So do I need a cable box if I have an HDTV with a tuner?

[eflat]

I was just on the phone with Comcast and they wanted to charge me a fee for the cable box. Can I just connect directly to the TV given that it has a digital tuner?

 

[dmw16]

if you want to see anything other than the broadcast (ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC) then yes.

 

[wirm]

If you have a QAM tuner, you should be able to pick up all the unencrypted channels. Plus, you'll probably have access to whatever on-demand content your neighbors are watching, but this is not really legit.

However, if you want on-demand of your own, you'll need to get the box.

 

[Slick5150]

You'll likely get more than JUST the networks, but the channel selection is extremely limited. on Comcast around here, I can pick up TBS, History Channel, Discovery Channel, and maybe 1 or 2 more in HD (in addition to the networks). If you want the full channel lineup, you need the box

 

[krotchy]

With comcast, the Analog and QAM tuners will get you all the analog channels you pay for (basic is like 20-30 channels, expanded is up to about 100 or so in my area) and also the unencrypted digital stations, which includes some music channels, other peoples on demand and Fox, CBS, ABC, NBC, PBS and CW/WB/UPN

If you are paying for HBO or Showtime or anything like that you wont be able to tune it at all most likely.

Getting the HD box lets you tune whatever extra channels extra you are getting. If you have expanded basic, you will have access to ESPN HD and all the other non-movie HD stations available. If you are paying for HBO/Showtime you will also get HBO/Showtime HD.

So I guess the question is, what cable service are you paying for currently?

Also IMO the HD Cable box is a waste of money, since the upgrade to an HD-DVR isnt much more. So I would suggest no box or go DVR, but that is me.