How to get HD with comcast Extended Cable???

loveme4ever

I have cable internet plus basic cable tv, but the technicial unlock the filter so I have extended cable tv include ESPN, TNT, MTV stuff but it is not in high def, I just wondering if there anyway I can get this channels in HD without paying it? Comcast charge me all HD stuff for $115 a month. Greatly appreciated everyone help.

deadhead68

If your TV has an internal QAM tuner, you should be able to get the locals in HD. The other channels would need an STB or cable card to get them in HD.

__________________
Toshiba 52HM95
Moto 3416 HD DVR
Sony STR-DG810 Receiver
Sony DVP-NS77H DVD
Denon SYS-76HT Speaker System
Harmony 670

loveme4ever

Yes I do get local in HD but what about ESPN or TNT stuff, I want to watch sport in HD but no money to pay for Digital plus renting a box that is stupid

deadhead68

Sorry. If you want ESPN, TNT, etc in HD you will need a box or a cable card if your TV has a cable card slot.

__________________
Toshiba 52HM95
Moto 3416 HD DVR
Sony STR-DG810 Receiver
Sony DVP-NS77H DVD
Denon SYS-76HT Speaker System
Harmony 670

loveme4ever

So does that mean I have to have digital service or can I call the Comcast to ask for the card since I already have the Comcast Basic. Thx

deadhead68

I believe you would need digital service, but a call to Comcast can confirm that.

__________________
Toshiba 52HM95
Moto 3416 HD DVR
Sony STR-DG810 Receiver
Sony DVP-NS77H DVD
Denon SYS-76HT Speaker System
Harmony 670

bicker

In the vast majority of areas, "Basic Cable" does not include ESPN or TNT. "Basic Cable" typically refers to the first tier of service, and includes local over-the-air broadcast channels (i.e., ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, etc.), public access channels, and maybe a few shopping channels. ESPN and TNT typically appear on the second tier of service, typically referred to as "Expanded Basic" cable service or "Standard" cable service.

Assuming, though, that you actually do have the second tier of service, rather than just the first tier of service: This second tier of service is not always encrypted. "Expanded Basic" is often provided, unencrypted, either as analog signals, or as unencrypted standard-definition digital, with access controlled via physical traps, rather than by encryption. If that is the case in your area, then there is no need for CableCARD for you to get the Expanded Basic service that you are paying for, and you often will not be able to demand CableCARD, even if there are encrypted HD versions of those channels available on the cable system (since those HD version may not be included in the second tier of service).

If the only versions of "Expanded Basic" channels in your area are the digital versions, and they're encrypted (as is increasingly the case for service providers nationwide), you will need a means of decrypting those channels. If the channels are encrypted with a special type of weak encryption (called privacy mode), then service providers can satisfy the requirements by providing you DTAs (instead of CableCARDs). In such a case, they can indeed require you to upgrade to digital service to qualify for CableCARDs.

If the only versions of "Expanded Basic" channels in your area are the digital versions, and they're encrypted with strong encryption, then you will need host device (a television, set-top box, or DVR) that is CableCARD-compatible. In that case, you can purchase such a host device (if there are electronics manufacturers willing to sell them to you -- I know of a few), and you'd need a CableCARD installed into your host device by your service provider. Alternatively, you can, of course, rent such a host device, typically with CableCARD pre-installed into it.

In summary: Cable companies are required by law to provide CableCARDs to allow subscribers to access strongly encrypted linear cable channels that they are paying for as part of their selected service level. There are a number of cable companies that have requested and received waivers from that requirement, but Comcast has not made any such request, and they do rent CableCARDs whenever subscribers request them to access encrypted services that the subscriber is paying for. However, if your selected service level does not include strongly encrypted linear cable channels, then you are not entitled to gain access via CableCARD, and so service providers may not provide you CableCARDs at that level of service.

Sykotic

First you stated that the tech removed the trap allowing you to get the expanded tier for free already. Now you want HD free also. Sure call the local cable provider. They first thing a good tech will do it place the trap back on.