A friend of mine told me that if I just get Comcast cable internet that I would get basic TV with out paying extra for cable TV. He said that if they run the line for internet and turn that on that they do not block the basic cable channels... is this true?

Depends on the specific provider and location what they'll do. Sometimes they don't have a tight enough filter, and basic cable will come in along with it - however, if you actually use that, they could theoretically hit you with theft of service charges, because you're not actually paying for basic cable. Be very careful about that. They probably won't, but if you make a big stink about something you're not getting (I've seen people posting on here in that sort of situation), it could come back to bite you. So if you do get basic cable at the same time as cable internet service, and choose to use it, just be smart enough not to complain... :)

thank you for your quick reply. I will see what happens because really I care mostly about the internet. I will let you guys know what happens :)

If I did get cable channels wouldn't that only last till Feb 2009 and it goes digital? I read that the channels that come through are analog and all channels have to go digital feb 2009... or is that only for off air antenna?

If I did get cable channels wouldn't that only last till Feb 2009 and it goes digital? I read that the channels that come through are analog and all channels have to go digital feb 2009... or is that only for off air antenna?

Only for antenna. Cable could go all digital before or after that date, depending on your company (more likely after.)

Typically with Comcast, "limited" basic (local channels) are included with HSI sub.

I have heard where others have been "lucky" and received all basic channels.

I guess it depends on the competency and/or diligence of the installer.

is it because some companies put a low frequency filter or something on the cable?

is it because some companies put a low frequency filter or something on the cable?

From my experience there's a channel trap that is installed that only allows the frequencies closest to the internet frequency through the line. A couple channels slip through the trap if they're in a close frequency range, but only a couple.

most places will put a filter on the line.

I work for TWC and we always put filters on, and if our supervisor checks on us and finds that we havent or forget to put one on, we run back on it and can get written up.

the return is usually low frequency, such as 33mhz, the forward is higher, such as 567mhz... our traps cut out 55-511. 55mhz is ch2 and 511 is ch72. so ppl here will get chans 73-75. not really worth it :\

most places will put a filter on the line.

I work for TWC and we always put filters on, and if our supervisor checks on us and finds that we havent or forget to put one on, we run back on it and can get written up.

the return is usually low frequency, such as 33mhz, the forward is higher, such as 567mhz... our traps cut out 55-511. 55mhz is ch2 and 511 is ch72. so ppl here will get chans 73-75. not really worth it :\


From another forum:

... we all know that CATV carries analog and digital as well as broadband (internet/VoIP).


So, is this true if I subscribe to the older "standard" (analog?) cable service only?

I have 2 analog TV's and got 2 DTV converters (one for each) and they work well receiving off-the-air digital broadcasts. I tried connecting my existing standard (non-digital) cable (from Cox) signal directly from the wall (no splitters) and the DTV box could not find any channels. I called Cox and they said these DTV converter boxes only work with antennas and I would need to convert to "digital" cable and rent one of their converter boxes for an additional cost.

Does this make sense? Is the digital portion being filtered out (blocked) at the street and I would be paying Cox to just remove this filter so I can be "upgraded" to digital? Or is the digital content being blocked or scrambled at the source? Or is there another way to get my DTV box to detect digital channels?

TIA for any replies.

Lou

Digital channels are encrypted at the "head end". To receive non-encrypted (typically locals only) digital cable channels, you need a QAM tuner in the TV or an external box.

The DTV converters (CECB's) are OTA only.

Very nice thread. I will try that cable. I think it will work.
Thanks for posting.