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Good question....

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AbeCollins

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In Reply to: HDTV through cable company.... posted by GregS on July 07, 2003 at 10:15:30:

You might want to research the cable box to see if it can receive off-the-air HDTV broadcasts. I suspect that it cannot (why would the cable company want you to receive FREE tv) but I can't say for sure.
I believe Samsung makes a $300 HDTV tuner that is pretty good from what I've read up on Amazon.com
I just purchased an HDTV capable 16:9 TV a few months ago and I'm toying with the idea of upgrading to digital cable or satellite for HDTV. I'm presently running 'old fashion' analog cable. In general (HDTV aside), is your digital cable much clearer vs analog cable?

Follow Ups:

Question for Abe re: Samsung HDTV tuner - Dalancroft 12:50:26 07/10/03 (4)
Happen to have the model #? Thanks.
- Samsung SIR-T151 I believe.... - AbeCollins 18:16:14 07/11/03 (3)
  Go to Amazon.com, search on 'Samsung HDTV'. $299
  - Try this link. If it doesn't work search Amazon
  - Thanks Abe! - Dalancroft 15:38:30 07/14/03 (2)
    Appreciate the help. Am considering an HDTV tuner and large roof-mounted antenna to dip my toe into HDTV, then see about either satellite or digital cable (which I already have and am not too impressed with) later ...
    - Re: Thanks Abe! - williak 06:49:32 07/15/03 (1)
      If you already have digital cable, you should check with your carrier to see about their HD offering. Typically, HD cable costs only about $5/month and the carrier will provide the STB. If you currently have HBO or Showtime, you will get the HD versions at no upcharge. You will also get NBC, ABC and PBS locals. CBS is iffier depending on whether your local affiliate is an O&O or not. Might be worth a try before going the OTA route. Good luck.
      Austin
      - Thank you too Austin! - Dalancroft 14:56:14 07/16/03 (0)
        
        In Reply to: Re: Thanks Abe! posted by williak on July 15, 2003 at 06:49:32:
        
        nt
Re: Good question.... - GregS 06:45:26 07/10/03 (0)
Hi Abe, thank you for the reply! I tried an over the air antenna on the box the other day and was unsuccessful in my mission. The programming for the box stayed in memory and it only searched for its cable channels. There is a card that is inserted in the front of the machine and when it is removed the box becomes disabled. I wonder if I can get a different card that will reprogram the box to receive over the air HDTV? Do you think the manufacturer of this cable box (Scientific Atlanta) would be helpful with this endeavor? I know that this box is sold as an HDTV receiver to the general public as per web site ads. Perhaps I'll send them an E-mail..... I am running out of space, therefore I'm trying not to accumulate anymore boxes :-) These new machines are the size of a typical DVD player..
As for the picture quality, well, it is only slightly better than the analog signal. It isn't a huge night and day thing with the video. The sound however is greatly improved, especially when watching movies that have been broadcast with a DD signal. My old cable box didn't make use of this and I was forced to watch in DPL or DPLII (as of late). HDTV, on the other hand, is simply amazing. It really makes a huge difference that is readily discernible. The other day "Beverly Hills Cop" was transmitted over the HBOHD channel. I could not believe the images I was seeing. The picture quality was truly a sight to behold!! WOW!!! So, now I'm enjoying watching my Mets again, even though they are a very poor ball club.
Best
Greg

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