Tv Broadcast?

Question

I'm a little confused.

When I go to websites that show active tv stations in my area, it only shows, like, 5-6.

But if I flip on my TV, i get 50 channels???

I have cable. Not digital cable just regular.

How is this going to work next february?

I know a lot about things like this, but this little part confuses me.

Answer 1

The websites (like antennaweb.org) just show broadcast stations, those you can get with an antenna. Cable TV picks up channels from both broadcast TV and the many non-broadcast stations (like ESPN, CNN, etc) that are only delivered through cable or satellite providers,

If you have cable, you shouldn't be effected by the digital transition. That's just for broadcast TV. Your cable company may, however, switch you over to a new cable box if they decide to go all digital. It varies with company.

Answer 2

I assume the 5-6 stations are just the stations you can get "over the air" through your antenna. Obviously, with cable (analog or digital) you can get a lot more.