[mythtv-users] QAM and ATSC HDTV on the Same Card

[John P Poet]

On 11/27/05, Steve Adeff <adeffs at gmail.com> wrote:
> On Sunday 27 November 2005 13:38, David Ellis wrote:
> > I have a HDTV Antenna (oriented correctly - works for 7+ channels), and a
> > Digital QAM Provider (100% working, channels decoded).
> >
> >
> >
> > What I'm looking to-do is potentially combine both signals so the same
> > HD3000 card can tune both ATSC and QAM_256 digital cable. Are their any
> > sort of injectors or the like people have used, or is it an either or
> > scenario?
> >
> >
> >
> > David
>
> First, why? you should be receiving all the OTA channels on your QAM line,
> from either a better positioned antenna or directly from the network
> digitally (depending on your cable company).

Bit off topic, but you might find the following interesting....

In Albuquerque, only 2/3 of the stations available OTA are also
available via Comcast cable.  In one case, it is because our local CBS
affiliate wants Comcast to pay more money for the HD feed.  Comcast,
here, has refused to pay them.  That same CBS affiliate does not even
send out DD5.1.

Also, according to our local PBS station's tech manager, our local
Comcast cable compresses down HD material so they can fit more
stations in the bandwidth.  If you want the full, uncompressed,
bitrate being sent out by the network, you have to get it OTA.

As a side note, our local WB station sends out a bitrate reduced
version of the network HD broadcasts, so they can transmit an
additional 5 sub-channels.  This is part of their agreement with
USDTV.  So, even OTA may not net you a full bitrate HD picture!

Our local CBS affiliate has been bought by another company, so things
may improve there, but that other company also has a deal with USDTV,
so things may get worse instead.


John