Digital Transition (not OTA)

[hemicuda]

For anyone interested or that cares, Comcast killed the 14-70 analogs this week. Only thing left is 2-11, 13, 95, & 96. That takes away about 1/3 of my recording flexibility. I might, just for giggles, try to pipe one of my DTA's into the 350.

[stanger89]

You should try a QAM tuner. Theory (somewhat proven I think) is that the DTAs only tune clear QAM.

Should this become standard, NTSC being replaced by clear QAM, IMO it's a good thing.

[reggie14]

hemicuda-

You should rescan for channels using your HDHR. You'll probably find most of your old expanded basic lineup.

I just picked up an HDHR because I noticed Comcast has pretty much all the worthwhile expanded basic channels available in clear QAM in SD. And, at least for now, TNTHD and Universal HD is available too. Plus, I can get almost all my other non-premium HD channels over firewire.

I think the move to digital cable is good, as long as they keep making channels available in clear QAM. Though, I'm a little disappointed in video quality. It's really not noticeably better than my analog tuners, although I seem to get the same quality for half the bit-rate, which is nice.

[hemicuda]

Originally Posted by stanger89

You should try a QAM tuner. Theory (somewhat proven I think) is that the DTAs only tune clear QAM.

Yeah, I've had the clear-QAM digitals in the lineup for months now. Just thought I'd pass along the change for anyone in this area that hasn't noticed yet. I'll either drop on another HDHR or look for a PCI QAM card if I find the HDHR & 1800 can't cover the favorites.

[Ryokurin]

Originally Posted by stanger89

You should try a QAM tuner. Theory (somewhat proven I think) is that the DTAs only tune clear QAM.

Should this become standard, NTSC being replaced by clear QAM, IMO it's a good thing.

While Comcast have all the channels in the clear right now, that soon will change. the FCC gave them the right to turn on privacy mode on the DTAs so it's likely once they are finished with the transition they will kill clear QAM for everything except locals. This and the fact that they are moving channels weekly in my area made me break out the antenna and go back ton OTA consider getting a DVR for the cable channels. That is until I found out that Cable Labs is going to allow cable card tuners to be sold that is.

[reggie14]

Originally Posted by Ryokurin

That is until I found out that Cable Labs is going to allow cable card tuners to be sold that is.

Keep in mind that doesn't mean they'll ever work in Sage. Time will tell, but even if Microsoft exposes the necessary functions to third-party software manufacturers, I think it would be pretty tough to get CableCard support in Sage.