[rtlltj]

So I just bought a Samsung 40 inch LCD tv and currently subscribing to Comcast Digital Cable. I never had a tv with HD before so I'm trying to figure out if I can watch local hd stations and not have to pay for comcast hd service. Right now my cable box is connected to the only coaxial connection on my tv so I couldn't use an over the air antenna for the local channels correct since that also requires a coaxial connection? Are there any other options besides paying for comcast hd?


Though from further reading other threads my understand is I should be able to get the hd channels with just normal digital cable?

 

[11001011]

How about using a splitter and an extra piece of coax, run one to the cable box and the other directly to your TV.

 

[bicker1]

With minor exception (apparently mostly in Hawaii), service providers generally make local broadcast channels available unencrypted. Indeed, just split the cable with a high-quality splitter and high-quality patch cords, and you should be able to use the ATSC tuner in your HDTV to tune them in, though you may need to do a channel scan.

 

[HDMI Guy]

Put a high quality splitter between the wall and the cable box. Hook one coax cable to the cable box and the other directly to the TV. Connect the cable box to the TV with component video cables if the cable box supports.

 

[rtlltj]

So bascially split connection from wall, hook up a coaxial cable directly to the back of my tv, hook up a coaxial cable from the splitter to the cable box, use composite cables to connect the cable box to the tv since I noticed there are R/L audio out and video out composite connections on the back of the cable box. I guess now I just need to buy a splitter and composite cables. Do you guys have any recommendation on splitters and composite cables? What to look for?

 

[pmjoe]

Doing the splitter described by others above will work.


Do your local HD stations show up in the guide on your digital cable box? What kinds of video outputs does it have?


At least with Comcast here, you can rent their HD cable box instead of whatever non-HD box you likely have for digital cable, without subscribing to HD service. It should tune whatever local HD channels you get, and possibly some other HD channels that are part of expanded basic. More expensive than the splitter, but you won't have to switch inputs and should be able to use the on-screen program guide for everything.

 

[HDMI Guy]

You may want to check out the cost of HD service. If you can afford HD service you will enjoy your new Samsung 40 inch LCD a great deal more.

 

[QZ1]



Quote:
Originally Posted by pmjoe /forum/post/15420514


At least with Comcast here, you can rent their HD cable box instead of whatever non-HD box you likely have for digital cable, without subscribing to HD service. It should tune whatever local HD channels you get, and possibly some other HD channels that are part of expanded basic. More expensive than the splitter, but you won't have to switch inputs and should be able to use the on-screen program guide for everything.

Comcast doesn't have any HD service per se (except in some systems they just acquired). HD channels are in various services, usually with the SD counterpart. Basic HD channels should be available through the TV alone. Any Expd. Basic HD channels would be an exception, and temporary; although such channels can be in the clear for a while.

 

[Sevb33]

Is there another way to hook this up? I have an HDTV with QAM tuner getting the local channels thru comcast right from the wall, and I also have a digital cable box until I get the HD one, I also have a DVDR hooked up, is there a way I can hook them both at the same time. without using composite cables? I just bought a splitter one with one IN port and two OUT ports. I only have one place to screw the cable into the TV, and I don't wanna keep unscrewing things to switch cables around everytime I got from the local HD channels to the reg digital cable thru the box.


I am new to this, and I am sure to most of you I'm an ignoramus, but I would appreciate any help.

 

[HDMI Guy]



Quote:
Originally Posted by Sevb33 /forum/post/15741970


Is there another way to hook this up? I have an HDTV with QAM tuner getting the local channels thru comcast right from the wall, and I also have a digital cable box until I get the HD one, I also have a DVDR hooked up, is there a way I can hook them both at the same time. without using composite cables? I just bought a splitter one with one IN port and two OUT ports. I only have one place to screw the cable into the TV, and I don't wanna keep unscrewing things to switch cables around everytime I got from the local HD channels to the reg digital cable thru the box.


I am new to this, and I am sure to most of you I'm an ignoramus, but I would appreciate any help.

What model of HDTV do you have? Your HDTV should have several inputs including component and HDMI. You should be able to hook up everything. Most DVDRs have at least component out and possibly HDMI.