Sony KDF-42WE655 and standard cable

[trjam]

I am looking to buy this set, but Circuit City says I will need Direct tv instead of cable, because cable looks bad on this set. I had Dish Network for 6 years and got rid of it because they kept compressing their signal until it looked washed out. In Charlotte, our local cable signal is pretty darn good. Will I be happy with this set, sitting about 7 ft away and having analog, digital and hdtv. Also any screen door effect. Thank you.

[gren25]

thats a lot of screen to be that close,r you interested in a big o'l tube if so I suggest the sony34xbr960 you'll love it. I have one and am sitting about 8' to 10' away, its just right for me, my tv before this was a mit. 46 in 4x3 and I thought the sony would be to small but it isn't, remember it will look bigger at your home. p.s. I have TW cable hd and it looks good even analog see ya

[57U]

I don't believe you'll see screen door from 7', perhaps 3-4'. 7' for a 42" TV is probably fine if you can feed it a good signal. You say your Cable is pretty good, if so, you shouldn't have any problems.

[MDJ51]

I have KDF-55XS955 with just the cable directly plugged in. No boxes cablecards etc. Digital box made my set worse. The analog is great and i seem to be getting OTA HD as well due to built in tuner.

[Splicer]

Doesn't CC sell Direct TV? That is probably why they pushed it. Cable will look just fine I am sure.

[cks316]

I tried hooking up my cable directly to my tv without a cablecard or cable box and I couldn't get a signal? What do I need to do in order to get my tv to work?

[bored28]

If its the cable coming directly out of the wall and depending on whether or not you are subscribed to digital cable, you most likely need a cablecard/cablebox. I would call your cable provider if you get no further assistance here.

[Ratman]

If your TV has a digital cable tuner (QAM) then if you've used the proper input, set the options properly (antenna/cable) and perform a digital channel scan/search, you should be able to get all enencrypted digital cable channels.

Normally, most cable providers send "local channels" enencrypted. No need to subscribe to a 'digital tier' of service. YMMV

Check some of the FAQ's:
http://www.hdtvoice.com/voice/showthread.php?t=16662

[dudedad]

If your TV has a digital cable tuner (QAM) then if you've used the proper input, set the options properly (antenna/cable) and perform a digital channel scan/search, you should be able to get all enencrypted digital cable channels.

Normally, most cable providers send "local channels" enencrypted. No need to subscribe to a 'digital tier' of service. YMMV

Check some of the FAQ's:
http://www.hdtvoice.com/voice/showthread.php?t=16662

To do this you would need a cable card from your cable provider, with out the card you will get zero digital channels from cable co.

[damondlt]

If you want Digital channels you need a Cablebox ,or cable card,Directv,or Dishnetwork.Just plugging your tv into the coax in the wall will NOT give you Digital channels,Only Analog!! And with cable you would still have to get a Digital channel package.Satellite is all Digital.

[Ratman]

To do this you would need a cable card from your cable provider, with out the card you will get zero digital channels from cable co.

If you want Digital channels you need a Cablebox ,or cable card,Directv,or Dishnetwork.Just plugging your tv into the coax in the wall will NOT give you Digital channels,Only Analog!! And with cable you would still have to get a Digital channel package.Satellite is all Digital.


This is typically not true... Many (most) cable providers send digital local "in the clear" or "unencrypted".

This has been discussed numerous times.

If the TV has an internal QAM tuner, you should not need a CableCard, external tuner or subscribe to a digital tier of service for channels sent in the clear! I do qualify that some providers are different. BUT... Comcast does not encrypt digital locals (as well as many of the "larger" providers).

You both may also want to refer to the FAQ's in the link provided above.

[57U]

To do this you would need a cable card from your cable provider, with out the card you will get zero digital channels from cable co.Please do not make such an (incorrect) comment without actually reading the FAQ in the link. Thanks.

[damondlt]

I know in my area ,the only way you can get Digital channels is with a Digital package with a digital cablebox, or a cable card.I have digital in my area too,and just plugging the coax in will get you analog ONLY. Maybe we should start a thread to see Which provider needs a topbox and which ones don't.Then eveyone will know if they need one in there area!

[Ratman]

Who's your cable provider?
And what's your zip code?

Also,,, please note the terms, most, typically, YMMV, etc...
you may be correct for what's available in "the woods".

[57U]

I know in my area ,the only way you can get Digital channels is with a Digital package with a digital cablebox, or a cable card. Which provider needs a topbox?
One needs to have a QAM tuner to get digital cable.

I have not heard of any cable service providers that don't have at least some of their digital channels unencrypted, although they could exist.

As stated above and in the FAQ, the local HD channels are usually unencrypted in the US. In Canada, the situation is different, where HD (excepting perhaps PBS) is encyrpted.

[NateB323]

To get back to the original post, I have the KDF-50WE655 hooked up via component through a Motorolla 6200 STB and the analog AND digital look pretty good. The HD is awesome, and YES, if you just directly plug your cable from the wall to your "Cable" RF input on your TV you will be able to recieve digital AND local HD broadcasts WITHOUT a STB. Whatever Circuit City was telling you was a load of B.S.

[damondlt]

Blue Ridge,18445

[Ratman]

It seems that "you" are one of the unfortunate ones.

Maybe you should call and inquire when the majority of cable providers send local unencrypted.

read more here (dated, but possibly still effective):
http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/archive/index.php/t-276899.html