I currently use comcast digital cable service. Two of my tv's have boxes from comcast and get the full range of channels available. The rest of my tv's (which are analog) have no boxes and get significantly fewer channels. I understand that I don't need to purchase converter boxes to maintain what I've got now. However, if I put a store-bought converter box on a tv, would it increase the number of channels I receive?

thanks, BDWeller

What type of convertor boxes are you refering to?
The new ones recently released for thr OTA transition won't do you any good!!
Cable uses QAM for it's digital channels, many DVD recorders have built in QAM tuners, these tuners will only decode the channels (QAM) that are not scrambled, the unscrambled channels are dependent on your local cable-co.

I'm referring to the ones that are for OTA change in 2/09 (I got a coupon the other day). Since comcast charges me $8/month to rent additional boxes, I didn't think it would help.

I was going to get a box anyway for when cable is out and we have to switch to antenna viewing. Last year I had to break out the rabbit ears when it was out and my kids didn't even know what they were.

Thanks, BDWeller

I'm referring to the ones that are for OTA change in 2/09 (I got a coupon the other day). Since comcast charges me $8/month to rent additional boxes, I didn't think it would help.

This box will not help you with additional cable channels, it is for OTA only.

Actually, I beg to differ. I got a converter box and learned happily that many stations have multiple channels. For example all three of my local PBS stations have four digital broadcast channels which ups my programming exponentially. Unfortunately, the major networks extra programming is limited to 24/7 weather/news in my market. Still, I am very happy to not pay for cable.:D:D:D
Regards.

Actually, I beg to differ. I got a converter box and learned happily that many stations have multiple channels. For example all three of my local PBS stations have four digital broadcast channels which ups my programming exponentially. Unfortunately, the major networks extra programming is limited to 24/7 weather/news in my market. Still, I am very happy to not pay for cable.:D:D:D
Regards.
The operative word (term) here is OTA -- Off The Air. The converter boxes to which the O.P. refers are for broadcast television only (ATSC). They don't have a tuner that will tune digital cable (QAM).

There are boxes that will tune QAM, but they are not eligible for the discount coupon, which was what was originally asked about.

I am also looking for a box that will decode QAM, along with OTA. I am dissapointed with the current selection of boxes I have come across. Even the ones that have a setting for "Cable" do not decode QAM. The other problem, is I'd like to find one with VGA or component output.

I am also looking for a box that will decode QAM, along with OTA. I am dissapointed with the current selection of boxes I have come across. Even the ones that have a setting for "Cable" do not decode QAM. The other problem, is I'd like to find one with VGA or component output.

Samsung DTB-H260F It had composite, component, and S-video, as well as HDMI. Also has optical digital audio. Does both ATSC and QAM. An excellent settop box. About $180 at Circuit City.