Tuning of Unencrypted HD Cable Channels in Windows Media Center

Clear QAM (Unencrypted Digital Cable Tuning) in Windows Media Center FAQ

A: Quadrature amplitude modulation ("QAM") is a modulation scheme, which is used by cable companies, to convey data by modulating the amplitude of two carrier waves. In particular, 64-QAM and 256-QAM are often used in digital cable television and cable modem applications. "Clear QAM" is basically unencrypted ("in-the-clear") Digital cable programming, and a "QAM tuner" is a device which enables direct reception of digital cable channels without the use of a set-top box. QAM-based HD and Digital Programming of local stations is often available to analogue cable subscribers, without paying the additional fees for a digital cable box. The availability of QAM HD programming is rarely described or publicized by cable companies (for obvious reasons).

Q: Is Clear QAM supported by Microsoft Windows Media Center?

A: No. Microsoft does not support Clear QAM tuning from within the Media Center application, despite the fact that most digital tuner cards by ATI, Hauppauge and Avermedia support this functionality. Media Center and the Media Center Electronic Programming Guide (EPG) only support NTSC analog cable, ATSC over-the-air Digital TV, and CableCard (OCUR) Digital Cable (see this page for more information on supported TV signals in Media Center). However, there are several ways to get around this limitation.

Update: Windows 7 Media Center now has native support for ClearQAM, however the Microsoft EPG still does not properly support ClearQAM channel naming (Media Center will identify ClearQAM channels by their channel number only). This problem can be worked around by manually naming the channels. See this guide for more info.

Q: So how can I watch Clear QAM Digital Cable on my computer or HTPC?

A: There are several ways around the problem of Microsoft's failure to provide complete Clear QAM support in Vista Media Center. The Avermedia AverTV Combo PCIe card offers drivers and plug-in software that integrate Clear QAM tuning seamlessly into the Windows Vista Media Center experience without the use of a set-top box.

Update: Windows 7 Media Center now has native support for ClearQAM. (see note above)

Q: Why should I care about being able to watch Clear QAM digital television?

A: In many areas, you will be able to receive many more digital television channels via Clear QAM cable than you would via OTA digital HDTV programming. The specific channels that are available unencrypted via Digital Cable is dependant on your particular cable company and will vary from location to location. However, all cable companies are required to offer your local HDTV stations such as NBC, CBS, Fox, etc 'in-the-clear'. Most cable companies also do not encrypt such stations as FX HD, TNT HD, ESPN HD, HGTV HD, Discovery HD and others. In addition, many of the standard definition cable channels such as USA, TBS, etc, are available via Clear QAM. Many of these SDTV channels are transmitted in both digital and analog formats. Although these channels are not HD, you will find that signal quality and picture quality will be better when viewing the digital version of the channel rather than the analog version.

Q: Why should I choose the Avermedia AverTV Combo PCIe as my Clear QAM tuner?

A: In addition to the fact that the Avermedia AverTV Combo offers seamless integration of Clear QAM tuning into Windows Media Center, the AverTV Combo is the first (and only) internal PCI or PCIe based card that can offer this functionality. The SiliconDust HD Homerun also offers this functionality, but is not an internal card based device (It is an external tuner box that connects to your computer via Ethernet). Also, the HD HomeRun is significantly more expensive than the AverTV M780 and it does not include an analog tuner (though it does have two (2) digital tuners).

Q: Can I watch and/or record two (2) Clear QAM channels at the same time?

A: Yes you can by installing two (2) Avermedia M780 cards in your system. This will give you 2 digital and 2 analog tuners.

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