I just bought a tv with ntsc/atsc tuners built in do i still need a cable box in order to receive hd or digit?

Answer 1

No, you do not need a cable box, or even cable service, if you live close enough to the transmitters for your local stations in order to receive their signals via an antenna. In some cases, multiple antennas might be needed, and this may become impractical.

If you live in the US, the following site can help you by showing which stations you may be able to receive, analog, digital, or both, VHF and UHF, bu using an antenna:

http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/welcome.aspx

I just tried it, and although it asks for phone number and e-mail address, those items are optional and you can just leave them out. The one thing that's critical, obviously, is to enter your correct address so they can figure out how far you are from the transmitters, and the direction of each transmitter from where you live.

I believe this site only recommends outdoor antennas, but if you are close enough to the transmitters, maybe within 5 or 10 miles, you may also get good results with an indoor antenna. I mention that in case you are in an apartment or for some other reason cannot install an outdoor antenna.

And as the previous person (gkk_72) said, if you are trying to use a cable connection, and your set also has a QAM tuner, then you may be able to receive signals over cable, but some cable companies require that you use a cable box. If you told us which cable company you are using and in what city you live, someone could possibly give you more info on that.

Good luck!

Answer 2

The ATSC tuner allows you to receive digital broadcasts over the air (with an antenna). Notice I said digital broadcast and not HD - that is because not all digital broadcasts are HD.

IF your cable provider broadcasts digital signals that are not encrypted AND if your TV has a QAM tuner then you MIGHT be able to receive digital signals from your cable company. If you don't have a QAM tuner or if your cable company requires a cable box for digital then you're out of luck.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QAM_tuner

Answer 3

If you live close enough to a digital transmitter than (in princlple) no - at least not for that channel. All you would need is a digital antenna (outdoors) pointed in the direction of the transmitter.

One thing about digital over-the-air broadcasting: You either get a signal or you don't. There is no such thing as a "weak" reception or snowy picture.

Call your local TV stations for information as to location of transmitters, and type of broadcast signals.

Answer 4

Depends. Comcast and DirecTV both require the box to watch HD programming.

Answer 5

yeah you have to sign up for it and then a person will some from the company and set it up. it doesnt take too long though.