Quote:
Originally Posted by
Jimhighdef 
I got my letter from Comcast a few weeks ago as to their supposed upgrade and offer of one free digital box and two free digital adapters.
1. They did not mention whether these devices were for your digital/HD tv or your analog tv. They used phases like primary and other tv's.
2. They offered no explanation as to why after 30 years of viewing analog tv with no box that now you need a digtal box for your digital/HD tv after they have eliminated the analog signal. Sounds like a technological downgrade to me. The real answer is that they have decided to block the expanded basic channels that we have been getting for 30 years unless you get a Comcast box and thereby force you to have on demand capability whether you want it or not.
3. They do not mention whether your tv remote will work the cable box or whether you will need a Comcast remote for either the digital box or digtial adapter. I'm guessing I will have to use their remote which will eliminate fast and easy channel surfing.
4. They did infer that you will be getting digtal picture and sound on your analog tv with the digital adapter. I guess I am an amateur at this as I did not think that was possible on an analog tv.
5. One person on this board, I think it was Dishrich, indicated that you don't want to put the digital adapter on your HD tv or you will lose your HD reception for the local stations (WCIA, WICS, WRSP, WAND, PBS, and WBUI). From his remarks I assume I will not lose my HD reception with these local stations if I use a digital box but I am not sure.
6a. I do wonder if my digital DVD player and my analog DVD player will still be able to record programs if they are connected to a Comcast digtial box and digital adapter, respectively. Does anybody know? 6b. Also, would my digital DVD player be able to record programs if it is connected to a Comcast HD receiver?
Hi Jim,
From afar 60 miles west of CHicago, I think I can still answer your questions.
1. You can put them on your HDTV or SDTV. Doesn't matter. It uses coax out to your TV.
2. It's an upgrade. No more snow. Much more consistent audio, video levels more uniform. Analog frequently had problems with individual channels. Not so much with digital, unless signal levels are way off.
3. Some remotes work with this DTA. From this thread:
http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r220...to-Control-DTA
The following universal remotes work:
Logitech Harmony ONE
Logitech Harmony 1000
Philips Pronto
One for All 8820
Radio Shack (15-135)
But it's tough to get them to work with the box. And I have heard the DTA's change channels s l o w l y.
4. In the strictest sense, even if it is 1080p, it's always analog to your eyes.
But what they mean is that the transmission format to your residence is digital instead of analog. Theoretically, that should make for a better picture.
5. You can only use RF cable. So, if you had an antenna hooked up to your HDTV, you'd either have to choose between cable or antenna. You could get an A/B switch to change between the two, but that's a hassle.
6a. If you plug the RF cable into the DVD player, you should be able to; then run composite cable to your HDTV.
6b. No, because that video format is incompatible with standard definition DV players/recorders.
