Comcast to Change to All Digital

In my area.

I use an analog recorder & the tech said it would be fine.

Can also just use QAM tuner, so no digital box is needed.

Thing is, I don't get how my analog dvd recorder is going to be okay with this.?

Quote from handyguy : In my area. I use an analog recorder & the tech said it would be fine. Can also just use QAM tuner, so no digital box is needed. Thing is, I don't get how my analog dvd recorder is going to be okay with this.?

You'll have to route it through one of their Digital Transport Adapters otherwise it won't work straight through. Most likely the reception, minus a few of the lower end channels will either be blank or a garbled mess.

Quote from handyguy : In my area. I use an analog recorder & the tech said it would be fine. Can also just use QAM tuner, so no digital box is needed. Thing is, I don't get how my analog dvd recorder is going to be okay with this.?

You'll need to get a DTA and hook it in upstream of the DVD recorder. Then, use an IR blaster from the DVD recorder to change channels on the DTA (so you won't need to manually change the DTA in order to record something). Note that it's possible your DVD recorder isn't compatible with IR blasters.

Also note that comcast is encrypting most of the digital channels (if not all if they get the law passed) so you will need a cable card / box to get anything at that point.

Quote from mrbobhcrhs : Also note that comcast is encrypting most of the digital channels (if not all if they get the law passed) so you will need a cable card / box to get anything at that point.

or DTA. Which not only converts digital to analog but also decrypts expanded basic. No 2-way or premiums, so no guide, On Demand, or HBO/Showtime.

Quote from mrbobhcrhs : Also note that comcast is encrypting most of the digital channels (if not all if they get the law passed) so you will need a cable card / box to get anything at that point.

The tech said if you have a QAM tuner on your TV it would work for this.

But I pushed him about three times about analog & he just said it would be fine, no mention of a DTA box. But you can get those for free, up to three of them.

Quote from handyguy : The tech said if you have a QAM tuner on your TV it would work for this. But I pushed him about three times about analog & he just said it would be fine, no mention of a DTA box. But you can get those for free, up to three of them.

Oh is it 3 now? I thought it was 2 and at least one free set top box/DVR? Anyhow, all you can do is try to see if it works and if it doesn't, route it through a DTA and if it works with the DTA then the tech was talking out of his

Quote from handyguy : The tech said if you have a QAM tuner on your TV it would work for this. But I pushed him about three times about analog & he just said it would be fine, no mention of a DTA box. But you can get those for free, up to three of them.

If you have an HD TV just plug it in and scan and you can see what exactly you will be able to get. But as Comcast changes each region over they are encripting everything but the local channels since they cannot by law. For me the area was upgraded like 2 years ago and now with out a box I only get fox, CBS, NBC. They are also pushing hard to be allowed to encript the locals and at that point you will need a box for everything and a qam tuner will be worthless.

i read somethina a while back on DSLReports the reason why this is being done by the major cable providers is theft and to free up bandwidth space.

Quote from pissonyou : i read somethina a while back on DSLReports the reason why this is being done by the major cable providers is theft and to free up bandwidth space.

Move to digital was to free up bandwidth (something like 3 HD channels can fit in on analog channel). As for stealing I think its BS and just an excuse to make an extra $40 a house on cable boxes that are not needed.

Quote from mrbobhcrhs : Move to digital was to free up bandwidth (something like 3 HD channels can fit in on analog channel). As for stealing I think its BS and just an excuse to make an extra $40 a house on cable boxes that are not needed.

it is a tiny part theft, but yeah they do want to make you use the cable boxes so they can track and sell the data to things like nelsens

I only get Basic, so perhaps that is why it should work, but they have some crappy new stuff, like TV Guide Ch., I don't want which might require a box.

Got a better tech this time, you guys are right but also look at this:
http://customer.comcast.com/help-...l-adapter/


Program your VCR to record shows using your new Digital Adapter
Updated 6/18/2012 8:20:35 PM by Comcast Expert


Introduction

Find out how to make your VCR and Digital Adapter play nice.
Here’s how to record shows on your VCR from your digital box:

1. Set your VCR to record channel 3 or 4 (depending on the manufacturer’s instructions) for the time the program is airing.
2. Tune the Digital Adapter to the channel you wish to record.

VCRs are only able to record the channel your Digital Adapter is tuned to. To record different programs at different times, you’ll have to change the channel on your adapter.

Have a digital set-top-box? You can program your digital set-top-box along with your VCR to record different channels at different times.
To record future programs, you need to set your digital cable box:

1. Select the program you want to record from the TV listings in the on-screen channel guide.
2. Press OK/Select and you will see the Program Information screen with the Quick Menu.
3. Select the Record icon from the Quick Menu.
4. Select Record Future Program.
5. Once the cable box is set, a message displays reminding you to set up the VCR.

Quote from mrbobhcrhs : If you have an HD TV just plug it in and scan and you can see what exactly you will be able to get. But as Comcast changes each region over they are encripting everything but the local channels since they cannot by law. For me the area was upgraded like 2 years ago and now with out a box I only get fox, CBS, NBC. They are also pushing hard to be allowed to encript the locals and at that point you will need a box for everything and a qam tuner will be worthless.

what law is that?

Quote from pissonyou : it is a tiny part theft, but yeah they do want to make you use the cable boxes so they can track and sell the data to things like nelsens

In cities I can see it, but where I lived unless you run a coax cable 500+ feet...

Quote from bonkman : what law is that?

Might be a mandate.. But this [zdnet.com] should give you an idea of what I was talking about.