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DudeTVSucks
Posts: 2
Registered: ‎07-29-2012

QAM HDTV & Channels showing up

I have an HDTV with built-in QAM tuner.  I don't have Comcast TV service, just internet.  Taking a cable off the wall to the back of the TV I'm able to get a bunch of channels, HD included, like CBS, NBC, ABC, PBS, etc but I also get TNT (which is part of the digital starter lineup) but I don't see CNBC & ABC Family (which were over the air before and dissapeared).  Any one know whats going on or how i can get back those channels?

Cable Expert
WarEagle57
Posts: 10,589
Registered: ‎12-31-2004

Re: QAM HDTV & Channels showing up

Why would you expect to get them if you don't subscribe to Comcast TV?  Consider yourself fortunate to receive the channels you have, or else add TV to your account.

New Visitor
DudeTVSucks
Posts: 2
Registered: ‎07-29-2012

Re: QAM HDTV & Channels showing up

I am thankful for what i get... I'm asking because these two CNBC and ABC Family were coming over the air

Cable Expert
WarEagle57
Posts: 10,589
Registered: ‎12-31-2004

Re: QAM HDTV & Channels showing up

Over the air isn't the same as QAM.  Try using an antenna instead of the cable.

Silver Problem Solver
BruceW
Posts: 3,274
Registered: ‎12-03-2007

Re: QAM HDTV & Channels showing up

[ Edited ]

DudeTVSucks wrote: ... I'm asking because these two CNBC and ABC Family were coming over the air

As far as I can tell, although NBC and ABC are broadcast over the air, CNBC and ABC Family have never been OTA, only cable/satellite.

Recognized Contributor
Posts: 167
Registered: ‎04-22-2007

Re: QAM HDTV & Channels showing up

DudeTV wrote:" I don't have Comcast TV service, just internet."  How long have you had the Internet service?

 

It's just a matter of time before Comcast gets around to putting a filter, or implementing encryption, to prevent your reception of any TV channels without subscribing to TV service.

 

If you contact Comcast to complain, they will move promptly to cut off your unauthorized TV access (which they consider "theft of service").

 

As others have noted, TNT, CNBC and ABC Family have NEVER been over-the-air channels and it would be really unusual to have these offered in the lowest-cost Limited Basic Service.

 

If you want "free" local TV service, you are going to need to use an antenna to view your local stations. Depending on your reception conditions, an indoor antenna may not do the trick - you might need an outdoor rooftop antenna to receive the local ATSC digital TV stations. But again, with an over-the-air antenna you will NOT receive TNT, CNBC, ABC Family or other "cable networks"