Comcast Analog > Digital

[reebokman]

I had a quick, but intricate question for anyone who can help. I've been using Sage (6.0) for quite some time now, and I just used it for basic DVR recording/playing/etc. I have a computer that has one Hauppauge 150 and one Hauppauge 500.

Recently, Comcast changed most of their broadcast channels from Analog to digital. hence, I only get some 20 channels of basic TV.

According to Comcast, I need a cable converter box in order to view any of the digital channels. Right now, I already have one STB which is controlled by a Hauppauge IR. I also use two other tuners by running a cable line straight through without a STB.

The problem is, I don't want to get two more STBs and try to figure out how to change channels through another IR I would have to purchase. Plus, I would have to pay about $12 more a month to rent their boxes (not counting how much I'm already paying renting for other rooms in the house).

Has anyone had these issues and how have you fixed it? Is there a way to keep recording without need another box/obstacle?

Any help is appreciated! Thank you.

[CollinR]

Get internet from them and an HD homerun.

It's that or USBUIRT and the cable boxes.

Really though you should put MVPs where you have cable boxes now and relocate all your incoming content through SageTV.

[omega]

I hope this is not a sign of things to come for other Comcast areas . A word of warning, though, if Comcast has moved cable channels that were previously on analog to digital-only, an HDHR probably won't help you get them back. At least in my area, and I suspect many others, the only thing you can get over clear QAM with Comcast is what you could theoretically get with an antenna - i.e the basic OTA broadcast networks. I can get those in both HD and SD, but I can't get any cable channels - they are all encrypted. Before you invest in QAM tuning, check this thread to see what you can reasonably expect to receive, and then decide if it is still worth it.