HDTV Ready and Cable TV For Dummies?

Question

So i just recently bought an HD-READY TV. What do I need to ask my cable company (Time Warner aka Comcast) to get hdtv?

Do they give me a new box?

Does it still hook up with a coaxial cable or what?

The model is Philips 37PF7320A if that helps

THANKS!

Answer 1

I am with the same cable provider and have an HD/DVR box so I can get the basic High Def channels and record shows using the same box.

1st decide if you want to record or not. If you do get the same box I mentioned above. If not, just get the HD box. I also pay an extra 6.95 or so a month for HD Net (movie channel) and ESPN HD & a few others...

Setup an appointment and they will bring a new box and a component video cable (Red, Green, Blue Connections). The coax will connect to the new cable box and the component cable will connect from the cable box to the component input on the tv.

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

Unless you got the optional cable card with your TV, you will not just hook it up with the coax cable. You will need either an HDTV cable box or the HD cable card, if your cable provider has them. You could also get an HD PVR if you wanted. They won't just give it to you, it will likely cost you a pretty penny if you buy it outright. You can also rent it per month. Your local Comcast market determines the price of those things.

If you go the HD box route (as most places don't carry/support the cable card yet) your coax cable will go into it and the box will connect to your TV preferably with an HDMI or DVI cable. The next best thing would be component video cables, which look like 3 RCA jacks that are coloured red, green and blue. These are independent of the two RCA red and white jacks used for audio.

Answer 3

You need an HDTV receiver for your TV, then just hook the cable box to the tuner, check with your local Cable company to make sure they broadcast in HD, you may need a dual HD/analog receiver.