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Jeff-
The limitations on what channels are available without a cable box are entirely cable company choices, not technological issues at all. In fact, most cable systems encrypt almost ALL digital channels, not just the movie ones. Usually, the only ones in clear QAM are in fact the broadcast networks (and maybe shopping channels or local-access-type channels), because the FCC does not allow the OTA channels to be encrypted.
Since you do see some difference in the HD channels, maybe it is just a matter of one person's perception versus another. I know on a set that size, you will have to be not more than maybe three feet away to see the difference in detail of a good HD signal. Also, because you are on cable, it is quite likely that Time Warner's HD signals are not as good as the true broadcast signals. (Cable companies do re-encode the signals from the over-the-air 8VSB (ATSC) into QAM, and they may intentionally limit the signal quality to allow more channels on the cable system.)
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Chris
Quote from another forum: "(Antique TV collecting) always seemed to me to be a fringe hobby that only weirdos did."
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