record digital TV without "digital cable ready" PC?

Hi,
I just purchased a Dell XPS 420 (with ATI TV Wonder Digital Cable Tuner)
under the assumption that I could use Media Center to record TV, including
the HD versions of my local news. I am able to get standard def channels, it
appears, and record them to the PC. Going through the setup, I received a
message in Media Center that my computer "is not digital cable ready" and I
"will not be able to use a CableCard" with this computer.

I am very annoyed that Dell would sell me the ATI tuner and not inform me
that the PC selected was not digital cable ready. However, I only subscribe
to Comcast standard cable... no digital packages, no HD... so am I right to
assume that a "digital cable ready" computer would not benefit me anyway?

When the transition happens in Feb, will I still be able to receive my
current channels via the ATI tuner/PC set up as I do now?

What is the benefit of a "digital cable ready" PC, *really*?

My intent for this computer set up was to be able to record TV programs
digitally, and do away with VHS recording. I'm hoping to use certain
recordings in the classroom for educational lessons (burned on DVD)

Dell has a 21 day return policy. My 21 days expire in 2 days (12/29) Should
I return this XPS unit and order one that's "digital cable read" or is that
overkill given my current Comcast subscription and intended use for the
system?

Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Yes, do it before you time runs out.

--
CSM1
http://www.carlmcmillan.com
--

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Can you please explain why you suggest to send it back?
What does the "digital cable ready" version of Vista really do for me?
I'm trying to get the most information I can. I have read numerous
posts of people using MediaCenter 2005 and older machines and they are
able to get digital channels.

You need to contact Dell support. Your XPS 420 should be Digital Cable
Ready. A BIOS update should correct this issue, and it was a known issue
with a number of the early Dell 400 series PC's that were shipped with the
ATI Digital Cable Tuner.

Additionally, you didn't mention if you have the Cable Cards from your cable
company or not. You will need those if you want to get your premium content
(HBO, Showtime and etc.) in HD.

Doug Knox, MS MVP DTS-XP
Win 95/98/Me Tweaks and Fixes
http://www.dougknox.com
===============================
Associate Expert
ExpertZone - http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone
===============================
Replies to the newsgroups only please!


Can you please explain why you suggest to send it back?
What does the "digital cable ready" version of Vista really do for me?
I'm trying to get the most information I can. I have read numerous
posts of people using MediaCenter 2005 and older machines and they are
able to get digital channels.

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I was on the phone/internet chat with Dell for a few hours yesterday.
He "flashed" the BIOS. He updated the ATI tuner drivers. The sticker
on my computer that has the Windows product key, does not also have a
digital cable ready key. The tech support said my computer was thus
not equipped with the necessary "key" to allow digital cable. He said
I am unable to just purchase or download this "key" even though
everything else about my computer is ready for digital cable.

I'm confused what exactly "digital cable ready" means for me. What
does that do?