my Ceton) and swapped the CableCard, forcing me to call to activate again. However, I found this useful pdf file which contained the following phone number that lets you call a CableCard-savvy tech person directly: 1-866-606-5889. I used that number twice today (once at 10:05 PM!) and it worked great - talked to someone who not only knew exactly what to do, but even told me where in my HDHomeRun web setup page to find the info I needed (I already knew where most of it was, but it was cool that they did too for a change).

Anyway, if anyone else needs to activate a CableCard I strongly suggest using the number above instead of trying to call a local office or going through the general customer service computerized 'how can I help you' interface.