Is there any way to hook a new HDTV up to basic cable?

Question

Okay, I just don't get it. First of all, I am admittedly technologically inept. I still have basic cable, and I am perfectly okay with that. However, I just purchased a new Samsung TV that has no coaxial input for basic cable. I have been told that the TV must not have a tuner built-in, and I will have to either upgrade to digital cable (which is an added monthly expense, not to mention that my cable provider's digital cable is sincerely no better than basic cable) or bypass the issue using an older VCR. Either of these options, of course would mean that I would then be forced to operate the TV via the digital cable box remote or the VCR remote. This is very confusing to me; if the TV is incapable of changing the channel via the remote provided, then why on earth does the remote have channel up/down buttons to begin with? Is there a simpler way to correct this issue so that I may be able to keep my monthly costs down and use the remote provided with the TV in the first place?

Answer 1

The spec sheet states it has an ATSC/Clear QAM tuner.

Also from the spec sheet ATSC/Clear QAM Tuners - Technology that lets a TV display video in accordance with analog, digital, and cable transmission standards.



So IT MUST have a coax input somewhere. And unless your cable system is all digital (which you say is not the case) you should be able to plug the cable into the TV set, do a channel scan and watch TV with no other equipment needed.



The cable input is right next to the VGA computer input. See Bottom gallery link and enlarge the picture Click view larger.



http://www.samsung.com/us/video/tvs/UN55D6400UFXZA-gallery

Answer 2

We are here to help you, but you have to help us. What's the model number? All new TVs have a built in digital tuner. Only specialty models for high end applications will go with no tuner, like for custom installs.



Somewhere on your TV (or separate media box if it's a hyper thin TV) there is a coaxial input, the screw type. You can plug basic cable in there. And if you are in the USA, there's a bonus. By law all cable companies must transmit 'in the clear' (not scrambled) HD signals for the local stations like Fox, NBC, CBS, PBS, CW, and usually a handful of others. In most markets, people get between 8 and 12 HD stations.



If you have a cable box and only pay for basic cable, then you lose that because the law says it only needs to be transmitted, not decoded or anything else. All TVs currently ship with a ATSC tuner for grabbing signal with a antenna. And a 'clear QAM' tuner for cable.



Just connect, and use the scan function in your menu, the TV will find everything. If your TV really does not have a built in tuner, which I find hard to believe, return it. TVs with no tuner are usually referred to as monitors, did you buy a monitor?

Answer 3

Are you sure it has no coax connector? If not, I think you should return your TV and buy a different one. I bought a Samsung HDTV last year and it does have a tuner. I connect it to cable with no box and it tunes analog and digital cable, it even gets some channels in HD. If your TV has no coax connector, you bought the wrong TV. And there are plenty of new TVs that have tuners just like mine.

Answer 4

ya its the same as all tv just better quality with the rite equipment. all u hav to do is locate the cable input on the back panel and plug it in

Answer 5

ask the cable company what you need