HDTV using cable only

[browndk26]

I have read several posts that say you might be able to receive HDTV channels without a STB. The QAM tuner allows this. Anyone know if you can do this with Insight? Here is a link.

http://www.hdtvoice.com/voice/showthread.php?t=24955&highlight=qam

[57U]

See the HDTV FAQ "Can I get digital cable". The local HD channels are usually unencrypted, but most other stuff is encrypted.

[browndk26]

I have read the FAQ 57U. The question was directed to insight subscribers. A yes or no answer is what I am looking for.

[57U]

I'm not sure how widespread Insight is, however be aware that each head end, or area may use different encryption, therefore you need a response from someone in your area.

I assume you don't have the TV yet, otherwise you could simply try and find out. As I mentioned earlier, the locals and PBS are usually unencrypted, with most other channels, especially premium channels like HBO, encrypted (HD).

[browndk26]

Thanks. No I don't have a TV yet. I'm trying to decide whether to buy a Monitor or HDTV. I use cable TV.

[57U]

Many people use DVRs like the SA8300HD or the Motorola 6412, depending on the service provider. People love their DVRs, so "HDTV Ready" is fine, if that's what you want.

[Ratman]

IMO... buy the TV that suits your input/output requirements, size, budget, etc... regardless of the internal tuner capabilities (unless you have specific tuning requirements/desires).

If you are a cable subscriber and will continue to subscribe, then you can always adjust accordingly.

Most would probably suggest to rent an HD-DVR from the cable provider.

[EnSkywalker]

I'm an Insight customer in the Indy area. They do broadcast some of the channels here in the clear. For the week I had my Mits last year (returned because of rainbows) with its internal tuner, we could access the the non-premium (big 4 plus PBS and maybe Universal HD) HD channels without using the cable box.

That said even we still had that tv we'd be watching most everything via the cable box (Motorola 6412 III) since it allows us to cut out all the commercials. It might be nice on that rare occasion where there are three HD shows we want to watch on simultaneously given that the box can only record two programs at a time.

[browndk26]

We bought a JVC LT-32x667. Hooked it directly to the cable, ran the auto setup and all the local HD channels are there. The picture is great!

[trido]

I have read several posts that say you might be able to receive HDTV channels without a STB. The QAM tuner allows this. Anyone know if you can do this with Insight? Here is a link.

http://www.hdtvoice.com/voice/showthread.php?t=24955&highlight=qam
did you ever find out is Insight unscrambled? My other provider here in Southern ind said they are mandated by FCC not to scramble local hd.

I can confirm Noblesville Insight hd are in the clear and may get an answer soon on Evansville Insight.

[browndk26]

It is unscrambled at our house with digital cable plus DVR. I don't know if it is unscrambled with basic cable.

[Ratman]

Unscrambled/unencrypted means reception without a subscription to a digital tier of service and/or a "cable box" or Cablecard when using a TV with a built in QAM (digital cable) tuner. ;)

[DoctorCAD]

Can anyone here point me to a reg that says that local HD's must be broadcast in the clear?
I have read until my eyes go fuzzy, but can't find the "exact" wording to tell my cable provider.
I scanned my basic cable and found 58 analog and 224 digital. Only DMX music comes through, NO VIDEO on any digital channel.

[Splicer]

There is NO regulation that commands operators deliver digital programming (local or otherwise) unscrambled...I as an operator have the option to scramble ALL channels (local or otherwise) should I choose. I only need to make sure that my subscribers can receive the local ANALOG stations using the customers equipment...

[DoctorCAD]

Now that contradicts just about everything I have read. I thought that any signal that can be picked up OTA must be provided in the clear by cable companies per FCC regs...

[Ratman]

To be clear...
The cable provider is ONLY required to provide local channels "in the clear". There is no specification for analog, digital or both.

So, if you get them via analog, that meets the FCC requirement.

Also, don't confuse the analog to digital transition with cable provider requirements. They can still provide locals via analog if they choose to do so AFTER the OTA transition/cutoff.

Any cable providers that provide both (such as Comcast, usually), consider it a benefit. But it's not a requirement.

[DoctorCAD]

Alright, so if you subscribe to cable that includes local channels (and all of them do, I would assume) then you can get local channels unscrambled on the cable by law.

Does it only imply that cable broadcasters cannot scramble local channels?

It does not mean that if they DO provide a digital version of the analog signal that they DON'T have to provide the digital version unscrambled?

What if they ONLY provide a digital local station, must they provide it unscrambled?

[Ratman]

They must provide locals unscrambled/unenecrypted period. They don't have to provide both with a cable subscription.

So assuming that they don't provide analog, it must be provided digitally.

If they broadcast both, they don't have to send the digital counterpart "in the clear" and can charge a fee for a digital tier of service.

[Splicer]

Exactly Ratman.

The catch 22 is that when analog signals go dark :sleepy3: , and 75% (guesstimate) of the population still only has an analog tuner :headb: , the cable co's will have to revert to what I am doing now which is providing a digital signal on an analog carrier...(in the clear) :mic: ...This only is applicable to cable operators. Have no idea how the satellite co.'s plan to deal with this or even if they are required to provide 'local' channels with their operation???

[PAC190]

The local HD channels are usually unencrypted, but most other stuff is encrypted. The true need for a set top box is for active channel guides and pay on demand...will we ever have a choice? The choice of no set top box due to cost and quaility of picture. How do we get rid of the need for set top box?

[kevinw]

. Have no idea how the satellite co.'s plan to deal with this or even if they are required to provide 'local' channels with their operation???
Not an issue. Satellite boxes can display whatever resolution needed-480i through 1080i. Satelite is already digital. I currently watch my "HD locals" on a non HD tv.

[terryfoster]

Not an issue. Satellite boxes can display whatever resolution needed-480i through 1080i. Satelite is already digital. I currently watch my "HD locals" on a non HD tv.

But you're probably doing so on a box that is HD capable. Satellite operators will most likely still need to provide a SD version of the channel for the basic receivers.

[Rick-F]

I am an Insight customer and to answer your question in a word-- YES

I have 3 HDTVs -- one without a box is connnected to just the coax and the VIZIO's QAM tuner works just fine. I get the SD locals and the HD locals.