Cable box

If you want to watch any encrypted digital programming, yes.

There is always the option to rent a CableCARD and purchase a Retail device:

• TiVo and Minis
• Samsung GX-SM530CF Cable Box
• Silicon Dust HD HomeRun Prime
• Ceton InfiniTV
  

bryaninphx said:

There is always the option to rent a CableCARD and purchase a Retail device:

• TiVo and Minis
• Samsung GX-SM530CF Cable Box
• Silicon Dust HD HomeRun Prime
• Ceton InfiniTV
  

Please explain how each of the above would not be a "box" connected to his TV set.

Domino said:

Please explain how each of the above would not be a "box" connected to his TV set.

Most customers assume a "cable box" needs to be provided by the Cable Co.  I am just pointing out there are other options.

Yes, most of the options require some sort of "box" , but all but the Samsung provide multiple tuners to feed multiple HDTVs with only one CableCARD and Tuning Adapter, @ $2/mo.

This "box" can be an XBox or PlayStation or Ceton Echo for the SD HomeRun Prime and the Ceton InfiniTV, My 2012 Samsung Smart TV can access the SD HomeRun Prime via DLNA and an App for LiveTV only, no box required.

TiVo has demonstrated and is anticipated to have an App available in the near future that would turn a Roku or FireTV into a "box" that would allow extension to an additional HDTV.

bryaninphx said:

Domino said:

Please explain how each of the above would not be a "box" connected to his TV set.

Most customers assume a "cable box" needs to be provided by the Cable Co.  I am just pointing out there are other options.

I guess the terms you used - a Samsung GX-SM530CF Cable Box - were somewhat contradictory to that definition. 

He wondered if he'd have to add a box to his systems, and the answer remains yes.