A QAM tuner will allow you to receive Digital signal on a cable. You have to be a subscriber to get the cable to begin with. Also; you will only be able to receive (decode) those digital channels that are not encrypted. You will also (as long as you have a cable subscription) be able to view some HD channels; namely the channels that are in you local area as the cable company is not allowed to encrypt them. However, there doesn't appear to be any restriction on the cable company "moving" those channels anywhere they want to. You will also from time to time find there are other HD channels that your QAM tuner will pick-up. These could be promo's by the cable company, Pay per View put on a spare channel for somebody who has ordered it (I'm not sure about the policy of the cable company on encrypting PPV), or a simple screw-up by the cable company (forgetting to encrypt a channel(s)).. YMMV
Originally posted by plaind: No, that's incorrect. Digital OTA and digital cable are transmitted in two different formats and require two different tuners.""
May be right, I'm not sure on the tuner part, though they are transmitted differently.
"A QAM tuner is used to get digital cable, including HD cable channels. It has nothing to do with OTA."
I've read where some people pick up OTA signals with a qam tuner in their tv or box, like what I have.
""An ATSC tuner is used to get digital OTA programming, including HD channels.""
I don't think thats right,on the HD part.
""I know you can use a QAM tuner to get unscrambled digital channels if you're already getting analog cable. My question is - is there any way to use a QAM tuner to get those channels if you're someone who does not have any type of cable service.""
From what I understand yes,even ota.
""Some people who were getting good analog OTA service are now having trouble with digital OTA reception. When analog broadcasting ends next year, I was wondering if those who have new TVs with QAM tuners might be able to receive free programming through cable.''
Free? Nothing is free, if it is there was a mistake.It's not because of the qam tuner. That I can almost put in the bank! lol ;)
""For example, if I move into a house, and the previous owner had cable, might I be able to receive free "in the clear" channels with a QAM tuner, without having any sort of subscription?""
Not unles you know somebody or there was a fault in the cable company.There may be a time where you can get free cable before they realize the mix up, and they will, soon.
And, OK, I realized that it was a long shot when I asked about using a QAM tuner to get free local channels via cable. I was just wondering if anyone has tried it or knows for a fact that it's not possible. However, I know that it would be stealing and wouldn't neccessarily advocate trying it.
I was hoping someone could give me the technical explanation for why it's absolutely not possible. Until then I will still wonder!
Also, yes you can get HD channels with an ASTC tuner if you have an HDTV and if stations are broadcasting OTA in high-definition in your area. I am not making it up; its a fact.
This is really fascinating as I am trying to get a handle on QAM.
Here is my setup: SamsungHD-T4254; NO CABLE SERVICE; Direct TV Satellite service with HD-DVR.
Samsung tech said the 4254 does have a QAM tuner. Is there a way with satellite service to access the QAM in the Samsung in order to receive the HD local programming. I'm not even sure I am asking the questions in a coherrent manner so please excuse my lack of understanding.
I have tried an interal antenna for OTA but it just didn't have near the quality I was hoping for.
