Hi

Not sure if this is the right forum and if the question has been answer so please give some info.

I have two TVs with QAM tuners and Comcast full basic cable. I've been getting local HDs and regular analog channels: ESPN, ESPN2, Discovery, TNT etc... However, I just found out that my package include ESPN, ESPN2, TNT all in HD but with channel 400+.

Problem is that my TVs' QAM tuners only go up to 129. How can I get these 400+ channel without having to lease HD boxes from Comcast? Since I already paid for the channels why do I have to pay for the boxes?

Renting each HD box from Comcast cost me an extra 6.95-9.95 each ++ - which I am not too thrill about. Should Comcast have carried both digital and analog channels within QAM scannable range (2-129)?

Regards,
JP

No. You will need to get an HD box from Comcast, your own STB (TiVO, Moxi, etc) or a cable card for your TV (if it supports one). Comcast does not send out any other HD channels in the clear besides locals.

See what channels are available in clear QAM - plug in your zip code:

http://www.silicondust.com/hdhomerun/channels

Hi

Not sure if this is the right forum and if the question has been answer so please give some info.

I have two TVs with QAM tuners and Comcast full basic cable. I've been getting local HDs and regular analog channels: ESPN, ESPN2, Discovery, TNT etc... However, I just found out that my package include ESPN, ESPN2, TNT all in HD but with channel 400+.

Problem is that my TVs' QAM tuners only go up to 129. How can I get these 400+ channel without having to lease HD boxes from Comcast? Since I already paid for the channels why do I have to pay for the boxes?

Renting each HD box from Comcast cost me an extra 6.95-9.95 each ++ - which I am not too thrill about. Should Comcast have carried both digital and analog channels within QAM scannable range (2-129)?

Regards,
JP

Fact is, you don't pay for the premium HD channels. Espn, etc...

Thanks for the quick replies. Looks like I may have to check on the cable card option - as my large JVC TV supports it. Not sure how much? Does anyone use the cable card?

Fact is, you don't pay for the premium HD channels. Espn, etc...

It shows on their website with full basic package (that's what I have) :confused:
http://www.comcast.com/Customers/Clu/ChannelLineup.ashx

Other people living on your street may not be paying for those channels. So the service provider generally encrypts such channels requiring addressable decryption at the tuner, either via a cable converter box, or via a CableCARD.

Fact is, you don't pay for the premium HD channels. Espn, etc...
Now, in many Comcast areas, ESPN, TNT, etc. are not 'premium HD channels' anymore, as in Digital Classic HD; in some areas they never were.

In many areas, HD simulcasts of Expd. Basic channels, as well as HD exclusives, are now included in Digital Starter HD (Standard service with an HD Box or a CC).

Thanks for the quick replies. Looks like I may have to check on the cable card option - as my large JVC TV supports it. Not sure how much? Does anyone use the cable card?



It shows on their website with full basic package (that's what I have) :confused:
http://www.comcast.com/Customers/Clu/ChannelLineup.ashx

I don't trust what Comcast's own site shows me for my channel lineup because it's never matched my on screen guide.

See what channels are available in clear QAM - plug in your zip code:

http://www.silicondust.com/hdhomerun/channels

Usually wrong.

Worth what you pay for it. :)

Other people living on your street may not be paying for those channels. So the service provider generally encrypts such channels requiring addressable decryption at the tuner, either via a cable converter box, or via a CableCARD.
That's what traps are for. But someone somewhere must of though that a couple people stealing cable cost more than dealing with STBs that they allegedly lose money on. Since a world without traps and less truck rolls is unattenable with the seperable security mandate they should just unencrypt all the basic channels and use traps on all 5 people on the lifeline tier.

Thanks for the quick replies. Looks like I may have to check on the cable card option - as my large JVC TV supports it. Not sure how much? Does anyone use the cable card?Yes, there are some CableCARDS out there, but they are not commonplace, so don't be surprised if the initial install doesn't go perfect. Cost is less than a STB, usually less than $5 per month.

If you go with a TiVo HD or Moxi, they too require a CableCARD for any HD, except local HD.

The downside of a CableCARD is no PPV, no On Demand, no cable supplied on screen program guide.

Thanks, I got it.

In my opinion, the whole HD/Digital situation seems to make it more costly for consumer. It adds up quickly.
Looks like STB is the way to go for me.

See what channels are available in clear QAM - plug in your zip code:

http://www.silicondust.com/hdhomerun/channels

Usually wrong.

Extremely wrong for ZIP 94038 = Zero (≤ -∞) Local Digital and Zero (≤ -∞) HD and Zero (≤ -∞) On Demand, STB or Clear QAM :mad:

Thanks, I got it.

In my opinion, the whole HD/Digital situation seems to make it more costly for consumer. It adds up quickly.
Looks like STB is the way to go for me.

If you're going to consider a STB, consider an HD DVR. They are like air conditioning; if you don't have it, no big deal, you live with it, once you get it you never want to live without it again.

That's what traps are for.As compared to encryption, traps are expensive to maintain and can be physically disengaged by transgressors.

TBut someone somewhere must of though that a couple people stealing cable cost more than dealing with STBs that they allegedly lose money on.Cost/benefit analysis is a bitch, but it works.

Since a world without traps and less truck rolls is unattenable with the seperable security mandateNo, just more costly. However, costs can often be passed along to customers. Again, cost/benefit analysis would make it clear which approach is best for the service provider. They should do the analysis, and then make the best decision for themselves.

If you're going to consider a STB, consider an HD DVR. They are like air conditioning; if you don't have it, no big deal, you live with it, once you get it you never want to live without it again.

Hmm, I own a panasonic dvd-recorder DMR-EZ28. It can pick up all the Comcast digital channels up to 129 so I won't able to get the 400+ channels?

Which HD DVR model are you referring to that can pick up the 400 and above channels? Is it a rental from Comcast?

Thanks,
JP

Don't be confused by the actual frequency being used for the QAM channels and the channel number alias number being used you your cable company program guide such as 402, or 702 etc.