If you can use the output from the existing digital STB, then you should be golden. If not, then you need another STB.
Can I get digital cable on my analog TVs without being further ripped off by Comcast?
Just wondering how it would be done. My Cable signal is already split in a few ways from the original source, and if it requires routing the digital signal from my HDTV digital box, I guess I'll have to reorganize all the split cable crap in my basement...
1 - 20 of 45 Posts
No, the output of the STB will only display the current channel the box is on. So, in theory, sure, you could split that output several times to several TV's. You just have to be ok with the idea that every time you change the channel, every tv in the house changed channels with you.
As others have pointed out, the digital cable box generally puts out only one channel at a time, the channel it is tuned to.
Once February 2009 rolls along (and in most places, this is already true today), for the local broadcast channels, you can use a QAM tuner to convert the digital cable signal into an analog signal for your analog televisions -- you don't have to rent it from the cable company, you can buy it. There aren't many for sale at the local electronics store, because so many folks find the rental offering from the cable company more convenient. Note that this is an advantage you only get from cable; satellite doesn't provide local broadcast channels in-the-clear in a signal you can split and distribute around your home yourself.
All cable companies and both satellite companies generally do charge extra for every digital device you connect to their service, somehow. With the exception of the local broadcast channels, as mentioned above, you do have to pay more if you want to get more out of the service.
Once February 2009 rolls along (and in most places, this is already true today), for the local broadcast channels, you can use a QAM tuner to convert the digital cable signal into an analog signal for your analog televisions -- you don't have to rent it from the cable company, you can buy it. There aren't many for sale at the local electronics store, because so many folks find the rental offering from the cable company more convenient. Note that this is an advantage you only get from cable; satellite doesn't provide local broadcast channels in-the-clear in a signal you can split and distribute around your home yourself.
All cable companies and both satellite companies generally do charge extra for every digital device you connect to their service, somehow. With the exception of the local broadcast channels, as mentioned above, you do have to pay more if you want to get more out of the service.
Yes, of course. I thought that would be understood, but I suppose it's good to mention it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by GoDucksinAZ /forum/post/12903112
No, the output of the STB will only display the current channel the box is on. So, in theory, sure, you could split that output several times to several TV's. You just have to be ok with the idea that every time you change the channel, every tv in the house changed channels with you.
Yes, of course. I thought that would be understood, but I suppose it's good to mention it.
Yes, but note carefully to the OP that most other channels on cable (besides local broadcast) probably will be encrypted so the QAM tuner isn't necessarily the key to unlock the system.
Quote:
Once February 2009 rolls along (and in most places, this is already true today), for the local broadcast channels, you can use a QAM tuner to convert the digital cable signal into an analog signal for your analog televisions -- you don't have to rent it from the cable company, you can buy it.
Yes, but note carefully to the OP that most other channels on cable (besides local broadcast) probably will be encrypted so the QAM tuner isn't necessarily the key to unlock the system.
I take offence to the term "ripped off"
Digital service= Digital Tuner. There are other options.
You can get a Tivo that has slots for CableCards. ( they are generally only 1-2.00 a month in most areas ) They can run anywhere from 200-500.00
You can also purchase a few new tvs with QAM tuners that also have a cable card slot. They can run anywhere from 2k-5k
None of the options above however are as cheap as the monthly fee for leasing a Set Top Box.
The same issue exists with Dish however they usually charge for the box upfront. Most Dish homes Im in have one or two boxes for 5 or 6 outlets. They just feed the output as already stated to the other tvs to cut down on the set top box charge from Dish. ( which is much heftier then the 5.00 or so digital box fee from most cablecos )
If you want to be fancy you can get a remote sensor and run it from whatever room your tv is in back the box so when you change channels in one room the box will change as well.
This might be your cheapest alternative.
Quote:
Originally Posted by bigmakstudios /forum/post/12899409
Just wondering how it would be done. My Cable signal is already split in a few ways from the original source, and if it requires routing the digital signal from my HDTV digital box, I guess I'll have to reorganize all the split cable crap in my basement...
I take offence to the term "ripped off"
Digital service= Digital Tuner. There are other options.
You can get a Tivo that has slots for CableCards. ( they are generally only 1-2.00 a month in most areas ) They can run anywhere from 200-500.00
You can also purchase a few new tvs with QAM tuners that also have a cable card slot. They can run anywhere from 2k-5k
None of the options above however are as cheap as the monthly fee for leasing a Set Top Box.
The same issue exists with Dish however they usually charge for the box upfront. Most Dish homes Im in have one or two boxes for 5 or 6 outlets. They just feed the output as already stated to the other tvs to cut down on the set top box charge from Dish. ( which is much heftier then the 5.00 or so digital box fee from most cablecos )
If you want to be fancy you can get a remote sensor and run it from whatever room your tv is in back the box so when you change channels in one room the box will change as well.
This might be your cheapest alternative.
Thats the funniest thing I've ever heard. Both Directv and DishNetwork charge 4.99 a month mirroring fees for additional boxes. In my area Comcast charges 12.99 per box.
Quote:
Originally Posted by CableTool /forum/post/12917094
The same issue exists with Dish however they usually charge for the box upfront. Most Dish homes Im in have one or two boxes for 5 or 6 outlets. They just feed the output as already stated to the other tvs to cut down on the set top box charge from Dish. ( which is much heftier then the 5.00 or so digital box fee from most cablecos )
Thats the funniest thing I've ever heard. Both Directv and DishNetwork charge 4.99 a month mirroring fees for additional boxes. In my area Comcast charges 12.99 per box.
Dish also has their dual-tunered receivers, which will save costs too, don't forget.
Evidently it depends on area and cableco. My 2nd STB costs $4.95/mo from Charter.
Quote:
Originally Posted by d max82 /forum/post/12992369
Thats the funniest thing I've ever heard. Both Directv and DishNetwork charge 4.99 a month mirroring fees for additional boxes. In my area Comcast charges 12.99 per box.
Evidently it depends on area and cableco. My 2nd STB costs $4.95/mo from Charter.
That's what TimeWarner charges, too.
$1.00 is a hefty price to pay to watch the same thing on two tvs.
HOW CONVENIENT!!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by d max82 /forum/post/12992369
Thats the funniest thing I've ever heard. Both Directv and DishNetwork charge 4.99 a month mirroring fees for additional boxes. In my area Comcast charges 12.99 per box.
$1.00 is a hefty price to pay to watch the same thing on two tvs.
HOW CONVENIENT!!!!
I remember cable companies getting hacked off, in the old days - before digital - that they weren't allowed to charge you extra for every jack in the wall you had a tv attached to. These STB are a revenue answer to that problem. They couldn't charge for the jacks, but they can charge you to rent their equipment and not let you buy it.
It would appear that STB's vary greatly from place to place. Locally, cox charges $10 month per unit.
I'd imagine DTV's are only $5 because YOU have to buy the box yourself. Or pay a one time fee for leasing their box these days...
I considered switching from DTV to Cox, but looking up the pricing, to get the same stuff I have now, it'd cost me just as much and I lose access to Sunday Ticket.
It would appear that STB's vary greatly from place to place. Locally, cox charges $10 month per unit.
I'd imagine DTV's are only $5 because YOU have to buy the box yourself. Or pay a one time fee for leasing their box these days...
I considered switching from DTV to Cox, but looking up the pricing, to get the same stuff I have now, it'd cost me just as much and I lose access to Sunday Ticket.
But with Cablecard, you *can* buy the STBs and avoid the ridiculous rental fees.
If only someone would *sell* the STBs to consumers, that is. (And no, Tivo doesn't count). Right now it's a Catch-22.
If only someone would *sell* the STBs to consumers, that is. (And no, Tivo doesn't count). Right now it's a Catch-22.
People are only interested in buying STBs until they hear what they cost.
Most of the Motorola DVRs in ciculation cost over $450/ea in bulk. Most of the Motorola HD STBs in circulation cost over $300. A TivoHD costs $250 + 12.99/mo or $129/yr, or $699 for the feeless version with a wireless adapter.
Most of the Motorola DVRs in ciculation cost over $450/ea in bulk. Most of the Motorola HD STBs in circulation cost over $300. A TivoHD costs $250 + 12.99/mo or $129/yr, or $699 for the feeless version with a wireless adapter.
My TWC box costs $5 a month, or $60 a year. I'd have to rent it for five years to exceed the cost of buying one outright, and that's assuming I stick with the same box. If a new one comes along, it only costs me the time to take it to a TWC office and swap it. If I bought it, I'd have to probably eBay it to recoup any cost, and it probably won't be anywhere near what I paid for it.
Actually, TiVo DOES count. It is, however, just about the only alternative option.
Quote:
Originally Posted by slowbiscuit /forum/post/13151506
But with Cablecard, you *can* buy the STBs and avoid the ridiculous rental fees. If only someone would *sell* the STBs to consumers, that is. (And no, Tivo doesn't count).
Actually, TiVo DOES count. It is, however, just about the only alternative option.
Tivo doesn't count for me because of the monthly fees. The whole point of buying an STB is to avoid same (other than the $1.50 or so charged to rent the Cablecard). So, paying $700 upfront to avoid fees for Tivo HD is a tough sell. Remember we're talking about STBs here, not DVRs.
But if the average HD STB costs a minimum of $300 and Comcast rents it for $5.99, it's also a tough sell. In other words, we're screwed right now either way until there is true competition in the market.
But if the average HD STB costs a minimum of $300 and Comcast rents it for $5.99, it's also a tough sell. In other words, we're screwed right now either way until there is true competition in the market.
Why are you screwed? You'd have to pay over four years in $6 fees to equal the cost of a $300 box*, which DOESN'T include the purchased box's cable card rental.
With a cable box you rent, if something goes kaput on the box, you take it back to Comcast and they give you a new one for no charge. If an updated one comes along, you take the old one back to Comcast and get the new one for no charge.
*Cable boxes are going to be expensive. Check the prices in Canada, where you can buy a box. They're not much if any cheaper then $300USD, despite competition.
Quote:
Originally Posted by slowbiscuit /forum/post/13210662
But if the average HD STB costs a minimum of $300 and Comcast rents it for $5.99, it's also a tough sell. In other words, we're screwed right now either way until there is true competition in the market.
Why are you screwed? You'd have to pay over four years in $6 fees to equal the cost of a $300 box*, which DOESN'T include the purchased box's cable card rental.
With a cable box you rent, if something goes kaput on the box, you take it back to Comcast and they give you a new one for no charge. If an updated one comes along, you take the old one back to Comcast and get the new one for no charge.
*Cable boxes are going to be expensive. Check the prices in Canada, where you can buy a box. They're not much if any cheaper then $300USD, despite competition.
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