Do I need a converter box if I have a cable subscription but not a digital cable subscription?

Question

I have a cable subscription that is more than basic cable, I just don't get the channels higher than the universal "channel 100" or so. I plug my coaxil cable in directly from the wall to my television. Will I need a converter box after Feb 2009 or should I be ok? Again, I don't have a digital cable subscription (no cable box).

Thank you!

Answer 1

you wont need a converter box with basic cable.

Answer 2

Cable and Satlelite. Need no box

Answer 3

I'm under the impression that what you have should work.  I think it's just the people who have antennas that have to do something different.

Answer 4

You do not need a converter box for cable (or satellite).

You only need one if you want to add an antenna and pick up HDTV for free while paying for basic cable.

And finally, the converter box usually will not help you pick up the digital cable signals.  It is not supposed to do that.  And the digital cable signals are usually sent through the cable with a non-compatible standard to the over the air digital signals (in technical terms digital cable is usually QAM and digital over the air is always ATSC in the United States).

Some cable systems use ATSC for some channels but the channels may not be received all the time because they may be on demand channels (other participants here and elsewhere on the internet have reported this -- I was not so lucky with my cable system and I suspect most people will not be).

Answer 5

As long as you don't have antenna, I believe you should be fine. You can always check with your cable provider if your are unsure.