Can i use DTV converter box as cable box?

Question

i am soon gonna get fios and i was just wandering, DTV box picks up digital channells so why should i pay extra money for a set-top box?

if possible, up to what channel can i get to?

Answer 1

No you can not.  If all you want is the digital signal, Verizon is offering their digital converters for free right now with the subscription just ask for the info when you call to order.  What you will not get with just a DTV converter is the IMG (interactive media guide), On-Demand, PPV, DVR.  The only thing you will get is the signal, it will include all the packages you order, just no bangs and whistles.

Answer 2

Nope.  Over the air TV and Cable are two different, incompatible systems.  Cable uses QAM and Over the air uses ATSC.  One will not work for the other.

I hope this helps.

Answer 3

no, the DTV converters will not act as a cable receiver for one simple reason: they do not have the ability to decrypt the signal sent out by the cable company.

When the company broadcasts to their customers, they scramble the signal in a way that prevents unauthorized access by people who are not subscribed to the content (a.k.a. signal fraud). The only way to decrypt the signal is to have one of their receivers equiped with their software with the latest updates.