S60
Premium
join:2008-01-12
Pittsburgh, PA
| Looking to get Comcast TV151;plan to watch on computer
So I'm looking to get Comcast Cable TV.
I'm in Pittsburgh, so they're my only option for TV. The issue is I don't have a TV and I don't have room for one. I live in studio, so with my computer on my desk, there is no room for anything else.
I figured that the best configuration for me is to get a Slingbox PRO-HD which would be hooked up to the cable box to get my video to my computer. I have wanted a Slingbox for a long time, so this set-up would be perfect for me. Now the question is, does this set up work? Can I connect the cable box to the Slingbox via component? (AFAIK, Slingbox does not have HDMI).
Also I have a commercial class HSI account, do I need to get commerical TV as well? I just want basic cable with the sports package.
Thanks. |
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CleanGene
Premium,MVM
join:2008-04-09
Manassas, VA
| HD cable boxes will have component outputs you can use to feed the Slingbox.
You can mix commercial HSI with residential cable services on the same account if you want. Or, if you need them to be separate for some reason - billing, taxes, employer reimbursement, etc. - you can get dual accounts set up as well. That way you'd have one account for the business class HSI, and another account for the cable TV service. Whatever is best for you - it's doable either way  |
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ak3883
join:2005-08-20
Bensalem, PA
| reply to S60
You could get a slingbox and hook it up somewhere else, that is one route.
Another way you can go is to just get a tv tuner card and hook it up to your PC. Some examples are the HDHomeRun and the OnAirGT. If you just want the cheapest route possible, you could just get a cheap one that only does analog cable, and hook up a DTA or cable box to it and watch on your computer. The great thing about a USB external box is that you could use it with a laptop when you travel and watch digital/HDTV over the air.
Another possibility is if your monitor has DVI inputs(with HDCP) you can get a HD cable box and hook it up via a DVI-HDMI cable. Some LCD computer monitors(generally the bigger ones) have composite inputs as well, and/or TV tuners.
Don't think you need buisness class cable if it is only for private viewing in your residence. Only if it is at your place of buisness. A buisness from home... not sure but I would say not. Comcast always has deals for new digital cable subscribers, usually you can get digital starter for $30/6 months. Digital starter would be what you want if you just want "cable" since they won't sell expanded basic anymore to new subs. |
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S60
Premium
join:2008-01-12
Pittsburgh, PA
| reply to S60
Thanks both. At the moment the Slingbox is the only viable solution as I have a Mac. My monitor has only 1 DVI port, and it's hooked up to my computer. In fact that's the only input it has. Yes I know, it's weird. I do own a TV tuner and antenna, but again, the channels I want are in the sports package which are not OTA.
A Slingbox would let me watch my show on the go as well.
Finally, I'm glad to know I can mix commerial internet with residential TV. FYI, I'm not running a business from home. I'm a student. I just chose to have business class service for the better service and support because having a reliable connection is more important than one that is blazing fast. |
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mikedz4
join:2003-04-14
Weirton, WV
 ·DIRECTV
 ·Verizon Online DSL
 ·Comcast Digital Vo..
 ·Comcast
| reply to S60
why dont you ask your university (pitt, carnegie mellon, robert morris or duqesne) what options they have for students. Sometimes they have options for even off campus students. Also they do make 17 or 19" tvs. I have a 19 inch tv in my room and love it. If you can fit a computer monitor in your room I'm sure you can find room for a 19 inch tv. |
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S60
Premium
join:2008-01-12
Pittsburgh, PA
| said by mikedz4  :why dont you ask your university (pitt, carnegie mellon, robert morris or duqesne) what options they have for students. Sometimes they have options for even off campus students. Also they do make 17 or 19" tvs. I have a 19 inch tv in my room and love it. If you can fit a computer monitor in your room I'm sure you can find room for a 19 inch tv. Right I do live off-campus, and I know they don't offer anything to students. I really don't have room. I don't have a couch and I have a very big monitor which really covers up anywhere where I could potentially put up a TV.
The truth of the matter, I don't want a TV in my room, but I want to watch some shows that are not easily available elsewhere. |
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ak3883
join:2005-08-20
Bensalem, PA
| If space is an issue, I think you should just get a TV card for your PC. I did this when I lived in tiny dorm rooms in school just a few years back, and it saved a ton of space being able to watch TV on my computer monitor. Plus I could record TV shows and such, without a VCR. |
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castsucks
@sbcglobal.net | tv card will not be good as clear qam and analog are being cut d
tv card will not be good as clear qam and analog are being cut down big time to just what is OTA. |
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S60
Premium
join:2008-01-12
Pittsburgh, PA
| reply to CleanGene
Re: Looking to get Comcast TV151;plan to watch on computer
said by CleanGene :HD cable boxes will have component outputs you can use to feed the Slingbox. You can mix commercial HSI with residential cable services on the same account if you want. Or, if you need them to be separate for some reason - billing, taxes, employer reimbursement, etc. - you can get dual accounts set up as well. That way you'd have one account for the business class HSI, and another account for the cable TV service. Whatever is best for you - it's doable either way Thanks very much, that's the answer I needed |
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