[zuckerj]

Just curious... If I sign up for Cable Internet only, can I still just plug the Coax into my TV and get Cable channels too?

z.

[RickJ]

Usually no. They use a special filter - or other apparatus - to separate the two.

[NeedKarma]

The television broadcast and internet data run at separate frequencies. They simply disable the frequencies relate to the televison broadcasts.

[ScottGem]

Well it depends on the cable service. In most cases, they will block those frequencies. In others they may not bother figuring you won't think about it. But if they don't block, then the only thing you get is the unscrambled channels. For the premium channels you will need a settop box.

[zuckerj]

Scott,

Thanks for the information. Is there any way to determine if your local Cable provider filters out the TV frequencies?

The reason I'm asking is that I'm tyring to determine the most cost effective route to provide Internet and TV. I don't need a landline telephone. Corrently I am already using DSL through a third party vendor (meaning they are leasing the lines from Verizon) requiring me the maintain a landline for the DSL service. I know there is something called a DRY LOOP that would circumvent the need for a landline in association to the DSL line, but Verizon would require that I be without internet connectivity for up to 1 MONTH! Before they could get it installed (Verizon won't even place the order until I cancel service with the third party, sinced it's on their leases lines and they can't start an order if I already have DSL service). Bunch of bull and red tape.

So, this leads to my second question (third if you're really paying attention):
Does anyway have any feedback on the quality of the free Dynamic DNS service provided on the internet? Currntly I have DSL with a Static IP, and I host my own DNS, Mail Server, and WebServers out of my home. None of it is HIGH traffic, but since I do use it for my business email I need to make sure the use of DDNS is stable and efficient.

z.

Oh, and by the way, I have not ordered cable yet, and do not have service yet, so please do not say, "Just plug your TV into the cable." :-)

What I'm looking for is a list or other source of information that would be available to the likes of me prior to making an order decision.

z.

[ScottGem]

The only way to determine would be to plug the cable into your TV (by the way you would need a cable ready TV that can go above the 13 VHF channels). If it's a major multi-area cable provider, they probably do filter. If it's a smaller, local company, they may not.

But there is an ethical factor here. If you got the cable channels without paying, that could be considered theft of services.

As to your third question, that brings up another issue. Most residential broadband service contracts prohibit running a server. So you really should be looking for a business connection.