Questions on HD and Tuner

[marmasatt]

Wasn't sure where to post this (here or video cards) and it's gonna come out like a shot gun blast but can someone answer some of these questions for me?

If I am still on Analog signal via cable provider, I can or cannot get HD? (Direct coxial, not OTA I mean).

If I want to dabble in HD a bit, the easiest/cheapest solution is just to go get a $ 20 antennae and check out OTA?

Do I need some kind of drivers or Codecs to view HD on my system or as long as my video card and monitor are straight, the signal will come through if the source is HD?

The reason I ask is that I just downloaded a quick HD file just to check it out and it sure didn't look HD

I think I knew the answer to this but I forgot. Why is it that I have an HD monitor (Hanns-G 1080P - 28" HG281D) and it's actually higher resolution then a standard TV but when you use a tuner via your system the quality is just a bit less than what you see from your TV? Not alot, just 90% It's almost as good, but not quite as a standard TV. There's no way to fix that? (Tuner is a sapphire Theatre 650 Pro - better than my PVR 150 but still a bit off perfection).

One of you Guru's take 2 minutes and set me straight here, thanks.

 

[ViRGE]

If you provider offers HD, most of them broadcast the digital national networks and a few other odds & ends (HSN, CSPAN, etc) in the clear (i.e. ClearQAM). TV Wonder 650 should support ClearQAM, so with the right software you will be able to pick up any ClearQAM channels your provider offers.

You don't say what software you're currently using to watch TV, so I'm going to assume whatever it is does not support ClearQAM on the 650. A quick search says GB-PVR should support ClearQAM operation on the 650 with a bit of tinkering at most, so I recommend that's what you start with. It would be helpful to list your cable provider and location too, so we can see if your provider even broadcasts digital channels in the clear.

 

[marmasatt]

Hey thanks. I get Cox in RI. And I use BeyondTV 4. Which as I understand may NOT support HD? So should I try GB-PVR and HD will come over Analog?

 

[ViRGE]

Originally posted by: marmasatt

Hey thanks. I get Cox in RI. And I use BeyondTV 4. Which as I understand may NOT support HD? So should I try GB-PVR and HD will come over Analog?

The latest version of BTV 4 supports HD, although I'm not sure if it supports ClearQAM on your specific tuner. If it doesn't, then GB-PVR will. As for what digital offerings your provider has, try this link. That database is usually pretty up to date.