I just bought a HDTV and now i need a TV tuner?

Question

i just recently boguht a HDTV and i was told i need a HDTV tuner to actually watch tv on it, so i was woundering could i use a comcast cable box, would that work?

Answer 1

Comcast HD is one choice....

DISH HD is a better choice

IF you have Verizon FIOS then get VERIZON TV, because that's the BEST signal you can get.....

Answer 2

I'll break your question into two sections to clarify things:

1.
To see high definition pictures you need a high definition source. If the concast box has a HDMI/DVI/component video outputs and you are buying HD digital programming, then you can see HD programming without an additional tuner.

Your other option is to buy a HD tuner. For example a Samsung DTB-H260F is a popular (~$180USD) choice.
This will receive HD by antenna (ATSC) or by direct connection to cable if the cable system is using unencrypted QAM digital. It will also receive analog (NTSC) OTA & cable.

If you want to record HD signals, you will need something like a TIVO HD, it's cable company equivlent, or a home built PVR with a HD tuner. Besides recording, these devices also act like a HD tuner.

2.
If you want to receive analog signals (NTSC) you can use the aforementioned DTB-H260. Assuming that your TV has composite inputs,you could also use an old VCR/DVD Recorder with an analog (NTSC) tuner.

Old type OTA TV signals = NTSC = "Analog TV"
New type OTA TV signals = ATSC = "Digital TV" = DTV

OTA = "Over the Air" = free TV you get through your TV antenna

Answer 3

If you are not using an air antenna you will not pick up HDTV programming in Hi def on your cable without the HDTV tuner. Your cable provider can rent it to you anywhere between 7 to 9 bucks per month. You would also have to subscribe to the channels that broadcast HDTV.

Answer 4

Yes its what i use on my Plasma. you can also use an old VCR or a dvd recorder.