Cable TV Question

[dfuze]

Is it possible to buy a cable box instead of renting one from the cable company? It would pay for itself pretty quickly. I couldn't seem to get a straight answer from the phone rep who made it seem like I knew more than he did. He kept telling me about their box that has DVR. I'm in the Cox New England territory if that makes a difference.

 

[w00t]

hmmm, I am not sure

I know you can use other cable modems instead of renting

have you seen them selling cable boxes? anywhere I think they might worry about modded boxes and might not allow it.

 

[LouPoir]

I wanted to do that with Comcast - they said no way

 

[Thetech]

If it's at all possible you'd have to find out which box their using and find the same model, I kind of doubt it though since just about all satellite/cable providers love makeing extra monthly $$$ that's why he kept offering you a DVR . I'll be glad when there's a DVR alternative that doesn't cost as much as a TIVO that you can buy outright and use for as long as you please without paying the monthly fee(I mentioned Tivo because I know you can pay them a one time fee but it costs quite a bit of $$ too much IMHO)

 

[Insidious]

Been exploring the same question here....

so far, I think the answer seems to be no.

 

[Old Hippie]

Is it possible to buy a cable box instead of renting one from the cable company?

I don't know what box they're using, but if ya get your own it won't be any different than having an analog cable ready TV. The CC has to talk to your box, and the box has to talk back. No talkie, no signal.
I believe the Feds say it's OK to own your own box, but the CC will jack the price up soo far, it won't be worth it.
And remember, no matter what ya hear, there is NO hack for digital cable.

 

[HansGroenewold]

I would imagine that if you're getting a cable bill there will always be a charge for the box. You wouldn't want them to lose out of any money now would you? As far as I know, cable boxes are not sold to the public unless they're hot. I'm sure the cable company would question it if you asked that you not be billed for the box. I know you can buy the modems but they "won't support it" if you have any problems with it. Time Warner just took over Comcast where I live and what a joke they are. I'm switching to Direct TV next week.

Sincerely,
Hans