Do QAM RF channel numbers really go up to 159 now?

I read on the Fresno local thread that Comcast in Fresno has a clear QAM channel 159.43? I wonder if that is that the actual physical RF channel or a virtual channel? Do RF channels go up that high now? I do not live in Fresno, but if I did I would be unable to receive that channel. My Vizio HDTV only goes up to physical channel 136, my LG DVD recorder to physical channel 135, and my Durabrand SDTV to channel 125 (yes, all have digital tuners). If physical channels are now up into the 140's, 150's or higher, then a lot of digital tvs and other equipment will not be able to receive the higher numbered QAM channels. In fact, this would be a convenient way for cable companies to block most clear QAM reception while complying with the letter of the law to not encrypt local channels. I guess we went through this before in the days of analog. The first cable ready tvs only went up to cable channel 22, then 36, then 53, then 64, then 99, then 125.