If a TV has both of those (plus a cable card slot), will I still need to get a cable box from Comcast to receive HDTV programming? I currently have just basic cable and no cable box.

I know I can receive OTA HDTV programming if I buy an antenna, but I'm asking about the Comcast HDTV programming.

but the HD channels are buried. Have to go digging for them (for example 109.2, 88.9).

I used to do that...eventually I gave up and got the cable box. Life is so much simpler...if not a bit more expensive.

but as RKA mentioned, they don't make it very user friendly

cablecard should be comparable to having a cable box minus the guide, pay-per-view, and interactive features.

but I would not buy a TV based on if it has QAM or not. Buy the tv based on performance.