Originally Posted by pulse 
I think all cable companies are required to carry the HD signal (unencrypted) from the local broadcast networks (NBC CBS, FOX, etc), so your family member probably does get local channels in HD. Cable companies sometimes put the signals in obscure spots. For example a regular channel 5 HD signal might be up on 108-1.
Don't the network OTA HD signals originate from the station's broadcast tower, just like the regular channels? I wouldn't think Mediacom has anything to do with it, but I could be wrong. I don't have an HD DVR box on the tv in my bedroom, but I can get WOI, KCCI, and WHO in HD just by using the cable wiring in my house as the antenna. Can't seem to find KDSM though.
