Confused by QAM - Do I need at least Basic Comcast Cable

[erikhtpc]

I tried to see what QAM chanels I could get with my Comcast coax line and it showed nothing. Is this becasue I canceled my Comcast TV several years ago? I have been using DirectV ever since.

I do have Comcast internet. Should I call Comcast and have them turn on Basic cable for a couple days to see what I can get with my HDHR (HdHomeRun).

Do you see my confusion??

Also, what should I be able to get in Chicago (60126) if I do ask for basic service?

[mayhem70]

You need to have atleast basic Comcast cable service in order to receive QAM channels. Just having Comcast broadband doesn't give an pipeline into cable tv service.

[Fonceur]

Originally Posted by erikhtpc

Is this becasue I canceled my Comcast TV several years ago?

It could be considered theft of services if you were receiving cable without being a subscriber...

[erikhtpc]

Originally Posted by Fonceur

It could be considered theft of services if you were receiving cable without being a subscriber...

What are you talking about. I never received service without paying.

[mayhem70]

LOL, ignore him...he's canadian.

[imnee]

Yes, crystal clear......

>>Do you see my confusion??

[erikhtpc]

So what QAM channels can I expect from comcast if I get the basic package.

Let me hear from Comcast customers in Chicago.

[Fonceur]

Originally Posted by erikhtpc

What are you talking about. I never received service without paying.

I didn't say you did, but your original question was asking if you should expect to get free cable (i.e. clear QAM) without a subscription...

I tried to see what QAM chanels I could get with my Comcast coax line and it showed nothing. Is this becasue I canceled my Comcast TV several years ago?

[erikhtpc]

So what QAM channels can I expect from comcast if I get the basic package.

Let me hear from Comcast customers in Chicago.

[mayhem70]

http://www.silicondust.com/hdhomerun/channels

Just enter your zipcode, and you'll get a general list. But mostly it will be just local channels, public broadcast channels, CSPANs, and maybe local university channels.

[TomasDR]

Originally Posted by mayhem70

http://www.silicondust.com/hdhomerun/channels

Just enter your zipcode, and you'll get a general list. But mostly it will be just local channels, public broadcast channels, CSPANs, and maybe local university channels.

That site shows over the air HD channels so don't get his hopes up.

I have WOW Chicago with the basic package I get CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX, WGN & PBS, that's it.

[mayhem70]

Originally Posted by TomasDR

That site shows over the air HD channels so don't get his hopes up.

I have WOW Chicago with the basic package I get CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX, WGN & PBS, that's it.

Not true. My area (Seattle) does show all the QAM channels I'm able to get with my provider from the site.

[jptheripper]

at least in florida qam is broadcast with broadband (no need for cable). i dont consider it theft of services, since you cant subscribe to "qam" as a service

[TomXP411]

Originally Posted by jptheripper

at least in florida qam is broadcast with broadband (no need for cable). i dont consider it theft of services, since you cant subscribe to "qam" as a service

it depends on your subscriber agreement and the cable co's franchise agreement.

It's very likely that you ARE subscribing to "broadcast basic" cable with your broadband service; the 2 cable providers I've had both require this basic level of service to get Internet, or you pay an extra $10 a month - the same price as basic broadcast.

However, it IS theft of service if you're not paying for it, just as it would be if you plugged the cable in to your TV.

[merrypig]

. o O { ps QAM isn't content - it's an encoding scheme. }