Re: Comcast BASIC Cable (no digital box) and Upcoming Digital TV
OK, I replaced my analog set with a new digital TV that tunes clear QAM. My current service with Comcast is extended basic service that I had set up with the old set. My new set tunes all those channels (the ones in the -0 subchannel area) and several QAM channels in various subchannels, including local digital and HD content.
What happens to the extended basic service? Does it remain with digital content downgraded to the current service? Will the service be dropped and I will be required to lease a STB? Will the current extended channels I receive be sent as unencrypted QAM? And how will I ever figure out the channel schedule without a cross-reference between Comcast's digital channel mapping and the QAM channels?
In many areas, like mine, expanded basic channels are encrypted when broadcast as digital QAM. You need either a cable box or a CableCARD-equipped device to tune them in. Different areas handle this differently, but eventually you can expect all will operate the way my area operates.
