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Comcast Introduces Triple Play Self-Install Kit
Redesigns and Simplifies Doing it Yourself

Saving Comcast truck roll costs and the user $50-$60 in installation fees (depending on the user's market), Comcast this week announced they're now offering triple play customers a new self-install kit, and says they've redesigned the self-install kits for single or double service customers. The new kits can be ordered online at Comcast.com or by phone at 1-800-COMCAST, for a $9.95 shipping and handling charge; services can then be activated via this URL. Users who have services dependent on Comcast Digital Voice service (home monitoring or security) or users who still need cable run will of course still require a traditional installer visit. The freshly redesigned kits (see pic) include color coded hardware to make installation easier.

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67845017 (banned)
join:2000-12-17
Naperville, IL

1 recommendation

67845017 (banned)

Member

Finally

It was silly of them to have not offered this earlier.

JHB
join:2002-02-08
California

JHB

Member

Re: Finally

You may think you know what you're doing! Do you own a meter to check RX and TX. In a perfect world you can just hook everything up and not worry about signal. Maybe your plant is better than some other plants. The fact is, different systems have different levels and you cant go hooking things up and say "wow, that was easy". There's more to cable than just hooking up equipment. Guarantee you Comcast will make more money bcause of idiots who plug everything in, throw in some splitters, then they call in for tiling and intermitent internet connection. LMFAO!!!
67845017 (banned)
join:2000-12-17
Naperville, IL

67845017 (banned)

Member

Re: Finally

You must be as dense as all the others that have responded. I am saying that PHYSICALLY, that is, MANUALLY ELECTRONICALLY CONNECTING THE EMTA TO THE CABLE AND TELEPHONE LINE, is simple.

Don't give me the BS about techs being these all knowing, mystical gods with their meters being the only ones able to properly hook up a box, EMTA, Modem, etc. Again, a blind monkey can PHYSICALLY, that is, MANUALLY ELECTRONICALLY CONNECTING THE EMTA TO THE CABLE AND TELEPHONE LINE, perform that function.

You sound like one of those defensive cable techs too. Kind of like union guys afraid that the brave new world will eliminate their jobs. Get over it. Technology marches on.

JHB
join:2002-02-08
California

JHB

Member

Re: Finally

And you sound like a few of my neighbors that think they can do it all!!!! No I am not a cable tech but work Comm in the Air Force. The reason I know about customers like you is because I have a buddy who is the manager for field techs for Time Warner Cable. He's an engineer for 15 years then moved into management. The stories he has about idiots just "hooking up" cable is mind boggling. By looking at your profile I can see I'm wasting my time replying to you, you seem like one of those "know it all" customers.
67845017 (banned)
join:2000-12-17
Naperville, IL

67845017 (banned)

Member

Re: Finally

I do it all in my home. The cable tech hooks up the outside connection and one TV. I do all the rest. I don't need someone meddling in what I need to do and how my network is set up at home.

If you looked at my profile, you'll see that I'm an EE. I'm not impressed by cable techs and cable tech managers. And, for a couple of years I worked in a data center as a network engineer.

Again, I'm not impressed by the extreme technical prowess required to hook up a stupid cable modem/EMTA. Blind monkey and all that.

JHB
join:2002-02-08
California

JHB

Member

Re: Finally

WOW man you some serious issues! You're right, a cable guy should not be meddling with your home network. Take a look at what your posting dude! 90% of those self install kits will be a truck roll regardless. LMAO! Funny how you are so rude to the so called cable manager!

1. Lets see, 22 years Air Force retired Lieutenant Colonel.
2. Has a Masters degree in Aeronautical Aerospace Engineering from Boston University
3. Could not stand staying at home after retirement so got a job as a "cable guy" doing Systems Engineering/Architect.
4. Reaching his full retirement age now, he manages a bunch of young guys with his very qualified resume.

Goober, you wouldn't last a day with him! Get of your high horse and realize that everyone knows how to hook up cable. They are not as bright as you!!
67845017 (banned)
join:2000-12-17
Naperville, IL

67845017 (banned)

Member

Re: Finally

I'd be impressed, but the fact remains it's cable techs and cable tech management, it's not rocket science (which is absolutely impressive--absolutely). Heck, it's not even about what cable techs can or cannot do. It's about hooking up a couple of wires.

Again, the bottom line is that physical install is simple.

What do you mean I wouldn't last a day with him? Fighting? Academically? Salary? Don't make stupid comments that have no bearing on the subject.

JHB
join:2002-02-08
California

JHB

Member

Re: Finally

Agree with your last comment! Still think you are a minority though! Comcast will make even more money for a "failed self-install" charged to the customer.
JHB

JHB to 67845017

Member

to 67845017
What I meant by you wouldn't last a day, is that you are a cocky SOB! He's dealt with many cocky guys and have brought them down to earth. You come out as a guy who is so self centered and so self righteous. It's easy for someone to belittle another human being when he has never been in that persons shoes. I pesonally don't think you would last a day in his Squadron if he was your commanding officer. I say this in peace, you are a cocky SOB!
67845017 (banned)
join:2000-12-17
Naperville, IL

67845017 (banned)

Member

Re: Finally

I'm cocky because I can hook up a cable wire and a phone wire and feel that others can as well? Okay . . .
Expand your moderator at work
Mr Matt
join:2008-01-29
Eustis, FL

Mr Matt

Member

Does Comcast supply modular plug lock for NID?

Wait until some incompetent Teleco Technician reconnects the modular plug in the NID to an energized telephone line and damages or destroys the modem? Who pays? Cable company should provide a snap on cover in kit, for the modular plug in the NID, with a notice on the cover indicating the customer has VoIP.
67845017 (banned)
join:2000-12-17
Naperville, IL

67845017 (banned)

Member

Re: Does Comcast supply modular plug lock for NID?

Is that still an issue? I thought there was circuit protection nowadays on the modems to prevent that kind of damage.

Smith6612
MVM
join:2008-02-01
North Tonawanda, NY
·Charter
Ubee EU2251
Ubiquiti UAP-IW-HD
Ubiquiti UniFi AP-AC-HD

Smith6612 to Mr Matt

MVM

to Mr Matt
A lot of people in older homes don't even have modern NIDs. Most of the time the service is simply disconnected out by the splice box or at the switching station itself. If a person is using VoIP, it's best to actually remove the NID from the picture by disconnecting your home from the NID rather than to simply "Plug it in." At least from that point there won't be any goof-ups from someone accidentally reconnecting the line, and you won't have to worry about the side effects regarding thousands of feet of disconnected wire.

batterup
I Can Not Tell A Lie.
Premium Member
join:2003-02-06
Netcong, NJ

batterup to Mr Matt

Premium Member

to Mr Matt
said by Mr Matt:

Wait until some incompetent Teleco Technician reconnects the modular plug in the NID to an energized telephone line and damages or destroys the modem? Who pays? Cable company should provide a snap on cover in kit, for the modular plug in the NID, with a notice on the cover indicating the customer has VoIP.

What is CATV doing in the NID? That is ILEC property.
67845017 (banned)
join:2000-12-17
Naperville, IL

67845017 (banned)

Member

Re: Does Comcast supply modular plug lock for NID?

Half is, half isn't.
rody_44
Premium Member
join:2004-02-20
Quakertown, PA

rody_44 to batterup

Premium Member

to batterup
A cable company can and does go into the nid.

batterup
I Can Not Tell A Lie.
Premium Member
join:2003-02-06
Netcong, NJ

batterup

Premium Member

Re: Does Comcast supply modular plug lock for NID?

said by 67845017:

Half is, half isn't.

It is totally owned by the ILEC 1/2 is for subscriber use. If there is no service on the loop there is no subscriber.
said by rody_44:

A cable company can and does go into the nid.

And Bin Laden can destroy the World Trade Center. What is your point? Remove the customer owned wire and there would be no problem.
67845017 (banned)
join:2000-12-17
Naperville, IL

67845017 (banned)

Member

Re: Does Comcast supply modular plug lock for NID?

Fine. 1/2 accessible by the subscriber. BS semantics.

batterup
I Can Not Tell A Lie.
Premium Member
join:2003-02-06
Netcong, NJ

batterup

Premium Member

Re: Does Comcast supply modular plug lock for NID?

said by 67845017:

Fine. 1/2 accessible by the subscriber. BS semantics.

Not semantics. The subscriber paid nothing for the NID the entire NID belongs to the ILEC. If the plug brakes the ILEC would fix it at no charge. Now why doesn't CATV install their own NID? Then "Mr Matt's" incompetent, minimum wage, no background check CATV types won't have to worry about ILEC technicians.
corinthos
join:2007-10-09

corinthos

Member

I love self install kits

I wish more providers had the option. I hate when i want to do something and have to wait 3 weeks for a tech to show up and take off work. Its one of the reason I don't update my service or switch providers.

alchav
join:2002-05-17
Saint George, UT

alchav

Member

Re: I love self install kits

I think most people here, and that could be questionable, have a basic idea on how to install their Service, but the Average Person doesn't have a clue on how all this works. I'd like to see statistics later on how many people took advantage of these Kits, and how much trouble they caused.
67845017 (banned)
join:2000-12-17
Naperville, IL

67845017 (banned)

Member

Re: I love self install kits

Please. It's almost idiot-proof it's so easy.

tshirt
Premium Member
join:2004-07-11
Snohomish, WA

tshirt

Premium Member

Re: I love self install kits

It is now, it wasn't always so.
67845017 (banned)
join:2000-12-17
Naperville, IL

67845017 (banned)

Member

Re: I love self install kits

How is that? The physical hookup is easy and it always has been. Fewer steps than I can count on one hand.

tshirt
Premium Member
join:2004-07-11
Snohomish, WA

tshirt

Premium Member

Re: I love self install kits

BEFORE circuit protection the chance of a cross connect and damage to the TELCO (protected by law, ComCast and the customer would be liable for the repair cost AND penalties) was very high. even with explict step by step instructions look howmany do a poor job of SAFELY assembling a tricycle or other consumer kits.
Even with color coded jacks, I'm guessing there will be a certain number of problems when someone plugs the yellow wire in the blue hole.
ComCasts bet here is that the number of 'fix your self install jobs' will end up costing less than sending a tech for EVERYTHING, and attract more users.
67845017 (banned)
join:2000-12-17
Naperville, IL

67845017 (banned)

Member

Re: I love self install kits

It still was easy. Whether a person reads it and does it correctly is a different matter. PHYSICAL hookup is easy.
BiggA
Premium Member
join:2005-11-23
Central CT

BiggA to 67845017

Premium Member

to 67845017
It's amazing how people manage to screw up even the most idiot-proof stuff.
67845017 (banned)
join:2000-12-17
Naperville, IL

67845017 (banned)

Member

Re: I love self install kits

Maybe true, but those people can screw up self installations of anything. Installing this is just barely more difficult than any other self-installation and CC has allowed that for many years.

tshirt
Premium Member
join:2004-07-11
Snohomish, WA

tshirt to 67845017

Premium Member

to 67845017
said by 67845017:

Please. It's almost idiot-proof it's so easy.

You misunderestimate idiots. And even among typical users ther are huge numbers who either don't understand RTFM or do read but just don't get it.

Zen6
@rr.com

Zen6

Anon

Re: I love self install kits

+1

rodric70
@comcast.net

rodric70 to 67845017

Anon

to 67845017
I guess 90% of the population must be idiots then. It's always amusing to read these posts. Not everyone is a computer geek who
"thinks" he knows everything about being a cable tech. Most people don't have a clue how to install CDV services. My guess is that about 75% of these self installs will result in failed self installs. Most people will pay one way or another.

••••••

N3OGH
Yo Soy Col. "Bat" Guano
Premium Member
join:2003-11-11
Philly burbs

N3OGH to alchav

Premium Member

to alchav
And, all of us who have a basic (and beyond basic) understanding of how all of this works usually end up getting calls from our friends who have no clue.

Hey, no one likes sitting around waiting for the cable guy. Nine times out of ten, when a friend of mine calls be about something like this (self install kit, "Internets" not working right) I go ahead and help them out.

I've seen some otherwise technically inept people make a go of self install kits in the past.

trythisfirst
@comcast.net

trythisfirst

Anon

Modem

The modem would not be damaged, it would flash all of it's lights and go into protection mode. It would not work until the foreign voltage carrying line was removed and the device reset.

randomtechie
@myvzw.com

randomtechie

Anon

TC in Box x3

title says it , TC in a box x3

cdru
Go Colts
MVM
join:2003-05-14
Fort Wayne, IN

cdru

MVM

Cable Cards

I wonder if this means that I can order and/or pick up a cable card without out having to pay for a truck roll just to plug in a card.

Morac
Cat god
join:2001-08-30
Riverside, NJ

Morac

Member

Re: Cable Cards

said by cdru:

I wonder if this means that I can order and/or pick up a cable card without out having to pay for a truck roll just to plug in a card.

According to a FCC mandate, CableCARDs should be available for self install starting in July. I seriously doubt Comcast will meet that deadline (though they do allow CC self installs in a handful of locations).

Toropop
join:2001-11-11
Vancouver, WA

Toropop

Member

Re: Cable Cards

Just picked up some at the cable store without any grief. Wish I could say the same about this self-installation kit. These people wanted to charge $30 to pick it up from the cable store. The CSR at the store told me that it's less expensive to have it shipped.

Comcast's franchise agreement is up this year here in my city. I'm hoping that they've pissed enough people off to switch providers. I mean, it's ridiculous that we have a regional headquarters for Charter here in my city, yet, we don't get service from them.
pkorx8
join:2003-06-19
San Francisco, CA

pkorx8

Member

Comcast ->> Still crap customer service as usual

I just signed up for Comcast TV/internet last week. It was more like a reinstallation, since I disconnected service about 120days ago.
I placed the order by calling in, which qualified me for the $74.99 double play plan. They confirmed over the phone that since they didn't roll the truck out to disconnect the switches on the street, they will not need a truck roll. Furthermore, I asked to pickup my equipment from the local Comcast office because I don't want to take time off from work to wait for a equipment delivery or wait for a UPS delivery. The CS rep confirmed that I can pickup the equipment. Great, so I thought....
At the local Comcast office, they found my order. However, they cannot honor the $74.99 plan if I wanted to pickup the equipment! If I wanted to pickup my equipment, I need to place a new order for the $79.99 plan, with different terms but exact same service. Furthermore, I will need to pay $20 "pick-up fee" for the set top box and the internet modem!!
I was furious and wanted to speak with the manager onsite at the Comcast office. Conveniently, they don't have an onsite manager and they give me a name and number to call to file a complaint.

So the bottom line, my first priority is convenience for me, which is to save some time in this installation process. This process happens to save Comcast money in eliminating a truck roll and shipping fees to deliver my equipment. I even give them my cost to drive over to the local Comcast office. In return, the Comcast bastards penalized me for doing this.

btw, I didn't want to go with Comcast again, but the other TV/internet provider in town (ATT U-verse) deliberately chose not to deploy in my area which physically has a ATT U-verse store within walking distance.
(hooray for the FCC and their regulation for competitive services!!)

Toropop
join:2001-11-11
Vancouver, WA

Toropop

Member

Don't get it at the cable store...

They just tried charging me $30 to pick up the self-install kit from the store. The CSR told me that it was less-expensive to have it shipped.

Go figure.
Toropop

Toropop

Member

They just tried charging me $30 to pick up the self-install kit from the store. The CSR told me that it was less-expensive to have it shipped.

Go figure.
firehawk6189
join:2003-05-29

firehawk6189

Member

All great until you find out your signal levels are garbage, the tv tiles, net connectivity is spotty etc, then get charged a truckroll for a tech to come out and fix what they would have fixed as part of the installation.

CableGei
Premium Member
join:2004-05-27
Castle Rock, CO

CableGei

Premium Member

Re: Bad signal

Exactly, firehawk6189 See Profile. The problem is that people will attempt the self install, service may be intermittent, exactly as you describe, and then chalk it up to Comcast having crappy service, because they won't have a clue whether or not their signal is good or not on any given outlet.
Expand your moderator at work
hottboiinnc4
ME
join:2003-10-15
Cleveland, OH

hottboiinnc4

Member

Adelphia did this YEARS ago. Sad thing is TWC and Comcast stopped offering it.

mikedz4
join:2003-04-14
Weirton, WV

mikedz4

Member

Took me 4 days to do it (because I had to rewire half of his house) but I got it up and running.
No complaints from them so far.
Phillylife
join:2011-05-10
Philadelphia, PA

Phillylife

Member

I am moving back to philly in a few weeks and i do not want to deal with an install tech. Has any tried this? Does the instructions make sense and do they offer any online or phone support? will i be able to actually which TV and use the internet when i am done?