Digital Tuner with FiOS

[pilotbob]

Does anybody know what, if any channels you would be able to recieve with a digital tuner (ATSC I think it is called) without using a CableCARD?

I am thinking of getting a new HD TV for the master bedroom and wanted to not have to rent a box (yes $9 a month is alot DAMN IT!).

Thanks,
BOb

[Bschneider]

You'll only be able to get the local stations... channel 2 - 49.

[bdraw]

And the local HD channels 800-224.

[pilotbob]

You'll only be able to get the local stations... channel 2 - 49.

Sounds like you are talking about the analog channels... I get those with the NTSC tunner on my old TV.

I am asking about what I would get with a Digital tuner?

BOb

[Bschneider]

Exactly. ATSC is only going to pick up OTA signals which basically translates to channels 2 - 49 including what Ben stated above, the HD locals from 800 - 824.

Does the TV have a QAM turner?

[bdraw]

FIOS transmits 2-49 in analog and digital, so you if you have a QAM tuner or a NTSC you'll get them. Obviously the digital version should look better.

[pilotbob]

Exactly. ATSC is only going to pick up OTA signals which basically translates to channels 2 - 49 including what Ben stated above, the HD locals from 800 - 824.

Does the TV have a QAM turner?

I thought ATSC and QAM where the same thing? Hmm... but this article seems to clear that up:

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20061206045918AAws8m5

So, when a TV says it has a digital tuner (As required by the FCC on all TV's made after July 1007) that doesn't mean it has a QAM tuner, but just an ATSC tuner?

BOb

[Bschneider]

That is correct. The FCC mandate is only for the ATSC turner.

[bdraw]

It might have a QAM tuner, for whatever reason manufacturers aren't very clear about QAM support.

[Floyd]

It's amazing how quickly all the TVs in walmart have changed. All of them now have digital tuners, even the 13" one, and many of them have QAM tuners also.
I have a question:
On your TV, if you scan for digital channels, does it scan VHF, UHF, and QAM at the same time? Or, do you have to have it set on "cable" for the QAM channels to be picked up on a scan?

I ask, because I'm adding HD off-air channels to hotels, and the TV's are set on 'cable'. I'm wondering if their TV's would work if I used QAM modulators. I suppose I need to go to CC or walmart and play with their TVs.

[pilotbob]

It's amazing how quickly all the TVs in walmart have changed. All of them now have digital tuners, even the 13" one, and many of them have QAM tuners also.


Yep... cause as of July 2007 100% of all TVs of all sizes must have a "digital" tuner. ;)