I have an LCD monitor and want to use it as a TV. Not looking for a pci tuner card or anything. I need a stand alone box that can take cable (not from an antenna) and be controllable and everything, and output to vga, composite, s-video, HDMI, or DVI-D.

Is something like this ok to use? or is it for over the air only?

http://www.target.com/Venturer-Digital-Converter-Box/dp/B001A0TMI0/ref=sc_qi_detailbutton?ie=UTF8&pf_rd_r=0B9C1WXRFQ81DM4CM34A&pf_rd_p=465357931&pf_rd_i=B001A0TMI0&pf_rd_s=bottom-6&pf_rd_m=A1VC38T7YXB528&pf_rd_t=5101

Thanks

If it's eligible for the coupon, it's over the air only (the government isn't subsidizing your cable needs.)

They do make non-coupon-eligible hybrid ones that do QAM (for cable) and ATSC (for over the air.) There are also a few standalone QAM tuners out there (Samsung makes at least one.) Those would snag digital in the clear channels.

A QAM tuner-equipped DVD recorder or a TiVo would also work (TiVo would also have a cableCARD slot if you wanted the encrypted channels, but it requires a cableCARD rental.)

I don't know of any standalone analog tuners that are around anymore, other than a VCR.

Thanks, that's incredbily helpful.

What about this one?
http://www.buy.com/prod/kworld-digital-atsc-qam-tv-tuner-box-reveiver-dvi-watch-digital-tv-in/q/loc/101/209849669.html

Can I use that remote and switch between channels with it connected through DVI?

(The monitor i have is a Dell 2408WFP. I have an xbox hooked up with the components, and my computer via one DVI input)

Thanks, that's incredbily helpful.

What about this one?
http://www.buy.com/prod/kworld-digital-atsc-qam-tv-tuner-box-reveiver-dvi-watch-digital-tv-in/q/loc/101/209849669.html

Can I use that remote and switch between channels with it connected through DVI?

(The monitor i have is a Dell 2408FWP. I have an xbox hooked up with the components, and my computer via one DVI input)

While the title line in the listing uses "ATSC" (for broadcast signals) and "QAM" (for cable signals), and the product description mentions both ATSC and clear QAM reception, it is interesting that the video itself nowhere mentions cable reception. I would be suspicious that this product is being "hyped" as a clear QAM tuner but the truth may be otherwise.

I've got this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815260022 and it does get QAM on the cable. Interestlingly, it only gets the higher carriers (above ch 78) while my Phillips 3575 gets both the lower (ch 32-40) and the high ones. Newegg also carries the DVI version which is likely the same tuner.

They do make non-coupon-eligible hybrid ones that do QAM (for cable) and ATSC (for over the air.)


Any idea on where to find them? (Didn't get far on a google/Amazon/ebay search for use on an analog TV (not VGA input) other than the K-World SA-290)

I've been away from this forum (including the CECB forum) for a while. Now I'm looking for a QAM tuner to work with my Comcast service.

TIA