How does this make sense? (cable vs. antenna quality)

[Ksandra]

So, for years we haven't had cable tv. We've been just fine with the internet, hulu+, netflix, and a digital antenna we bought for $30.

We moved last week into a new place, and when we told TWC we need to install our internet in a new place they told us they had a package that was cheaper than what we were paying for the same internet and it included basic cable (rate lasts for a year, but I am really good about cancelling when needed). I really couldn't care about the cable, but since the rate was cheaper, we figured we might as well do it.

Just got it today, and while I was going through the channels I discovered very quickly that my antenna gives a clearer picture than the cable.

How on earth does that make sense? May just end up skipping the cable and using the antenna while having the package for the rate LOL.

[hey]

Probably the antenna supports HD, and your cable does not.

[Ksandra]

Probably the antenna supports HD, and your cable does not.

this is true, but the non hd channels I get through the antenna are still clearer than the cable channels.

[Azull]

could be a loose connection somewhere. call up your provider and tell them.

[synistar]

Basic cable without HD channels means you get 480p crap. If they gave you a cable box, there are HD specific channels that display in 720/1080p.

Antenna works fine if you only want the basic stations and couldn't care about HD cable channels.

[Ksandra]

Basic cable without HD channels means you get 480p crap. If they gave you a cable box, there are HD specific channels that display in 720/1080p.

Antenna works fine if you only want the basic stations and couldn't care about HD cable channels.

That is probably what's happening then since we didn't get a box. And that's also all kinds of retarded. Oh well, means I won't feel bad about cancelling it when the rate runs out!

[archibaldcrane]

Even then it's possible that the HD signal over the cable has more compression than the OTA signal.

[archibaldcrane]

Oh you didn't get a box, yeah you aren't getting an HD signal. It's cable, you think that would be part of their "cheaper" package? lol

cable charges for fucking EVERYTHING

[Ksandra]

Oh you didn't get a box, yeah you aren't getting an HD signal.

ya, as I said though the non-hd channels through the antenna are still much clearer than this, so was confused. I didn't expect HD cable, just not have it be this fuzzy. Maybe the antenna spoiled me on clarity so I notice it more than if I never had it.

[Kalmado]

ya, as I said though the non-hd channels through the antenna are still much clearer than this, so was confused. I didn't expect HD cable, just not have it be this fuzzy. Maybe the antenna spoiled me on clarity so I notice it more than if I never had it.

I do not have HD either, but when we switched to Direct from Comcast cable we noticed a difference, and a better one. Or maybe we just hate Comcast so much it's placebo.

[zoobernut]

Even then it's possible that the HD signal over the cable has more compression than the OTA signal.

I am guessing that this is the correct answer even the non HD signal you get over the air is less compressed than the non HD signal through the cable.

[Ksandra]

Makes me want to get on a soapbox and convince people who don't watch a lot of tv to get antennas until cable companies stop this kind of stupidity.

[Cleverness]

Do you ever go a year without moving

[archibaldcrane]

Do you ever go a year without moving

Welcome to LA. I'm on my 7th place since 2004.

[hey]

Oh you didn't get a box, yeah you aren't getting an HD signal. It's cable, you think that would be part of their "cheaper" package? lol

cable charges for fucking EVERYTHING

My cable company (cablevision) does not charge for hd!

[Ksandra]

Do you ever go a year without moving

nope. Husband's line of work requires him to jump companies a lot, and as well, places like to jack up the rent really high after the first year.

[archibaldcrane]

My cable company (cablevision) does not charge for hd!

Do you pay per month for the cable box?

[hey]

Do you pay per month for the cable box?

Yes, but doesn't every company charge for that as well?

[Salodin]

Yes, but doesn't every company charge for that as well?

Kinda. You can pay to buy the box, which usually pays for itself after a year.

[Cantih]

Welcome to LA. I'm on my 7th place since 2004.

Been in a single place for over a decade, feels great.