Dell Screwed me. ATI OCUR DCT MCE

[Orkinman]

I just bought what I thought was a nice HTPC. I have a corporate contact at Dell and decided to have them build an XPS 420 for me. They put a few extra things on that are really nice and I got a sweet discount on it. However they somehow missed the HTPC part that I requested and I think I'm completely screwed now.

The build they made for me lacks the ATI TV Wonder DCT and also lacks the "with Digital Cable support" version of Vista. Since I have cable at home I need this. They've told me they can't fix this by sending me the OCUR devices as these can only be purchased at point of sale with the HTPC. They suggested I return the entire PC and repurchase with the correct devices. Based on what I'm seeing and reading online this would normally be the easiest solution except due to some interesting financial wrangling and the extras they added on I can't return it and rebuy it. I'm stuck with the one I have.

As I understand it, if you use the ATI TV Wonder DCT you need the Digital Cable Product ID that's on the Vista sticker with your Vista Product key. So even if I somehow get one of these devices I'm still not going to be able to use it, right? Will the retail versions of these come with that product key? What are my options at this point. What's the timeline to see these showing up in retail or for sale separately in any capacity? I see Sony is selling the standalone ATI TV Wonder DCT devices but they have a requirement that states "Compatible Models - Units already shipping with ATI TV Wonder Digital Cable Tuner" meaning you need the Vista support.

Anyone have any ideas? The only thing I'm not going to be able to do is return it for a new one so there's got to be another way.

[bcjenkins]

You need to send the machine back and get one with the right components. Aside from the license key, I believe there is some tie into the BIOS as well.

B

PS - Vista MCE q's better handled at Vista forum like http://thegreenbutton.com/forums/default.aspx

[Orkinman]

Thanks for the suggestion on the forum. I was looking all last night and couldn't find a really good place to post.

[Halstead]

I'm sure you realize this, but just to check- you know that the cable card won't work with SageTV, only Vista Media Cetner.