How to find out if local HD channels are encrypted ?

[dflachbart]

I just picked up a HD box from my cable provider, is there any easy and quick way (without trying to set up the firewire recording first) to find out if the local HD channels are encrypted ?

Thanks,
Dirk

[Mark SS]

Plug it into the TV?

[evilpenguin]

What kind of cable box is it?

If it's a SA, on the front panel, press and hold the "Select" button until the envelope icon starts flashing on the front panel. Release the "Select" button, and press the "Info" button to display the diagnostic screens. Tune to a digital channel and page forward to the IEEE information page and there should be something like sre EMI or src CCI and it will either say "Once" or "Free". I'm fairly sure "Free" means unencrypted, and "Once" means encrypted.

[dflachbart]

Originally Posted by evilpenguin

What kind of cable box is it?

If it's a SA, on the front panel, press and hold the "Select" button until the envelope icon starts flashing on the front panel. Release the "Select" button, and press the "Info" button to display the diagnostic screens. Tune to a digital channel and page forward to the IEEE information page and there should be something like sre EMI or src CCI and it will either say "Once" or "Free". I'm fairly sure "Free" means unencrypted, and "Once" means encrypted.

Thanks a lot Scott, exactly what I was looking for (it's a SA 3250HD). I just checked, and all local channels show 'Free' on EMI and CCI. Oh my, I hope you are correct, that would be so sweet ...

Dirk

[malore]

Originally Posted by Mark SS

Plug it into the TV?

That would work if you have a digital cable ready TV. Some HDTVs can only tune over the air HDTV and some have no tuners at all.

[popechild]

Originally Posted by flachbar

Thanks a lot Scott, exactly what I was looking for (it's a SA 3250HD). I just checked, and all local channels show 'Free' on EMI and CCI. Oh my, I hope you are correct, that would be so sweet ...

Dirk

I know all local channels are required to be unencrypted for QAM. Not sure if this is different for when you're using a cable box or not...