Can you receive hdtv through analog cable?

Question

i have analog cable service, and just purchased an hdtv, and i was able to get some hd channels, but they came and went. Is the hd coming through the cable or via the air? but i dont have an antenna just the cable. is there a way to get those hd channels all the time without the blackouts?

Answer 1

You should upgrade to an HD cable box. HD is on a separate channel. There is NBC and then there is NBCHD. Your old channels will still be regular standard definition. Even with having HD channels doesn't mean that every program they show will be in HD. For instance if  you are watching A&EHD and its a show from 2001, its not in HD because nothing was shot in HD back then, its upconverted to fit the HD aspect ratio,they will "zoom in" the picture to make it fit the 16x9 aspect ratio so you may see graphics cutoff at the bottom or you will see the black bars on the left and right of the picture. TBSHD will stretch the standard signal to fit the 16x9 aspect ratio making the picture look smooshed. I have noticed that upconverted pictures still look better on the HD channel compared to the standard def channel. Just switch the channels back and forth and you will see a difference.

Answer 2

HDTV is digital.although it is possible that your cable is carrying

local hdtv channels,it's not likely. you would be better suited using

a standard antenna for vhf and uhf channels.

Answer 3

If your HDTV has the built in HD tuner, you can get local HD channels when the station is broadcasting them.  Most primetime shows are broadcast in HD.

But no, unless you get a HD cablebox, you won't get HD cable channels.  Since you have upgraded to an HDTV, I would recommend you contact your local cable provider and make arrangements to switch out your cablebox for one that can decode the HD signal.  Should cost you about 10.00/month for HD channels and the picture quality is well worth the 10.00/month.

Answer 4

No!  You need a HDTV signal via a supplied box, or you can get rabbit ears at Walmart to give you a FREE over the air HDTV on locals.