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[quote modelamac]I have basic cable TV, and do not have/need a rented cable "set top box". I now have a 100+ channels from which to choose. My understanding is that I will need a converter to continue to use my current TV sets.
I'm so confused!
I don't think you need to do anything--cable will continue to supply an analog signal to your TV. Am I wrong?
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I think what's confusing is that companies are all going DIGITAL next year...
I think that's incorrect.
All broadcasters will be going digital next year, as mandated by the FCC.
That doesn't apply to thieving cable companies (my spin, sorry). They can send either analog or digital signals over cable. They want everybody to go digital, better for the cable providers. But apparently some will be doing analog for awhile.
Analog (legacy) TVs connected to analog cable will not need a converter. If and when cable does go all digital, then a digital TV Tuner or converter will be required.
Analog TVs will need the converter for all OTA broacasts, next year.
High Definition can be had OTA for free in many areas, depending on your local reception. This requires the aforementioned digital TV tuner or converter.
Cable HD is generally a premium, optional service.
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I'm glad you clarified that you have basic analog cable.
My understanding is that your cable reception will continue uninterrupted, even past Feb 2009, until the cable company decides to no longer offer analog cable service.
Don't buy a digital converter box.
Personally, I hate cable set-top-boxes. They are usually slow and clunky, degrade the picture quality for analog and make me use yet another remote control.
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I'll check the plans for Comcast again, but it was my understanding that their customers need the converter next year when the change is made, as they plan to go all digital. I need to verify this.
Assuming this is true, and I do need the converter, I still need to know what features I should get.
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Just to make sure you understand --- the over the air (OTA) converters don't concern you at all if all of your content comes from cable. If it all comes from cable, what you'll need is one of the cable company's boxes if in fact they intend to (artificially, but still) discontinue analog service in Feb.
In other words the OTA converter boxes and (any) cable boxes are two different animals covering different potential needs. And the need depends on where your source is, either in the air or via your cable provider.
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I don't know what their exact plans are but I suspect Comcast is just talking smack. They want all their subscribers--especially people like you who are paying $15/month for basic cable--to upgrade to their digital package (which has absolutely nothing to do with the big Feb. 2009 over-the-air digital conversion) because then they can charge $100/month.
Don't sweat it. They will probably continue to offer the same service you have now (and will continue to work on your TVs), while at the same time talking irrelevant crap about how the FCC has mandated the digital conversion in a FUD misdirect to get you to pay more. Don't believe the first 10 Comcast reps you talk to because they probably don't know what they're talking about (or are flat-out lying). IF your cable stops working next year (bet it won't), ONLY then look at digital.
