[Tomberg]

I'm a Charter expanded basic subscriber with a new Onkyo TX-SR706 receiver and /Epson 1080 UB projecgtor in another room in my house. I don't use a cable box from Charter now, because...I don't need it. The cable goes right into my TV and it works fine. However, looks like I'll need a cable box or similar to feed cable signal to the Epson. What I don't know is what kind of cable box to get or even where to get one. Radio shack doesn't sell any, neither does the largest audio/video store in my community. Ideally, I'd like 1) an HDMI output from the "box" 2) the ability to grab HD analog signals over the air (OTA), 3) digital capability. I suppose they all have 3, but hey...I'm a newbee, what do I know 4) recording capability (DVR). To be honest, I don't have to have all of 1 - 4; but I am willing to pay more to future proof this part of my home theater.


Any suggestions on where to look? Does Motorola make something?? I found another thread that mentioned three others (list follows) but I'm having trouble penetrating the specs to figure out if they are what I need. Centronics ZAT502 HD $70 ATSC, Clear QAM; Coby DTV-140 $139 ATSC; Tivax LX1000 $90 ATSC...


Any suggestions. I don't really want to go to Charter and get a box from them, if I can help it.

 

[Tulpa]

If you're in the US, cable boxes aren't sold by retail outlets, just rented by the cablecos from their inventory (and requiring their activation.) Forget about anything from Motorola or Scientific Atlanta if you're looking to own something.


The ATSC boxes won't work with Charter, but they do work with antennas for digital signals. QAM tuners will work with digital cable, but there aren't many standalones (I think Samsung has one), and you're at the mercy of whatever Charter decides to send "in the clear." Could be just the networks, could be a few more.


If you're willing to rent a cableCARD for the encrypted channels, then a TiVo HD DVR, a Moxi HD, or a HTPC with a card and Vista Media Center will get you those channels. None are exactly a cheap option, but they do substitute for a rented box or DVR from Charter.

 

[7558037]

If you can stand SDTV, click #1 in my sig. to check out two DVDRs with 160GB HDDs, NTSC/ATSC/QAM tuners and lots of other stuff. They should be able to tune whatever your TV can tune (assuming it's digital) and maybe more?

 

[Tomberg]



Quote:
Originally Posted by wajo /forum/post/15527498


If you can stand SDTV, click #1 in my sig. to check out two DVDRs with 160GB HDDs, NTSC/ATSC/QAM tuners and lots of other stuff. They should be able to tune whatever your TV can tune (assuming it's digital) and maybe more?

Thanks!

 

[Tomberg]

Thank You!