Can I get HD picture with analog connection?

Question

I just bought a 50" Vizio, but haven't upgraded my cable connection. Right now, I have analog cable, and I know some local channels put out HD signal for free. Am I able to receive this signal? How? Thanks

Answer 1

Does your tv have a QAM tuner? If so.
1. Plug cable wire from wall directly into your tv
2. SCAN for channels
3. After scan, flip thru all your stations. The QAM tuner may pick up your local HD stations. Note these channels usually have high numbers and decimal point. For example, the local HD QAM channels here are 46.1 104.1 106.1 106.3 114.1

Your other option is to hook an antenna up to your TV. If you are close to the broadcast towers, you may only need a cheap rabbit ear antenna ($10 at Walmart or Best Buy).
1. Hook antenna into back of TV.
2. SCAN for channels
3. The HD stations have odd numbers. For example, the analog nbc may be channel 15... but the digital hd nbc would be 15.1 (or 15-1).

good luck

Answer 2

I dont think so.

You could put up a UHF antenna and have the TV scan for free Digital HD signals.

If your cable company collects the broadcast signals and puts it in the coax - your TV should be able to find it.

But cable companies want to charge you for their 'digital' service so I suspect they dont mix the free HD signals on the coax.

Try this: Go to antennaweb.org and type in your address. It will show you what stations in your area are digital and if you can use a simple indoor antenna.

If you can, try to find a "Phillips Silver Sensor" for about $30. Avoid "Turk" antennas.