Question I have Comquest DIGITAL Cable TV. They have about 5 or 6 channels that are labled TEST1, TEST2 etc. These are test for HDTV channels broadcasting in Chicago. Also on for HBO HDTV. In other words WBBM-DT Channel 3 Chicago is being carried on one of those Digital Cable Channels.
Now on all those channels when I tune them in I can HEAR the sound but cannot see any picture. I am assuming this is because DIGITAL CABLE isn’t Digital TV. So while the sound comes in the picture cannot without a converter of some sort.
But on one channel that simulcasts WFLD-TV 32 (WFLD-DT 33) it comes in fine (in otherwords Picture and Sound). The only difference is I can get closed captioning on The Cable Channel that shows WFLD-TV but cannot get the captioning on the Cable Channel that broadcasts WFLD-DT
So what is up with this? Is Fox WFLD-DT just broadcasting regular analog over its DTV station?
Yes, I think that your local Fox station is simulcasting, or maybe even just broadcasting the “low-res” signal only.
In order to actually SEE the HD picture, you need an HD-capable monitor AND an HDTV decoder. Not all “HDTV Capable” TVs are sold with the decoder - the price of one of these decoders is hovering around the $400 point right now for an external one. If the TV has one built in, expect is to cost around $400 more than a similar model without the decoder.
One question - how does the signal (ie picture and sound) get from the wall into your TV? Is it a coax cable all the way or do you split it into audio and video coming out of the cable box? This could explain why you get the audio porion only.
FWIW, “digital cable” has nothing to do with the cameras used or the quality of the source material - it is strictly a difference in transmission method. It should remove “ghosting” (which will improve picture quality), and allows neat stuff like the program guide and ordering PPV with your remote.
It comes in via coax cable. My TV is from 1995 so it has no split for audio or video