HDTV Reception-No Antenna

[robert]

Hi Everyone,

Purchased the new Sony Wega 42" projection TV (built in tuner) about 3 weeks ago. I am now using TW standard cable (78 or so channels). As I programmed the new set, it went through the usual channels, then proceeded to program several local HDTV channels as well including 4, 6, MPTV HD, and 12. Also a couple of TW promotional channels. When I asked the guys at Flanner's why I was receiving these channels, they figured that my coax cable was acting as an antenna. This TV is in the basement. Has anyone heard of this? Would I be adding much to my programming by upgrading to TW digital cable, and also would the signal be any better/clearer?

[kevbeck122]

TWC sends local HDs, local digitals and promotional channels in the clear.. no box needed.. as long as you have a QAM tuner on your TV (which it sounds like you do).  There is no way you'd be receiving the locals OTA just with a coax cable.

[Den Mayer]

Your new Sony digital TV set probably has 3, possibly 4 TV tuners

 built in...     It has a an Analog tuner, OTA antenna digital tuner

 built in, and a QAM digital cable tuner built in.....   If it has Pic in Pic,

  it should have a 2nd Analog tuner built in.....

 If you do a QAM cable scan from the wall...     QAM digital channels numbers

 like 81.1 thru 124.20 should appear ...    including some HD.....

[StarvingForHDTV]

Would I be adding much to my programming by upgrading to TW digital cable, and also would the signal be any better/clearer?

As far as I know channels 2-99 will look the same with both packages.  With "digital" cable, the digital channels are all above channel 100.  Channels 2-99 remain analog.  You would get more programming, but whether it is better or not is a personal decision.

If you get digital, get an HD box and watch the HD channels which are on the 500-599 channel numbers.  That is where you will find the "better/clearer" that you desire.  IMHO

Good luck.

[psubill78]

TWC sends local HDs, local digitals and promotional channels in the clear.. no box needed.. as long as you have a QAM tuner on your TV (which it sounds like you do).  There is no way you'd be receiving the locals OTA just with a coax cable.

When I scan, will they come in on the 6.1, etc?

[audiopile]

Actually had a equivalent experience with my Hughes E-86 box ( being used as a STB) and CM 4228 - got three chanels I just plain could't figure out - what they were or where they were coming from? Finally went outside with my compass and realized that my antenna is looking right thru a TW box up on a pole across the street. Apparently they have at least one bad connection up there and it's "leaking" RF - too bad it's nothing I want to watch.