A HDTV signal converter box?

markpow · 09-20-2009, 07:23 PM

Is there such a thing as a box that converts the normal digital signal carried on a coaxial cable (I have comcast digital cable) to an HD signal so it will look better on my HDTV? I just bought a new HDTV and I already have one comcast HD DVR that came with the package that I have on my other tv. Its gana cost another $24 a month to rent a second HD box, so is there such a thing that I can buy for a one time fee that will change the signal to HD, like a box that takes in a coaxial cable and outputs HDMI? I dont care about having and guide option or special channels, I just want the current channels I have to be in HD without paying monthly fees. Is this kind of device in existence?

Sooner Al · 09-21-2009, 05:33 AM

Your new HDTV should have a built-in QAM tuner that you can use to scan and receive the unencrypted local channels in HD, ie. ABC, CBS, NBC, etc. What you will not get is HD channels like ESPN, HBO, Discovery, etc, ie. the encrypted channels.

Another alternative is to hook up an external antenna to your new HDTV and receive the local HD channels over-the-air[OTA] if they are within range. Use the AntennaWeb site for bearing and range information based on your geographic location.

http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/welcome.aspx

Otherwise you will need to rent a set-top-box [STB] from Comcast. If you don't need the DVR functionality you could just rent a HD capable STB which may be a bit cheaper than a HD DVR STB.

Its also possible your new HDTV supports a cable card. If so you may be able to rent a cable card from Comcast for a cheaper monthly charge than a HD DVR STB. Check with Comcast if your TV has a cable card slot.

What HDTV do you have?

09-20-2009, 07:23 PM	#1
markpow What is HD? Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 1	A HDTV signal converter box? Is there such a thing as a box that converts the normal digital signal carried on a coaxial cable (I have comcast digital cable) to an HD signal so it will look better on my HDTV? I just bought a new HDTV and I already have one comcast HD DVR that came with the package that I have on my other tv. Its gana cost another $24 a month to rent a second HD box, so is there such a thing that I can buy for a one time fee that will change the signal to HD, like a box that takes in a coaxial cable and outputs HDMI? I dont care about having and guide option or special channels, I just want the current channels I have to be in HD without paying monthly fees. Is this kind of device in existence?

09-21-2009, 05:33 AM	#2
Sooner Al Old Enough to Know Better Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Norman, Oklahoma Posts: 187	Your new HDTV should have a built-in QAM tuner that you can use to scan and receive the unencrypted local channels in HD, ie. ABC, CBS, NBC, etc. What you will not get is HD channels like ESPN, HBO, Discovery, etc, ie. the encrypted channels. Another alternative is to hook up an external antenna to your new HDTV and receive the local HD channels over-the-air[OTA] if they are within range. Use the AntennaWeb site for bearing and range information based on your geographic location. http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/welcome.aspx Otherwise you will need to rent a set-top-box [STB] from Comcast. If you don't need the DVR functionality you could just rent a HD capable STB which may be a bit cheaper than a HD DVR STB. Its also possible your new HDTV supports a cable card. If so you may be able to rent a cable card from Comcast for a cheaper monthly charge than a HD DVR STB. Check with Comcast if your TV has a cable card slot. What HDTV do you have? __________________ "When all else fails, read the instructions..."

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