ATSC - HD Tuner - Shaw Vancouver

[mjolio]

Hey all,

Starting to understand my options, but I certainly could use some targeted, detailed answers.

I have a Samsung LN-S2652D. It was advertised as having a HDTV Tuner which I understand to mean it has an ATSC tuner.

I believe this means that if I attach an antenna to my TV, I can receive Over The Air (OTA) HD signals and I will be watching HDTV - Yippie!!! I haven't tried this yet, because I don't have an antenna. If I don't pay for cable signal, and plug into the wall, will that act like an antenna of sorts? If not, will a cheap indoor antenna work at all? I am in a highrise in Downtown, and I am aware that there are indeed HD OTA broadcast in both Vancouver and Seatttle. A roof top antenna is not an option.

Another Question:

Using the ATSC tuner, can I use coaxial from my cable outlet and connect to my TV and decode HD feeds from my cable provider (currently shaw). I pay for full cable, and I have heard that the HD signals are available without any further hardware configuration. I have read about a QAM tuner as well. Is this different than ATSC Tuner? Is it the QAM that is need to decode these channels? Do I need to call shaw and upgrade to Digital Cable or subscribe to HDTV channels? I have also heard that shaw will play their customer ignorance card and coerce you into purchasing a set top box and an outrageous price.

Is novus a better choice?

Lots of questions?

Any help would be great.

Thanks

[Crazybob]

You need a QAM tuner to receive digital cable channels direct to the TV. ATSC is for HD channels OTA only. You would probably want some sort of HD STB & connect to it by HDMI or Component Video for your cable. Others may have other suggestions you could try.
An indoor ant will probably work if your close by any station's. If not maybe an amplified one would work. Good luck!

Bob
:wave:

[57U]

1. There are only a couple of OTA HD stations in Vancouver. I don't believe you can "reach" the Seattle stations, so OTA for a couple of stations is probably not worthwhile.

2. Shaw encrypts all their channels, so a QAM tuner will not tune more than the digital audio channels (Galaxie?) and the occasional digital channel that may be left unencrypted. See the HDTV FAQ "Can I get digital Cable."

3. You will need to purchase/rent a STB or DVR from Shaw. With Shaw, some people have been able to purchase a STB or DVR from "outside" and have it activated, however, that is not a simple procedure and sometimes doesn't work. You also need to get the correct STB or you will have purchased a boat anchor. You also don't get a warranty that way.

[mjolio]

Thanks so much!

What is STB?

Does anyone know if my TV (Samsung LN-S2652D) is both ATCS and QAB Tuner?

Any opinions on Novus vs Shaw?

[Ratman]

What is STB?

Set Top Box.... tuner/receiver.

http://www.hdtvoice.com/voice/showthread.php?t=1131

[57U]

Several sites show ATSC, but no QAM tuner. Most TVs with QAM have a CableCARD slot.

No opinions on Novus/Shaw.