New Contributor III
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22 Messages
Analog TV vs Digital TV
I have an old analog tv with a coaxial cable that goes from the cable box to the tv. If I get a digital tv , will I need a different cable box for HDM1 connection ?. Or will the cable box I have now deliver the same picture quality?
AllenP
Valued Contributor
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1.7K Messages
10 years ago
What cable box do you have now ... make & model? Does it have an hdmi connector?
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Jim8080
New Contributor
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14 Messages
10 years ago
Look at your existing cable box and see if it has a HDMI connector.
It sounds like you are currently receiving Cox channels with a non-Cox cable box. I didn't think it was possible. I thought you needed the Cox mini-box, or a DVR rented from Cox. Incidentally, the Mini-box provides a high resolution signal from the HDMI connector and a low resolution signal from the coax output connector.
jIM
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Domino
Valued Contributor III
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2.8K Messages
10 years ago
What is the model number of your present cable box? Do you want any HDTV channels?
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DerrickW
Valued Contributor
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1.2K Messages
10 years ago
You may want to check the box you are using now to see if there is an HDMI connector on the back of that box. Without that, you will not get the resolution you want from the box on the newer TV.
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ron12567
New Contributor III
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22 Messages
10 years ago
This is The Cable Box I have Motorola DCT2500 Digital Receiver
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AllenP
Valued Contributor
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1.7K Messages
10 years ago
Boy, that's an oldie The DCT2500 doesn't even support HDTV, no component or HDMI outputs, only composite and s-video. So the answer is yes, if you are spending the $$$ to replace your TV with a new, digital, HDTV, you should replace the box too. You won't get anywhere near the picture quality of a modern TV using that box.
Technical details, if interested:
- A UltraHD (4K TV) has 2160 lines of resolution (3840x2160)
- An HDTV has 1080 lines of resolution (1920x1080)
- The DCT2500 only outputs standard definition which has 480 lines of resolution (720x480).
So you can see, when you replace you TV with one capable of HD or UHDTV, your cable box becomes the weakest link ... only capable of outputing less than half the lines your TV can display. Your system will be no better than the weakest link.
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ron12567
New Contributor III
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22 Messages
10 years ago
So, will a MiniBox serve the purpose?
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AllenP
Valued Contributor
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1.7K Messages
10 years ago
Depends on your level of service. The minibox provides HDMI output and will get the HD versions of Essential channels only. If you have Contour service you won't get all the channels you pay for. Also, you won't get premium channels and OnDemand with a minibox.
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NicholeC
Moderator
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835 Messages
10 years ago
The mini box will have an HDMI connection as well as a coax connection to go to the TV. The mini box will have HD, the Guide, Starter and Expanded channels (depending on what you're subscribed to), Faith and Values, and Music Choice. AllenP is correct in that there are some channels that are not available. Sports packages, Movie Pk, Variety pk, Premiums, and other packages such as El Mix and TV Economy are not available for the mini box.
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Tecknowhelp
Valued Contributor II
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2.8K Messages
10 years ago
I would suggest trying to get one of the Motorola Moto DCH-DCX3200 or the SA 4250HDC. Should be about the same price as your paying now and provide a better picture. A mini box might not get you the same channels and won't have as good software and hardware for producing the best HD picture.
Do you have any other boxes in the house? If so, what kinds? I ask because what service you have now effects what you can add to it at little cost.
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