Free "aerial" via cable?

Tartrazine · 15-05-2007, 21:02

Is it an Urban myth, or true, that if you are in a cabled area you can get a free connection to the cable system for the purpose of getting an aerial signal for a normal TV and free to air channels? I heard somewhere I think that this is in the law regulating cable.

I ask this because I have a neighbour who has inherited an existing NTL/Virgin cable connection coming into her flat, but no equipment. To save having an aerial fitted, which is inconvenient, as well as the cost, she would like to use the cable connection, but is not sure if it will remain, or if she has any right at all to use it.

We know that if you plug the cable direct into a normal TV you can tune in the basic free channels. She has done this, but wonders if it might just get unplugged one day.

**Jefferson T** · 15-05-2007, 21:10

I suspect it willl get disconnected when they finally pull the analogue system.

Welcome to the site btw

Nedkelly · 15-05-2007, 21:10

It depends on the aera you live .Or if a tech needs a higher port in the cab he will ring up and see who has not got the services then he will disc that drop for his connection.As you do not pay for this service you will loose it.There are areas of the network where we supply a MATV service these are the only aeras that supply these services which you pay for .But going forward when the analouge signal on the cable network is turned off you will loose the signal

Ben B · 15-05-2007, 21:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tartrazine

Is it an Urban myth, or true, that if you are in a cabled area you can get a free connection to the cable system for the purpose of getting an aerial signal for a normal TV and free to air channels? I heard somewhere I think that this is in the law regulating cable.

I ask this because I have a neighbour who has inherited an existing NTL/Virgin cable connection coming into her flat, but no equipment. To save having an aerial fitted, which is inconvenient, as well as the cost, she would like to use the cable connection, but is not sure if it will remain, or if she has any right at all to use it.

We know that if you plug the cable direct into a normal TV you can tune in the basic free channels. She has done this, but wonders if it might just get unplugged one day.

i don't know if you are actually allowed to but see if you can buy a cheap STB off ebay and connect that up. Just make sure it comes with a smart card.

**Jefferson T** · 15-05-2007, 21:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by ben_b

i don't know if you are actually allowed to but see if you can buy a cheap STB off ebay and connect that up. Just make sure it comes with a smart card.

That WOULD be illegal as the stb's are the properly of virgin and you would be buying stolen goods.

Nedkelly · 15-05-2007, 21:18

It would still get disc in the cab as the house would not be on the system as having a live acct

Ben B · 15-05-2007, 21:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jefferson T

That WOULD be illegal as the stb's are the properly of virgin and you would be buying stolen goods.

oh right well i did say that i didn't know if you were allowed

Nedkelly · 15-05-2007, 21:30

There are lots of people who use cable for a aerial service all i will say enjoy while you can .There are going to be a lot of people who will loose this when we turn off the analogue service.I tell people get a aerial fitted now before some aerial installers put there prices up

papa smurf · 15-05-2007, 21:40

hooky stb's in lincolnshire get the 500v megger treatment,which basicly buggers em up

crushednutts · 15-05-2007, 21:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by papa smurf

hooky stb's in lincolnshire get the 500v megger treatment,which basicly buggers em up

Enlighten me!!

Nedkelly · 15-05-2007, 21:46

Thats papas fav job

crushednutts · 15-05-2007, 21:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nedkelly

Thats papas fav job

What exactly?