Will this HDTV tuner allow me to watch HDTV from Time Warner?

[fuzzybabybunny]

I recently got the OnAir GT HDTV tuner: http://www.autumnwave.com/Consumers/OnAir-GT.html

It's actually got something of a following over at avsforums.

Ok, so I know that the included antenna will allow me to maybe pick up OTA HD signals and view them.

I have basic analog cable service right now. If I plug this in, I'll be able to view my regular analog channels. Will I also be able to get any unencrypted HD channels?

If I go order HDTV tier whatever from Time Warner Cable, will this thing allow me to view HDTV on my computer and record it? Would I even need a set top box?

 

[Viper GTS]

It appears to have QAM support, so you should pick up your locals (or anything that is unencrypted).

Encrypted stuff will not work even if you have paid for the subscription.

Viper GTS

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

Originally posted by: Viper GTS
It appears to have QAM support, so you should pick up your locals (or anything that is unencrypted).

Encrypted stuff will not work even if you have paid for the subscription.

Viper GTS

What channels are unencrypted?

So am I getting this right?

I pay for HDTV subscription. This subscription includes both encrypted and unencrypted channels. Unencrypted channels include things like CBS, NBC, Discovery? Encrypted channels are the "premium" ones like Movies on Demand?

So if I have no interest in the premium ones and only wanna watch things like Discovery in HD I should be ok just getting a subscription, telling them I don't need a set top box, and hooking the HDTV tuner right into the cable jack?

Is there a way to watch encrypted stuff on my computer? Like wall outlet > cable line > set top box decrypts encrypted channel > sends decrypted signal out to HDTV Tuner > HDTV tuner sends to my computer?

 

[Kirby64]

The only way to do it would be to have a set top box that decrypts channels, send it over something like component, and your computer somehow reads that. Don't think its possible TBH, and even if it was, it couldn't change the channels for recording stuff.

EDIT: If you wanted to get super complicated, you could have it setup with an IR blaster to change the channels, but retrieving the guide would be impossible. A set top DVR is way easier. (and probably cheaper)

Also to clarify: There's an HDTV tuner in the set top box. You can't use a HDTV tuner again to connect to it.

 

[Viper GTS]

Originally posted by: fuzzybabybunny

What channels are unencrypted?

Typically just your locals. The feds frown on encrypting these.

So am I getting this right?

I pay for HDTV subscription. This subscription includes both encrypted and unencrypted channels. Unencrypted channels include things like CBS, NBC, Discovery? Encrypted channels are the "premium" ones like Movies on Demand?

So if I have no interest in the premium ones and only wanna watch things like Discovery in HD I should be ok just getting a subscription, telling them I don't need a set top box, and hooking the HDTV tuner right into the cable jack?

The HD locals are usually there even if you aren't paying for any premium services. I have absolute basic cable & get them fine. You probably won't get discovery, I know in my market (comcast) the non HD discovery is free but HD is considered a premium channel.

Is there a way to watch encrypted stuff on my computer? Like wall outlet > cable line > set top box decrypts encrypted channel > sends decrypted signal out to HDTV Tuner > HDTV tuner sends to my computer?

Cablecard with Vista is pretty much the only way AFAIK.

Viper GTS

 

[rpertusio]

Originally posted by: Viper GTS

Typically just your locals. The feds frown on encrypting these.

The HD locals are usually there even if you aren't paying for any premium services. I have absolute basic cable & get them fine. You probably won't get discovery, I know in my market (comcast) the non HD discovery is free but HD is considered a premium channel.

Hi fuzzybabybunny, it's Ryan Pertusio from AutumnWave here! Viper GTS is exactly right.

About 95% of our customers (with OnAir GT or similar products) can get the local HD channels unencrypted with a 'Basic' cable subscription. (No need to upgrade to an HD package.) A typical example is: ABC, CBS, CW, FOX, NBC, PBS, etc. On top of that you may get other channels. (Typical 'extras' include some Standard Definition digital channels, plus a bunch of 'music' channels.) For at least 3 more years, the government will recommend that cable companies keep providing the local HDs unencrypted.

If you're in Canada, you probably won't get your local HD channels over QAM. If you're on a really old (or tiny) cable provider, you might also have 'hit or miss' results.

If you want to capture something like 'Discovery HD', there isn't a way to do it directly with the OnAir GT, since Discovery HD is a 'premium' channel that the cable company encrypts. Only their provided 'set top box' will be able to decrypt it. If your STB and your computer have a Firewire port, you may be able to get the unencrypted HD on your computer that way... but there's a lot of red tape and technical issues that would make it difficult.

If you output from your Set Top Box to the OnAir GT, it will be just Standard Definition TV, because it is an Analog output on the STB. You'd set the OnAir HDTV Program to Analog TV channel 3 or 4, much like a regular Analog TV set. You'd change the channels on the STB. As mentioned, it will not be in HD. You may get at most 480i.

If you have any other questions or need clarification, let me know! That's what I'm here for.

- Ryan Pertusio

AutumnWave Technical Support
OnAir Solution North America
http://www.AutumnWave.com