Entertainment Center: TVs, Stereos, VCRs and DVDs - Why does an HDTV need a digital cable box?

Doityourself.com community forum was created to provide answers to all questions related to home improvement and home repair. Doityourself community can help you find information about how-to topics on small fixes to large remodeling projects. With comprehensive how-to content and expertly moderated community forums DoItYourself.com makes it easy to tackle even the most complex home improvement projects.



PDA
foreverkeeps
11-23-07, 06:55 AM
Have Sony HDTV WEGA TV so why do I still have to have a digital cable box from Time Warner to get HDTV? :confused:

BobF
11-23-07, 04:51 PM
You don't. Hook up an antenna to get OTA HD channels.

I've heard of some cable companies providing local HD w/o need of a cable box. Haven't seen that for myself, so I can't vouch for its accuracy.

But you want ESPN HD, TNT HD, etc? Ya gotta pay extra for it. The box is a way to make you pay.
Integrator97
11-23-07, 11:22 PM
Bob,
My guess is if you don't need a box, it's because you have cable card. A cable card ready tv can accept a card from your cable provider, if they offer it. You still pay, you just avoid the clunky box.

HotinOKC
11-24-07, 09:17 AM
If your TV does not have a built in cable converter, then that is why you need the box.
slowillie
01-18-08, 05:12 PM
You may not need a box for some local channels. You just need to know the HD channel. In my area, Time Warner broadcasts some stations on two channel numbers, one standard channel and one HD channel. For example, the local ABC broadcasts are on channels 3 and 1511. You may need to learn how to access 1511.
HotinOKC
01-18-08, 05:36 PM
Your name fits you well Willie! :rolleyes: