How to view RCN HD channels without cable cards?

[tivochiguy]

My cable cards will not be in for a week. I would like to watch HD with my Tivo. From reading a few postings it sounds like I should be able to view the HD channels without having the cable cards, but they would be on a different number scheme with a "-".

Few questions:
1. How do I find out what those odd ball channels are (tried google but couldn't come up with anything.
2. How do I enter a "-" for a channel number?
3. Can I enter a channel greater than three digits?

RCN told me I have to have a cable card to see HD channels even if my Tivo or TV has an HD tuner.

I appreciate the help!

[gastrof]

Just a suggestion...

Try using the OTA HD tuner and see if that works.

[tivochiguy]

I found a post somewhere else that has the following channels. Those worked!

Missing HDNet....

103.2501 - WB
103.2502 - ABC
107.2601 - NBC
107.2602 - CBS
115.2701 - FOX
115.2702 - PBS / WTTWD

[jfh3]

1. Check over at avsforum to find out where your local channels are found.
2. Use the "Advance" button "->|"
3. There are no OTA channels greater than 3 digits. If you are talking about cable channels, yes.

[jbarrie]

Michael:
HD without cable cards?

I hope this will help you. On my Panasonic Plasma that has cable card, but only basic service level with PatMedia, I use the subchannels (as you would over the air). These are found by entering a "-" following a main channel number. It actually shows you what is sharing the FCC allocated slot of bandwidth.

For me, the useful channels are:
CBS 82-2; NBC 81-3; FOX 5-1; ABC 7-1; WNET 13-1
[for other PatMedia users, their PatMedia STB/cc #'s are, respectively: 163, 160, 161, 164, 165--at this time].

This technique also worked for my Sony HDD500 when I chose to rip the CC out of it for a while.