I have a older TV ,time Warner cable goes directly into the TV,no set up box,will I need a digital converter for it.If I call TW ,I know they probably tell me I will need one of there set up box so they can charge me a monthly fee.I don't trust TW.
Good question. From what I understand (I could be wrong), you won't need the cable box. I too have the TW cable running directly into my TV. I have a digital ready TV. However, with my digital ready TV I can get the local digital sub channels, which gives me a few more channels.
When I called TW to ask the same question you pose, the person I talked to didn't totally understand the question. They were confused that I didn't have a cable box and was still able to get the basic channels. After trying to explain it, it was apparent I was wasting my time, so I just ended the conversation with a "thank you".
A worse case scenario is that you'll have to get the converter box with your coupons. I would suggest you get it and hook it up. You may get a few more channels anyway.
I also bought an A/B switch from Walmart and hooked my old antenna into the cable . I can switch from cable to antenna rapidly if I need to.
Comcast, here, is telling everyone no changes are needed. Also I understand that a converter box will not work with cable - only antenna. I suspect in time they will do away with all digital signals on cable making need for new TV's or rental of their box.
Comcast did try to pull a "we need to turn off analog because the government said so" in Chicago and knowledgeable people pointed out that it wasn't true. Only OTA analog must go away.
As you stated the (coupon) converter boxes are for OTA only. Cable operators do not use the same channel schemes on their systems.
Comcast, here, is telling everyone no changes are needed. Also I understand that a converter box will not work with cable - only antenna. I suspect in time they will do away with all digital signals on cable making need for new TV's or rental of their box.
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At this time there is nothing needed for Comcast. I have cable directly into the TVs (old TVs) and the local stations ran tests to see if you lost your signal. If you did, you need the converter. It was fine, no change needed.
Time will tell. People talk like they will die without their TV's for a while. You may find you really don't need the idiot box after all. That's what congress fears, hence the delay. (Advertising lobby)
I doubt it. THE demographics of those w/o digital access at this time tend toward older, rural, poor. Not exactly a great demographic for the advertisers. Most of the people raising cain on Capital Hill are those who "advocate" for the poor or the AARP-types for the older people.
on 2/9/2009 6:01 AM (ET) pacca wrote the following:
Time Warner Cable and all other cable and satellite TV suppliers are already broadcasting digitally, so you are already viewing digital broadcasts. The converter boxes are for those people viewing TV by rooftop and rabbit ear antennas.
No: it is more likely that cable TV companies will go all-digital (e.g. will no longer carry Canadian or Mexican TV stations that continue to broadcast analogue signals.) Mind you, existing (prepaid) equipment now lets cable TV retransmit analogue signals as digital.
I loved your reply Kurt, as I happen to be one of those FEW, older, rural, poor, AARP types. I wonder when you will need to toss all that new digital equipment for the newer non-compatible, turn on the wall vision, or 3D or the following golly-gee-whiz, non-compatible hologram or the latest and greatest thing-ah-ma-bob? Sorry I don't mean to offend but to me this is all a bunch of millions $$$$ for the new class of billionaires. But. I'm old! What do I know of such things?
Hmmm, Older, poorer, rural types tend to watch way more TV as only means of entertainment. TV technology is in transition. Don't invest too much into durrent technology.
Existing technologies will die. An ip (internet) connection can do much better, directly from program creator to viewer. You don't think the phone companies are pulling fiber to the home so you can get your email faster do you? It's the syndicate takes on the monopoly.
To date the US government has shown no interest in market-based decisions in this respect. It merely directed that analogue broadcasting should stop on date D.
I was merely commenting on those who procrastinated for more than two years, did not get around to getting the freebies (or close there to) for all that time and now are getting all flumoxed about that what they had studiously ignored for all that time fit a specific demographic that isn't exactly advertiser friendly. You have any suggestion that I was wrong?
There's a "Guardian" mindset (government) and a "Commercial" mindset. "Guardian" solutions do not work well in a commercial environment and "commercial" solutions do not work well (if at all) in government.
"Guardian" techniques include: secrecy, honor, largess, hierarchy, obedience, and force. "Commercial" methods include: dissent, cooperation, reward, trust, and voluntary agreements.
A commercial tactic of incentive when applied to arrests (such as a bonus for each additional arrest) is obviously wrong. Obama's suggestion that there be a financial cap on certain salaries is equally flawed.
One lesson to take away: Success in business is not a guarantee of success as an office-holder - commerce and government demand completely different skill sets.
There is at least one exception to the above dichotomy: The Mafia. It has characteristics of both.
If what you say is true (TW already broadcasting in digital), then how can my TV receive them with the cable coming DIRECTLY into the set without going thru ANY cable/converter box?
I am of the impression that cable is NOT all digital. I do get some of the digital sub channels on my digital TV, but I also get all the basic channels on my other Non-digital TV's without any other box.
Current technology is not very reliable. I've been recording all my digital tv shows on wax cylinders. I know for a fact that these can last for up to 100 years.
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