Been getting my mind blown a bit reading here, so...

I'm interested in getting unencrypted channels from the local cable co, since no matter how much I play with my antenna setup, I can't get the local CBS, NBC, and CW networks, plus living near an airport causes the occasional extra interference. My HDTV doesn't include the ability to take a cablecard, so I need something that's an QAM external tuner. I've noticed in some of the other threads that most (all?) of the current DVD recorders with a QAM tuner down-covert the signal to 480p, and I want to keep it hi-def when I actually watch it.

So... help?

EDIT: NEVERMIND, problem solved. Thanks, all.

Are you sure your set doesn't have a QAM tuner? It doesn't have to have a CableCARD slot to have a QAM tuner in it. A CableCARD is only needed to get the encrypted channels - the locals should be in the clear.

A lot of times, like with the Panasonics, they don't even mention the QAM tuner in the specs. Almost all newer sets have a QAM tuner, even when they don't mention it.

What TV do you have?

If you know for sure that your TV doesn't have a QAM tuner built in (to pick up the unencrypted channels), then I suppose you could try the Samsung DTB-H260F ATSC/QAM tuner.

BB and CC often sell it in their stores. I saw a few at a Fry's Electronics yesterday, too.

I also saw one a few days back for a considerably lower price in the "Scratch & Dent" listings at www.crutchfield.com.

I got my HDTV pretty cheap on Black Friday from Best Buy. It's an Insignia NS-27HTV. I bought it knowing it didn't have QAM.

I'm planning on swinging by BB today and pick up a Sammie. Hopefully, it'll do the trick. Does it enable you to "mix and match" sources? I think I've heard of some equipment out there which will display the OTA signal if it's strong enough and go to the cable signal if it's not. Just wanting to stick with maximum image quality.

Though it's a little late now, but have you seeb this;
http://hdguru.com/?p=107#comment-10792

Exactly where do you live assuming it isn't IN Charlotte? A zip code is fine.
Have you visited your areas forum?

I'm interested in getting unencrypted channels from the local cable co, since no matter how much I play with my antenna setup, I can't get the local CBS, NBC, and CW networks, plus living near an airport causes the occasional extra interference. My HDTV doesn't include the ability to take a cablecard, so I need something that's an QAM external tuner. I've noticed in some of the other threads that most (all?) of the current DVD recorders with a QAM tuner down-covert the signal to 480p, and I want to keep it hi-def when I actually watch it.
It's an Insignia NS-27HTV


You're confused about something. I just downloaded the user guide for your (discontinued) TV. According to the specifications page, it CAN tune in "nonscrambled (ClearQAM) cable programs." There's no reason to buy the Samsung DTB-H260F box as your TV already has the ability to tune in unencrypted QAM. Cablecards have nothing to do with what you want. Only if you wanted to view the encrypted QAM would you need something that took a cablecard, which the Samsung box doesn't offer anyway.

Well, I bought and tried the box, to no avail. I posted a question in the TW thread for Charlotte, NC to see if maybe TW's taken to encrypting all of the channels now. The thing is, I HAVE tried scanning for channels with my TV, including selecting the STD, IRC, and HRC options, and have gotten nothing. So I was hoping that maybe the Samsung would work wonders, but it didn't.

Shadowknight; Did you see my post?

I did, but... it's an article on HDTVs and warranties, so I'm not sure what you're trying to tell me...

Just a note on certain brands of TVs'. But, more important was the separate question regarding your issue.

I didn't see it, so it might be better if you just cut and pasted it here.

Though it's a little late now, but have you seeb this;
http://hdguru.com/?p=107#comment-10792

Exactly where do you live assuming it isn't IN Charlotte? A zip code is fine.
Have you visited your areas forum?It's the 2nd paragraph. :rolleyes: