[mythtv-users] Digital Television In US

[Ivan Kowalenko]

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On May 17, 2006, at 09.42, David Shay wrote:

>
>
> Ivan Kowalenko wrote:
>
>> No, I think you understood the question quite well. This was exactly
>> what I was looking for. I guess I didn't realize that those sub-
>> channels would provide digital signals that weren't at HD
>> resolutions. I was trying to find an alternative to having to rig up
>> a digital cable box with an IR blaster for getting digital channels.
>> With an XBox Front-end (that means no HD), I was worried I wouldn't
>> be getting anything useful.
>>
>> So, I'm guessing if I asked ComCast for an HD cable box, I could hook
>> it up to my Myth backend, and I'd be able to capture the stations at
>> 480p, even if there is a 720/1080 signal available?
>>
>
> It's also possible that ComCast has the SD variants of the HD channels
> on the cable in digital forma via QAM.  Most of the DVB-ATSC cards  
> also
> support QAM, including the pcHDTV 3000, most of the DVICO line (even a
> USB one), and the air2PC cards.  Many cable companies broadcast local
> channels "in the clear" over QAM, so they are unencrypted and these
> cards can pick them up.  That avoids the additional cable box and
> IR-controller.

Yeah, but part of my problem is that I don't watch a lot of the local  
channels. I'm not a big follower of Prison Break, 24, CSI, Survivor,  
Desperate Housewives or much else on the local networks. I'd care  
more about being able to get digital South Park or Battlestar  
Galactica than The Office.

That and I doubt ComCast would just tell me up front I can get those  
channels over unencrypted QAM, so I'd rather not have to invest in a  
DVB/ATSC card when we're talking about a gamble if they'll be worth  
it (poor future-college student here).
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