Cable companies providing local HD broadcasts as unencrypted channels

[dinki]

A not-so-reliable source (our sys admin) told me that the cable companies in the US are forced to provide the OTA local stations as unencrypted channels. He told me he connected the cable to his HD tuner and received these local channels. I am a subscriber to the same cable company (Cox) but he has the digital package while I have only the most basic cable tv service.

Is what he says true? If so, what type of tuner do I need to decode it? I tried hooking the cable to an old Voom receiver I have and it didn't detect any channels. I know close to nothing about HD, but I have seen the acronyms ATSC and QAM thrown around a bit. Any help in understanding is greatly appreciated.

[JavaWiz]

I am in Seattle Washington and have Comcast.

I just picked up a new Westinghouse LCD tv with built-in HD Tuner. I was suprised to see several HD channels come thru straight off the cable, not thru the STB.

My other TV, which I thought have a HD tuner does not pick up these channels, I must use the HD STB to receive the same channels on that TV (Akai LCD).

[elbryyan]

Yes, this is true. Cable companies are required to offer the local stations that are digital unencrypted. You can receive them for free in most locations with any type of antenna anywhay. I won't guarantee that you will pick them up but all you would need is an ATSC digial tuner.

[dinki]

Thanks guys.. I'm trying to avoid using an antenna as not all stations are located at the same compass heading not to mention that the cable is already at the location of the tv whereas I'd have to run another wire for an antennae.

[sub]

If so, what type of tuner do I need to decode it?

The two tuners that can be used to do unencrypted QAM with GB-PVR are the HDHomeRun or the OnAir GT.