Can i purchase a box for my hdtv to convert regular cable instead of renting from the cable company?

Question

Can i purchase a box for my hdtv to convert regular cable instead of renting from the cable company?

Answer 1

Yes you can but you have to let the Cable company know you have it or they can shut it down. Also make sure it is one that is compatable with the system. You can find them on Ebay

Answer 2

Yes you can, depending on what you are looking for.  Normally, a TV that has a built-in tuner can pick up unencrypted analog cable signals without having a cable company box.  You just can't get encrypted content like premium movie channels.

If you don't have a TV with a built-in tuner, you can always use a VCR with an external tuner to change the channels instead of renting the cable box.

If you are talking about getting digital TV and HDTV, you need another type of box.  I have the Samsung DTB-H260F, which allows me to watch unencrypted HDTV signals for free, without a cable box.  I get all of the HD version of local channels, plus some others.  I can also get other people's on-demand, although I can't control what is ordered and if somebody stops the movie before it ends or continually rewinds and fast forwards, I have no control.  

The links below contain the consumer report review of this box and I have listed a couple of places to buy it from.