PDA

View Full Version : Do I need a cable box to get HD channels?

EricE
07-14-2009, 11:30 AM
My Cable lineup currently gives me 17 HD channels that I am not taking advantage of. I do not have a cable box but I do have an HD capable TV. I assume I need a digital cable box to take advantage of these channels. Is that true?
pilotdru
07-14-2009, 11:36 AM
It depends on the cable company.

When I got my HDTV and scanned the channels on cable it came up with the basic OTA channels in HD. ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, and PBS.

But the channel numbers were messed up. For example channel 4's SD channel was 8 and the HD channels were 4.1 and 4.2.
longball07
07-14-2009, 06:05 PM
Does your cable company charge for HD?
Dan203
07-14-2009, 06:29 PM
You should be able to get all the local channels for free. Just connect the cable directly to your TV and do a channel scan. They will be on weird channel numbers but they should not be encrypted.

The other, non-local, HD channels may or may not be encrypted. If not they they'll get picked up by the scan. If so then you'll need an HD capable cable box or a CableCARD (if you're TV supports that) to get those channels.

Dan
ThAbtO
07-14-2009, 08:11 PM
It depends on the Tivo also.

Series 2 will require a cable box for reception on most channels.

The Series 3/HD/XL cannot use cable boxes, instead cable cards are used.. on the HD and XL, you only need 2 Single-Streem or 1 Multi-stream card for dual tuners.
bicker
07-15-2009, 06:47 AM
It does depend on the area. By one regulation, MSOs are required to carry one signal of each broadcaster in-the-clear. By agreement with the FCC, they're required to either carry an analog signal or make converter boxes available. Put the two together and some MSOs operate as if the requirement allows them to carry one format (i.e., analog) of the one signal (the one the broadcaster designates).

However, in most areas, the HD versions of local broadcast channels are available in-the-clear. In addition, in some areas, and more and more each week, MSOs are also unencrypting the ADS (analog-digital simulcast) versions of local broadcast channels. If you're watching on a 4:3 television, the ADS version may be the best choice for you.