thejipster2003
@amd.com
|  Comcast Internet and clear QAM extended basic channels?
I used to get extended basic in analog format when I simply had Comcast HSI. The technician was too lazy to put a blocker, or it could not be done because I had HSI.
I know it was converted recently to digital.
Does anyone know if I can still get the channels if I have a TV that can understand clear QAM signalling?
My thoughts are that the frequencies used for the old analog extended basic channels remain?
Thanks in advance!
btw, I am in Sunnyvale, CA |
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chakk
@comcast.net
| My guest is that you would need a minimum of the Digital Transport Adapter that Comcast is providing free to its Extended Basic Customers in order to receive channels above #34. The instructions with this adapter are that you place it between the incoming cable coax and the TV, tune the TV to channel 3, and then using the DTA's remote to change channels. |
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tshirt
Premium,MVM
join:2004-07-11
Snohomish, WA
 ·Comcast
| reply to thejipster2003
YOU will be able to get Clear QAM, maybe all the extended basic channels, but you should realise that theft of cable is a crime, and you could be liable for ALL the fees due for ALL the service you MAY have recieved for free, should they choose to press the issue. |
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tshirt
Premium,MVM
join:2004-07-11
Snohomish, WA
·Comcast
| reply to chakk
The DTA is just to convert the (now) digital channels to analog for older TV's, basically a cheap clear QAM tuner.
the FCC is not premitting comcast to scramble the channels at this time, so it is POSSIBLE to get (steal them) them "free" (unless you get caught using cable with NO subscription, then "free" becomes very expensive.) |
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coreyapps
@pacbell.net | reply to tshirt
I also have been getting extended basic over the wire even though I never ordered it.
My take is that I can watch my local channels and if they send me signal for the channels that I didn't order, that's their problem. |
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caddyroger
Premium
join:2001-06-11
clubs: 
·Comcast
1 edit | said by coreyapps :
I also have been getting extended basic over the wire even though I never ordered it.
My take is that I can watch my local channels and if they send me signal for the channels that I didn't order, that's their problem.
It will your problem if you get caught it call passive theft even if you did not order it. They could file charges if they want to.
--
Caddy |
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coreyapps
@pacbell.net
| reply to thejipster2003
Do you suggest to unplug the TV because I payed for local basic cable. I suppose I could just not press channel 31-85 on my remote.
How can they prove that I am actually watching it.
They can't tell me not to plug in my TV when I clearly paid for basic cable. |
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caddyroger
Premium
join:2001-06-11
clubs:
·Comcast
| They do an audit and check for tap filters and if the filter is missing that means that you are receiving the channels. You really think that Comcast the DA and the judge is that stupid not to believe that you are not watching the stolen channels. Simple call and say that you getting channel that you not paying for.
I reality if caught is put the filter on the line if there no sign of tampering.
--
Caddy |
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tshirt
Premium,MVM
join:2004-07-11
Snohomish, WA
·Comcast
| reply to coreyapps
said by coreyapps :
They can't tell me not to plug in my TV when I clearly paid for basic cable.
You did. and comcast knows they are allowing extended clear QAM for basic users, for now.
It's the trade off required in order to go all ditital.
My comments were directed at the OP who apparently is not a CATV subscriber at all, and yet he still uses it, and now wants advise on how to get more "free".
That is clearly theft. |
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ak3883
join:2005-08-20
Bensalem, PA
| tshirt is right, Comcast is very aware of this, and has choosen to do this, to go all digital.
In my area, the digital versions of SD expanded basic channels are in the clear, since my area has DTA boxes deployed. The channel frequencies are outside the range trapped by the traps that filter out analog expanded basic channels. Comcast will certainly change this in the future, and move those unencrypted channels into frequencies that are trapped out to limited basic users.
But for now, they don't have the room to do this since we still have 60 something analog channels.
The average J6P american does not know what QAM is, or able to figure out why they are getting those channels, and will be too annoyed by the random channel numbers to bother with it. And someone like me, I want a DVR and to keep that I have to have digital cable, so they got technical-minded folks like me as well. |
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neufuse
join:2006-12-06
Indiana, PA | reply to caddyroger
they may not be stupid to know you'd watch the channels, but they sure as heck couldn't charge you with it or even really legally press if it *COMCAST* didn't put the right tap on the line to start with... |
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Leaker Tech
@comcast.net
| We can and do charge repeat cable theft offenders in my system. Usually we only go after people stealing basic or expanded basic or preffered basic. The channels that you can see with a Digital TV or a TV with QAM tuner in it. However you want to define those channels.
We do not, in most cases, prosecute folks who have comcast just for internet and the tech never put in a filter we just put in the filter(trap) and call it a day.
The people we usually go after or the people running their own drops to their homes or who are repeatedly hooking themselves up at the taps in apartment buildings and condos.
On the leakage/audit team, for my system, we give them 3 strikes and your going to be turned into security policy. The first time we catch you stealing cable we cut down the drop if it is a house, or disconnect you and cut off the fittings if it is apartment/condo and write down your address. The second time we cut down lines again and put a little strike two mark by your address on the "list". The third time I put a little strike 3 mark on my list and tell security. We can seize anything hooked to cable lines if the judge allows it which they have in some cases. Oh and if you let your dog out on me like someone did a few months ago when I caught him for the third time, while I am up the pole in the back yard, I call the cops right then and we let the cop yell at you. If you say your going to pull the ladder out from under me, I let you know that is felony assault and I call the cops too.
P.S. If your dog bites me it well get stabbed, I carry a scratch awl for a reason. I am not nice to people who try and get their 200 lb rot to chew on me. |
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tshirt
Premium,MVM
join:2004-07-11
Snohomish, WA
·Comcast
1 edit | reply to neufuse
Actually laws (both criminal and civil) exist virtually EVERYWHERE in the US, that protect utilites including CATV, and ASSUME you used the maximum service. ie YOU would have to prove you did not.
as Leaker Tech said, in many cases the cable company won't persue cases where their installer MAY have made an error, and just cut/lock off your cable if it is found. but when they recheck the audit and find your drop is somehow reattached itself you will likely be warned/contacted.
It's no different then if you put a jumper past your electric meter, your replumbed around your gas or water meter, it is no longer "passive" theft. |
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