If you have only a standard definition set the only thing you will ever see is a standard definition picture. If you want to watch HD, you need a HD TV.

Thanks, what I get when I switch to a believed available HD channel on my cable service is the cable box falls back to whatever channel it was on. There is no indication that the channel isn't available under my contract - which Comcast is happy to tell me when they'd like to sell a new channel,

Seems that mean I either misunderstand what the cable contract supplies, or I have a "bone" to pick with Comcast. I'll double check the contract before calling Comcast customer service. Just another reason to consider Satellite. Or better, the old fashioned outside antenna... but then no cable news... boo hoo...

I just have an antenna and am very happy with it. I bought movies with my savings, just bought the last of the Jesse Stone movies.

Tell us more about your Cable Box.
Tell us more about your TV.

Thanks for the experience and the interest/questions.

I am not sure I can technically define my TV and Cable Box (set top), but here's the high level description.

The TV has a digital tuner (i.e, no special adapter needed when TV when transmission and cable to digital), The set is the last generation tube TVs, Flat Screen Sanyo purchased from Walmart in about 2003 - 05. It was the last generation that Walmart sold before they went all flat screen.

The cable box is in two version: the simple set top that can only change channels coming in on the cable, and it converts them all to a modulated (transmission) digital signal for the TV to receive as channel "3".

I also have a master set top that will handle "on demand" and other features I never used and no longer pay for. I could replace it with the same simple channel translation set top on the other TV, but I haven't. Both of the set top boxes deliver the same thing, when I chose a channel in the 800 series the box will not "tune" and drops back to the previous setting...really never leaves that setting.

On channels that are not included in my "package" the set top will tune them in and I get a boilerplate message telling me the channel is not in my package, please call Comcast and pay more $$ if you want it.

I will double check, as noted earlier, to see if my package does indeed include some HDTV in the 800 channel series. If it does and I simply can't receive them because I have a standard definition TV I will consider buying a HD flat screen.

FWIW, our satellite service requires a different dish and different boxes for HD service, which is an extra charge every month. Don't know about cable.

Hum, that could be it the set top can't deal with HDTV signal. I'll call Comcast and ask. If it takes a new set top to receive HD, then the box must also be able to receive standard definition or one would lose all the channels that are only in standard definition.

I did not upgrade my service to include HD service. It would have cost me $7 or $8 for each TV in my home. When my flat screen TVs were installed the installer said there were free HD channels for the basic channels and a couple of others and they worked. But my TVs were HD TVs and that allowed me to be able use those channels.

I did not have a cable box.

This post was edited by EmmaR on Fri, Sep 27, 13 at 0:40

I still haven't contacted Comcast, I figured the question I had was an easy one. Your experience, EmmaR, suggests to me that when tuning in signals from the air, HD can not be received without an HD set..still that isn't exactly what the installer said, was it? Your quote is "...TVs were HD and that allowed me to be able to use those channels." which it seems to me could mean "to get HD picture", or "to get the signal captured and anything displayed".

Obviously I spend more time on blogging than on telephoning : )

What I said was you have to have an HD TV to get an HD picture. I guess I don't under stand your question.

I am on time warner. We still use an analog TV with a basic cable box. If we want HD we have to get an HD TV and get a different box to use with the HD channels. I know we are antiquated but the picture is perfect on this TV so just waiting for it to die. Mary

Thanks, I think the cable technology is pretty much the same across cable companies.

I share the feeling, the standard definition tv is okay for me, and it seems I will need both a HD TV and a HD set top box (at more $$ I'm sure) to get the HD channels in provided my cable contract. Seems strange to me Comcast doesn't drop a message telling their customer they need xyz to receive the channel requested.

I did an on-line "chat" with Comcast technical support and here's what I understand after a protracted questioning, given my simple question.

Comcast requires a specific/special HD set top box to receive HD, at $10 am month - and per, well I assume for each as I have a set top box for each connected TV.

With the HD set top box one will not be able to view the content unless they have a HD capable TV. I take this with a bit of doubt, or maybe it applies only to the Comcast set top interface.

To the above I say I'll look with increased interest at Satellite TV.

I am also on Time Warner and also have analog-only cable. However, if a HDTV is used and the channels are properly scanned, you may find (as I did) that the ABC-NBC-CBS-FOX-PBS channels are available in HD via the clear QAM tuner that most modern HD sets have. For example, if ch 7 is one of your network stations, you may find it in HD on ch 7-1. Worth a look, but only if you have a HDTV.

Satellite HDTV

In order to receive High Definition channels you will need a television and satellite receiver that are capable to receive these broadcasts. Your television and satellite receiver is typically marked on the front or back as being capable for HDTV. If you are unsure you may call your local retailer. Your satellite provider will be able to assist you on which satellite receiver will receive HDTV broadcasts.

Thanks, I went to my "other" set top and TV, the one with the upscale set top I figured I no longer needed as I no longer purchase on-demand and other stuff it supports... but as the tech support told me that box could tune the HD I decided to try it... indeed I can turn in the channels in the 800 band and some of them come through to my standard definition TV. There may be a mismatch on the aspect ration - but the pictures are quit useable. Seems that TV set (a vacuum tube picture tube) is HD compatible.

I'll check my bill to see if I am paying the extra HD ST Box fee, if so I'll send the box back, maybe after I change to satellite TV.

You may be receiving digital pictures in the "800 band", but unless your TVs are HDTVs, you are NOT receiving a high definition picture.

It probably does not compare to a flat screen and true HD especially for a football game or hockey game. Mary

I think you are making it too difficult.

I have Charter and 3 HD receivers, two of which are connected to HD capable TVs. All of them pick up the HD channels but the images are only displayed in High Definition on the two HD capable tvs, the other TV displays a picture that is fine to look at but is not HD. So, there are two variables, the HD receivers and HD TVs.

As noted, my questions have been answered and I am at the moment watching NJTV on channel 800, a HD channel for Comcast, I am watching using the set top box I already have that can receive HD and I am watching on one of my SD TV. That's fine, I'm not trying to watch HD on a SD TV, but as I pay for the content on a few Comcast HD channels I'd like to be able to view them even in just SD.