I parents bought a HD Capable TV years ago and I have always wanted to get a HD tuner for it. The problem is that it was very expensive back then. Is it still the case now?

We have Comcast digital with a regular cable box, so we need a QAM tuner right? We still use a VCR so is it possible for the TV to get HD even if everything is hooked up through that?

I parents bought a HD Capable TV years ago and I have always wanted to get a HD tuner for it. The problem is that it was very expensive back then. Is it still the case now?

We have Comcast digital with a regular cable box, so we need a QAM tuner right? We still use a VCR so is it possible for the TV to get HD even if everything is hooked up through that?
You could use a separate HDTV tuner with clear QAM and they are not as expensive as they were years ago but it would probably only receive the local broadcast HDTV. If you want the cable HD channels you will have to rent an HD cable box from Comcast or rent cable cards for use with an HD Tivo. You may want to check out The Official AVS HDTV STB Synopsis - Fall 2008!
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=179095

Wow, it still costs $200 just for a tuner?

External HD tuners aren't exactly a mass-market item. :(

Umm, I think all you need is to subscribe to the Comcast HD service. They supply the set top box, which has the tuner in it. You hook it up to your HDTV with HDMI or component connections and you've got HD.

viper.. does your VCR have component, DVI or HDMI connections? it's unlikely that you will be able to transmit HD signal thru your VCR..

if money is a consideration and you'd like over-the-air HD.. consider finding a model HD-300 SONY Digital TV/SAT receiver.. these originally retailed for over $1000 but if you're willling to hunt you should be able to find one on ebay for short dollars.. meaning less than $50..

it delivers simultaneous SAT, cable and OTA signal or (emphasis) it can be used to pick up OTA signal alone without cable or SAT service.. an RG-6 out connection allows all signals to be split and eliminates need for extra boxes.. i have a problem paying rent on cable boxes or modems..

OTA signal delivers the best quality HD picture and its free.. if you get this receiver it should come w RF remote and antenae..

another alternative would be the Hughes HTL-HD which is identical to the Sony HD-300 without the RF remote capabilities.. i bought one on ebay around a year ago for $10..

The two most popular models are around $150. That's not bad.

If you want to get just OTA HD locals ...

I got an email from Solid Signal today advertising this tuner for $59.99 after coupon code. HDMI and Component out for 1080i.

http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?prod=ZAT502HD

ZWERRP88T (Expires 11/20/08)

I know nothing about this unit, but seems pretty cheap for a new HD ASTC/Digital Cable capable tuner. Probably not QAM tuning though.

If you really want to record and have HD service, I would agree that the best way would be to get Digital Comcast tuner with DVR capablility. Only thing is the monthly cost will be more than basic cable.

I know nothing about this unit, but seems pretty cheapI do and there is a reason it is "cheap".

Search for the thread on this model.
There are two versions, the ones SS is trying unload and the ones directly from Centronics (the distributor) with updated firmware. It's unknown just how many 'bugs' were fixed with the stock that SS has.

If you want to get just OTA HD locals ...

I got an email from Solid Signal today advertising this tuner for $59.99 after coupon code. HDMI and Component out for 1080i.

http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?prod=ZAT502HD

ZWERRP88T (Expires 11/20/08)

I know nothing about this unit, but seems pretty cheap for a new HD ASTC/Digital Cable capable tuner. Probably not QAM tuning though.

If you really want to record and have HD service, I would agree that the best way would be to get Digital Comcast tuner with DVR capablility. Only thing is the monthly cost will be more than basic cable.I have a CRT HDTV I bought for the bedroom several years ago without a tuner, but it didn't much matter because it is connected to an HDTV cable box. For backup, I wanted an ATSC tuner but didn't want to go > $100 for the Samsung STB, then I saw this thread. (BTW thanks for the promo code). I ordered one of these Monday. Then I hoped I didn't regret it because I found the thread on the ZAT501HD that indicated some problems/bugs with the unit.

I received it today and started experimenting. I'm somewhat pleasantly surprised. It does have a QAM tuner and it found all the unencrypted channels on TW in my area. I then tried antenna and it found all the local stations my other sets with OTA tuners find. I tested component and HDMI with my plasma in the living room. The optical s/pidif also worked with my surround sound receiver (it's switchable between PCM and AC3).

The program guide is called simple and it only shows the next three hours' titles. Neither this simple guide nor the info menu item for the current program display detailed episode info.

The only real negative I've found is the picture size for the SD subchannels seems a little zoomed in and cropped at the top and bottom with smaller borders at the left and right than when watching 4x3 material on an HD channel.