LibGuides: Technology Buying Guide 2025: TVs

QAM and ATSC Tuners

QAM tuners allow the reception of non-scrambled Cable TV channels with a cable subscription, but no set-top box. ATSC tuners allow the reception of over the air HD network channels without a cable subscription, but only with an antenna on your roof.

47 CFR Sec. 76.630 - Compatibility with Consumer Electronics Equipment
Cable companies must give notice if they are going to scramble QAM channels, and must offer to its existing subscribers who subscribe only to the basic service tier without use of a set-top box at the time of encryption the equipment necessary to descramble the basic service tier signals a box on up to two television sets without charge or service fee for two years from the date encryption of the basic service tier commences; and

(iii) The cable system operator offers to its existing subscribers who subscribe to a level of service above “basic only” but use a digital television or other device with a clear-QAM tuner to receive only the basic service tier without use of a set-top at the time of encryption, the equipment necessary to descramble the basic service tier signals a box on one television set without charge or service fee for one year from the date encryption of the basic service tier commences; and

(iv) The cable system operator offers to its existing subscribers who receive Medicaid and also subscribe only to the basic service tier without use of a set-top box or CableCARD at the time of encryption the equipment necessary to descramble or decrypt the basic service tier signals (the subscriber's choice of a set-top box or CableCARD) on up to two television sets without charge or service fee for five years from the date encryption of the basic service tier commences.