ViP722 with HD Only, Comcast basic cable & local channels

[mcf57]

I am looking to "add" the new Dish Network HD Only package ($29.99/month) to my existing Comcast basic cable. I don't have an HDTV, but plan to get one soon.

I currently get just the standard Comcast analog channels (w/ no box) and am pretty happy with it. I don't like Comcast's HD package and therefore why I am looking to add the DISH HD Only service to my existing setup instead of Comcast's HD package.

I would plan to get the new 722 DVR along with this HD Only package. I think I have heard or read that the 722 receiver would be able to accept my Comcast analog channels (ch2-78) for seemless integration? Is this correct?

Also, I would like to possibly receive my local HD channels via conventional rabbit ears instead of getting them through DISH. The reason being that satellite and cable compress their local channel HD signals and I would get a better picture if I got them from rabbit ears. Can the 722 accept BOTH regular UHF channels and my Comcast channels (2-75) or is it one or the other?

If I have to choose, I guess I could probably get some sort of A/B switch for the TV that allows selection of the rabbit ears over the DISH equipment. Or even change inputs on the TV as well since I'm sure most of the HDTVs out there have multiple source inputs.

Any suggestions, comments and/or recommendations?

 

[hendrix04]

no, the 722 cannot read a cable input. It can only read OTA Digital signals.

 

[RandallA]

Well, you can add the OTA signal to the 722 and then output it to your HDTV with HDMI or Component cable. You will not get the guide for the OTA channels if you don't subscribe to the Local channels but the channels will be there. For CATV, you will simply feed your CATV signal to the tuner on the back of the TV and you'll change video inputs on your TV to watch your cable channels.

You will need two cable runs if you have an external OTA antenna, if you have an internal one then you're fine with a single cable run.

 

[webbydude]

Well, you can add the OTA signal to the 722 and then output it to your HDTV with HDMI or Component cable. You will not get the guide for the OTA channels if you don't subscribe to the Local channels but the channels will be there. For CATV, you will simply feed your CATV signal to the tuner on the back of the TV and you'll change video inputs on your TV to watch your cable channels.

You will need two cable runs if you have an external OTA antenna, if you have an internal one then you're fine with a single cable run.

That would be fine, except for one thing...his TV2 output. Not quite sure if the OP would be willing to have TV2 backfed (diplexed) with the incoming SAT and cable line that is already diplexed.

 

[garys]

The 722 will not accept your cable analog channels, what it will do is integrate the cable signal for distribution to your secondary tv when using the rf out from the receiver. This shouldn't be a big concern on tv 1 once you get your HDTV since the cable input would be different than the input the 722 would use. Your local channels would integrate into the 722 and would be viewable on tv1 using the 722, however the locals would not be available directly to the second tv, the rf output on the 722 could match the ota signal, but not with cable at the same time meaning you could send the signal for either local analog or cable but not both. Also note, your local analog will be shut off in Feb of 2009 unless you get a converter box for the secondary tv in order to view the HD/digital signal (the same one the 722 will see. Since you haven't purchased your HDTV yet, if you get one with the HD tuner (a different input than the 722 and hopefully a different one then your cable, you could watch your local HD on tv1 and use the 722 to record (dvr) a local digital channel and then view the recording on tv2. Also, note: Dish should have a new version of the 722 coming (not sure when yet) which will allow tv2 to view a local channel thru the receiver (a different one from tv1) and not interfere with the cable signal. Very confusing at this point but I am sure people here will answer any questions you have trying to understand all this. Good Luck.

 

[RandallA]

That would be fine, except for one thing...his TV2 output. Not quite sure if the OP would be willing to have TV2 backfed (diplexed) with the incoming SAT and cable line that is already diplexed.

Missed the TV2 part. To the OP, ignore the part about the single cable. You'll need two regardless.

 

[hendrix04]

well i would assume that he would have Cable running to TV 2 anyways so would have locals through that and wouldn't need to run TV2 off of the sat box.

 

[mdonnelly]

Put the 722 on one HDMI video input, and the Comcast cable on another video input. It's the easiest way, in the long run.

 

[JayStil]

Another option for your HD locals is via clear QAM from Comcast. When you get your HDTV make sure it has a QAM tuner built in (most do now). You'll pickup HD versions of your local networks at no additional cost to your current Comcast package. You'll also likely pickup many digital SD channels, although most are network repeats.

Unfortunately they won't integrate into the 722 for recording purposes.

 

[steve4810]

Another option for your HD locals is via clear QAM from Comcast. When you get your HDTV make sure it has a QAM tuner built in (most do now). You'll pickup HD versions of your local networks at no additional cost to your current Comcast package.

It's pretty widely reported that cable isn't allowed to charge more money for HD feeds of broadcast stations whos signal they are now delivering to you. I haven't seen official notice of this but I believe it.

Note that this isn't true of any "cable only channel;" just your local TV stations that are free to air and required to be included in the most basic package under the "must carry" rules.