Kinda OT: Cable TV/ISP experts... question needs answer

[Jeff D]

Today a guy came out to install the broadband cable, and before he got here I had discovered directv can't hook me up here. So I called comcast to see about getting the cable installed at the same time. Not only could they not do it, but they can't schedule a second call with an open one in the system. How stupid is that? If I want cable TV and cable ISP it sounds like it's a two stage setup. Anyway back on track.... the installer said he needed to install a trap on the line. So, is there any reason to do this aside from filtering out the cable tv channels? The phone rep told me to tell the ISP installer to make sure I have basic cable until they get the full install done, but I have the feeling that the trap he installed may have defeted that.

At this point I'm being lazy as I could just go try it out, but there are two boxes outside the house and I don't want to kill the neighbor's TV while I test out the setup. I could also call my cable installer buddy and ask him, but again... I'm lazy. (the 20 cross country flight on Saturday still has be wiped out)

[Jeffwa]

Yes, the trap is there to filter out cable channels.

There should be no reason they couldn't do both at the same time, but the installers usually have their orders (and coresponding equipment) loaded up in the morning, so it would have taken some advance notice for them to be able to install both on the same visit.

[Jeff D]

Thanks, did sound like that was what was going on. I've got them coming out in the morning (wanted to watch football tonight...) that means there's a chance I'll be able to see my buddy if he's doing the install (i.e. removing the trap) I think the job may take 2-3 hours.... =)


BTW, my laziness was triggered by a 20 HOUR flight from CA to MA...