free channels

[madrat]

Hi


I have an unused cable connection that was only used for internet in NTL days, I connected this cable to a TV, tuned it in and got the following channels.

On UHF band 1

UKTV History
ITV2
VH1
Hallmark

On UHF band 3
Hallmark
Cartoon network
Sky sports 2
E4
BBC News 24
Virgin 1
Disney Cinemagic
Nick
CNN
QVC

On UHF Band U
QVC
MATV
Five
Channel 4
ITV 1
BBC2
BBC1

I have a couple of questions and would be grateful if someone could answer me as I know nothing about cable, I've always been a satellite man.

1/ I assume these are analogue transmissions, do virgin plan to stop them soon as part of the digital switch over?

2/ If I connected a digital cable box would I get anything without a subscription?

3/ I know you can split the signal from the cable to another box but is ther a limit to how many times you can do this before loosing signal quality?

4/ Regarding the above, would a normal signal booster/distributor solve this problem?

[lsproc]

1. Doubt it, as the switchover is turning off analog terrestrial I believe
2. No, but the base TV package is free if you subscribe to phone
3. Couldnt tell, might half?
4. Possibly though I wouldnt bother splitting if I was you, normally a tech would install a new socket

Im amazed you got stuff down the cable, surely the line should have been cut...

[madrat]

Well I plan to enjoy it while I can, My neighbour is planing on experimenting with his active connection

Thanks for your help

[eth01]

Originally Posted by madrat

Well I plan to enjoy it while I can, My neighbour is planing on experimenting with his active connection

Thanks for your help

Good for you!

[madrat]

why so angry

[eth01]

Originally Posted by madrat

why so angry

You aren't an active subscriber, therefore you shouldn't be allowed to take advantage of the "free channels" available through the STB - of course, all IMHO.

You should be zapped off, just like how the cloners are slowly starting to.

[madrat]

well pardon me. The cable was never used for TV only internet. The signals are in Analogue and as far as I'm aware cable company's are bound by law to transmit BBC 1&2 ITV Channel 4 and 5 for free in analogue anyway. I haven't connected any equipment other than a 14" portable TV I haven't chipped or patched a box, so I suggest you get off your high horse

[Stuart]

Originally Posted by madrat

1/ I assume these are analogue transmissions, do virgin plan to stop them soon as part of the digital switch over?

Yes, and, er, probably.

2/ If I connected a digital cable box would I get anything without a subscription?

You shouldn't.

3/ I know you can split the signal from the cable to another box but is ther a limit to how many times you can do this before loosing signal quality?

4/ Regarding the above, would a normal signal booster/distributor solve this problem?

Regarding the last two, well, TBH, it depends on how your local street cabinet is set. It's best to let VM's engineers worry about it.

[madrat]

thanks

[grabbi]

Id keep hold of it TBH.

Good on ya for thinking of it! Id have done the same.

I remember a few years ago plugging me old Sky box in, and getting channels. I didnt even know about FreeSat back then! I thought Christmas had come early! lol

[eth01]

Originally Posted by madrat

well pardon me. The cable was never used for TV only internet. The signals are in Analogue and as far as I'm aware cable company's are bound by law to transmit BBC 1&2 ITV Channel 4 and 5 for free in analogue anyway. I haven't connected any equipment other than a 14" portable TV I haven't chipped or patched a box, so I suggest you get off your high horse

I'm not the only person who thinks this. No need for the attitude problem.

[madrat]

Me attitude problem I suggest you read your own replies

[Roguel101]

Originally Posted by eth01

You aren't an active subscriber, therefore you shouldn't be allowed to take advantage of the "free channels" available through the STB - of course, all IMHO.

You should be zapped off, just like how the cloners are slowly starting to.

So What!! if hes getting free channels good for him

You are hopefully aware that this thread is 5 years old..and that everyone has moved on..

[joglynne]

Originally Posted by Roguel101

So What!! if hes getting free channels good for him

You do realise that this is a 2007 thread and the Analogue channels in question are long gone by now?

Opps, took so long phrasing my diplomatic response that you beat me to it Maggy.