Okay...explain this to me like I'm a 2 yr. old

[Praxeas]

Originally Posted by Barb

If this has been discussed/explained somewhere else, please point me in the right direction, but in the words of the great Vinnie Barbarino, "I am SO confused!!"

For all who own/watch TV, Feb. 17 marks the change to digital. Now Comcast, our cable provider, one day says that we don't need to do a thing, that the change is automatic, and another day tells us that we need a converter box.

That without it, we will lose PBS, and everything else (we have limited cable) except ABC, NBC, and CBS.

So we sent off for the $40 coupons, went to the store to pick up the converters, and was told that cable will not work with the converter.

Called Comcast, and they said we don't need the converters at all...

Does anyone know, and can you explain it all in childlike terms?!

Comcast was not telling you you need a convert. Someone on TV was telling those with analog antennas to get a converter box. You have cable and a cable ready TV so you don't need anything

[Barb]

Originally Posted by Praxeas

Comcast was not telling you you need a convert. Someone on TV was telling those with analog antennas to get a converter box. You have cable and a cable ready TV so you don't need anything

Wrong, Prax...someone from Comcast was telling me to get a converter...more than one someone.

As a matter of fact, one little dude told me to get one from them, plus pay an activation fee.

Anyway, I thnk I have it figured out now, thanks.

[jimmyrrs]

Originally Posted by Barb

Wrong, Prax...someone from Comcast was telling me to get a converter...more than one someone.

As a matter of fact, one little dude told me to get one from them, plus pay an activation fee.

Anyway, I thnk I have it figured out now, thanks.

Barb, how old is your tv. Most from about 2007 on have built in digital tuners.
Again I said most, some may not.

[rgcraig]

Originally Posted by Barb

Wrong, Prax...someone from Comcast was telling me to get a converter...more than one someone.

As a matter of fact, one little dude told me to get one from them, plus pay an activation fee.

Anyway, I thnk I have it figured out now, thanks.

There's your problem. I bet he was saying you needed a "box" as in their box - that's the only ones that Comcast would have to sell anyway. They aren't going to be selling the converter box because that means people aren't buying their services.

I have a box from Comcast on my main TV with DRV, etc., but my TV in my bedroom doesn't have a box (from Comcast) cable is just hooked up directly. He was trying to "sell" you another one of their boxes.

How confusing.

[commonsense]

We have cox cable so shouldn't need a converter. But the TV in the guest room isn't connected. 1st how many splits can you make ? AND the family room in basement beneath that room is totally finished......as in plastered ceiling. Hubby did not want to try and run cable and mess up a ceiling.

So we use the classic rabbit ears antenna; it is unreliable**** And we live 1 mile E of the 3 network antennas for our large metro area. The signal is sometimes too strong-----
In any event, bought the converter box. As Margie already posted...what a fun time. Now this tv gets many new stations. Public tv has a 24hr station with cooking, decorating, travel,,,,pretty cool for any folks who cannot afford cable.

[ronharvey]

Originally Posted by Barb

If this has been discussed/explained somewhere else, please point me in the right direction, but in the words of the great Vinnie Barbarino, "I am SO confused!!"

For all who own/watch TV, Feb. 17 marks the change to digital. Now Comcast, our cable provider, one day says that we don't need to do a thing, that the change is automatic, and another day tells us that we need a converter box.

That without it, we will lose PBS, and everything else (we have limited cable) except ABC, NBC, and CBS.

So we sent off for the $40 coupons, went to the store to pick up the converters, and was told that cable will not work with the converter.

Called Comcast, and they said we don't need the converters at all...

Does anyone know, and can you explain it all in childlike terms?!

The converter boxes are ONLY to receive channels from OVER THE AIR broadcast stations.

If you have Cable or Satellite, you do not need a converter box.

If you use an Indoor or Outdoor Antenna to receive your channels, THEN you need a converter box.

Radio Shack carries the best two on the market.

[Fiyahstarter]

Converter boxes... aren't they even more of the debbil?