HD from cable box to tv tuner card using RF?

Question

So here's the deal:

I have Time Warner Cable's DTValue pack in Queens, NY (the $61.50/month one). I have an HD box that has been hooked up to my Samsung LCD via a DVI-HDMI cable. No problems...HD programming comes through fine.

But now, I've built myself an HTPC and would love to watch/record tv on my computer. Only problem is the Pioneer HD Box has no RF out.

SO....

1) Does Time Warner have an HD box they can give me that has Rf out?

2) If so....will HD be sent through the rf out? I know that's obviously how all the boxes get the HD signal...but do they have the capability to send it out that way too. Would I need a specific grade of RF cable?

3) Do I still need the box if my tuner card has NTSC, ATSC, and QAM capability? I get no premiums and I'm a paying customer...so without the box will I get ALL the channels I'm paying for with those tuners?

Thanks in advance...I know this is a packed question. Any other recommendations for a setup are also welcome.

Answer 1

Time Warner no longer has any F-connector out boxes.  The older Scientific Atlanta boxes have been pulled.  They stopped supporting this feature because too many older individuals would hook their television sets up through RG-6 or RG-59 and complained about the picture.  It was a move to help advance people toward the proper way to hook up their equipment.

What you will want to do is go and obtain a simple RG-6/RG-59 F connector splitter and split the cable coming from the wall and have it go out directly into the box and directly into the home theater personal computer.  You'll then have to use whatever video output from the computer and run the computer off of a separate input.

As for the cable box, it really depends as to what you mean by that.  The Q.A.M. will get you at least the local stations, but if you subscribe to even T.N.T.H.D., E.S.P.N.H.D., or anything like that, the cable companies generally encrypt those so that they can only be decoded by the box as a means for them to capture some extra revenue.

Answer 2

Some Guy is right but as far as getting all the channels you are getting with the cable box you may be able to test that now if your Samsung also has a QAM tuner just unplug the cable feed from the back of the box and connect directly to the TV and autoprogram your digital tuner. Then see which channels you get. Otherwise you could ask TWC tech support which channels are scrambled. This depends largely on the region  

From the TWC website:

Enjoy local programing on broadcast networks like ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX and PBS.

Cable networks including ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, Discovery's HD Theater and more.

Add our HD Premium Tier and get more moview, sports and music on Universal HD, HD Net, HD Net Movies and MOJO.

Subscribe to Premium Services like HBO, Showtime, Cinemax, The Movie Channel and Starz and you will receive their HD feed at no extra charge.

HD On Demand - Access more shows in HD on HD Showcase On Demand AND HD Movies On Demand are available to order anytime.

Add an HD DVR, you can record your favorite HDTV shows and then watch them in HD anytime you want!

* All Channels may not be available in all areas. To receive all services, Digital Cable, remote and lease of an HD or HD DVR set-top box are required. Some services are not available to CableCARDTM customers. No all equipment supports all services. HDTV set required for HD service. Universal HD, HD Net, HD Net Movies and MOJO are part of a premium tier and are available for an incremental charge. HD DVR and HD On Demand Movies are available for an incremental charge. All services may not be available in all areas. Subject to change without notice. Some restrictions apply.

unclear on purpose I think. You will either have to test it out in your area or ask someone who has it connected the way you want or tech support.