Do I have to use the set-top box with comcast?

[Savij]

I have regular cable, with 100 something channels, but only on the TV that has the cable box. The other TVs (and the Picture-in-Picture) only get about 10 channels.

I have accepted this fact since all the TVs I have are older analog sets, but from what I can find, I still need the cable box even if I get a newer tv. Do I have to just break down and ask comcast for more cable boxes, and do they normally charge a few for additional boxes?

What about Picture-in-picture...how does that work with newer TVs/cable boxes? I really liked this feature and am getting more and more frustrated that I can't use it any more.

What about watching tv on my pc? Can I get all 100 channels that I pay for w/o having to find some desk real estate to devote to a cable box?

 

[MrBond]

Are you in a market where they've eliminated the analog transmission? You should be getting more than 10 channels without the box - I don't have a box and I get their full list of "extended basic" channels. It's not 100 channels, but it's pretty much everything worth watching.

I've heard they've stopped doing analog transmission in some areas (Chicago was one), so if that's the case you'll need boxes. I think they're pretty affordable if you do need them (I read $2/mo somewhere).

 

[Savij]

Ok, I checked with a few people, and they all say that they HAVE to use the cable box to get all the channels...I guess I'm stuck...

Is there a way to use cable boxes and get picture-in-picture to work or to be able to get all the TV channels on my PC?

 

[MrBond]

Are you talking about PIP on your TV? I didn't realize that was common anymore (I kind of wish my plasma had it actually), but I understand it worked one of two ways. Either you needed a splitter outside of the TV to run two coax lines to it (in which case, two cable boxes would do it for you) or you ran one coax line that was split internally in the TV to two different tuners (in which case you're stuck and can't get more than 10 channels on your PIP. You'll need a cable box for your computer too - the WinTV 1600 I just bought includes an IR blaster so you can change channels on the box from your PC.

You *may* be able to call Comcast and complain about the all-digital signal and ask if they can come and hang a digital to analog converter box on the side of your house. I'm not sure they even offer that, but if they do that could help you. You'll have to pay for a service call but it'll probably be cheaper in the long run than renting cable boxes.

 

[bucwylde23]

My comcast cable box actually does it's own PIP. I don't use it very often, but it's there.