I have a 31" GE cable ready TV(1996 vintage). The TV is fine with the exception of five chanels that have snow and general interference. I have proven without a doubt by checking all of the cable channels with another TV that the tuner is at fault.
My questions are:
Could I purchase a Cable Box (I have Comcast Cable Service)to eliminate the tv tuner problems?
Will the cable box work with my remote control?
Does it matter that the TV is cable ready?
Your help would really be appreciated.
Regards,
Mike and Sylvia
Help! Tuner problems on GE 31" TV
Sun, 06/12/2005 - 13:16
#1
Help! Tuner problems on GE 31" TV
When you tested the other TVs tuner, did you test it at the same location as the 31" GE, or at another spot in your home?
Matt,
I tested the other TV at the same location as the 31" GE.
Mike
Ok, that should be close enough.
Using an external tuner like a Comcast cable box to bypass the TV's tuner will work, provided you connect the box to a line level input (yellow/red/white, S-Video, or component).
There is no guarantee that any included remote, other than the remote that came with the TV, will control your television. However, the chances that the Comcast remote will control it are favorable considering the age of the set and the popularity of the GE brand.
"Cable ready" TVs indicate that an analog cable tuner is built into the TV. It will in no way affect your ability to add an external cable box, satellite box, or any other device.
Good luck, and post back after you solve your problem. It would be interesting to read a short article about your experience.
Matt,
One final question.
By adding the external cable box, will I still be able to record on the VCR and watch a different channel on the TV?
Thanks,
Mike
Yes, you will still be able to do both at the same time. You'll want to split the cable signal at the wall, then run one line into the VCR and the other into the cable box. Be sure that each device runs into a seperate input on the TV for the easiest operation.