How to Watch HDTV on Another TV Without a Receiver

Digital OTA broadcast signals are multicast to contain separate sub-channels, including one in HD.

One selling point for certain cable and satellite television providers is the option to have a single DVR that can be accessed by any TV in the household. However, this feature still requires each of those secondary TVs to be connected to its own standard set-top receiver. Still, there are other ways to view high definition (HD) programming without the use of a receiver, even if you do not have a cable or satellite subscription.

Things You'll Need

• HDTV set (digital-cable ready, if needed)
• VHF/UHF antenna
• CableCARD
• Slingbox

Instructions

1. Connect an antenna to an HDTV not connected to a receiver to view HD channels broadcast over-the-air (OTA) in your area, attaching the coaxial cable from the antenna to the "Cable/Ant. In" jack on the rear of the TV. Select an indoor or outdoor antenna based on what is ideal for your particular location (i.e. urban or rural) and ensure that it has VHF and UHF capability to receive all available channels. While this method allows for viewing of some HD channels, it will not be as many as are offered with HD cable and satellite subscriptions.

2. Obtain a CableCARD from your cable TV provider and insert it into the CableCARD slot of your digital-cable ready HDTV, if the TV is so equipped. This device allows the TV to receive all the channels offered with your digital cable programming package, including those in HD, without the aid of a receiver box. A receiver, though, is still needed for on-demand and pay-per-view programming.

3. Purchase a device such as a Slingbox Pro HD. It connects to home video components, including a cable or satellite receiver or DVR, then to your home's active high-speed Internet network and allows you to view content from those connected components on a computer or other mobile viewing device. Once connected, route the computer's video signal to an HDTV in that room using an HD-capable connection, such as HDMI or DVI for HD-quality viewing.

References

• FCC: Learn About DTV
• Comcast Cable FAQ: Digital Cable Ready HDTV with CableCARD
• Comcast Cable FAQ: Offering CableCARDS