Vermont Comcast Service (ClearQAM channels)

[Clutch]

I know they are required to carry broadcast channels unencrypted. Does anyone know what other channels, if any, that you can pick up with a built in ClearQAM receiver? I am mainly curious if Outside Network (RSN14) and ESPN are encrypted.

Also, what is the HD box rental fee?

Thanks.

[jwaltz666]

I'm in NH and pay for the most basic cable service (1 box, no hd, no mtv, no cnnhn) + internet
The only clearqam channels I can get are the ota channels (networks + religious) + NECN and copies of all the channels I get digital on analog
Several channels are only viewable with the box, not in windows media center (trutv, discovery)
I believe there is a line filter installed on my line. If you don't have a line filter you may receive more channels in both the analog and digital range.. Probably bottom line is ymmv, seems that each comcast affiliate does things differently. Hopefully someone from vt will help you with specifics for there.

[Clutch]

I found it:
http://www.silicondust.com/hdhomerun/li ... up_8301239

It looks like they do provide the Standard Definition version of channel 14 and as expected, no HD ESPN. Does Channel 14 even broadcast in HD?

I guess I'll have to call for the HD box rental rate.

[Stormchaser]

I found it:
http://www.silicondust.com/hdhomerun/li ... up_8301239

It looks like they do provide the Standard Definition version of channel 14 and as expected, no HD ESPN. Does Channel 14 even broadcast in HD?

I guess I'll have to call for the HD box rental rate.

No HD for CH14.

I rent a HD DVR box, service, and pay for the sports pak. With taxes and fees my bill is sub $40. I'd have to check my bill but the HD DVR is 19.99 i think.

[Gangsta Rider]

Channel 14 isn't broadcast in HD. I think the HD box fee is around $8.95.

[Dr. NO]

My understanding is once they went digital (no longer can see channels on just a TV) HD was in the box. I think rental of the box is $6 to $9 / month. In my case, 1st box is free but others cost the fee. Wonder if you can use the 1st box as a hub?
Anyway, Comcast is expensive, and when they say "better than dish" they are full of crap. I get digitized reception even when there is no storm and channels drop in and out. Their menu ability and station separation and blocking vs. satellite SUCK. If I didn't need / want the internet from them I would be on DISH or DirecTV tomorrow. NO, no HD ESPN unless you pay MORE, like everything else.

[millerm277]

See if your TV has a CableCard slot. If it does, and you don't care about some of the special features the box may provide, you can often go with that instead and not have to pay a box rental fee, IIRC. (still need to pay for service of course) Look into it.

[Clutch]

My understanding is once they went digital (no longer can see channels on just a TV) HD was in the box. I think rental of the box is $6 to $9 / month. In my case, 1st box is free but others cost the fee. Wonder if you can use the 1st box as a hub?
Anyway, Comcast is expensive, and when they say "better than dish" they are full of crap. I get digitized reception even when there is no storm and channels drop in and out. Their menu ability and station separation and blocking vs. satellite SUCK. If I didn't need / want the internet from them I would be on DISH or DirecTV tomorrow. NO, no HD ESPN unless you pay MORE, like everything else.

When Comcast went digital they provided our house with little digital to analog converter boxes. They are kind of like a mini cable boxes with no onscreen display. They do require your TV has an NTSC analog tuner to work, and you only get the Standard Definition signal.

If your TV has a ClearQAM tuner it can play the digital signal directly, without any box, but only the unencrypted channels which are usually just ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, and PBS.