HD?

#1
Bassmanbruno

Bassmanbruno

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#1
Just wondering - we just got a 52 inch LCD TV... and we have comcast... we have the generic big black box for it... will we be able to watch HD channel with that or do we need to upgrade the box?

The TV isn't here yet so haven't tested it - but I was on the guide and found the HDESPN and HDESPN2 channel just fooling around. When I switched to it on our non-HDTV the screen was black, but you could hear the sound. So will we be forced to upgrade to get HD? Or will it just give us more channels?
 
#3
#3
define "generic big black box." One way to tell is to see if you have an HDMI cable input in the back of the box.
 
#4
#4
Bassmanbruno said:
Just wondering - we just got a 52 inch LCD TV... and we have comcast... we have the generic big black box for it... will we be able to watch HD channel with that or do we need to upgrade the box?

The TV isn't here yet so haven't tested it - but I was on the guide and found the HDESPN and HDESPN2 channel just fooling around. When I switched to it on our non-HDTV the screen was black, but you could hear the sound. So will we be forced to upgrade to get HD? Or will it just give us more channels?
Click to expand...


Upgrade the box to get the HD service or you can't get HD. They're going to get your money one way or another you know.
 
#5
#5
Comcast combines HD with their DVR and the box is silver. You can watch DVD's or play games in HD but until you pay them for HD TV you won't get broadcast in 1080i.
 
#6
#6
yes, you are going to want to get the silver dvr hd box. you won't be dissapointed in it either.
 
#10
#10
That's actually a fallacy. You have to have the HD/DVR to record... but not watch HD.

Most modern TVs will allow for display HD broadcasts just by simply plugging the TV directly into your wall drop by use of standard coax.

The only stipulation is that your TV has to have a CableCARD built-in, but that's pretty standard with most TVs, especially the larger name-brand ones. My old (comparatively at 5 years) Samsung DLP has that as well as built in TV Guide... so there is absolutely nothing that I'm losing against a standard box.
 
#12
#12
dickens821 said:
You can get an HD box by itself, or the HD DVR. I'd suggest the DVR
Click to expand...

The only thing better is having your HD TV connected to a home network. With a home media server you not only get the DVR function, but you can also get all your media (music, pics, video) off your computer(s) and on your set.
 
#14
#14
DC Vol said:
That's actually a fallacy. You have to have the HD/DVR to record... but not watch HD.

Most modern TVs will allow for display HD broadcasts just by simply plugging the TV directly into your wall drop by use of standard coax.

The only stipulation is that your TV has to have a CableCARD built-in, but that's pretty standard with most TVs, especially the larger name-brand ones. My old (comparatively at 5 years) Samsung DLP has that as well as built in TV Guide... so there is absolutely nothing that I'm losing against a standard box.
Click to expand...
Comcast used to charge MORE for a cable card than for a box. I see now, that the first CableCARD is included in the fee... I may go that route for my Sammy DLP. Then I could get a box for my old Sammy CRT HDTV. :)

Without the box you can't get OnDemand...
 
#15
#15
I have Comcast and all I have is the regular black box and my HD is great!
 
#16
#16
Oh ok - thanks for the responses. I'll end up getting the silver box.. just not sure about the DVR combo part too. Not that much more expensive... just wanted to make sure I could atleast watch some HD... sports mostly... before it arrives.
 
#21
#21
HDMI to connect TV and Cable Box. It's a digital cord/cable that handles both the audio and video and is the best of your connection options.
 
#22
#22
I have to go with Mediacom (North Alabama), and they only provide 1 box kind of box (regardless of HD/DVR or what), and NO HDMI connectivity on their box. I was rather put off by that too.
 
#23
#23
rwemyss said:
Comcast used to charge MORE for a cable card than for a box. I see now, that the first CableCARD is included in the fee... I may go that route for my Sammy DLP. Then I could get a box for my old Sammy CRT HDTV. :)

Without the box you can't get OnDemand...
Click to expand...

I suppose my provider doesn't require a cable card for the TV to decode the signal. It took the TV 24 hours of being off to do it though...

For me, the basic cable maintains their broadcast range, but the HD channels are being multicast within a channel (i.e. ABCHD is 110-7 and NBCHD is 110-4).
 
#24
#24
DC Vol said:
I have to go with Mediacom (North Alabama), and they only provide 1 box kind of box (regardless of HD/DVR or what), and NO HDMI connectivity on their box. I was rather put off by that too.
Click to expand...

why do you make an HD box with no HDMI out? That's amazing to me
 
#25
#25
utvolpj said:
why do you make an HD box with no HDMI out? That's amazing to me
Click to expand...

Well, it does make a little sense when you break it down.

most HD broadcasts are either 720p or 1080i, of which there is very little difference (component vs. HDMI) when carried over cable. It cuts costs for my provider (it's a fairly new Motorola box, just no HDMI out), which in turn cuts my bill per month.
 
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