HDTV not connected to cablebox

olilugo wrote: »

So what is the point of having a HD tuner?

They all say that the tuner can decode NTSC, QAM, ATSC.

The point of that (the ATSC tuner) is for people that don't have satellite or cable and just watch via off air antenna, or people (like me) that still have HD satellite or HD Cable with some HD stuff and like having the ability to watch the locals just in case the cable/satellite happens to go down. Like that ever happens.

olilugo wrote: »

So what is the point of having a HD tuner?

They all say that the tuner can decode NTSC, QAM, ATSC.

Actually, this is a pretty good question as it relates to QAM. avguytx has answered the ATSC part (I also use both a roof antenna for local HD and have Directv HD so it does come in handy. As for QAM heres a quote from Wikipedia that pretty much nails it.

"An integrated QAM tuner allows the free reception of unscrambled digital programming sent "in the clear" by cable providers, usually local broadcast stations or music. Which channels are scrambled varies greatly from location to location and can change over time; the majority of digital channels are scrambled because the providers consider them to be extra-cost options and not part of the "basic cable" package."

Scrambling enables the cable companies to charge you $4.95 a month for each extra receiver so expect them all to be scrambled before long, thus rendering the QAM tuner in your TV useless.

I recall reading somewhere that Federal regulations require all cable companies to transmit unscrambled digital signals via cable that air transmitted locally OTA. That includes all the major networks and as well as local OTA stations. I have received FOX, NBC, CBS, ABC and PBS HD channels for years via a direct cable feed to the back of my plasma with no cable box and except to continue to do so. I also get them over the air, but sometimes not so well when the weather is bad because of all the trees in my area, especially on windy days. Lately, I've noticed Comcast is moving these channels around a lot, I suspect they're making lots of changes in preparation for the 2/09 all digital requirement. Just remember, they are required to transmit these network channels unscrambled in HD by Federal Law, I'm sure if they had the choice, they wouldn't do so. Lately, I've had to do a lot of channel scans to find FOX and PBS that they seem to be moving around a lot. But, I suspect that will settle down as they complete the transition of all channels to digital in the coming months.