wilkes

A modulator takes the signal out of the cable box and converts it to the broadcast frequency of a channel. So if you set the modulator to channel 5, you could turn the TV to channel five, and pick up whatever is coming out of the cable box. But, if you send it to multiple TVs, they would all have to watch whatever channel the cable box is on. Basically, it would be doing the same as what Virginian tried to describe. Older cable boxes and satellite boxes had modulators built in. I know all new sat boxes have gotten rid of the modulators. I thought the new cable boxes had gotten rid of them too.

Outboard modulators can convert the signal from the box into a digital channel, giving you better reception, even after sending it through multiple splitters. This is what hotels do. They have one cable or satellite box for every channel they offer their guests. (So they may have 30 boxes in a mechanical room). Then each box is connected to a modulator and each feed is converted to a different channel signal. Then all of those signals are combined into one line (sort of a reverse splitter), and that line then goes to a splitter that sends everything out to the individual rooms.

For the record, legally, you can do anything you want with the wire and signal once it is inside your house. But, the gray box on the outside of your house is legally property of the cable company, just like your electric meter belongs to the power company. And messing with that gray box could get you a fine. That's why the smart way to wire a new house is have all of your wires go to one distribution location inside your house, like a mechanical room in your basement, then have only one wire go from that location to the outside gray box.

Yea, I had one of the TV tech's tell me one time it was illegal to mess with the grey box they put on the side of my house.
I said bull**** if it's on my house then it's mine and I will bust the dang thing if I feel like it. F*** them all.

I have two boxes and five TV's. I use splitters. Both where the cable exits the box to go to the TV. One line to the TV at the box the other line to the TV at the other side of the house.

I think I am just going to have to give up Charter and go without watching TV. Just getting too expensive.

Hey Fin, What's a modulator?

that free box will cost you after 1 year

I already had one digital box but have 2 other tv's w/o boxes. I went and picked up 2 more yesterday They said one of the boxes was free, but the other is going to cost me $6.99 extra per month.

Go to channel 15 it explains it

You could get by with one box and a modulator.

We got a "final notice" type of letter from Charter today. We ignored it. We already have their digital boxes and they are only a couple of years old. We think they are merely trying to get us to sign on for more channels. No thanks.

you will need a box for each tv

You might want to re-read the question

They aren't going all HD. They are going all digital. Learn the difference

Channel 15

I see charter is going full digital and everyone must have HD/digital boxes. Will the tv's I have in my house that only have the cable plugged in it still work?