Cogeco HD Channels using Built in ATSC/QAM Tuner
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After reading more carefully, i realize that my situation is like "bobmckenzie123". Since i'm still on basic analog cable signal (NTSC), without the DC50x converter, my TV set just pick up NTSC analog with some SD 480i low res channel.
"Ratatosk" also have a good point, in my area we are in progress to switch from analog to numeric, but Cogeco will keep a "basic" analog service with channel 2 throuigh 23 at lower price, and offer the option to use a converter to regain access to all previous channel at higher price (good for them
I will try to clarify my question,
My Sony Bravia KDL-40S4100 have a build-in NTSC/ATSC/QAM tuner
The Pace DC50Xu is a DTA ! Wright ?
If i switch to full numeric cable, is my TV set will tune the same channel the Pace converter did ?
"Ratatosk" also have a good point, in my area we are in progress to switch from analog to numeric, but Cogeco will keep a "basic" analog service with channel 2 throuigh 23 at lower price, and offer the option to use a converter to regain access to all previous channel at higher price (good for them
I will try to clarify my question,
My Sony Bravia KDL-40S4100 have a build-in NTSC/ATSC/QAM tuner
The Pace DC50Xu is a DTA ! Wright ?
If i switch to full numeric cable, is my TV set will tune the same channel the Pace converter did ?
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2,013 Posts
QAM cable tuner on COGECO - give it a try.
Found out recently, if you get a TV, or box receiver, with a good, combined Analog Cable tuner, and QAM Cable tuner, that on Cogeco Kingston, there are some digital TV services over cable that are not encrypted / not scrambled / viewable "in the clear".
ie. Cogeco Kingston has some/quite a few un-scrambled QAM digital channels that you can view - with your own equipment.
Not sure how long those QAM channels will remain - cable co. can scramble/encrypt at any time. Or move around all over the place on QAM ...
But while they're available ... nice to watch.
Maybe it's like a promotion or something.
Maybe that's going to be the new way to deliver un-scrambled / un-encrypted content / channels to the customer. QAM rather than Analog.
Gave it a shot last few times in Kingston, and not bad viewing.
TV took 15-20 minutes for the TV to do the full combined analog and QAM cable "SCAN", but once done ... there were around 70 or so QAM channels with funny numbers.
I had to go through them afterwards, and make a hard copy "list" on paper - as a sort of guide.
Various channels, a few HD ones, lots of SD ones, and a bunch of music only and radio station channels, re-broadcast via cable.
O.K. - much better content ... while it lasts ...
But why the heck does COGECO Kingston not mention this to it's Customers ?
I guess they'd rather sell / rent COGECO HD boxes and subscriptions.
Maybe they don't anticipate offering these free digital services for very long.
Straight forward suggestion:
( Anyone out there in Cogeco Territory, other cities - Hook up a QAM Cable tuner, do a cable scan - and see what comes up )
Found out recently, if you get a TV, or box receiver, with a good, combined Analog Cable tuner, and QAM Cable tuner, that on Cogeco Kingston, there are some digital TV services over cable that are not encrypted / not scrambled / viewable "in the clear".
ie. Cogeco Kingston has some/quite a few un-scrambled QAM digital channels that you can view - with your own equipment.
Not sure how long those QAM channels will remain - cable co. can scramble/encrypt at any time. Or move around all over the place on QAM ...
But while they're available ... nice to watch.
Maybe it's like a promotion or something.
Maybe that's going to be the new way to deliver un-scrambled / un-encrypted content / channels to the customer. QAM rather than Analog.
Gave it a shot last few times in Kingston, and not bad viewing.
TV took 15-20 minutes for the TV to do the full combined analog and QAM cable "SCAN", but once done ... there were around 70 or so QAM channels with funny numbers.
I had to go through them afterwards, and make a hard copy "list" on paper - as a sort of guide.
Various channels, a few HD ones, lots of SD ones, and a bunch of music only and radio station channels, re-broadcast via cable.
O.K. - much better content ... while it lasts ...
But why the heck does COGECO Kingston not mention this to it's Customers ?
I guess they'd rather sell / rent COGECO HD boxes and subscriptions.
Maybe they don't anticipate offering these free digital services for very long.
Straight forward suggestion:
( Anyone out there in Cogeco Territory, other cities - Hook up a QAM Cable tuner, do a cable scan - and see what comes up )
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2,013 Posts
Cogeco Kingston - some QAM changes recently.
Back in Kingston - as usual, on occasion over the past couple of weeks ...
Noticed a few of the COGECO Kingston Clear QAM Cable channels gone or moved around.
So I did a QAM re-scan.
Yes - seems to be true.
A few of the HD channels previously available in Kingston, free and un-encrypted via QAM - seem to be gone now.
Some QAM channels are moved around too.
Seem to be some recent changes on COGECO Kingston's Clear / free / unencrypted QAM lineup.
Back in Kingston - as usual, on occasion over the past couple of weeks ...
Noticed a few of the COGECO Kingston Clear QAM Cable channels gone or moved around.
So I did a QAM re-scan.
Yes - seems to be true.
A few of the HD channels previously available in Kingston, free and un-encrypted via QAM - seem to be gone now.
Some QAM channels are moved around too.
Seem to be some recent changes on COGECO Kingston's Clear / free / unencrypted QAM lineup.
HD channels without HD box?
So I have the Digital Basic HD package and it states it will only work on one outlet.
Well, I hooked up my TV downstairs (Sammy 51" 3D plasma) and low and behold, it picks up channels. Not only some, but a TON of them, more than I even signed up for (i.e. Discovery channel, TLC, etc.)
My question is, is there any way to pick up the HD channels without using the box? Or is it something that gets decoded on this side of the handshake?
So I have the Digital Basic HD package and it states it will only work on one outlet.
Well, I hooked up my TV downstairs (Sammy 51" 3D plasma) and low and behold, it picks up channels. Not only some, but a TON of them, more than I even signed up for (i.e. Discovery channel, TLC, etc.)
My question is, is there any way to pick up the HD channels without using the box? Or is it something that gets decoded on this side of the handshake?
Not sure if this has ever been addressed here (but here goes):
QAM tuners can only pick-up one band (or designated 'allotment')
of the QAM bandwidth.
HD channels require at least two QAM 'allotments' - per broadcast.
That is why the video portion is usually visibly - but not the audio.
[That is why 'Free Preview' HD channels - lack the audio portion.]
Just A "Need To Know" Thought Here.
QAM tuners can only pick-up one band (or designated 'allotment')
of the QAM bandwidth.
HD channels require at least two QAM 'allotments' - per broadcast.
That is why the video portion is usually visibly - but not the audio.
[That is why 'Free Preview' HD channels - lack the audio portion.]
Just A "Need To Know" Thought Here.
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1,388 Posts
Not my favourite channel but Sun News is in HD on 103-447.
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1 Posts
Cogeco Qam In Kingston Ontario
61.2 CogecoOD Preview
82.2 T&E (Travel & Escape)
82.3 SNP
82.5 Sportsnet 590
83.1 One
87.1 AEHD
115.1 Teletoon Retro (106 On Cablebox)
This was Picked up on Avermedia Bravo Hybrid PCI-e QAM Tuner Card, sucks i can't get the music channels but Oh Well. ...getting harder and harder to find channels other than analog for a pc Tuner (if you have a radio tuner that can receive digital, Galaxie Channels are there)
61.2 CogecoOD Preview
82.2 T&E (Travel & Escape)
82.3 SNP
82.5 Sportsnet 590
83.1 One
87.1 AEHD
115.1 Teletoon Retro (106 On Cablebox)
This was Picked up on Avermedia Bravo Hybrid PCI-e QAM Tuner Card, sucks i can't get the music channels but Oh Well. ...getting harder and harder to find channels other than analog for a pc Tuner (if you have a radio tuner that can receive digital, Galaxie Channels are there)
QAM - Missing Channels
I've got two TV's, one is analog and so I have one of the digital set top box things from Cogeco plugged into it and it's working fine.
The other tv has a built in QAM tuner. I happened to be flipping through channels on it last night and noticed a few are missing, notably Spike (14) Space (XX.40) and Comedy (XX.44). I did a channel rescan and still nothing.
Is anyone else experiencing this? I've not contacted Cogeco yet as I wanted to know if it is just me.
I've got two TV's, one is analog and so I have one of the digital set top box things from Cogeco plugged into it and it's working fine.
The other tv has a built in QAM tuner. I happened to be flipping through channels on it last night and noticed a few are missing, notably Spike (14) Space (XX.40) and Comedy (XX.44). I did a channel rescan and still nothing.
Is anyone else experiencing this? I've not contacted Cogeco yet as I wanted to know if it is just me.
Here too...
We were relatively happy after the analog->digital conversion came and the missing analog stations appeared in Clear QAM. Now, as of a few days ago, all of the QAM 73 stations have gone encrypted. Then today, all but one of the QAM 75 stations have gone too. A loss of 25 stations. Not sure what to do now. We use a Sony DVR which combines antenna (for HD) with cable (for specialty channels). Now we are not getting channels that we pay for.
We were relatively happy after the analog->digital conversion came and the missing analog stations appeared in Clear QAM. Now, as of a few days ago, all of the QAM 73 stations have gone encrypted. Then today, all but one of the QAM 75 stations have gone too. A loss of 25 stations. Not sure what to do now. We use a Sony DVR which combines antenna (for HD) with cable (for specialty channels). Now we are not getting channels that we pay for.
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59,140 Posts
You'll need to get a digital STB(s) (or adaptor) as discussed in the following thread:
http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=136537
For the Sony DVR here's the hookup FAQ: http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=76077
You can still use the antenna connection and "add in" the STB connections - for example via composite or S-video plus analogue audio and programme the DVR accordingly for the channel or input desired. It's pretty cumbersome, but it works. Strongly suggest you consider a Cogeco PVR instead since that will allow for HD recording and a much simpler system.
If you wish to discuss the adaptor, STB, etc, please use the first link in this post. If you wish to discuss QAM, please use this thread.
http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=136537
For the Sony DVR here's the hookup FAQ: http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=76077
You can still use the antenna connection and "add in" the STB connections - for example via composite or S-video plus analogue audio and programme the DVR accordingly for the channel or input desired. It's pretty cumbersome, but it works. Strongly suggest you consider a Cogeco PVR instead since that will allow for HD recording and a much simpler system.
If you wish to discuss the adaptor, STB, etc, please use the first link in this post. If you wish to discuss QAM, please use this thread.
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59,140 Posts
Let's stick to the topic.
If you want to discuss the adaptors, use the adaptor/digital switch thread (first link in post 93).
If you want to discuss CableCARD, use the various CableCARD threads where the issue has been discussed to death.
As discussed in the FAQ link in post 2 of this thread, Cogeco is simply doing what all the major Cable Companies (and satellite) have done for years - encrypted all/most of their digital channels.
This thread is to discuss the channels that are available in the clear on QAM. Future off-topic posts will be deleted.
If you want to discuss the adaptors, use the adaptor/digital switch thread (first link in post 93).
If you want to discuss CableCARD, use the various CableCARD threads where the issue has been discussed to death.
As discussed in the FAQ link in post 2 of this thread, Cogeco is simply doing what all the major Cable Companies (and satellite) have done for years - encrypted all/most of their digital channels.
This thread is to discuss the channels that are available in the clear on QAM. Future off-topic posts will be deleted.
In response to my initial post. I phoned cogeco. The problem is because they don't guarantee the channels that you'll get with a built-in QAM, fair enough. I ask if it's possible to get another DTA, even asking how much. I'm told they don't have any for the Oakville area anymore, they were only available when the digital transitioning was going on, and I'd need to get a digital subscription, and would I like to speak to sales about it!
Hmm, not impressed to be honest, I'd have thought that I'd be able to get a box, they seemed happy to sell them while the transitioning was going on, but now seems they want to force you to digital, which would no doubt be higher cost as I'd need to replace my existing DTA with a digital receiver and then get an additional receiver at additional cost for my other tv.
Hmm, not impressed to be honest, I'd have thought that I'd be able to get a box, they seemed happy to sell them while the transitioning was going on, but now seems they want to force you to digital, which would no doubt be higher cost as I'd need to replace my existing DTA with a digital receiver and then get an additional receiver at additional cost for my other tv.
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Well cogeco as well as other cable companies want 1 thing and that is total control. With the transition to digital they are going to get that, analog stuff who cares all they know is that they won't have to send installers out to disconnect your cable feed, the few analog channels they are not going to worry about and the digital ones they can just shut down the box you either have bought or rent from them being the little SD one or some HD unit. QAM tuner you can almost forget that, they seem to be moving the stations around all over the place and I imagine this will continue for the foreseeable future. Since most tv's really have no way to tell if its a music only channel or a digital tv channel, you are going to spend lots of time locking out the music channels. Thing is too that a couple weeks when they remap the channels again you will have to do it all over again and again and again and again. Eventually you will get tired of it and either buy the little SD box, but sounds like they will never sell you another one, or an HD box. Thing is I think the rules on that crap need to be updated by the GOV, it should state the the original channel can not be altered from how they get it, since what 100% of the OTA tv stations are digital and 90% are HD they should pass that HD station through to you as it is, they should not be alowed to downgrade it to SD or whatever they are doing to them.
There still is some clear Qam stuff but it's all over the place. Root channels on my set start at 102.XX
The only way to get Cogeco's attention is to contact the CRTC by email asking that you be notified when Cogeco renews, or applies for a license.
Let them know to intend to oppose it. It is a real costly procedure for Cogeco!
The only way to get Cogeco's attention is to contact the CRTC by email asking that you be notified when Cogeco renews, or applies for a license.
Let them know to intend to oppose it. It is a real costly procedure for Cogeco!
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1,388 Posts
Cogeco Niagara:
Scanned yesterday and found 79 clear digitals above Ch 80.
There were 2 HD channels:
TVO at 93.XX
SUN News HD at 101.XXX
Scanned yesterday and found 79 clear digitals above Ch 80.
There were 2 HD channels:
TVO at 93.XX
SUN News HD at 101.XXX
81 - 100 of 149 Posts
