View Full Version : SA3100HD - odd question
i'm researching this now as we speak - but the SA3100HD is a stb for cable right?
can it be used for ota as well? like if you have that [or any] cable stb and want to use it for ota signals can you just buy a hd antenna [out or indoor] ?
i ask cause i have two of the boxes - cable company never came and got one - and my cousin just bought a hdtv - wants to see if this is going to work before he steps out and buys a $50 dollar antenna?
-e95 :afro:
Ratman
08-16-2004, 08:51 PM
Cable (QAM) provided STB's will not decode OTA (8VSB) signals.
The exception a very few Samsung and LG STB's that will ONLY decode unencrypted QAM and OTA.
The caveat being, they do one or the other, not both at the same time for a 'seamless' interface.
Splicer
08-16-2004, 11:27 PM
I don't want you to get the wrong info.
Your cable box WILL receive OTA channels, but not the HD OTA channels. Also, if it is a cable box that was not picked up, chances are high that the box is not authorized for ANY kind of reception, analogue OTA included...
DoubleDAZ
08-17-2004, 12:27 AM
Splicer, are you saying you can hook up an antenna to a cable box and get the analog OTA channels? I suppose that makes sense since they are basically the same on cable as they are OTA, aren't they? Of course, this doesn't do what he is trying to do for his cousin, get free OTA HD with the cable box. For that, it will NOT work. :)
Splicer
08-17-2004, 12:46 AM
DoubleDAZ that is correct sir. But I must elaborate on what I forgot to post in my last reply. The cable box WILL pick up OTA channels, but only the VHF channels NOT UHF...I apologize if I confused anyone with my previous reply. Omitting this fact was a grave error on my part...
Basically though Cable STBs are useless for anyone wanting to receive OTA in the sense that the vast majority of people discuss it on this forum.
Ratman
08-17-2004, 08:39 AM
Keep trying Splicer...
No wrong info was provided except by you.
