Hi, we just recently got HDTV from Comcast...and i had just bought a Samsung s4253 plasma (still breaking in)..Right now i only have a regular coaxial cable from the wall that "screws" into the back of the TV. Reception is ok at best..few channels are nice but most are a little fuzzy/snowy. Its not bad "fuzzy/snowy" per say, but you can tell its not as clear as they can be. Its just not "smooth"...

So my question is whether or not i can actually tap into the cable that goes into the back of the HD box and get HD channels on my TV?? I'm pretty sure i cant because that would be considered stealing...??? What is the cheapest and simplest way i can do that if i can?? I know i can get an extra box, but i dont feel like paying for it..i dont watch that much tv anyways so i am not that worried about it..

If i cant do that however, what are some of the ways that i can improve the signal/reception of my regular cable? I already replace the cable but thats about it for now..any suggestions?

Sorry but I'm having some trouble with what you said. You say you just got HDTV from Comcast. But you don't want to "steal" HDTV from the cable? There may be some channels of unscrambled HDTV on the cable, usually the networks only. I haven't checked to see if the Samsung has a QAN tuner. That is the transmition modulation used on digital cable.

TerryB

You're not stealing anything - you're already paying for it - if you want another STB you'll have to pay for it. Unless your TV has a QAM tuner there's not much you can do to improve your picture - just the way analog looks on flat panels. With the QAM tuner you're likely to only get locals - but many in HD.

are there any up-convertion dvd player with a qam tuner??

There are supposed to be some DVD burners coming out with ATSC tuners, not sure if they are supposed to have QAM also.

is there anyway i can improve the signal on my regular cable?? would an amp help?

are there any up-convertion dvd player with a qam tuner??

LG LST-3510A

If you can find one. ;)

If you can find one. ;)

There are 8 on Ebay

is there anyway i can improve the signal on my regular cable?? would an amp help?
For analog yes, for digital no. With digital you either get it or you don't - there's no improving.

While not listed in the specs the Philips 3505 also has a QAM tuner. These DVDrs are just now coming to market - need to wait a bit for the volume to pick up.

bunta,
Your cable may be improvable, even the digital. If you have a signal coming to multiple outl ets in the house then there is at least one splitter involved. You need to figure out what the setup is and determine if a more appropriate arrangement, possibly fewer splitters or a powered distribution amp might help. It is possible that the cable signal coming to your property is marginal as well, maybe the cable company can help tune you up. You are (hopefully) paying for service which should make a workable cable signal available at all outlets in the house.

TerryB