[getdul981]

Originally Posted by CTgolfer

Currently, the TV without the DTA is getting all the channels it did before. However, it is our understanding when they "officially" go all digital we will lose many of the channels if we don't have the DTA.

Correct, but if you don't get the extra DTA, you will still be able to get channels 2 through 22, if that's any consolation.

[zcaveman]

Originally Posted by getdul981

Zman - the new remotes that you get with the little digital box operates your TV also. (after programming it) Of course if you have a VCR or something like that hooked up, you'll need a remote for that.

Unless you need to use real TV remote for any of the Menu functions (Sleep is one) or the Input button to switch to different inputs for the TV. For only one of the three TVs using the DTA boxes have I not needed the real remote.

I have not even attempted to put a DTA box on the TV in the living room that has multiple inputs and extra bells and whistles. I am waiting to order that box for whenever they actually give us a date.

[getdul981]

Yeah ZMan, I forgot about those features. We always need to keep the original remotes handy just in case we need to make some adjustments.

[dwbevan]

So if I am understanding correctly - you need these DTA boxes even if you have HD TV and service? I am soooooo . . . confused. I thought the new TV's were supposed to take care of everything! Thank you for the information - I think. I am really lost and usually I am able to stay on top of these things. Hubby is still trying to figure out the original clickers so you all are my only hope.

[Mikeod]

Originally Posted by dwbevan

So if I am understanding correctly - you need these DTA boxes even if you have HD TV and service? I am soooooo . . . confused. I thought the new TV's were supposed to take care of everything! Thank you for the information - I think. I am really lost and usually I am able to stay on top of these things. Hubby is still trying to figure out the original clickers so you all are my only hope.

I believe you only need a DTA on those TVs that are connected directly into the wall. If you have a cable box (standard, HD, or HD/DVR) you don't need a DTA for that TV.

[RayB]

I have a relatively new TV which is listed as HD and Digital. It is connected by cable from the TV to the cable connection in the wall. Since it is digital am I correct that I won't need the cable box offered at no charge by Comcast when Comcast converts to Digital?

[jimmemac]

We went through the hd crap about a year ago here in Md. When the switch occurred most stations were hd but some took up to 6 months to switch. We were allowed 1 big box and 2 small ones for free so you are lucky if you get 2 bigs ones for free. Yes all TV's will need a box no matter how new or old they are to get true Hd-if you like football just wait till it is Hd-it will be the best picture and sound ever.

[Skip]

Originally Posted by jimmemac

Yes all TV's will need a box no matter how new or old they are to get true Hd-

Sorry - Not true. I've been getting HD network stations for years and no box. It's on the cable now and if your tuner is QAM, you don't have to pay for HD - just let the TV find the channels by itself in self setup.

Skip

[villages07]

Skip...yep, that works now,but from what I've read and heard, when Comcast goes to an all digital signal, QAM HD will no longer work. You will have to have either a set top box or the DTA adapter to get any kind of picture and 2-1, 6-1 will no longer work.

Time will tell......

[under55]

I requested my 2 free DTA adapters online. They were at my front door 2 days later. They are hooked up now and work fantastic. Getting lots of channels I didn't get. Only drawback you cannot lock out channels you know you dont want to watch while channel surfing.

[Skip]

Originally Posted by villages07

Skip...yep, that works now,but from what I've read and heard, when Comcast goes to an all digital signal, QAM HD will no longer work. You will have to have either a set top box or the DTA adapter to get any kind of picture and 2-1, 6-1 will no longer work.

Time will tell......

I'm not sure about that. I'm thinking the worst would be you might need to stick a CableCard in.

I believe federal law is: you can't scramble an HD local content station on cable if HD is being broadcast (over the air) in your area. And Orlando is our area. Stations like Discovery-HD are another matter.

Channels 6.1, 9.1 and 2.1 ARE digital channels. Been there for years. Comcast makes you believe you have to pay for ALL HD - and that's not true.

We'll see in a few months.

Skip

[l2ridehd]

Skip I believe your correct about the law, but that is why comcast is giving you the boxes and not charging you for them. So you will need them. I so really dislike doing business with them. I wish there was a good alternative. Direct TV and Dish network forces you to run an extra cable for there HD service and I have way to many wires now. Someone needs to find a better way then comcast for TV and internet.

[senior citizen]

Originally Posted by villages07

Does anyone know when local Comcast plans to make the switch to all digital??? I had heard September'ish at one time but haven't seen anything in writing from them.

You will need to have a Comcast set top box or DTA (Digital TV Adaptor) on each TV. I recently logged in to my Comcast account and ordered 2 DTAs for my 2 TVs that don't have boxes. These were free and are being shipped to me.

Supposedly, when the conversion to all digital is complete, Comcast will be able to expand and enhance programming. Anybody out there in nonVillages-land already been through this conversion? Any noticeable improvements?

Yes, I could visit the local office or try to call them, but, thought perhaps someone on the forum might already have the answer. TIA.

Obviously do NOT know about The Villages Comcast timetable, but in Vermont Comcast began notifying all of us a year before they finally did it; then they took forever to send the convertor or whatever......in the interim, we decided to "lower our bills" ha ha......and go with DIRECT TV satellite dish on the house. After we did that, we got the Comcast converter and speaking on the phone with the rep, she told us that "Had we known your reception was so poor, etc. we would have sent out a man to service it".

We do LOVE Direct TV, however, our bills obviously went up as you have to "rent" the four DVR's??? Not sure what they are called. It depends on how many rooms you have t.v. in............also, after seeing the High Definition television on our not so old sets..........he decided to go out and buy four flat screen very large t.v.'s..........and the "package" monthly for Direct TV is much higher than Comcast who we thought was overcharging us..................not sure if you get Direct TV or DishTV in TheVillages, but one last note............although we love it, everytime we have a thunder storm which has been every other day this summer..........we lose our signal to the satellite...............something we never had a problem with while having Comcast..............I know this is "off topic" but just thought I'd ask in a roundabout way...............can you get satellite TV in The Villages.....??

[Skip]

Originally Posted by senior citizen

Obviously do NOT know about The Villages Comcast timetable, but in Vermont Comcast began notifying all of us a year before they finally did it; then they took forever to send the convertor or whatever......in the interim, we decided to "lower our bills" ha ha......and go with DIRECT TV satellite dish on the house. After we did that, we got the Comcast converter and speaking on the phone with the rep, she told us that "Had we known your reception was so poor, etc. we would have sent out a man to service it".

We do LOVE Direct TV, however, our bills obviously went up as you have to "rent" the four DVR's??? Not sure what they are called. It depends on how many rooms you have t.v. in............also, after seeing the High Definition television on our not so old sets..........he decided to go out and buy four flat screen very large t.v.'s..........and the "package" monthly for Direct TV is much higher than Comcast who we thought was overcharging us..................not sure if you get Direct TV or DishTV in TheVillages, but one last note............although we love it, everytime we have a thunder storm which has been every other day this summer..........we lose our signal to the satellite...............something we never had a problem with while having Comcast..............I know this is "off topic" but just thought I'd ask in a roundabout way...............can you get satellite TV in The Villages.....??

You can get satellite TV anywhere in the world you have power, pretty much. Even ships at sea can pull in satellite TV, although not many stations. Maybe at the two poles you only get "snow" - but it's pretty to watch!

To answer your question both Direct TV and Dish Network will mail you an "unbeatable offer" about every other day if you live in The Villages - financial services people do it daily and even buy you lunch.

Just threaten to switch to a TV competitor and watch your rates drop for a year.

Skip

[Skip]

Has anyone switched to satellite and insist on NO CONTRACT? How far did you get?

Skip