Comments on: Do you need a cable box from Cablevision?

By: Richard Frisch

Richard Frisch — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 15:56:04 +0000

Other than using a device like a TiVo or a media PC with an external CableCARD device (Ceton and Hauppauge make them) you are SOL. There is no set top box that works with a cable system that they don’t rent, other than the CableCARD-enabled devices. The cable companies rent you the CableCARDs. You cannot avoid some monthly equipment charge. Sorry.

By: Richard Frisch

Richard Frisch — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 15:49:34 +0000

These days the QAM tuner may buy you very little. Cablevision and other providers have encrypted their feeds so that without a cable box all you get is noise.

By: Rob

Rob — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 01:43:18 +0000

Or can you use a digital cable box purchased off the internet? (not a cablevision set-top box)

If not then they got you between a rock and a hard place if you have an older analog television.

By: Bob Staats

Bob Staats — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 14:38:19 +0000

Can one purchase a QAM tuner that can be connected to an older TV for reception?

By: Prasad Kulkarni

Prasad Kulkarni — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 01:34:28 +0000

Nop, all channels are still available. Nothing has been disabled.

By: Richard

Richard — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 11:21:35 +0000

I tried re-scanning on an HDTV and found that all of the channels are now gone. I guess Cablevision has disabled this functionality. If you want to complain, the FCC has jurisdiction. I am not optimistic that they will help.

By: Richard

Richard — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 10:06:34 +0000

Cablevision adjusted the frequencies of these channels. You might need to have your TV re-scan for channels to find them anew.

If that works please let me know.

By: Laura Conley

Laura Conley — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 19:56:52 +0000

re watching OTA channels without Cable box from Cablevision (CT):

Suddenly the OTA channels I could watch (from Redding, CT) all display “digital signal strength is low”. Only ch 21 comes through. I have a new HD TV; the channels in your OTA list were fine until last week. Is there anything I can do?

By: Richard Frisch

Richard Frisch — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 10:47:17 +0000

@RC Nick and Cartoon Network are cable-only channels (not OTA). You need a cable box to view these. it does not matter whether your TV is HDTV or an older standard TV. Sorry.

By: RC

RC — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 02:47:02 +0000

Thanks for the info – my kids have standard def tv’s in their rooms (no cable boxes) and typically would watch Nick, Cartoon Network, etc. I guess I’m trying to see if a) there was still a way to access these channels with the current set-up; b) should we upgrade to HD tv’s for them, or c) is it more economically viable for the next coupla years just to spring for the cable boxes for them with their current standard-def tv’s.

- thanks again!