looking for an hdtv tuner/converter

[jacartlidge]

I just purchased an HDTV 1080p monitor. Come to find out that in order to get an HD signal I need to pay more money to Comcast every month. I'm looking to purchase a tuner outright rather than rent one from Comcast. I looked at a TIVO but am not interested in paying more money to someone else. I don't need a dvr, I just want the HD box so I get a clearer picture without paying rent or another monthly fee.

Thanks!

Jim

 

[AceCannon]

There is always the over-the-air (OTA) option. Terrestrial TV signals are, of course, free. And the HDTV signals you get OTA are every bit as nice as what Comcast will get you, maybe better. You won't get goods such as DiscoveryHD and ESPN, tho.

But I am sure you can get an OTA HD tuner box from Ebay pretty readily. . .

 

[Rupp]

OTA is the only way to go if you want to save money. We get ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, PBS, and all of these have at least 2 sub channels. As far as tuners go, look on EBay for old Direct TV satellite receivers

 

[jacartlidge]

OTA is the only way to go if you want to save money. We get ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, PBS, and all of these have at least 2 sub channels. As far as tuners go, look on EBay for old Direct TV satellite receivers

I want to continue the comcast connection. I use them for internet as well. I just don't want to rent their machine for the HD signal.

If I find an old DirecTV receiver, will it convert my Comcast signal into HD?

 

[WayneW]

What type of signal/channel are you trying to watch? If you are trying to watch a channel in clear QAM (probably only your local stations), then any QAM tuner should do it, including your HDTV (assuming it has a QAM tuner). If you are trying to watch a "pay" channel, then it is probably encrypted QAM and you need a device authorized/registered with your cable company, probably for a monthly fee.

http://hd.engadget.com/2009/05/08/hd-101-w...-qam-and-8-vsb/

 

[jacartlidge]

I subscribe to comcast cable. Do not get any premium channels (HBO, etc).

I have an HD TV but do not have an HD tuner/converter/box.

To get the upgraded box I need to pay comcast an additional $10 per month.

I would prefer purchasing a box that will convert the HD signal. For instance, TIVO has a box that will do that. I would need to get a cable card for the back of the TIVO. My cable company will supply the card, free of charge. However, I would have to pay TIVO $10 a month for their service, which I do not care to get.

If I can purchase a box that converts the signal I would prefer that to renting the box from comcast.

Does such a box exist without the need to pay for additional services?

 

[apostolakisl]

You don't need an HD tuner, you need a descrambler. I am sure the tv you just bought has an hd tuner built in, it is just that comcast has scrmbled it. Some HDTV's come with the slot for your cable company's descrambler (like a Tivo machine has). If you can still return your tv, you might look and see if you can buy one of those tv's so no additional set top box is necessary.

 

[az1324]

So it sounds like up 'til now you have been on analog cable? No converter boxes whatsoever?

To go digital without their box, whether or not it is HD or digital SD, you will need a cableCARD tuner. Sounds like your cable co will supply it for free. Others charge fees from ($2-5/mo). Be aware going from analog to digital might increase your service fees significantly.

You can put cableCARDs in: some TVs, MOXI, TIVO, ATI TV Wonder tuner for your HTPC, other high-end media centers like niveus.

Once you see the prices on some of those maybe the $10 will not look so bad.

 

[drvnbysound]

I have Comcast cable and I have their HD/DVR box in my living room, from which I can get ESPN, Discovery, etc. However, I do not currently have any boxes, tuners, descramblers, etc. in my Master BR or Guest BR (just coax straight into the back of the TVs) and I am able to get the ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, etc. HD channels. I simply connected the TVs directly to the cable and scanned for channels, and they were there.

 

[drvnbysound]

I just purchased an HDTV 1080p monitor. Come to find out that in order to get an HD signal I need to pay more money to Comcast every month. I'm looking to purchase a tuner outright rather than rent one from Comcast. I looked at a TIVO but am not interested in paying more money to someone else. I don't need a dvr, I just want the HD box so I get a clearer picture without paying rent or another monthly fee.

Thanks!

Jim

I just re-read this and the word MONITOR stood out. I assume you mean exactly what you wrote, and that you purchased a MONITOR, which would not include a built-in tuner. If that is the case, you simply need to purchase an external tuner or a digital-to-analog converter box. You may be able to connect the tuner directly to your Comcast cable and if the HD channels are not scrambled in your area (mine aren't - see previous post) the tuner will pick up and be able to display those HD channels. If they are scrambled, you would need to attach an antenna to the tuner instead.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/AccessHD-1080-U-...ontrol/13069292

 

[BraveSirRobbin]

I just re-read this and the word MONITOR stood out. I assume you mean exactly what you wrote, and that you purchased a MONITOR, which would not include a built-in tuner.

Nice catch!

 

[apostolakisl]

Aside from computer monitors, it is pretty much impossible to find an HDTV that doesn't have a built in tuner, so I kind of wonder if really meant "monitor". Perhaps Jim C could give the actual brand/model he is using.

 

[drvnbysound]

Aside from computer monitors, it is pretty much impossible to find an HDTV that doesn't have a built in tuner, so I kind of wonder if really meant "monitor". Perhaps Jim C could give the actual brand/model he is using.

Today, yes. But 3-5 years ago a large format monitor could be had for hundreds less (generally 500-1000 from what I recall) than a simarly sized HDTV.

Personally, I only know of one couple (family through marriage) who purchased one of these. About 3 years ago, they were shopping around for a 50-52" LCD/Plasma and they came across a 50" Plasma monitor (1080i/720p) at Sam's Club for something like $800. They called me and asked if there was any reason they shouldn't get it, etc. They already had a DVR from Comcast and didn't see the reason to pay $1200 more for a 52" (insert brand of your choosing here) HDTV at the time.

Before typing this post, I tried to search for some examples and they are pretty much non-existent in the consumer range. Most all of the large format displays I found were commercial grade and actually higher priced than today's HDTVs.