I just upgraded to digital cable (it was the same price as full basic), thinking that I would still have access to the local HD content. Comcast wants to charge me $7/month to rent a box that will decode the HD from the digital box. There seems like there should be some way around this, rather than plugging and unplugging the cable box all the time. Any thoughts?

2/7/2009 9:09:47 PM

The locals should still be unenrypted. You'll just have to find the right HD channel (700s for me on Charter) and you should get them.

2/7/2009 9:58:02 PM

it should be 800s but all i get is a black screen.

2/7/2009 10:31:38 PM

it's in the 70's for most comcast markets

try 70-79 a la:

74-3
74-5

etc digital subchannels.

Also, you can just purchase a STB on ebay (range from 40-150 bucks)

http://shop.ebay.com/items/_W0QQ_sopZ1?_nkw=scientific+atlanta+hd&_sacat=0&_fromfsb=&_trksid=m270.l1313&_odkw=explorer+8300hd&_osacat=0

Just make sure your local Comcast supports the model you get (The 8300HD is pretty much the only nationally used Comcast HD DVR that I know of)

2/8/2009 2:43:42 AM

Time Warner advertises "Free HD" so I'm assuming Comcast does not have it and you will have to pay the extra $7

2/8/2009 2:56:55 AM

The only way is to use a splitter so that the cable line goes straight to the TV. Your box can't receive the HD channels.

2/8/2009 10:28:30 AM

word. i guess i can just move the cable box to the old tv in my bedroom.

2/8/2009 10:45:40 AM

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=45
Go here and find the thread for your market. Someone at some point has surely posted the unencrypted QAM channels for your cable provider in your market...if not, you can ask there.

Id threaten to switch to satellite...be ready with some numbers in case they try to argue it, but I cant imagine why they wouldnt offer you some kind of deal to keep you (unless you already have some kind of deal).

2/8/2009 11:11:41 AM

yeah, i know the unencrypted QAM channels, they change about every other week. i was hoping to have the menu dealie with the digital box and local HD at the same time.

2/8/2009 11:23:41 AM