QAM Tuner

[HDefinicktion]

I can never seem to get this right. ATSC means OTA only...correct? Many sets that I have seen do not tell you that there is a QAM tuner onboard. Do only sets with CableCards have QAM? How can I tell from general specs if I can receive unencrypted broadcasts? I am looking into getting a set for the bedroom, but I do not really need another box, I just want to get the unencrypted channels. Can someone straighten this out for me...

Thanks

[Den Mayer]

Generally 99% + of HDTV sets with the Cable Card option do have a

QAM cable tuner installed that receives unscrambled digital cable signals.

[kevbeck122]

ATSC is the standard for HD... 8VSB is OTA and QAM is cable. I'm pretty sure most TVs nowadays have QAM built in.

edit: Now that I look.. I guess ATSC means just OTA on TVs. If QAM is there it should say it.

[hormy_83]

Correct - if it has a QAM tuner it should say it. My TV is the Sony SXRD A2000 - which does NOT have a cable card but it DOES have both ATSC and QAM tuners - so you can find some TVs without the cable card that does have QAM.

[markd]

Correct - if it has a QAM tuner it should say it. My TV is the Sony SXRD A2000 - which does NOT have a cable card but it DOES have both ATSC and QAM tuners - so you can find some TVs without the cable card that does have QAM.

Same with my Panny plasma.

[mhz40]

I am looking into getting a set for the bedroom, but I do not really need another box, I just want to get the unencrypted channels. Can someone straighten this out for me...

Thanks
All you need is a TV with a QAM tuner. Look up the specs on the vendors website...