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TV Compatibility Guide

Information on TV Manufacturer and Models Support for QAM Tuning

Most major brand flat screen TVs manufactured after 2006 support both ATSC (Advanced Television Systems Committee) and QAM (quadrature amplitude modulation)  digital tuners.  ATSC is used to receive digital channels over the air.  QAM is used to receive digital channels from a cabe TV provider without use of a cable box. Your TV must support QAM to function on the Comcast provided ResNet Cable TV system.

Please be advised this is an informal reference guide and we can't guarantee or warrant the accuracy of the information provided. If you are making a TV tuner purchase decision, you are advised to carefully check the return and return shipping policies before you finalize any purchase. 


Compatible TVs

Experience shows the following well known name brand manufacturers typically DO provide QAM Tuner support and typically will function with the ResNet HD Cable TV system powered by Comcast.

Manufacturer Comment
LG Most models since 2007 support QAM
SAMSUNG All models since 2009 support QAM
(Fifth digit of model must be B or higher)
SONY Most models since 2007 support QAM
TOSHIBA Most models since 2007 support QAM
VIZIO Recent models support QAM
WESTINGHOUSE Some models support QAM but require an activation code from manufacturer.
(Many models aren't supported at all.)

Often Incompatible Brands

Experience suggests many of the following lessor brand TVs may NOT include QAM Tuner support and may not function with the ResNet HD Cable TV system powered by Comcast.

 Manufacturer  
Apex  

Dynex

 
Element  
Emerson  
Haier  
Insignia  

RCA

 
Seiki  
Sylvania  

If you are purchasing or already own one of the brands listed above, please verify that your model includes a QAM tuner.  


Specific Incompatible Models

Experience suggests these specific TV models are NOT QAM capable and will not function with the ResNet HD Cable TV system powered by Comcast.

Manufacturer Models Comment Note 
 DYNEX DX-32L151A11 Not QAM Capable ctv
 EMERSON LD195EM8 7
LD195EM8 2
LD195EM8
Not QAM Capable
 
 d
 EMERSON LC320EM2F
LC401EM2F
EWL20S5B
 Not QAM Capable
 ctv
 HAIER  LEC19B1320
LEC22B1380
LEC22B1380W
LEC24B1380
 Not QAM Capable
 d
 MAGNAVOX P2MF23ID/37
 Not QAM Capable  ctv
 RCA LED32B30RQ
LED24C45RQ
 Not QAM Capable  d
 SEIKI SE24FT01
SE47FY19

 Not QAM Capable ctv
WESTINGHOUSE DWM32H1G1
DWM32H1Y1
DWM42F2G1
DWM48F1A1
EWM24F1Y1
LTV-27W2
 Not QAM Capable
 ctv

 Note: d=from Drexel IT, ctv=from Campus Televideo

 



Compatible QAM Set-Top Tuners

Experience shows the following stand-alone QAM Tuners (i.e. set-top cable boxes) are compatible with ResNet HD Cable TV system powered by Comcast.
However, we can't warrant or guarantee that set-top QAM tuners will work with your specific TV. Sometimes there are compatibility issues between the QAM tuner and specific TVs.  If you choose to purchase a QAM set-top cable box, be sure you understand return policies, shipping and taxes before making any purchase decision.

It's often possible to buy a 19" - 24" TV with native QAM support for $100 and often that's a better option then adding a converter box to your existing TV.

Manufacturer Model Comment Note
EMATIC AT103B

Typically available at Walmart and Amazon
Set-up  interface is somewhat awkward
Tested by Drexel IT
(approximately $30 - $33)

irt
CHANNELMASTER CM-7001

Typically available at Newegg.com
(approximately $99-$110)
Often long lead time or out of stock

cw
IVIEW 3500STBII

Typically available at, Amazon, WalMart, Newegg, B&H Photo
(approximately $30 - $45)

ct
PROSCAN PAT102-B
Typically available at HHGreg
Tested by Drexel IT
(approximately $30-$50)

irt

Remember, if you buy a set-top cable box you will need an extra coax or HDMI cable. Drexel IT has successfully tested the Ematic AT103B and Proscan PAT102B cable boxes in our residence halls; however, that does not guarantee they will work properly with your TV. 

Note: irt=Tested by IT at Drexel    ct=Recommended by Campus Televideo, a well respected provider,  cw=Recommended by CaseWestern Reserve University