About CableCARD™ decoders
- What is a CableCARD? How do I get one?
A CableCARD decoder slides into your TiVo HD or Series3 DVR and allows you to access all of your high definition and digital cable channels. You will need to contact your local cable company to order CableCARD decoders. In order to record 2 channels at once, a TiVo HD DVR will require one (1) M-CARD (multistream CableCARD) or two (2) S-CARDs (single-stream CableCARDs). The TiVo Series3 HD DVR will require two (2) M-CARDs or S-CARDs. All major cable companies are mandated by federal law to provide CableCARD decoders to their digital cable subscribers. Some cable companies offer CableCARDs for free and others may charge a small monthly fee.
- Will my TiVo HD or Series3 DVR work with my cable service?
The TiVo HD and Series3 DVRs work with all major cable providers. In order to receive high definition (HD) and digital channels, you will require one or two CableCARD decoders. If you do not insert a CableCARD decoder into your DVR it will still receive antenna and standard definition analog cable channels.
- How do I install CableCARD decoders in my TiVo HD or Series3 DVR?
You will need to call your cable company and request one or more CableCARD decoders. Most cable companies require that an technician comes to your home to install the cards. To help your cable technician with installing your CableCARD decoders, please download and print the following instructions:
