WindowsMediaCenter and TV Tuner Change to Digital

I have a Dell Dimension with Windows Media center and a built in TV Tuner with a Comcast cable TV line into the tuner card.

Not sure what my options would be and how to go in order to be able to continue to see TV on my PC when change to all digital. Comcast Support is no help in anything so I have long ago given up on asking them anything.

With Cable I must attach a Comcast Digital receiver between the cable connection and the PC Tuner card. On a regular TV, I would have to set my channel to channel 4. Not sure what I have to do on PC to do all of this and then how I access the channels. Not sure I can program PC remote to Comcast box.

We do not have an antenna in the house. Is there an alternate way to go - possibly some sort of antenna and digital converter I can attach to PC Tuner connection? Comcast charges a per month fee for each digital converter and that gets expensive for sometime use. I usually only watch on air channels on the Computer. Even USB connection of some sort would be nice.

Any suggestions where to go locally to ask such questions. IE Best Buy etc.

Thanks

 

Think this site will answer your questions
https://www.dtv2009.gov/
It's also where apply for coupon (given out by gov't) towards purchase of a converter box. They also give out retail sites where can buy the box - best buy is 1. Ask best buy - or comcast - lol - if purchased box will work with comcast

First though double check that you need a converter box. Is built in tuner analog only?

 

Yes, PC is analog only. I already have Converter box from the gov but - still have no antenna for PC. Converter box not work with Comcast cable - only with thru the air TV digital signals. Comcast requires that you have one of their boxes for converting to digital - even if you have a digital receiver TV.

 

Sounds like you have your options covered. But since you’re only concerned about over the air stations carried by Comcast you might be in luck for awhile.

Check this out: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_switchover

In brief
Cable TV systems are not required to convert, but must-carry rules will require local stations to be carried in analog for at least three years after the over-the-air cutoff, until early 2012.

Might be reason comcast is being a bit evasive. I’m sure they want to rent those converter boxes out – try pinning them down.

 

Thanks.
Did not know that about the requirement for Comcast to carry certain the stations in analog for a while past Feb. Interesting in that there was an article in yesterday's Philadlephia Inquirer concerning FCC investigation into cable operators
.

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Comcast has already done that to our area for 4 stations such that I now have to have a converter if I would like to see them.

They do give you the 1st converter free but after that you pay a rental fee for each additional one.

I mainly just use PC to watch news when I am working on it so will eventually figure out how to get digital antenna etc attached to PC. Of course that will nwo take up more room in my set up.

Again, Thanks for your help.