It is exactly for these reasons that the marketplace should be freed up. Purchasing from Comcast would be one option, but even better, buy a better box at your local WorstBuy or whatever. Or, for example, I have a media PC. I can only get clear QAM reception because no one allows an encryption card to be installed unless you buy a special PC that has been locked down.
Tivo?
still have to rent the cable card and maybe even the SDV add on as well.
Even if you purchase a box, you're still likely to pay for a "mirror" fee on top of the fact you own it. This has been going on since digital cable started and satellite has been doing it since day one.. on owned equipment.
Many systems charge a small $1.99 fee on the cable card.. not much. But, even if you ever were able to purchase the same box the cable company uses, they're just going to charge you to activate the "outlet" instead..
