Over the air HDTV channels?

Question

I have a LG 37LG50 Television with 1080p and I recently hooked it up at my friends house. I have it connected to regular coaxial cable connection, but somehow I am getting HD channels. I get the standard ABC, NBC, FOX channels but I also recieve a bunch of other channels like shopping channels and some car sales channel. In addition, it appears that I'm getting all the paid pay-per-view on demand channels.

Is this a normal thing that you've heard of?

Answer 1

there are few ways that you can get HD channels, by cable or satellite service and off-air.

so it is normal if you get HD channels off the air.

P:s/ I really thought that everybody loves free stuffs!

Answer 2

What you have is a TV with a QAM tuner.  QAM tuners can pick up unencrypted digital channels over cable, which may or may not be HD.  Additionally, you may also pick up other peoples pay-per-view but you can't choose what is watched and must endure potential frustration if the person that ordered it pauses, rewinds, fast forwards, or ends early.  I have three TVs with QAM tuners and only one will pick up the PPV and music channels.

There are several web sites out there that you can read that discuss how folks are taking advantage of what you can get from QAM tuners for free, much to the chagrin of the cable companies.