Do you need to rent a cable box to get HDTV? We already have a 42" Pioneer Plazma with a CableCard slot, along with Comcast tier-2 HDTV package. We love the system, but we now need a 26" set for the kitchen, to replace our old analog TV-VCR combo set. (Since Comcast went digital, the remote is all screwed up cuz of the VCR component.)Altho we could get by with a non-HDTV set, I'd really prefer a 26" HDTV, if we can avoid the $7.00 per month rent that Comcast charges for the cable box.Panasonic's web site suggests that the Panasonic TC-L26X1 lets you get HDTV without renting a cable box, but someone else told me that I'd only get a few stations, not the tier-2 package I have on the 42" Pioneer.Can anyone clear this up? Do you need to rent a cable box to get HDTV? We already have a 42" Pioneer Plazma with a CableCard slot, along with Comcast tier-2 HDTV package. We love the system, but we now... » Read More Do you need to rent a cable box to get HDTV? We already have a 42" Pioneer Plazma with a CableCard slot, along with Comcast tier-2 HDTV package. We love the system, but we now need a 26" set for the kitchen, to replace our old analog TV-VCR combo set. (Since Comcast went digital, the remote is all screwed up cuz of the VCR component.)Altho we could get by with a non-HDTV set, I'd really prefer a 26" HDTV, if we can avoid the $7.00 per month rent that Comcast charges for the cable box.Panasonic's web site suggests that the Panasonic TC-L26X1 lets you get HDTV without renting a cable box, but someone else told me that I'd only get a few stations, not the tier-2 package I have on the 42" Pioneer.Can anyone clear this up? « Show Less
822830
Can I hook up a regular converter box to this t.v. and get my local channels? I ordered this t.v. and I do not have cable or any paid services.
822831
It's my understanding that if your current non-Hi-Def set is getting local channels via rabbit ears or rooftop antenna (but obviously not in hi-def), and if you're satisfied getting local channels only, then your new HD set will bring in the local channels in glorious Hi-Def - And without any "regular converter box" or any box at all.NB: The "advantage" to purchasing a new antenna or rabbit ears "designed especially for Hi Def" is minimal, at best, and in most cases no advantage at all - Unless you have money to burn, stick with the same antenna or rabbit that worked with your old TV set. It's my understanding that if your current non-Hi-Def set is getting local channels via rabbit ears or rooftop antenna (but obviously not in hi-def), and if you're satisfied getting local channels only, then your new HD set will bring in the local channels in glorious Hi-Def - And without any "regular converter box" or any box at all.NB: The "advantage" to purchasing a new antenna or rabbit ears "designed especially for Hi Def" is minimal, at best, and in most cases no advantage at all - Unless you have money to burn, stick with the same antenna or... » Read More It's my understanding that if your current non-Hi-Def set is getting local channels via rabbit ears or rooftop antenna (but obviously not in hi-def), and if you're satisfied getting local channels only, then your new HD set will bring in the local channels in glorious Hi-Def - And without any "regular converter box" or any box at all.NB: The "advantage" to purchasing a new antenna or rabbit ears "designed especially for Hi Def" is minimal, at best, and in most cases no advantage at all - Unless you have money to burn, stick with the same antenna or rabbit that worked with your old TV set. « Show Less
822832
I bought this tv for my son last Christman & then got one for myself about a month ago. If you are a Time Warner customer you need the cable box to get the HD tier. Yes, it would be nice if we didn't need that, wouldn't it?
822833
Comcast here encrypts most of their HD content, so you'll need to pay extra rent for their box. QAM tuners like the ones in some TVs won't do the trick. Comcast also compress content. Comcast sux.
822834
Geta nHD Tivo and Comcast will install a cable card that will allow you to watch all Hd channels easily. It will also record two HD channels and let you watch one that is already recorded at the same time. The Tivo remote is all that you will need to control it all. Once you go to Tivo, you will never be satisfied with any other PVR, or for TV without Tivo.
822835
at best you'd get the local channels by plugging in a split coaxial cable without the cable-box to decode... if they are not encrypted.alternatively you can run a coaxial cable to a standard antenna (preferably external, but some internal rabbit-ears will do) to get local stations in HD over-the-air. fyi.. if you can receive them, over-the-air channels are actually of HIGHER quality than signals "passed through" by cable companies (who compress their signals)
822836
Hey PenName 1, how about some additional info about non-cable (over-the-air) Hi Def TV.If I get a good antenna (like the PowerQ) to go with the Panasonic TC-L26X1, what stations will I get? Can I get ESPN, or MSNBC, or FOX News?Generally, all I watch is network TV (NBC, CBS, ABC), PBS, & (on rare occasions) local channels, plus ESPN (for Mon night football) and occasionally -- I can do without them on the kitchen TV, especially since I can get them on my Pioneer -- CNN, CNBC, FOX News & MSNBC.Maybe my best strategy is an HDTV (like the Panasonic VIERA TC-L26X1) with a good antenna.Thanx. Hey PenName 1, how about some additional info about non-cable (over-the-air) Hi Def TV.If I get a good antenna (like the PowerQ) to go with the Panasonic TC-L26X1, what stations will I get? Can I get ESPN, or MSNBC, or FOX News?Generally, all I watch is network TV (NBC, CBS, ABC), PBS, & (on rare occasions) local channels, plus ESPN (for Mon night football) and occasionally -- I can do without them on the kitchen TV, especially since I can get them on my Pioneer -- CNN, CNBC, FOX News & MSNBC.Maybe my best strategy is an HDTV (like the Panasonic VIERA... » Read More Hey PenName 1, how about some additional info about non-cable (over-the-air) Hi Def TV.If I get a good antenna (like the PowerQ) to go with the Panasonic TC-L26X1, what stations will I get? Can I get ESPN, or MSNBC, or FOX News?Generally, all I watch is network TV (NBC, CBS, ABC), PBS, & (on rare occasions) local channels, plus ESPN (for Mon night football) and occasionally -- I can do without them on the kitchen TV, especially since I can get them on my Pioneer -- CNN, CNBC, FOX News & MSNBC.Maybe my best strategy is an HDTV (like the Panasonic VIERA TC-L26X1) with a good antenna.Thanx. « Show Less
1031971
I bought one recently because my (1) my old TV died and my TV service (Verizon FIOS) offers several HDTV channels. There are HDTV channels for all the major networks and several of the cable channels: ESPN, HBO, etc. I watch baseball (Red Sox) on HDTV and I'll be able to watch football in HDTV in the Fall. So it was easier for me to decide to switch to HDTV. As for your existing DVD movies, while they're not HD, they will look better on a 56" DLP. The HDTV screen aspect ratio is much closer to that of the original movies, so if you watch the movie in its original format, the "letterbox" effect isn't as dramatic. I'm very pleased with the way my DVDs look on HDTV ... not HDTV quality, but MUCH closer to a movie theater experience than before. If my old TV hadn't died, I probably would have waited until HDTV was the "norm" as you are considering doing. In retrospect, I'm glad it died. Paul
1209580
Currently, my cable company broadcasts 8 HD channels over the cable that the ATSC tuner in my Panny tv picks up. They are in digital channel spaces (92-1 for example). If I go with the series 3 Tivo, will it grab these channels without a cable card? My provider currently offers an HD tier which includes those 8 channels and adds 4 more. For that, I'd have to pay a monthly fee for the HD tier and also rent a cable box.
1230650
Depending on the TV you buy, you may now end up saving more than you would have saved by that Combo. For example, if you bought the tc-p50GT25, you are going to save $180 more than you would have 2 weeks back. the price for the starter kit hasn't changed from the time it was a part of the combo. I would suggest you wait one more week and you'll probably see better offers. Do continue to monitor the inventory though and pull the trigger if the inventory is falling.
1406749
Yes. I just signed up on my roommates account and I think they said it would be 11 extra dollars: 5 or 6 bucks for the tivo service and then the fee for an extra receiver in the house. The first person I talked to said I'd have to pay $21 because he was going to charge $10 for hd even though I didn't want hd. When I called back the second person said that wasn't necessary. Once everything was set up I still got hd channels showing up but the channels were black screens. Even if you don't sign up for hd they will show up on this receiver. Fortunately there are ways to get rid of these stations in settings. Obviously something you don't need to worry about if you do want hd. Yes. I just signed up on my roommates account and I think they said it would be 11 extra dollars: 5 or 6 bucks for the tivo service and then the fee for an extra receiver in the house. The first person I talked to said I'd have to pay $21 because he was going to charge $10 for hd even though I didn't want hd. When I called back the second person said that wasn't necessary. Once everything was set up I still got hd channels showing up but the channels were black screens. Even if you don't sign up for hd they will show up on this receiver. Fortunately there are ways to get rid of these... » Read More Yes. I just signed up on my roommates account and I think they said it would be 11 extra dollars: 5 or 6 bucks for the tivo service and then the fee for an extra receiver in the house. The first person I talked to said I'd have to pay $21 because he was going to charge $10 for hd even though I didn't want hd. When I called back the second person said that wasn't necessary. Once everything was set up I still got hd channels showing up but the channels were black screens. Even if you don't sign up for hd they will show up on this receiver. Fortunately there are ways to get rid of these stations in settings. Obviously something you don't need to worry about if you do want hd. « Show Less
89593
The fluctuating prices are confusing. What makes it even more confusing is that a search of LNT4071F sometimes takes you to Amazon's listing and sometimes takes you to someone else's (Electronics Expo in this case). If you don't notice the little footnote that says Electronics Expo, you may not notice this - until you check out and suddenly find that shipping has been added. And then you might not notice that you still have the option of ordering from Amazon, as they are listed as an alternate seller. Amazon has 30-day price protection, so even if you order now, you should be able to take advantage of any price drops that happen around Black Friday. Be forewarned - the TV will be just the first of many expenses. You'll need to upgrade your cable/satellite service, you'll need something to record HD content, you'll need an HDTV camcorder ... and then you'll want to replace your other TV, and the process will start all over. Buy your HDMI cables through Amazon. Don't let the Big Box store convince you that you need to spend hundreds of dollars on Monster Cables. The only thing "Monster" about them is the profit margin.
410293
I have placed an order through MacMall for $760 (after $40 shipping mail-in rebate). They do not have it in stock but gave me ETA of 1st week or March. I do not have any type of cable service currently. How does this tv display OTA TV channels? I plan to use it for OTA that will be digital soon and DVD and w/portable video player.
2066807
Thanks for your help and the link to the manual, Mark!Comcast does use a special box, but I talked to a tech today and he said the connections would be the same as for my VCR, I just swap out the VCR and connect the special box to the DVDR instead. Fingers crossed! :-D
1430002
If the cable company equipment has component OUT, and your TV has component IN, then you will probably get the best picture doing that, unless you spend much more than this device costs. I have an older Flat screen that has 1 HDMI port and component IN. The HDMI port went out. I purchased this, and the picture was good, but had some noise (white spots here and there). Plus most services on my Apple TV gave me HDCP errors and I was not able to view them...which was frustrating because it has "HDCP" written on the case. I returned it and just stuck with component for now. It is not as great a pic as HDMI, but it is still very good. If the cable company equipment has component OUT, and your TV has component IN, then you will probably get the best picture doing that, unless you spend much more than this device costs. I have an older Flat screen that has 1 HDMI port and component IN. The HDMI port went out. I purchased this, and the picture was good, but had some noise (white spots here and there). Plus most services on my Apple TV gave me HDCP errors and I was not able to view them...which was frustrating because it has "HDCP" written on the case. I returned it and just stuck with component for now. It is not... » Read More If the cable company equipment has component OUT, and your TV has component IN, then you will probably get the best picture doing that, unless you spend much more than this device costs. I have an older Flat screen that has 1 HDMI port and component IN. The HDMI port went out. I purchased this, and the picture was good, but had some noise (white spots here and there). Plus most services on my Apple TV gave me HDCP errors and I was not able to view them...which was frustrating because it has "HDCP" written on the case. I returned it and just stuck with component for now. It is not as great a pic as HDMI, but it is still very good. « Show Less
162809
It's basically a cable box. You rent a card.from your cable provider stick it in the back and you will get whatever channels you subscribe to. It also allows you to access Netflix and other steaming providers and will play you own saved movies from your home network. The guide is worthless on comcast though as it is an hour offf. Haven't found a fix for that.
1898822
On my two 55 inch Viera TVs I watch channels that seem mostly to be full screen: CSPAN, news and money channels, - but no movies or sports. The great grandkids watch cartoons when I let them. We used to get a 4x3 size, but I really do not notice if pictures are HD or not. I use Direct TV satellite and pictures are sharp on the Viera when you can find a decent program. I am told that break in is not the problem that it used to be with Plasma, and Panasonic seems to have a better maintenance record than some other makes, - important for seniors who keep their things for a long time.
2110476
Sorry, double checked both my machines (old and new) and neither had a cablecard slot. Not really a problem for me. My satellite TV receiver (Directv) has a wide selection of output options and the Magnavox works well with commonly available cables. Unfortunately, HDMI will fail to function if the channel is copyright protected, and you must record the channel you're currently watching.
1007604
No, you must purchase a new card from DTV. I think it's $20.00.Please be aware this DVR is for multi-family use only and gets the signal through ethernet, not coax. If you get your signal through coax, you cannot use this DVR.
66201
Read my Cutting the cable cord guide. I canceled cable over a year ago. It's not for everyone. Live sports nuts wouldn't be able to do it easily, but others should manage fine. Even most new TV shows are accessable the next day for purchase via Amazon's Video On Demand Service. I have 3 new shows I subscribe to via this service at $1.89 an episode. Still far cheaper than the $70 a month I was paying for cable. I could buy a New Roku every month for what cable was costing me. Now I can afford other things. I would suggest trying the Roku and seeing what all is available.
1595169
What you really need to do is get Direct TV or Verizon FiSO.Comcast HD station selection is very poor with only one of HBO,Showtime,Starz or Max in HD while the others give you everyone one.Also if you are under 40 most of the stations you would like say Comedy Central,Spike ,Adult Swim and many others are not on Comcast HD lineup.This is because of the fact that Comcast is very poorly managed right now and are trying to buy NBC and become a content provider.As soon as I got this TV and watched Comcasts' poor HD lineup I switched to Verizon.
1893058
The TV is pretty much ready to use on of the box. Although I would recommend something to protect your investment like a surge protector or UPS. If you don't already have an HDMI cable and your cable box/ DVD player has an HDMI output, then you can get it here for under $20. I did, and it works great. If your cable box is not HDTV, then you can buy an antenna to pick up over-the-air HDTV, if it's available in your area...old bunny ears antenna may work. Good luck!
2067426
"What am i getting for that charge?" You're getting ripped off. I'm a long-time TiVo user, having purchased my first Series 1 in 1999 and upgrading several times. I've suggested TiVo purchases to dozens of people over the years. Unfortunately, TiVo is seriously behind the current technology and still has a very closed ecosystem. To make up for their lack of up to date technology and closed ecosystem, they increase their service and lifetime fees. It's not a good business plan, which in part explains their stock price. For anyone with a little bit of technical know-how, it's far more cost effective to get an HTPC and TV tuner. If you are going to record OTA, most tuners will be fine. If you need a cable card, the HDHomeRun works very well. Many services on an HTPC will get you free program guide information. An HTPC is also more open, so it opens up more possibilities. It's also much more future-proof than TiVo's closed ecosystem. TiVo has a long history of not upgrading software except on the latest model in an effort to pry more money from existing TiVo subscribers through upgrades.