Recently, when I tried out comcast cable I disabled my Direct Tv. Then I also called the comcast and canceled my account. However, it seems like my line wasn't turned off because even without the cable box i am recieving cable channels into my house.

The question i have is when comcast switches to digital can i use a converter box to view the channels still?

 

How long has it been since you canceled your service? Sometimes it takes a day or so for the service guy to come out and put the filter on your line. If you have a QAM tuner in your TV you should be able to get basic stations with no service.

FYI I got a letter from comcast the other day stating that in 2009 they will be offering basic cable (2-13) for free and free install. I think this is there way of helping deal with the whole DTV thing

 

we have a subforum for this

 

isnt the deal with if you're old school and still use rabbit ears to watch TV then you're pretty much screwed?

 

QUOTE=spdy0001;10087758]How long has it been since you canceled your service? Sometimes it takes a day or so for the service guy to come out and put the filter on your line. If you have a QAM tuner in your TV you should be able to get basic stations with no service.

FYI I got a letter from comcast the other day stating that in 2009 they will be offering basic cable (2-13) for free and free install. I think this is there way of helping deal with the whole DTV thing[/QUOTE]

I have been getting free cable for atleast a year now. I think they forgot.

 

Yes, either they forgot, OR didn't bother to disconnect you.

Most people who subscribe to cable have a converter box. When they cancel service, they return the box, and figure thats it.

In order for the cable company to disconnect your service, they have to dispatch a technician who physically disconnects your cable from the splitter on the street. They sometimes even put a lock on the port so you can't just reconnect it later.

Many times, the cable company doesn't bother to dispatch the technician, because they figure people won't even think to hook up their TV directly without the converter box. Plus, if they ever call to reactivate service, they will have to dispatch a technician again to reconnect your line on the street.

The switch to Digital in Feb 09 with MOSTLY affect people still using an antenna. If their TV is not equipped with a digital tuner, they will need an Over The Air (OTA) converter box. They are usually pretty cheap, maybe $50 to $60, and you can get a coupon from the government for $40 off.

For Cable and Satellite, the decision is up to the individual company on whether they stop broadcasting analog or not.

Your letter from Comcast does not say on if they will still broadcast analog or not, just that they will offer local stations 2-13 for free.

More than likely, they will still transmit those channels in analog. It remains to be seen whether they will stop transmitting the remaining analog channels or not.

If they go all digital, they will have to provide a digital converter for channels 2-13 for free.

 

This is certainly a possibility considering my parents already have a free digital box at their house. They have had it free for over 6 months now. It doesnt give you access to any of the "premium" digital channels (73+) but it gives access to some channels they lost when comcast switched some of the lower channels to digital.

 

Well since i am receiving the channels without the cable box. If after comcast switches to digital can i buy that digital converter box they sell in stores to get those channels or would i need comcast cable box? BTW, can this digital converter box transmit information to the cable company like who is a paid customer and who is not?

 

Having a QAM in your TV will still let you receive basic channels as long as they don't disconnect your cable connection from the hook up.

from Wikipedia
The only information the converter box will send to you is a tv guide if it's programmed into it.

no need to worry about transmitting information since you don't have a cable box.