For even a modern satellite or cable TV setup, I can't determine if
the coax that goes from the set top box to the TV analog or digtal. 
I'm trying to
determine for my Hughes (DirecTV) set top box that is a few years old.
 That's not my primary question, however.

Here's more of why I'm asking.  I'd definitely pay if I can get this
solution worked out:

My company is developing a Windows application that is to contain TV
integrated within the form.  Connecting the coax line out of my receiver at
home and into the TV tuner card on my PC, I finally created the code
(using ActiveX Video Control and DirectX/DirectShow code) that would
do what I wanted.

However, when I run a coax from a modern DISH or Comcast receiver it
does not work.  I'm guessing it's because my code is looking for
"analog cable" but I can't verify that with DirecTV (salespeople don't
know anything).  But I'm not sure this is a valid assumption.

Microsoft lists its default tuning spaces here:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/directshow/htm/defaulttuningspaces.asp

The unique name "Cable" works at home but not with DISH or Comcast.  I
tried "Digital Cable" to no avail.  QUESTION: How can I get this to work?

Thanks for any help!