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So to go with a VCR tuner WILL NOT work either. End result is you will need a cable box to UNSCRAMBLE the encrypted signal that the cable company puts out. channels because the cable company SCRAMBLES those signals. QAM tuners will not get you the mtv's, hgtv, etc. A QAM tuner, will allow you to pick up UNSCRAMBLED cable TV signals.
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ATSC tuners are for over the air DIGITAL signals which will not work for cable signals. Here is the kicker, newer TV's have been coming with digital ATSC tuners. Analog tuners will not work with Digital signals. TV's have came with Analog tuners for a long time. It DOES NOT matter how old your tv is or if it has a digital or analog tuner. That means, they will shut down the broadcast of all analog signals. On February 17, everything (supposedly) will change over to digital and no more analog. Without further delay, here is your answer. I mean no disrespect to anyone nor am I forcing my information on anyone. A lot of the comments on the tread couldn't be more misleading. The difference is only a few dollars, of course, but is still one you should plan to encounter. So in the above example you would pay the tax on the full $54.99. Your best bet is indeed as the original reply suggests to get a cheap cable ready VCR, DVR, or DVDR to act as a cable tuner.Īdditionally, should you decide that you want to get an ATSC convertor box to continue making use of your antenna, be aware that the coupons are treated as a form of tender at the time of purchase, meaning that their value is deducted from the price you pay AFTER tax is applied. While such a device will allow you to continue using your old television with your antenna after the digital switchover in 2009, it will be of no use whatsoever for cable service. The converter boxes that are covered by the $40 coupons are ATSC converters for over-the-air standard definition digital television broadcasts.
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Not to resurrect an old thread or anything (though that's already been done here), and no disrespect to lovechild is intended, but do not rely on his/her advice.
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