Do I need a digital box for digital TV now that the signal is digital?

[Ven]

So I'll preface by saying I don't know much about the subject of digital TV. I'm with Shaw and I have 3 of those small black digital cable boxes for each TV. I understand that the broadcast signal is now digital. So does that mean I can get rid of these boxes and everything will work the same? I could care less if I lose the menu functions so long as the channels work. It seems redundant as I think these digital boxes convert a digital signal to analog (Coax in/RCA out).

[Hakkola]

Edit - Maybe things have changed in the past couple of years since they announced this, they used to say a set top box was required.

[wintonyk]

If you use rabbit ears or antenna then you need a digital converter box. If you use cable in any form or fashion you don't need anything

[BigDannyCool]

Originally posted by wintonyk
If you use rabbit ears or antenna then you need a digital converter box. If you use cable in any form or fashion you don't need anything

In other words if you pay for cable you don't need anything for basic cable, unless you want HD.

[Unknown303]

Originally posted by BigDannyCool


In other words if you pay for cable you don't need anything for basic cable, unless you want HD.

[Ven]

We have cable, not rabbit ears. I have three of these:

http://www.motorola.com/Video-Soluti...s/DCT700_US-EN

They allowed me to access Digital TV and the benefits and features it provides. But this was during the analog cable days, and seeing as everything is already now broadcast in digital what's the point of these other than the menu system? I don't give a shit about the features, I only care about the higher quality picture and sound. Suppose I could call Shaw but I'd rather stab myself through the scrotum with a nail. Plus you guys are faster and smarter.

[DENZILDON]

You should be fine.

[clem24]

I dad said Shaw told him they were cutting analog channels above 22 and switching to digital. Not entirely sure when it is supposed to happen...

[revelations]

This only applies to broadcast wireless signals.

I think maybe ~5% of the population uses this?

[Xtrema]

Originally posted by clem24
I dad said Shaw told him they were cutting analog channels above 22 and switching to digital. Not entirely sure when it is supposed to happen...

I got the same warning that I need digital box for all TVs once I'm on the new plan. I don't blame them. That's a lot of bandwidth to reclaim.