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Want to purchase retail CableCard Device, how to choose device and is internet service required to use?
Would like info on Cable-card devices, like how to choose. I also am wondering if internet service is required in order to use your own Cable-card device. I simply want to be able to get basic cable on one TV without paying some monthly rental fee for a box to the cable company. It's bad enough they make you rent a card on top of monthly service pricing.
bryaninphx
Valued Contributor
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914 Messages
10 years ago
All Retail CableCARD devices get their Guide data over the Internet, so yes, you would need an Internet connection.
There is only one Stand Alone Retail CableCARD Set-Top Box, and Samsung has discontinued it and support is nearly non-existent. Guide data has been reported to be wrong and often missing lately.
Purchase at your own risk:
https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-GX-SM530CF-Streaming-Player-Built-/dp/B00EYO241Q/
For just One TV and no PC involved:
Your only real choice for new with great support is a TiVo Roamio DVR for $299.98 on sale right now.
It is a Factory TiVo-renewed Roamio for $49.99 + $249.99 Lifetime Service.
https://www.tivo.com/shop/promo/supersavings
There are also many used TiVos on eBay, only buy one that has Lifetime Service already.
All other Retail CableCARD devices need a PC running Windows 7 or 8.1 with Windows Media Center,
The SiliconDust HD HomeRun Prime is the best of these:
http://www.amazon.com/SiliconDust-HDHomeRun-Compatible-Streaming-HDHR3-CC/dp/B004HKIB6E/
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StephanieA
Former Moderator
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1.9K Messages
10 years ago
As far as getting channels on a device, you do not need an internet connection. You will only need internet for the guide data. If you are looking for basic cable channels, you should be able to get these with a direct connection to the wall unless you are in an area that is going all digital. For our all digital markets, we have a convenient mini box option that is close in price to a cable card and you don’t need any other additional services.
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Domino
Valued Contributor III
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2.8K Messages
10 years ago
iGirlTech: "Would like info on Cable-card devices, like how to choose. I also am wondering if internet service is required in order to use your own Cable-card device. I simply want to be able to get basic cable on one TV without paying some monthly rental fee for a box to the cable company. It's bad enough they make you rent a card on top of monthly service pricing."
If all you want is basic cable, remember that the mini-box is the same monthly cost as the CableCard.
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