I was talking to a higher up Comcast rep and I was trying to find out pricing for a CableCard so I could use in my new Windows 7 MCE for when the Ceton CableCard tuner comes out.  He told me I that it would not work in a PC.  I tried to explain to him in case he didn't know how it was done and he said he knows all about the upcoming release of the Ceton CableCard tuner and he said that Comcast cable cards will not work and that they would not allow a CableCard in a PC, only a TV.  Will a CableCard from Comcast work with the new Ceton CableCard tuner and can they deny me the CableCard because it is going into a PC?  The Comcast rep went as far as saying there installer will just leave and not install the CableCard and they will not allow me to install it myself.   I have the Comcast rep's name, number, and his direct extension so I can call him back if needed to get more information why he says Comcast will not offer this to me if needed.  Any help or thoughts would be great. 

 Call them back and tell them they are required by the FCC to provide them for any CableLabs certified device. That my get you what you want. If they still won't, file a complaint with your the FCC.

The Ceton CableCard tuner is (well... will be) certified by CableLabs.  Comcast must, by FCC mandate, allow the installation of a CableCard in this device.  If they refuse, they are in violation of FCC rules and subject to a fine.

Me, after that conversation, I would go ahead and file the complaint, then try again later.
If a 'higher up rep' said that they will not install the card in a CableLabs-certified device (which the Ceton tuner will be, when it's released), then that rep has already broken FCC rules.
What he said can also be taken this way:  if you did already have that tuner (say, it's been certified and sold), or you currently have an ATI DCT, then they (your local Comcast) won't install the card.  Period. 
Hell, s/he said "we'll only install it in a TV."  One:  good luck finding a CableCARD TV these days.  Two:  what about a TiVo?  Those are also CableLabs-certified devices.  They won't install in a TiVo?

That, right there, is a big no-no.  Bad Comcast rep!  Bad!

just my $0.02,

In addition to FCC rules which prevent them from denying the installation, you may want to quote Comcast themselves:

 

Why is Comcast offering CableCARDs?

Comcast is committed to supporting digital-cable-ready television sets and other devices, such as the TiVo Series 3 HD set-top box and the Microsoft Digital Cable Tuners.  By offering CableCARD service, Comcast is able to provide you with more choice.  Customers who prefer not to have a digital set-top box can use a CableCARD while customers who want to get the full-range of digital cable features (e.g. ON DEMAND, Pay-Per-View, and the Comcast On-Screen Program Guide) can continue to use the Comcast provided set-top box.      http://customer.comcast.com/Pages/FAQViewer.aspx?seoid=Why-is-Comcast-offering-CableCARDs&fss=cablecard      

Comcast is just horrible...I have been fighting with them for weeks over a few different problems, including their lack of support for Cable Card - I have come to the conclusion that they are either ignorant or bullies (based on the way I have been treated by more than one Comcast rep).  I haven't checked lately, but I hope the FCC doesn't reward their cavalier attitude by granting them the opportunity to buy NBC.

I called Comcast and spoke with another rep (shocked I got someone at 1:30am).  I tried the Sales line but the dept was closed so I tried the problem with service dept and a tech was there.  I asked him about the CableCard and told him I had a CableLabs certified HTPC running Windows 7 and I wanted to have one installed.  He said it is Comcast policy that they will only install a CableCard into a TV, Tivo 3, or a Microsoft Media set top box.  I asked if I can pick one up from a local office and install it myself and he said they don't allow self installs.  I went as far as saying you can't deny me a cable card for a cablelabs certified OCUR device as it's the law.  Said I was going to file a complaint with the FCC.  The guy was so rude he laughed and said it wouldn't be the first time.  I'm so mad at Comcast.  As soon as FIOS is fully in my town (it's only in parts of my town right now) I'm switching.  I have no contract with Comcast and can leave at any time.  I just hope FIOS is done by the time the Ceton device is out.

I would refer them to the Cablelabs website.  The ATI card is certified by CableLabs.  It is discussed in numerous on the CableLabs website:

http://www.cablelabs.com/opencable/udcp/downloads/OC_PNP.pdf

 http://www.cablelabs.com/news/newsletter/SPECS/NovDec_2005/story3.html

http://www.cablelabs.com/news/newsletter/SPECS/JulAugSep_2009/story4.html

http://www.cablelabs.com/opencable/downloads/tru2way_agreement.pdf (page 37)

http://www.cablelabs.com/news/newsletter/SPECS/OctDec_2007/

The Motorola M-Card is also certified by CableLabs:

http://www.cablelabs.com/news/newsletter/SPECS/MayJuneJuly_2006/story3.html

Thus, they are mandated to support the ATI with the M-Card under FCC's Plug & Play order and by the Joint Test Suite (JTS), also documented on CableLabs website:

http://www.cablelabs.com/opencable/primer/cablecard_primer.html

Case closed!

Here's your "loophole" with your Comcast office:
<<He said it is Comcast policy that they will only install a CableCard into a TV, Tivo 3, or a Microsoft Media set top box. >>
Solution:  you have a "Microsoft Media set top box" (whatever the hell that is.)  You just need to get the tech out.

File the complaint, though.  And, the better your notes on your phone calls to Comcast (times, dates, and persons spoken with), the better.  It'd be really great if you have the name of the "rude guy who laughed at you" - frankly, he deserves to be fired.
One:  insanely rude.
Two:  no cableco likes having the FCC breathing down their necks.

http://esupport.fcc.gov/complaints.htm

The ATI/AMD tuners are listed here on the CableLabs website as CERTIFIED:

http://www.cablelabs.com/opencable/udcp/downloads/OC_PNP.pdf

See page one and two.  They are identified as type code "PCA", which represents "Personal Computer Adapter."

 I used to work for Comcast tech support (thankfully, i don't anymore). Let me start off by saying, I never treated anyone that I talked to like that, but I know some people who did. Secondly, here is the trick, call tech support try not to give them any specifics on your setup. Only give them enough info to get a install tech to your house with a cable card. (It's much better to do some convincing in person if the tech doesn't want to install it)

If you do have to tell the person on the phone what you are installing it into and they refuse to do it, simply ask for their supervisor. They are required to escalate if you request it (some supervisors are lazy and don't like taking calls, but you will get to them if are persistent) If the supervisor doesn't want to do it, ask for their manager. Frankly, you can ask for anyone's boss all the way up to the president of the region. You will eventually get someone that will actually know the rules and what can happen to them if they don't comply with the FCC. Always take the names of the people you talk to. If you do file a complaint with the FCC and with whoever finally cooperates with you, those folks will be as good as gone.

teoami

 I used to work for Comcast tech support (thankfully, i don't anymore). Let me start off by saying, I never treated anyone that I talked to like that, but I know some people who did. Secondly, here is the trick, call tech support try not to give them any specifics on your setup. Only give them enough info to get a install tech to your house with a cable card. (It's much better to do some convincing in person if the tech doesn't want to install it)

If you do have to tell the person on the phone what you are installing it into and they refuse to do it, simply ask for their supervisor. They are required to escalate if you request it (some supervisors are lazy and don't like taking calls, but you will get to them if are persistent) If the supervisor doesn't want to do it, ask for their manager. Frankly, you can ask for anyone's boss all the way up to the president of the region. You will eventually get someone that will actually know the rules and what can happen to them if they don't comply with the FCC. Always take the names of the people you talk to. If you do file a complaint with the FCC and with whoever finally cooperates with you, those folks will be as good as gone.

The point is "trick", none of these customers should even have to go to these lengths.

To the OP, where are you located?

I have Comcast in my area (Chicago), and I just plunked down $700 to build a rig for housing the Ceton card.  This is very disturbing, to say the least.  I was counting the days until I disconnect DirecTV SD for good.

 I can guarantee you the CableCARDs from Comcast work just fine in the upcoming Ceton MOCUR. In fact, I use Comcast at my own home.  If you have any issues getting a CableCARD for our device from your provider let us know and we will make sure you get one.  I will do it myself if needed.