Buying a Shaw HD PVR Box on Ebay

[JayP]

Does anyone know the differences between the Motorola DCT6412 DCT 6412 Shaw Digital Cable HD PVR DVR and the Motorola DCT3416 DCT 3416 Shaw Digital Cable HD PVR DVR?

Both seem to be selling about around the same price. I can't seem to find the specs for the 6400 series so it's difficult to compare.

[ken0042]

I've never heard of a 3416.

So that leaves 2 issues. Both are being sold from areas that don't have Shaw. I haven't explored it in a while, but I have seen other threads where people went to hell and back trying to get Shaw to activate a box that wasn't listed in their inventory.

[ken0042]

Update- it appears there is a 3416. So scratch that. But some reading for you:
http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=26417

And instructions on what you need to do:
http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/show...&postcount=692

[Prototype]

I guarantee this unit can be added to Shaw's system, and is in proper working order.

I would ask him what the serial number is, or whatever Shaw would use to see if it worked. If he doesn't want to disclose, don't buy. If he does, and Shaw says no dice, don't buy.

Ask him what his guarentee is.

[SaprykinPWNSjoo]

i actually just went through this with shaw.... what happens that if the number is not one that shaw "supports" because of firmware you have to dl the firmware your self which is really easy to do through your machine and then call shaw and lie about what model number you have to one that fits for shaw. Once I did that it was painless to get it going because all the last model number means is the firmware. So the key is to lie to shaw about the box you have if it doesn't work and you can get it going. It is a hassel but you save alot of money. I used this guy pluggy9801 great guy actually called shaw for me to get it setup. ships from texas fedex no brokerage fees and fast shipping. I dont see any listed right now but I would msg him as I think he has a buisness and could probably get you one.

[Old Yeller]

The actual difference between the 6412 and 3416 is that the 6412 still has an analog tuner in it for regions that aren't all digital.

[FlamesKickAss]

so will a 3416 work here then? seems like the price is almost worth it. will it be like the small SD boxes where you dont get ch 2 or 4?

[Old Yeller]

I don't know anything about the small SD boxes you're talking about or any issue related, but I have a 3416 and it works great.

I don't know how I watched TV before I had a PVR.

[DuffMan]

Originally Posted by Old Yeller

I don't know anything about the small SD boxes you're talking about or any issue related, but I have a 3416 and it works great.

I don't know how I watched TV before I had a PVR.

It's funny, people say once you get one, you can;t live without it.
Well, I got a digital/pvr box, and that was great. then I got a hdtv, so I went out and got the hd/pvr. I was thinking about selling the digital one as my wife didn't seem to want it too bad, but I hooked it up to her TV anyways. Well, she learned how to use it and then the pvr on it quit the other day. I can tell she is stressed without it.

[Burninator]

Not sure if this is quite the same situation but I bought a HD PVR from a member on this board and before I could register it with shaw the original owner had to call and confirm that he sold it to me. And yes PVR is great, I couldn't go back.

[FlamesKickAss]

so it appears that the 3416 is better than the 6412? is that a correct assessment?

[fredr123]

Originally Posted by FlamesKickAss

so it appears that the 3416 is better than the 6412? is that a correct assessment?

Maybe, but you have to be careful. The 3416 is digital only and has no analog tuner (the 6412 does). This means you can only use it in certain areas where Shaw is set up for digital-only service. My understanding is that not even all of Calgary is digital-only let alone smaller communities in their service area.

[Hemi-Cuda]

if you can't get the serial # from the box before you buy, i wouldn't take the chance. not only do you have to worry about it being in the Shaw inventory, but if it's stolen there will be a flag on it and you'll have another mountain of trouble to deal with

[RW99]

Also note, there's a good chance they are releasing another HD PVR in the coming weeks. It's not moto, but it does have the eSata port enabled for extra space and supposedly better pricing!

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/show...t=79929&page=7

[fredr123]

Originally Posted by RW99

Also note, there's a good chance they are releasing another HD PVR in the coming weeks. It's not moto, but it does have the eSata port enabled for extra space and supposedly better pricing!

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/show...t=79929&page=7

That thread suggests a release date of Q4 2008 or 3 months from now in BC. Or something. Doesn't sound like you ought to be holding your breath though.

[Old Yeller]

Yeah it's conflicting info from shaw reps... color me surprised.

However if a new box with eSata ports enabled comes out, I'll be calling shaw daily to bitch until ports on the 3416 are also activated.

[RW99]

Originally Posted by fredr123

That thread suggests a release date of Q4 2008 or 3 months from now in BC. Or something. Doesn't sound like you ought to be holding your breath though.

Yeah sorry, I posted that thread without reading the fresh posts on it. Colour me dissapointed. I don't want to wait for HD that long.

[FlamesKickAss]

well i bought one on ebay. the guy has 100% gaurantee that it will work for shaw so. just went with the 6412.

[fredr123]

Originally Posted by FlamesKickAss

well i bought one on ebay. the guy has 100% gaurantee that it will work for shaw so. just went with the 6412.

Let us know how things work out (who you bought from, pains in your ass you experienced while setting it up with Shaw, extra monthly fees magically appearing on your bill, etc.). I had no idea before this thread came along that the price difference between Shaw and ebay was so huge.

[FlamesKickAss]

will do. i paid 340.20 after shipping and stuff. looking forward to getting it. ordered in canada too so no pain in the ass brokerage fees!!