HDTV through cable WITHOUT a box - San Antonio (Houston: to rent, buying)

[slaleman]

Maybe this goes with another thread, maybe not. Just wanted to get the word out there.

TWC has certain HD stations that they must carry for free on every service plan, without requiring you to rent an HD box.

If you have an HDTV, you can pick up the the local HD channels (NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, PBS, My35) at no additional cost, meaning you don't have to rent an HD box from them and you don't have to subscribe to their HD package.

You don't get the pay for channels, like ESPN, HBO, A&E, etc. in HD, but if you have a situation like mine where you have a TV in the bedroom just hooked up to the regular cable without a box (we have a DVR box in the living room), you can still get free HD channels without using an antenna.

The must carry channels are a bit hidden, and TWC doesn't seem to be advertising that they carry them...in fact their FAQ on their website is downright misleading:

Q: Does Time Warner Cable carry the local broadcasters' digital TV channels?
A: Cable companies are not required to carry digital and/or high definition TV channels produced by local broadcasters. Time Warner Cable is negotiating with all of the broadcasters in San Antonio to reach an agreement that will allow us to provide their high definition channels.

So since TWC isn't going to be straight about it, I will.

Again, you have to have an HDTV in order to receive these channels, but you can get them without a settop box. Just hook up your cable to your HDTV and try the following channels (two choices per channel depending on tuner setups)

119-80 or 119-1 - WOAI Weather Plus
110-81 or 110-3 - KSAT's LATV
111-91 or 111-1 - KLRN D1
110-93 or 110-4 - KLRN D3 Vme
111-94 or 111-2 - KLRN D4
110-104 or 110-1 - WOAI (NBC)
112-107 or 112-1 - KMYS (My35)
112-108 or 112-2 - KLRN D2
111-111 or 111-3 - KABB (FOX)
110-112 or 110-2 - KSAT (ABC)
112-155 or 112-3 - KENS (CBS)

[traficdogn]

This only works if your HDTV has a QAM tuner. The ATSC over-the-air will not read the HD cable channels.

Point being, if you are buying a new HDTV make sure it has both a ATSC and QAM tuner.

For those of us that don't have a QAM on our tv, the tuner runs about $150. I haven't tried it yet, but waiting for the cost to be near $50 or less.

[Newk]

I just purchased an HDTV, and I want shows like ESPN. What cable do I need to connect my cable box to my tv? Do I need HDMI?

[Bowie]

Originally Posted by traficdogn

For those of us that don't have a QAM on our tv, the tuner runs about $150. I haven't tried it yet, but waiting for the cost to be near $50 or less.

I've looked for, but never found a set-top QAM tuner at any price.

I have an ATSC tuner already.

[Bowie]

Originally Posted by Newk

I just purchased an HDTV, and I want shows like ESPN. What cable do I need to connect my cable box to my tv? Do I need HDMI?

ESPN is not a local must-carry. You need to purchase digital cable from the cable company and connect their converter to your TV.

[SA Greed]

My current set up is a OTA Antenna outside and it picks up nbc cbs and abc clearly with 29 being very choppy. I have a Mitzu HD receiver so it deconverts the signal but I also have another HD set in my bedroom that is a bit newer though still about 3 or 4 years old that has a TIVO box connected. Can I use the box some how to pick up the channels you mention? the TIVO box is not an HD box.

[parcema]

We just moved here (on Monday) All are things are still in Houston, storage area is still without power. We are thinking of getting a tv but don't really want cable. Can we just get a TV and plug it in to get local stations? This all we need. Kids are out on their own and we plan to be here just part of the year.

Thanks for your help.
Jane

[SA Greed]

If you have an HD set, you will need to have a OTA HD Antenna, close enough to Elmendorf, converter to HD and then you can get the main 3 local stations for free in HD. If just a regular antenna, you will be hitting the TV like Steve Buccemi in "Fargo".

[parcema]

What does Elmendorf mean?

[SA Greed]

It's a city south of town near 1604

Edit, that's where their antenna towers are.

EDIT 2
I use this feature, (OTA HD)
I am located at 1604 and Potranco and get the main 3 just fine and 29 and 35 sometimes.